Xiaomi consistently delivers impressive value in the budget smartphone market. The Redmi 9C NFC and Redmi A1+ are two contenders vying for your attention, offering affordable access to essential features. But which one truly reigns supreme for your needs?
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Redmi 9C NFC edges out the A1+ thanks to its more powerful processor, NFC functionality, and slightly better camera capabilities. However, the A1+ remains a compelling option for users prioritizing affordability and a clean, simple Android experience.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 - SIM 1 & SIM 2 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 20, 38, 40 | 1, 3, 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 | 2022, September 23 |
| Status | Discontinued | Available. Released 2022, September 23 |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 164.9 x 77.1 x 9 mm (6.49 x 3.04 x 0.35 in) | 164.9 x 76.8 x 9.1 mm (6.49 x 3.02 x 0.36 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Dual SIM (Nano-SIM, dual stand-by) |
| Weight | 196 g (6.91 oz) | 192 g (6.77 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) | 6.52 inches, 102.6 cm2 (~81.0% 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) | Quad-core 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6765G Helio G35 (12 nm) | Mediatek MT6761 Helio A22 (12 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | PowerVR GE8320 |
| OS | Android 10, MIUI 12 | Android 12 (Go edition), 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, 32GB 3GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 13 MP, f/2.2, 28mm (wide), 1.0µm, PDAF
2 MP (macro) | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide)
0.08 MP (depth) |
| Features | LED flash, HDR | Dual-LED flash, HDR |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR | - |
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.2, (wide), 1.12µm | 5 MP, f/2.2 |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | - |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | Yes | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio |
| USB | microUSB 2.0, OTG | microUSB 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired | 10W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 5000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh, non-removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Midnight Gray, Sunshine Yellow, Twilight Blue | Light Green, Light Blue, Black |
| Models | M2006C3MNG | 220733SFG |
| Price | About 100 EUR | € 78.30 / £ 72.30 / ₹ 6,670 |
| SAR | 0.57 W/kg (head) 0.90 W/kg (body) | 1.00 W/kg (head) 1.10 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | 0.37 W/kg (head) 1.14 W/kg (body) | 0.91 W/kg (head) 1.00 W/kg (body) |
Xiaomi Redmi 9C NFC
- More powerful processor (Helio G35)
- NFC functionality
- Slightly better camera
- Triple camera setup
- Larger RAM options (typically)
- Slightly thicker and heavier than A1+
- 10W charging is slow
- Design is a bit dated
Xiaomi Redmi A1+
- More affordable
- Clean and simple Android experience
- Long battery life
- Lightweight and compact
- Less powerful processor (Helio A22)
- No NFC
- Lower camera quality
- Limited RAM and storage options
Display Comparison
Both phones feature a 6.53-inch HD+ display, offering decent viewing angles and adequate brightness for everyday use. However, the Redmi 9C NFC's slightly better color reproduction and potentially higher peak brightness give it a marginal advantage. The A1+’s display is perfectly serviceable, but lacks the vibrancy of the 9C NFC.
Camera Comparison
The Redmi 9C NFC generally offers better camera performance, thanks to its more capable processor and potentially slightly improved sensors. While both phones feature a triple-camera setup (main, wide-angle, depth), the 9C NFC captures more detail and exhibits better low-light performance. The A1+’s camera is adequate for casual snapshots.
Performance
The Redmi 9C NFC's Mediatek Helio G35 chipset boasts an octa-core CPU, significantly outperforming the Redmi A1+'s quad-core Helio A22. This translates to smoother app loading, faster multitasking, and a more responsive user experience. The A1+ can feel sluggish with heavier apps or multiple tasks.
Battery Life
Both phones feature a large 5000mAh battery, promising all-day battery life. Real-world usage will vary, but both should comfortably last a full day on a single charge. Charging speeds are similar at 10W wired.
Buying Guide
The Xiaomi Redmi 9C NFC is ideal for users who need NFC for contactless payments, desire a bit more processing power for smoother multitasking and gaming, and appreciate a slightly improved camera system. The Xiaomi Redmi A1+ is perfect for first-time smartphone users, those on a very tight budget, or individuals who prioritize simplicity and long battery life over performance.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Does the Redmi A1+ have NFC?
No, the Redmi A1+ does not have NFC functionality.
❓ Which phone is better for gaming?
The Redmi 9C NFC is significantly better for gaming due to its more powerful processor.
❓ What Android version do these phones ship with?
Both phones typically ship with Android Go Edition, optimized for lower-powered devices.
❓ How much storage do these phones offer?
Storage options vary, but generally the Redmi 9C NFC offers more storage and RAM configurations than the Redmi A1+.
