Xiaomi offers a range of budget-friendly smartphones, and the Redmi 9 Activ and Redmi Note 11 are popular contenders. But which one is right for you? This comprehensive comparison dives deep into their features, performance, and value to help you make an informed decision.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Redmi Note 11 is the clear winner. While the Redmi 9 Activ is a budget option, the Note 11 boasts a significantly faster processor, brighter display, faster charging, and a more modern design, offering a much better overall experience for a reasonable price increase.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 8, 40, 41 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, September 24 | 2022, January 26 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, September 24 | Available. Released 2022, February 09 |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 164.9 x 77.1 x 9 mm (6.49 x 3.04 x 0.35 in) | 159.9 x 73.9 x 8.1 mm (6.30 x 2.91 x 0.32 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 194 g (6.84 oz) | 179 g (6.31 oz) |
| | - | IP53, dust and splash resistant |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 |
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~409 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.53 inches, 102.9 cm2 (~81.0% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.43 inches, 99.8 cm2 (~84.5% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 400 nits (typ) | AMOLED, 90Hz, 700 nits, 1000 nits (peak) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53) | Octa-core (4x2.4 GHz Kryo 265 Gold & 4x1.9 GHz Kryo 265 Silver) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6765G Helio G35 (12 nm) | Qualcomm SM6225 Snapdragon 680 4G (6 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | Adreno 610 |
| OS | Android 10, MIUI 12 | Android 11, upgradable to Android 13, HyperOS |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM, 64GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM |
| | - | UFS 2.2 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 13 MP, f/2.2, (wide), PDAF
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Features | LED flash, HDR | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Quad | - | 50 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, PDAF
8 MP, f/2.2, 118˚ (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens |
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.2, (wide), 1.12µm | 13 MP, f/2.4, (wide), 1/3.1", 1.12µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR | - |
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.2, (wide), 1.12µm | 13 MP, f/2.4, (wide), 1/3.1", 1.12µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| | - | 24-bit/192kHz audio |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| Infrared port | - | Yes |
| NFC | No | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio |
| USB | microUSB 2.0, OTG | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, compass |
| | - | Virtual proximity sensing |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired | 33W wired, PD3.0, QC3, 100% in 60 min |
| Type | Li-Po 5000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Carbon Black, Coral Green, Metallic Purple | Graphite Gray, Twilight Blue, Star Blue |
| Models | - | 2201117TG, 2201117TI, 2201117TY, 2201117TL |
| Price | About 110 EUR | £ 95.00 / € 97.99 / ₹ 11,950 |
| SAR | 0.51 W/kg (head) 0.83 W/kg (body) | 0.97 W/kg (head) 0.93 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | - | 0.60 W/kg (head) 0.99 W/kg (body) |
| Tests |
|---|
| Battery life | - |
Endurance rating 126h
|
| Camera | - |
Photo / Video |
| Display | - |
Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal) |
| Loudspeaker | - |
-25.8 LUFS (Very good)
|
| Performance | - |
AnTuTu: 228044 (v8), 244526 (v9)
GeekBench: 1662 (v5.1)
GFXBench: 6.8fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) |
Xiaomi Redmi 9 Activ
- Extremely affordable
- Long battery life
- Decent for basic tasks
- Slow performance
- Dim display
- Slow charging
- Outdated chipset
Xiaomi Redmi Note 11
- Faster processor
- Brighter display
- Fast charging (33W)
- Modern design
- Better camera
- Slightly more expensive than Redmi 9 Activ
- No expandable storage (depending on variant)
Display Comparison
The Redmi Note 11's display is a significant upgrade. Its 736 nits max brightness provides excellent visibility even in direct sunlight, a stark contrast to the Redmi 9 Activ's likely dimmer screen. The Note 11's 'infinite' contrast ratio (though nominal) suggests deeper blacks and richer colors. The Note 11 likely has a higher resolution as well.
Camera Comparison
While both phones offer 'Photo/Video' capabilities, the Redmi Note 11 likely has a more advanced camera system with better image processing and potentially more features like night mode or improved video stabilization. The Note 11's sensor is likely larger, allowing for better low-light performance.
Performance
The Snapdragon 680 in the Redmi Note 11 is a substantial leap over the Helio G35 in the Redmi 9 Activ. Expect noticeably faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and better gaming performance on the Note 11. The Note 11's 6nm process also contributes to better power efficiency.
Battery Life
Both phones boast impressive endurance ratings (126h), suggesting excellent battery life. However, the Redmi Note 11's 33W fast charging is a game-changer, allowing it to charge significantly faster than the Redmi 9 Activ's 10W charging.
Buying Guide
The Xiaomi Redmi 9 Activ is best suited for users on an extremely tight budget who prioritize basic functionality and long battery life over performance and features. The Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 is ideal for those seeking a well-rounded smartphone with a good balance of performance, camera quality, display brightness, and fast charging, without breaking the bank.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Redmi 9 Activ still worth buying?
Only if you're on an extremely tight budget and primarily need a phone for basic calling and texting. Otherwise, the Redmi Note 11 offers significantly better value.
❓ How much faster is the Redmi Note 11?
The Redmi Note 11's Snapdragon 680 is roughly 2-3 times faster than the Redmi 9 Activ's Helio G35 in real-world usage, resulting in a much smoother and more responsive experience.
