The sub-$150 smartphone market is fiercely competitive, and the Xiaomi Redmi 9C and Realme C21Y are two contenders vying for dominance. Both aim to deliver essential smartphone functionality at an accessible price, but they take different approaches to achieving this. This comparison dissects their key specifications to determine which device offers the best overall experience.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Realme C21Y emerges as the slightly better choice. Its Unisoc T610 chipset, featuring Cortex-A75 cores, provides a noticeable performance edge over the Redmi 9C’s Helio G35, particularly in multitasking and app loading. The inclusion of reverse wired charging is a unique benefit for users who need to top up accessories on the go.
| 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 | 2021, June 21 |
| Status | Discontinued | Available. Released 2021, July 02 |
| 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) | 164.5 x 76 x 9.1 mm (6.48 x 2.99 x 0.36 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 196 g (6.91 oz) | 200 g (7.05 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~270 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.53 inches, 102.9 cm2 (~81.1% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~81.6% 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 (2x1.8 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6765G Helio G35 (12 nm) | Unisoc T610 (12 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | Mali-G52 MP2 |
| OS | Android 10, MIUI 12 | Android 10/ Android 11 |
| 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 | 32GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | - | 13 MP, f/2.2, 26mm (wide), 1/3.06", 1.12µm, PDAF
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens |
| Features | LED flash, HDR | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | - | 5 MP, f/2.2, (wide), 1/5.0", 1.12µm |
| 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 | HDR, panorama |
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.2, (wide), 1.12µm | 5 MP, f/2.2, (wide), 1/5.0", 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 | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, BDS |
| Radio | FM radio | Unspecified |
| 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 |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired | Reverse wired |
| Type | Li-Po 5000 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Midnight Gray, Sunrise Orange, Twilight Blue | Cross Black, Cross Blue |
| Models | M2006C3MG, M2006C3MT | RMX3261, RMX3263 |
| Price | About 80 EUR | About 130 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
- Established brand reputation (Xiaomi)
- Potentially wider availability of accessories
- Simple and user-friendly interface
- Inferior chipset performance (Helio G35)
- Slower charging speed (10W)
- Lacks reverse charging capability
Realme C21Y
- More powerful chipset (Unisoc T610)
- Reverse wired charging for accessory power
- Potentially smoother multitasking experience
- Less established brand recognition (Realme)
- Software updates may be less frequent
- Potential for slightly higher price
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Both likely utilize LCD panels, typical for this price bracket. Detailed display specs (resolution, brightness) are missing, but we can infer that they are similar. The focus here isn't on visual fidelity, but on basic usability. Bezels are likely comparable, and color accuracy will be standard for budget phones.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance is likely to be similar, with both phones featuring basic camera setups. Without detailed sensor information, it's safe to assume both rely on primary sensors around the 13MP mark. The presence of 2MP macro lenses on both is largely marketing fluff; image quality will be limited. Image processing will likely favor vibrant colors, typical of budget smartphones. The Realme C21Y may have a slight edge due to potentially better ISP capabilities within the Unisoc T610.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Realme C21Y’s Unisoc T610 utilizes a big.LITTLE architecture with 2x 1.8 GHz Cortex-A75 cores and 6x 1.8 GHz Cortex-A55 cores. This configuration provides a significant advantage over the Xiaomi Redmi 9C’s MediaTek Helio G35, which relies solely on 4x 2.3 GHz Cortex-A53 and 4x 1.8 GHz Cortex-A53 cores. The A75 cores in the T610 offer superior single-core performance, translating to snappier app launches and smoother multitasking. While both are 12nm chips, the architectural difference is key. The Helio G35 is geared towards basic gaming, while the T610 offers a more balanced experience.
Battery Life
Both phones likely feature batteries in the 5000mAh range, providing all-day battery life for moderate users. However, the Realme C21Y distinguishes itself with reverse wired charging, allowing it to act as a power bank for other devices. The Redmi 9C is limited to 10W wired charging, while the Realme C21Y’s charging speed is unspecified but likely similar. The reverse charging feature is a practical benefit for users who frequently travel or rely on multiple devices.
Buying Guide
Buy the Xiaomi Redmi 9C if you prioritize a well-established brand ecosystem and are primarily focused on basic tasks like calls, messaging, and light social media use. Buy the Realme C21Y if you value a more responsive user experience, occasional gaming, and the convenience of reverse charging to power up other devices.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Realme C21Y handle popular games like PUBG Mobile?
The Unisoc T610 in the Realme C21Y is capable of running PUBG Mobile, but you'll likely need to lower the graphics settings to medium or low to achieve a playable frame rate. The Helio G35 in the Redmi 9C will struggle more with demanding titles.
❓ How much faster is the Realme C21Y in everyday tasks compared to the Redmi 9C?
The Realme C21Y’s Cortex-A75 cores provide a noticeable improvement in app loading times and multitasking responsiveness. You’ll experience less lag when switching between apps and a generally smoother user experience compared to the Redmi 9C.
❓ Can the Realme C21Y charge my wireless earbuds?
Yes, the Realme C21Y’s reverse wired charging feature allows you to charge accessories like wireless earbuds, smartwatches, or even another phone using a USB cable. This is a convenient feature for users on the go.
❓ Is the camera quality significantly different between these two phones?
While both phones have similar camera specifications on paper, the Realme C21Y may offer slightly better image processing due to the more capable Unisoc T610 chipset. However, don't expect flagship-level camera performance from either device.
