Xiaomi's Redmi 9A and 9C NFC represent compelling options in the ultra-budget smartphone space. While visually similar, key internal differences – particularly in the chipset and the inclusion of NFC on the 9C – dictate which phone is better suited for specific users. This comparison dissects these differences to reveal the optimal choice for your needs.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Redmi 9C NFC is the superior choice. The Helio G35 chipset offers a noticeable performance boost over the 9A’s Helio G25, and the inclusion of NFC adds valuable functionality for contactless payments and quick pairing. The price difference is typically minimal, making the 9C NFC the smarter buy.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 - International | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 - International | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 20, 38, 40 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | 1, 3, 5, 8, 40, 41 - India | - |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2020, June 30. Released 2020, July 07 | 2020, August 27. Released 2020, August 27 |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 164.9 x 77.1 x 9 mm (6.49 x 3.04 x 0.35 in) | 164.9 x 77.1 x 9 mm (6.49 x 3.04 x 0.35 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 196 g (6.91 oz) | 196 g (6.91 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.53 inches, 102.9 cm2 (~81.0% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.53 inches, 102.9 cm2 (~81.0% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 400 nits (typ) | IPS LCD, 400 nits (typ) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.5 GHz Cortex-A53) | Octa-core (4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6762G Helio G25 (12 nm) | Mediatek MT6765G Helio G35 (12 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | PowerVR GE8320 |
| OS | Android 10, upgradable to Android 11, MIUI 12 | Android 10, MIUI 12 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM | 32GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 2GB RAM, 64GB 3GB RAM, 128GB 3GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | - | 13 MP, f/2.2, 28mm (wide), 1.0µm, PDAF
2 MP (macro) |
| Features | LED flash, HDR | LED flash, HDR |
| Single | 13 MP, f/2.2, 28mm (wide), 1.0µm, PDAF | - |
| Video | 1080p@30/60fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR | HDR |
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.2, (wide), 1.12µm | 5 MP, f/2.2, (wide), 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 |
| NFC | No | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, BDS |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio |
| USB | microUSB 2.0, OTG | microUSB 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, proximity | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired | 10W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 5000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Carbon Gray (Midnight Black), Sky Blue (Sea Blue), Ocean Green (Nature Green) | Midnight Gray, Sunshine Yellow, Twilight Blue |
| Models | M2006C3LG, M2006C3LI, M2006C3LC, M2004C3L | M2006C3MNG |
| Price | € 64.30 / $ 56.50 / £ 95.56 | About 100 EUR |
| SAR | 0.90 W/kg (head) 0.65 W/kg (body) | 0.57 W/kg (head) 0.90 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | 0.40 W/kg (head) 1.19 W/kg (body) | 0.37 W/kg (head) 1.14 W/kg (body) |
Xiaomi Redmi 9A
- Lowest possible price point in the Redmi 9 series.
- Functional for basic smartphone tasks.
- Large 5000mAh battery for all-day use.
- Slower performance due to the Helio G25 chipset.
- Lacks NFC functionality.
- Limited camera capabilities.
Xiaomi Redmi 9C NFC
- Faster performance with the Helio G35 chipset.
- Convenient NFC support for contactless payments and pairing.
- Slightly improved gaming experience.
- Slightly higher price than the Redmi 9A.
- Still utilizes slow 10W charging.
- Camera performance remains limited.
Display Comparison
Both the Redmi 9A and 9C NFC feature a 6.53-inch IPS LCD display, but detailed specifications like peak brightness and color gamut coverage are not provided. Given their price point, expect standard LCD performance – adequate for indoor use but potentially washed out in direct sunlight. The lack of higher refresh rates or advanced panel technologies like LTPO is typical for this segment, focusing on cost-effectiveness over visual fidelity.
Camera Comparison
Both phones likely share similar camera setups, with the Redmi 9C NFC potentially offering slightly better image processing due to the more capable chipset. However, without detailed sensor information, it's difficult to make definitive claims. The presence of a 2MP macro camera on both devices is largely a marketing feature; image quality will be limited. Focus should be on the main camera's performance in good lighting conditions, as low-light photography will likely be subpar on both.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Redmi 9C NFC boasts the Mediatek Helio G35, featuring an octa-core CPU clocked up to 2.3 GHz (4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53). This is a step up from the Redmi 9A’s Helio G25, which has a maximum CPU clock speed of 2.0 GHz (4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.5 GHz Cortex-A53). While both are 12nm chips, the higher clock speeds on the G35 translate to snappier app loading times and a more responsive user experience, particularly noticeable when multitasking. The G35’s slightly improved GPU will also offer a marginal boost in gaming performance, though neither phone is designed for demanding titles.
Battery Life
Both devices are equipped with 5000mAh batteries and support 10W wired charging. This means similar battery life – expect a full day of moderate use. The 10W charging is slow by modern standards, requiring several hours to fully charge from 0-100%. The battery performance will be largely dependent on usage patterns, with gaming and video streaming draining the battery faster.
Buying Guide
Buy the Xiaomi Redmi 9A if you absolutely need the lowest possible price and NFC isn't a priority. It's a functional device for basic tasks like calls, texts, and light social media. Buy the Xiaomi Redmi 9C NFC if you want a slightly smoother experience, the convenience of NFC for mobile payments and quick connections, and don't mind spending a small premium.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Redmi 9C NFC's NFC functionality work with my bank's mobile payment system?
NFC compatibility varies by bank and region. The Redmi 9C NFC supports standard NFC protocols, but you'll need to check with your bank to confirm if their mobile payment app is compatible with Xiaomi devices and NFC in general. Most major banks now support NFC payments on Android devices.
❓ Can the Redmi 9C NFC handle popular games like PUBG Mobile or Call of Duty Mobile?
While the Helio G35 is an improvement over the G25, neither phone is a gaming powerhouse. You can likely play PUBG Mobile and Call of Duty Mobile at lower graphics settings and frame rates (likely medium or low). Expect some stuttering and frame drops during intense gameplay. The 9C NFC will offer a slightly smoother experience than the 9A, but don't expect flagship-level performance.
❓ Is the 10W charging speed really that slow? How long will it take to fully charge?
Yes, 10W charging is significantly slower than the fast charging options available on more expensive phones. Expect a full charge from 0% to 100% to take approximately 3-4 hours. It's best to charge the phone overnight to ensure it's fully powered for the next day.
❓ What kind of storage does the Redmi 9C NFC use, and is it expandable?
Both phones typically come with 32GB or 64GB of eMMC 5.1 storage. Fortunately, both devices feature a dedicated microSD card slot, allowing you to expand the storage up to 512GB. This is highly recommended if you plan to store a lot of photos, videos, or apps.
