The sub-$150 smartphone market is fiercely competitive, and the Xiaomi Redmi 9C and Infinix Smart 6 Plus (India) are key contenders. Both aim to deliver essential smartphone functionality at an accessible price point, but they achieve this with different approaches to chipset selection. This comparison dissects the core differences to determine which device offers the best experience for the average user.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Xiaomi Redmi 9C emerges as the slightly better choice. Its Helio G35 chipset, with higher CPU clock speeds, provides a noticeable performance edge in everyday tasks and light gaming. While both phones offer similar battery capacity and charging speeds, the Redmi 9C’s slightly more powerful processor makes it a more responsive device overall.
| 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 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 | 1, 3, 5, 8, 38, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2020, June 30. Released 2020, August 12 | 2022, July 29 |
| Status | Discontinued | Available. Released 2022, August 03 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 164.9 x 77 x 9 mm (6.49 x 3.03 x 0.35 in) | 172.6 x 77.7 x 8.7 mm (6.80 x 3.06 x 0.34 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 196 g (6.91 oz) | 202 g (7.13 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Panda Glass |
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~257 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.53 inches, 102.9 cm2 (~81.1% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.82 inches, 112.3 cm2 (~83.7% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 400 nits (typ) | IPS LCD, 440 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 12 (Go edition) |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 2GB RAM, 64GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM | 64GB 2GB RAM, 64GB 3GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | - | 8 MP, f/2.0, AF
Auxiliary lens |
| Features | LED flash, HDR | Dual-LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | - | 5 MP, f/2.0 |
| Triple | 13 MP, f/2.2, 28mm (wide), 1.0µm, PDAF
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR | LED flash |
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.2, (wide), 1.12µm | 5 MP, f/2.0 |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 720p@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 | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, BDS | GPS |
| 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 a/b/g/n |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired | - |
| Type | Li-Po 5000 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Midnight Gray, Sunrise Orange, Twilight Blue | Tranquil Sea Blue, Miracle Black |
| Models | M2006C3MG, M2006C3MT | X6823C, X6823 |
| Price | About 80 EUR | About 100 EUR |
| SAR | 0.73 W/kg (head) 0.52 W/kg (body) | - |
| SAR EU | 0.35 W/kg (head) 0.78 W/kg (body) | - |
Xiaomi Redmi 9C
- Slightly faster processor for smoother performance
- Potentially better multitasking capabilities
- More responsive user interface
- May be slightly more expensive than the Infinix
- 10W charging is relatively slow
Infinix Smart 6 Plus (India)
- Generally more affordable
- Acceptable performance for basic tasks
- Likely similar battery life to the Redmi 9C
- Slower processor can lead to lag
- Less responsive user experience
Display Comparison
Neither Xiaomi nor Infinix provide detailed display specifications beyond resolution. However, given the price bracket, both likely utilize IPS LCD panels. The real difference lies in the processing power driving them. A faster chipset, like the Redmi 9C’s, can contribute to smoother scrolling and animations, even on a similar panel. Without specific brightness or color gamut data, it’s difficult to declare a clear winner, but the Redmi 9C’s processing advantage indirectly benefits the display experience.
Camera Comparison
Both phones are expected to feature basic camera setups, likely with a primary sensor and potentially a depth or macro lens. However, detailed sensor information is unavailable. Given the market segment, image quality will be heavily reliant on software processing. Without specific details on sensor size, aperture, or image processing algorithms, it’s impossible to definitively say which phone captures better photos. The 2MP macro lenses often found on these devices offer limited practical benefit, and should not be a deciding factor.
Performance
The core distinction between these phones is their chipsets. The Redmi 9C features the Mediatek Helio G35, boasting an octa-core CPU configuration with 4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A53 cores and 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53 cores. The Infinix Smart 6 Plus (India) utilizes the Helio G25, also octa-core, but with a slightly slower configuration of 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 and 4x1.5 GHz Cortex-A53 cores. This difference in clock speed translates to a tangible performance advantage for the Redmi 9C, particularly in CPU-bound tasks. While both chips are 12nm, the G35’s higher frequencies allow it to complete tasks faster. The G25 is adequate for basic use, but the G35 offers a more fluid experience.
Battery Life
Both devices are equipped with 10W wired charging, indicating similar charging speeds. While battery capacity isn’t specified, both likely fall in the 5000mAh range, typical for this price point. Therefore, real-world battery life will likely be comparable, offering a full day of moderate use. The Redmi 9C’s slightly more efficient processor *could* translate to marginally longer battery life, but the difference will likely be minimal.
Buying Guide
Buy the Xiaomi Redmi 9C if you prioritize a smoother user experience, even with basic apps, and anticipate occasional light gaming. The slightly faster processor will translate to quicker app launches and less lag. Buy the Infinix Smart 6 Plus (India) if your primary concern is absolute affordability and you primarily use your phone for calls, messaging, and very basic social media – where the performance difference will be less noticeable.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Helio G25 in the Infinix Smart 6 Plus struggle with popular apps like WhatsApp and Facebook?
While the Helio G25 can handle basic apps like WhatsApp and Facebook, you may experience occasional lag or slowdowns when multitasking or using more demanding features within those apps. The Redmi 9C’s Helio G35 offers a smoother experience for these common tasks.
❓ Is the 10W charging on either phone fast enough for daily use?
10W charging is relatively slow by today’s standards. Expect a full charge to take around 3-4 hours. Neither phone offers fast charging capabilities. This is typical for devices in this price range, and users will likely need to charge overnight.
❓ Can either of these phones handle playing PUBG Mobile?
Both phones will struggle to run PUBG Mobile smoothly, even on the lowest settings. The Helio G25 in the Infinix Smart 6 Plus will likely provide an even less playable experience. These phones are not designed for demanding gaming.
