Xiaomi's Redmi and Poco lines frequently overlap in the budget segment, creating tough choices for consumers. The Redmi 9 (India) and Poco M2 Reloaded represent distinct approaches to affordability. The Redmi 9 prioritizes a lower entry price, while the Poco M2 Reloaded aims for a performance boost. This comparison dissects their key differences to determine which phone best suits your needs.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Poco M2 Reloaded is the superior choice. Its Helio G80 chipset offers a significant performance uplift over the Redmi 9’s Helio G35, making it noticeably faster for gaming and demanding apps. The 18W charging is also a substantial advantage, offsetting the slightly higher price.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 8, 40, 41 | 1, 3, 5, 8, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2020, August 27. Released 2020, August 31 | 2021, April 21 |
| Status | Discontinued | Available. Released 2021, April 21 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 3), plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 164.9 x 77.1 x 9 mm (6.49 x 3.04 x 0.35 in) | 163.3 x 77 x 9.1 mm (6.43 x 3.03 x 0.36 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 194 g (6.84 oz) | 198 g (6.98 oz) |
| | Water-repellent coating | Water-repellent coating |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 |
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) | 1080 x 2340 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~395 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.53 inches, 102.9 cm2 (~81.0% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.53 inches, 104.7 cm2 (~83.2% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 400 nits (typ) | IPS LCD, 400 nits (typ) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53) | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6765G Helio G35 (12 nm) | Mediatek MT6769V/CU Helio G80 (12 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | Mali-G52 MC2 |
| OS | Android 10, MIUI 12 | Android 10, MIUI 12 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 13 MP, f/2.2, (wide), PDAF
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Features | LED flash, HDR | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Quad | - | 13 MP, f/2.2, 28mm (wide), 1/3.1", 1.12µm, PDAF
8 MP, f/2.2, 118˚ (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm
5 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens |
| Single | - | 8 MP, f/2.0, 27mm (wide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR | HDR |
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.2, (wide), 1.12µm | 8 MP, f/2.0, 27mm (wide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| Infrared port | - | Yes |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, BDS |
| Radio | FM radio | Wireless FM radio (no wired headphones required) |
| 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 (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired | 18W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 5000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Sky Blue, Sporty Orange | Pitch Black (Greyish Black), Slate Blue (Mostly Blue) |
| Models | M2004C3MI | MZB0957IN |
| Price | About 110 EUR | About 100 EUR |
| SAR | 0.51 W/kg (head) 0.83 W/kg (body) | 0.85 W/kg (head) 0.42 W/kg (body) |
Xiaomi Redmi 9 (India)
- Lower price point makes it accessible to budget-conscious buyers.
- Sufficient for basic smartphone tasks like calling and messaging.
- Potentially longer battery life if equipped with a larger capacity battery (unconfirmed).
- Helio G35 chipset struggles with demanding games and apps.
- Slow 10W charging takes a long time to fully recharge.
- Likely inferior camera performance compared to the Poco M2 Reloaded.
Xiaomi Poco M2 Reloaded
- Helio G80 chipset delivers significantly better performance for gaming and multitasking.
- 18W fast charging reduces charging time considerably.
- More advanced ISP likely results in improved camera image quality.
- Higher price compared to the Redmi 9.
- May not offer a drastically different battery life compared to the Redmi 9, despite faster charging.
- Potential for slightly more heat generation under heavy load due to the more powerful chipset.
Display Comparison
Both devices utilize 12nm process technology, suggesting similar power efficiency in display operation. However, detailed display specs (resolution, panel type, brightness) are missing. Given the market positioning, both likely employ IPS LCD panels. The Redmi 9’s lower overall cost suggests a potentially lower peak brightness and narrower color gamut compared to the Poco M2 Reloaded. Without specific data, it’s reasonable to assume the Poco M2 Reloaded offers a slightly more vibrant and visible display, particularly outdoors.
Camera Comparison
Without detailed camera specifications beyond the chipsets, a direct comparison is limited. Both phones likely feature a primary camera and multiple secondary sensors (depth, macro). However, the Helio G80’s image signal processor (ISP) is more advanced, enabling better image processing capabilities. This means the Poco M2 Reloaded is likely to produce sharper, more detailed photos with better dynamic range, especially in challenging lighting conditions. The Redmi 9’s camera will be adequate for casual snapshots, but the Poco M2 Reloaded offers a noticeable improvement in image quality.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Poco M2 Reloaded’s Mediatek Helio G80 features a more modern CPU architecture with 2x 2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 cores and 6x 1.8 GHz Cortex-A55 cores, compared to the Redmi 9’s Helio G35 with 4x 2.3 GHz Cortex-A53 and 4x 1.8 GHz Cortex-A53. This architectural shift translates to a significant performance advantage for the G80, particularly in multi-threaded tasks and gaming. The A75 cores provide a substantial boost in single-core performance, improving app launch times and overall responsiveness. While both use 12nm fabrication, the G80’s more efficient design and faster cores deliver a smoother experience. The Redmi 9 will handle basic tasks, but the Poco M2 Reloaded is demonstrably better suited for demanding applications.
Battery Life
While battery capacity isn't specified, the charging wattage is a key differentiator. The Poco M2 Reloaded’s 18W wired charging is significantly faster than the Redmi 9’s 10W charging. This translates to a much quicker 0-100% charge time, reducing downtime. Even if the Redmi 9 has a slightly larger battery capacity, the Poco M2 Reloaded’s faster charging will likely result in less perceived battery anxiety for users who frequently top up their phones.
Buying Guide
Buy the Xiaomi Redmi 9 (India) if you primarily need a phone for basic tasks like calls, messaging, and light social media use, and your budget is extremely limited. Buy the Xiaomi Poco M2 Reloaded if you enjoy mobile gaming, frequently use demanding apps, or value faster charging speeds and a more responsive user experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Poco M2 Reloaded run PUBG Mobile smoothly?
Yes, the Helio G80 chipset in the Poco M2 Reloaded is capable of running PUBG Mobile at medium to high settings with a playable frame rate. The Redmi 9’s Helio G35 will struggle to maintain a consistent frame rate, even on low settings.
❓ How much faster is the charging on the Poco M2 Reloaded compared to the Redmi 9?
The Poco M2 Reloaded’s 18W charging is significantly faster. While exact times depend on battery capacity (unspecified), expect the Poco M2 Reloaded to charge from 0-100% in approximately 2-2.5 hours, while the Redmi 9’s 10W charging could take 4+ hours.
❓ Is the difference in performance between the Helio G80 and Helio G35 noticeable in everyday use?
Yes, the difference is noticeable. The Poco M2 Reloaded will feel snappier when opening apps, switching between tasks, and browsing the web. The Redmi 9 may exhibit slight lag or stuttering during these activities.
❓ Does the Poco M2 Reloaded overheat during extended gaming sessions?
The Helio G80 is a relatively efficient chipset, but it can generate some heat during prolonged gaming. However, Xiaomi likely implemented thermal management solutions to prevent overheating and throttling. The Redmi 9, with its less powerful chipset, will generate less heat but also offer a less enjoyable gaming experience.
