The Xiaomi Redmi 9 and Realme 7i represent compelling options in the ultra-competitive budget smartphone space. Both aim to deliver essential features and decent performance without breaking the bank. However, subtle differences in chipset and features create distinct user experiences. This comparison dissects these nuances to determine which device offers the best value.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Realme 7i emerges as the slightly better choice. While both phones share a similar price point and 18W charging, the Realme 7i’s Helio G85 chipset provides a marginal performance boost, and the inclusion of 5W reverse wired charging adds a useful convenience feature.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 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 | 2020, June 10 | 2020, December 22. Released 2020, December 23 |
| Status | Available. Released 2020, June 10 | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 3), plastic back, plastic frame | - |
| Dimensions | 163.3 x 77 x 9.1 mm (6.43 x 3.03 x 0.36 in) | 164.5 x 75.9 x 9.8 mm (6.48 x 2.99 x 0.39 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 198 g (6.98 oz) | 208 g (7.34 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | - |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2340 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~395 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~270 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.53 inches, 104.7 cm2 (~83.2% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~81.7% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 400 nits (typ) | IPS LCD, 450 nits (typ), 560 nits (peak) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6769V/CU Helio G80 (12 nm) | Mediatek MT6769Z Helio G85 (12 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G52 MC2 | Mali-G52 MC2 |
| OS | Android 10, upgradable to Android 12, MIUI 13 | Android 10, Realme UI |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | 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 | - |
| Triple | - | 48 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 1/2.0", 0.8µm, PDAF
8 MP, f/2.3, 16mm, 119˚ (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm
2 MP (macro) |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30/60fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR | HDR, panorama |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, 27mm (wide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm | 8 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (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, aptX HD |
| Infrared port | Yes | - |
| NFC | Yes (market/region dependent) | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, BDS |
| Radio | Wireless FM radio (no wired headphones required) | FM radio |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 18W wired | 18W wired
5W reverse wired |
| Type | Li-Po 5020 mAh | 6000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Carbon Gray, Sunset Purple, Ocean Green, Pink/Blue | Glory Silver, Victory Blue |
| Models | M2004J19G, M2004J19C | - |
| Price | $ 105.77 / £ 196.62 / € 115.51 | About 190 EUR |
| SAR | 0.91 W/kg (head) 1.00 W/kg (body) | - |
| SAR EU | 0.71 W/kg (head) 1.06 W/kg (body) | - |
| Tests |
|---|
| Battery life | Endurance rating 131h | - |
| Camera |
Photo / Video | - |
| Display |
Contrast ratio: 1624:1 (nominal) | - |
| Loudspeaker |
-26.9 LUFS (Good) | - |
| Performance |
AnTuTu: 201829 (v8)
GeekBench: 1325 (v5.1) | - |
Xiaomi Redmi 9
- Exceptional battery endurance (131h)
- Affordable price point
- Reliable Mediatek Helio G80 chipset
- Slightly less powerful chipset than the Realme 7i
- Lacks reverse charging capability
Realme 7i (Global)
- Slightly better gaming performance with Helio G85
- Convenient 5W reverse wired charging
- Competitive price
- Battery endurance likely lower than Redmi 9
- Camera performance details are unknown
Display Comparison
Both the Redmi 9 and Realme 7i feature displays geared towards affordability. The Redmi 9’s display is measured at 328 nits of max brightness and a 1624:1 contrast ratio. While adequate for indoor use, this brightness level may struggle in direct sunlight. The Realme 7i’s display specifications are not provided, but given its market positioning, it’s likely comparable. Neither phone is expected to offer advanced features like high refresh rates or OLED technology, focusing instead on cost-effectiveness. The Redmi 9’s contrast ratio suggests a standard IPS panel, prioritizing viewing angles over absolute black levels.
Camera Comparison
Both phones are equipped with camera systems designed for basic photography needs. The context data only indicates 'Photo / Video' capabilities for the Redmi 9, lacking specifics on sensor size or resolution. The Realme 7i’s camera specifications are also absent. Given the price bracket, it’s reasonable to assume both phones feature a primary sensor, an ultrawide lens, and potentially a macro or depth sensor. However, the quality of these sensors and the image processing algorithms will significantly impact the final results. Without detailed specifications, it’s difficult to definitively declare a winner, but Realme generally focuses on camera features in its marketing, suggesting a potentially more refined camera experience.
Performance
The core difference between these two devices lies in their chipsets. The Realme 7i utilizes the Mediatek Helio G85 (12nm), a slightly more powerful variant of the Redmi 9’s Helio G80 (12nm). Both chipsets share the same CPU configuration – an octa-core setup with 2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 and 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55 cores – meaning multi-core performance will be similar. However, the G85 boasts a higher clock speed for its GPU, resulting in a modest improvement in gaming performance. While neither chipset is a powerhouse, the G85 in the Realme 7i will handle graphically intensive games with slightly smoother frame rates. Both phones will likely be paired with similar amounts of RAM, further minimizing the performance gap.
Battery Life
The Xiaomi Redmi 9 boasts an impressive endurance rating of 131 hours, indicating excellent battery life. This is achieved through a combination of a large battery capacity (not specified in the context data, but typically around 5000mAh in this segment) and efficient power management. The Realme 7i’s battery capacity is also likely around 5000mAh, but lacks an official endurance rating. Both phones support 18W wired charging, offering reasonable charging speeds. However, the Realme 7i adds the convenience of 5W reverse wired charging, allowing it to function as a power bank for smaller devices like earbuds or smartwatches – a feature absent on the Redmi 9.
Buying Guide
Buy the Xiaomi Redmi 9 if you prioritize maximum battery endurance and are less concerned with demanding gaming. Its 131-hour endurance rating is a significant advantage for users who need their phone to last through multiple days on a single charge. Buy the Realme 7i (Global) if you prefer a slightly more responsive experience for casual gaming and everyday tasks, and value the added convenience of reverse charging to top up accessories.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Does the Realme 7i’s Helio G85 chipset offer a noticeable gaming improvement over the Redmi 9’s Helio G80?
While both chipsets share the same CPU cores, the Helio G85 in the Realme 7i features a higher clock speed for its GPU. This translates to a modest, but noticeable, improvement in frame rates for graphically demanding games. Expect slightly smoother gameplay on the Realme 7i, particularly in titles like PUBG Mobile or Call of Duty Mobile.
❓ How useful is the 5W reverse charging feature on the Realme 7i in real-world scenarios?
The 5W reverse charging on the Realme 7i is primarily useful for topping up smaller accessories like wireless earbuds, smartwatches, or portable Bluetooth speakers. It’s not designed to quickly charge larger devices like another smartphone, but it provides a convenient way to share power in a pinch.
❓ Given the similar price points, is the Redmi 9 still a viable option if I don't need reverse charging?
Absolutely. The Redmi 9 remains a strong contender, especially if battery life is your top priority. Its 131-hour endurance rating is a significant advantage, making it ideal for users who frequently travel or have limited access to power outlets. The slightly less powerful chipset is unlikely to be a major drawback for casual users.
