The Xiaomi Redmi 9AT and Redmi 9C NFC represent two of Xiaomi’s most affordable offerings, frequently competing for the attention of first-time smartphone buyers or those seeking a reliable secondary device. While visually similar, key internal differences, particularly in their chipsets, dictate their performance characteristics. This comparison dissects these nuances to determine which device delivers the best value.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Redmi 9C NFC emerges as the slightly better choice. Its Helio G35 chipset, with higher clocked Cortex-A53 cores, provides a noticeable performance boost in everyday tasks and light gaming, justifying the often minimal price difference. However, the 9AT remains a viable option for extremely budget-conscious buyers.
| 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, 38, 40 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2020, September 09. Released 2020, September 09 | 2020, August 27. Released 2020, August 27 |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 164.9 x 77 x 9 mm (6.49 x 3.03 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 | 194 g (6.84 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 (~81.1% 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, MIUI 12 | Android 10, MIUI 12 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 2GB 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, Sky Blue, Ocean Green | Midnight Gray, Sunshine Yellow, Twilight Blue |
| Models | M2006C3LVG | M2006C3MNG |
| Price | About 80 EUR | About 100 EUR |
| SAR | 0.87 W/kg (head) 1.01 W/kg (body) | 0.57 W/kg (head) 0.90 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | 0.78 W/kg (head) 1.03 W/kg (body) | 0.37 W/kg (head) 1.14 W/kg (body) |
Xiaomi Redmi 9AT
- Lowest possible price point
- Large 5000mAh battery for all-day use
- Simple and easy-to-use interface
- Noticeably slower performance
- Lower resolution main camera
- Lacks NFC functionality
Xiaomi Redmi 9C NFC
- Faster processor for smoother performance
- NFC support for contactless payments
- Slightly better camera quality
- Slightly higher price
- Still limited gaming capabilities
- Slow 10W charging
Display Comparison
Both the Redmi 9AT and 9C NFC feature a 6.53-inch IPS LCD display, but detailed specifications regarding brightness and color accuracy are unavailable. Given their price point, expect typical budget panel characteristics – adequate viewing angles but limited peak brightness for outdoor visibility. The absence of features like high refresh rates or Gorilla Glass is standard for this segment. The focus here isn't on display quality, but rather on functionality.
Camera Comparison
Both phones feature a triple camera setup, but detailed sensor information is limited. The Redmi 9C NFC often features a 13MP main sensor, while the 9AT typically has a 8MP main sensor. While the presence of 2MP macro and depth sensors is common, their utility is minimal. The difference in main sensor resolution on the 9C NFC will result in slightly more detailed photos in good lighting conditions. Image processing algorithms are likely similar, meaning both phones will struggle in low-light scenarios. The 9C NFC's camera is the better option, but expectations should remain realistic.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Redmi 9AT utilizes the Mediatek Helio G25, featuring an octa-core CPU clocked up to 2.0 GHz. The Redmi 9C NFC steps up to the Helio G35, with a slightly faster CPU configuration reaching 2.3 GHz. While both employ the same Cortex-A53 architecture, the higher clock speeds on the G35 translate to quicker app loading times and a more responsive user interface. The G35’s marginally improved GPU also offers a slightly better, though still limited, gaming experience. Both devices likely share similar RAM configurations, further emphasizing the chipset as the primary performance differentiator.
Battery Life
Both devices pack a 5000mAh battery, providing all-day battery life for moderate usage. Both support 10W wired charging, which is relatively slow by today’s standards. Expect a full charge to take around 3-4 hours. The battery life experience will be largely similar between the two, as the slightly more power-hungry chipset in the 9C NFC is offset by its more efficient performance, meaning it won't be working as hard for the same tasks.
Buying Guide
Buy the Xiaomi Redmi 9AT if you prioritize absolute lowest cost and your smartphone usage is limited to basic communication – calls, texts, and light social media. Buy the Xiaomi Redmi 9C NFC if you value a smoother user experience, occasional gaming, and the convenience of NFC for mobile payments and quick pairing, even if it means spending a little more.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Does the Redmi 9AT struggle with popular apps like WhatsApp and Facebook?
While the Redmi 9AT can run WhatsApp and Facebook, users may experience noticeable lag and slower loading times, especially with multiple apps open simultaneously. The Helio G25 chipset is designed for basic tasks, and these apps can push its limits.
❓ Is the NFC on the Redmi 9C NFC useful for more than just payments?
Yes, the NFC functionality on the Redmi 9C NFC extends beyond mobile payments. It allows for quick pairing with Bluetooth devices like headphones and speakers, and can also be used for sharing files with other NFC-enabled smartphones.
❓ Can either of these phones handle games like PUBG Mobile or Call of Duty Mobile?
Both phones can technically *run* PUBG Mobile and Call of Duty Mobile, but only at the lowest graphics settings and frame rates. Expect significant lag and stuttering, making the gaming experience far from ideal. These phones are not designed for demanding gaming.
❓ What type of storage does each phone use, and is it expandable?
Both the Redmi 9AT and 9C NFC typically come with 32GB of internal storage, which is expandable via a microSD card slot. This allows users to add up to 512GB of additional storage for photos, videos, and other files.
