The Xiaomi Redmi 9C and Redmi 10C represent two key points in Xiaomi’s budget smartphone strategy. The 9C, a mainstay for affordability, now faces a successor in the 10C, which introduces a newer chipset and faster charging. This comparison dissects the core differences to determine which device delivers the best value for your money.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Xiaomi Redmi 10C is the superior choice. Its Snapdragon 680 chipset, built on a more efficient 6nm process, provides a noticeable performance uplift and improved power efficiency compared to the Redmi 9C’s Helio G35. The faster 18W charging is also a significant advantage, offsetting the slightly higher initial cost.
| 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, 28, 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, March 21 |
| Status | Discontinued | Available. Released 2022, March 23 |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 164.9 x 77 x 9 mm (6.49 x 3.03 x 0.35 in) | 169.6 x 76.6 x 8.3 mm (6.68 x 3.02 x 0.33 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 196 g (6.91 oz) | 190 g (6.70 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Corning Gorilla Glass |
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) | 720 x 1650 pixels (~268 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.53 inches, 102.9 cm2 (~81.1% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.71 inches, 106.5 cm2 (~82.0% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 400 nits (typ) | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53) | Octa-core (4x2.4 GHz Kryo 265 Gold & 4x1.9 GHz Kryo 265 Silver) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6765G Helio G35 (12 nm) | Qualcomm SM6225 Snapdragon 680 4G (6 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | Adreno 610 |
| OS | Android 10, MIUI 12 | Android 11, MIUI 13 |
| 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 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 3GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | UFS 2.2 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | - | 50 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), PDAF
Auxiliary lens |
| Features | LED flash, HDR | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | - | 5 MP, f/2.2 |
| 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 | - |
| 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 | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio |
| USB | microUSB 2.0, OTG | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired | 18W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 5000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Midnight Gray, Sunrise Orange, Twilight Blue | Graphite Gray, Ocean Blue, Mint Green |
| Models | M2006C3MG, M2006C3MT | 220333QAG, 220333QBI, 220333QNY, 220333QL |
| Price | About 80 EUR | £ 99.00 / € 109.86 |
| SAR | 0.73 W/kg (head) 0.52 W/kg (body) | 0.96 W/kg (head) 1.02 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | 0.35 W/kg (head) 0.78 W/kg (body) | 0.57 W/kg (head) 0.96 W/kg (body) |
Xiaomi Redmi 9C
- Lowest possible price point
- Acceptable for basic tasks
- Simple and easy-to-use interface
- Slow performance with multitasking
- Inefficient Helio G35 chipset
- Slow 10W charging
Xiaomi Redmi 10C
- Faster Snapdragon 680 processor
- More efficient 6nm process
- Faster 18W charging
- Improved image processing
- Slightly higher price
- Still a budget device with limitations
- May not be a significant upgrade for very light users
Display Comparison
Both devices likely feature similar LCD panels, though specific details like peak brightness and color gamut coverage are not provided. The focus here isn't display quality, but rather the internal hardware driving the experience. The lack of high refresh rate panels is standard for this price bracket, meaning users won't experience smoother scrolling or animations on either device.
Camera Comparison
Without detailed sensor information, a direct camera comparison is difficult. However, the chipset plays a role in image processing. The Snapdragon 680’s ISP (Image Signal Processor) is more advanced than the Helio G35’s, potentially leading to better dynamic range and noise reduction in photos and videos. It's likely both phones feature a primary camera and depth/macro sensors, but the 10C's processing capabilities will likely yield superior results, especially in challenging lighting conditions. The presence of a 2MP macro camera on both devices is largely a marketing feature with limited practical utility.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipset. The Redmi 10C’s Qualcomm Snapdragon 680 (6nm) is a significant upgrade over the Redmi 9C’s MediaTek Helio G35 (12nm). The 6nm process node translates to better power efficiency, meaning the 10C will run cooler and potentially offer longer battery life under load. While both are octa-core CPUs, the Snapdragon 680 utilizes Kryo cores – specifically, 4x2.4 GHz Kryo 265 Gold and 4x1.9 GHz Kryo 265 Silver – which offer a more refined architecture and higher clock speeds than the 4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A53 and 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53 cores in the Helio G35. This results in noticeably faster app loading times and smoother multitasking on the 10C.
Battery Life
While battery capacity isn't specified, the Redmi 10C’s 18W wired charging is a clear advantage over the Redmi 9C’s 10W charging. This translates to significantly faster charging times – a full charge on the 10C will take considerably less time than on the 9C. The more efficient Snapdragon 680 also contributes to better battery life, meaning the 10C will likely last longer on a single charge, even with similar battery capacities.
Buying Guide
Buy the Xiaomi Redmi 9C if you prioritize absolute lowest cost and are primarily using the phone for basic tasks like calls, texts, and light social media. Buy the Xiaomi Redmi 10C if you value smoother multitasking, occasional gaming, and faster charging, even if it means spending a bit more upfront. The 10C is the better long-term investment for most users.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Snapdragon 680 in the Redmi 10C handle demanding games like PUBG Mobile?
While the Snapdragon 680 isn't a gaming powerhouse, it's capable of running PUBG Mobile at medium settings with acceptable frame rates. The Helio G35 in the Redmi 9C will struggle with consistent performance in PUBG, even at lower settings. Expect more stuttering and lower frame rates on the 9C.
❓ Is the difference in charging speed between 10W and 18W really that noticeable?
Yes, the difference is substantial. 10W charging can take over 3 hours to fully charge a typical smartphone battery. 18W charging can reduce that time to around 1.5-2 hours, depending on the battery capacity. This is a significant convenience factor for users who frequently need to top up their phone.
❓ Does the Redmi 10C support VoLTE and VoWiFi for improved call quality?
Support for VoLTE and VoWiFi varies by region and carrier. It's best to check with your mobile carrier to confirm compatibility with both the Redmi 9C and Redmi 10C in your specific location. Both phones are likely to support these features in many markets, but it's not guaranteed.
