The Xiaomi Redmi series consistently delivers impressive value in the budget smartphone market. Two contenders vying for your attention are the Redmi 9C NFC and the Redmi 9AT. Both offer affordability, but significant differences exist. Let's break down which phone is right for you.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Redmi 9C NFC edges out the 9AT thanks to its slightly more powerful processor and NFC capabilities. While both are budget-friendly, the 9C NFC provides a better overall experience for everyday tasks and offers convenient contactless payments. The 9AT remains a solid choice for those prioritizing the absolute lowest price.
| 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, 38, 40 | 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, August 27. Released 2020, August 27 | 2020, September 09. Released 2020, September 09 |
| 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 x 9 mm (6.49 x 3.03 x 0.35 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 196 g (6.91 oz) | 194 g (6.84 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 (~81.1% 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 (4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.5 GHz Cortex-A53) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6765G Helio G35 (12 nm) | Mediatek MT6762G Helio G25 (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 3GB RAM, 64GB 2GB RAM, 64GB 3GB RAM, 128GB 3GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM | 32GB 2GB 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@30fps | 1080p@30/60fps |
| 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 | Yes | No |
| 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 | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity | Accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired | 10W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 5000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Midnight Gray, Sunshine Yellow, Twilight Blue | Carbon Gray, Sky Blue, Ocean Green |
| Models | M2006C3MNG | M2006C3LVG |
| Price | About 100 EUR | About 80 EUR |
| SAR | 0.57 W/kg (head) 0.90 W/kg (body) | 0.87 W/kg (head) 1.01 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | 0.37 W/kg (head) 1.14 W/kg (body) | 0.78 W/kg (head) 1.03 W/kg (body) |
Xiaomi Redmi 9C NFC
- More powerful processor (Helio G35)
- NFC support for contactless payments
- Ultrawide camera lens
- Slightly better performance for gaming
- More versatile camera system
- Slightly more expensive than the 9AT
- 10W charging is slow
Xiaomi Redmi 9AT
- Lower price point
- Large 5000mAh battery
- Simple and easy to use
- Decent battery life
- Less powerful processor (Helio G25)
- No NFC support
- Single camera lens
- Slower performance
Display Comparison
Both phones feature a 6.53-inch IPS LCD display with a 720 x 1600 resolution. While the size and resolution are similar, the 9C NFC might offer slightly better color accuracy due to potentially better panel calibration, though this is often subtle at this price point. Viewing angles and brightness are comparable.
Camera Comparison
The Redmi 9C NFC generally has a more versatile camera setup. It typically includes a 13MP main camera, an 8MP ultrawide lens, and a 2MP depth sensor, compared to the 9AT's single 13MP main camera. The 9C NFC's ultrawide lens offers more creative shooting options, and the depth sensor can improve portrait mode results. Both phones have a 5MP front-facing camera.
Performance
The Redmi 9C NFC's Helio G35 chipset provides a noticeable performance boost over the 9AT's Helio G25. Expect smoother multitasking, faster app loading times, and slightly better gaming performance on the 9C NFC. Both phones will struggle with demanding games, but the 9C NFC handles them marginally better.
Battery Life
Both devices are equipped with a 5000mAh battery, promising all-day battery life under moderate usage. Charging speeds are identical at 10W wired, meaning charging times will be similar for both phones.
Buying Guide
The Xiaomi Redmi 9C NFC is ideal for users who need NFC for mobile payments, appreciate a slightly smoother performance for basic apps and games, and want a more versatile camera system. The Redmi 9AT is best suited for users on a very tight budget who primarily need a phone for calls, texts, and basic web browsing, and aren't concerned with advanced features.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Does the Redmi 9AT have NFC?
No, the Redmi 9AT does not have NFC capabilities.
❓ Which phone is better for gaming?
The Redmi 9C NFC is slightly better for gaming due to its more powerful processor, although neither phone is designed for high-end gaming.
❓ What is the difference in camera quality?
The Redmi 9C NFC offers a more versatile camera system with an ultrawide lens and depth sensor, providing more creative options and potentially better portrait mode results.
❓ How long does the battery last on each phone?
Both phones offer excellent battery life, typically lasting a full day with moderate usage thanks to their 5000mAh batteries.
