Looking for an affordable smartphone that doesn't completely break the bank? The Xiaomi Redmi 9i Sport and the Realme C33 2023 are both contenders in the budget segment, offering a range of features at attractive price points. But which one comes out on top?
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Realme C33 2023 edges out the Redmi 9i Sport thanks to its slightly more powerful processor and potentially better display. Both offer decent battery life and basic camera capabilities, making them solid choices for budget-conscious users. However, Realme's CPU architecture gives it a slight edge.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 8, 40, 41 | 1, 3, 5, 8, 38, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, September 28 | 2023, March 14 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, September 28 | Available. Released 2023, March 14 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 164.9 x 77.1 x 9 mm (6.49 x 3.04 x 0.35 in) | 164.2 x 75.7 x 8.3 mm (6.46 x 2.98 x 0.33 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 194 g (6.84 oz) | 187 g (6.60 oz) |
| | Water-repellent coating | - |
| 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 (~81.0% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~82.1% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 400 nits (typ) | IPS LCD, 400 nits (typ) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.5 GHz Cortex-A53) | Octa-core (2x1.8 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6762G Helio G25 (12 nm) | Unisoc Tiger T612 (12 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | Mali-G57 |
| OS | Android 10, MIUI 12 | Android 12, Realme UI S |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | UFS 2.2 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | - | 50 MP, (wide), PDAF
Auxiliary lens |
| Features | LED flash, HDR | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 13 MP, f/2.2, 28mm (wide), 1.0µm, PDAF | 5 MP, f/2.2, 27mm (wide), 1/5.0", 1.12µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR | HDR |
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.2, (wide), 1.12µm | 5 MP, f/2.2, 27mm (wide), 1/5.0", 1.12µm |
| 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, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | FM radio | Unspecified |
| USB | microUSB 2.0, OTG | microUSB 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 а/b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired | 10W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 5000 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Carbon Black, Coral Green, Metallic Blue | Sandy Gold, Aqua Blue, Night Sea |
| Models | - | RMX3627 |
| Price | About 100 EUR | About 110 EUR |
Xiaomi Redmi 9i Sport
- Reliable brand
- Good battery life
- Affordable price
- Less powerful processor
- Basic camera
- Slow charging
Realme C33 2023
- Better performance (CPU)
- Potentially better display
- Sleek design
- Realme brand recognition (less established)
- 10W charging
- Average camera
Display Comparison
Both phones likely feature a 6.5-inch HD+ display, offering decent viewing angles for the price. However, the Realme C33 2023 might have slightly better color accuracy and brightness due to potentially using a more modern panel. Expect similar resolution and pixel density.
Camera Comparison
Both phones likely feature a triple camera setup with a primary sensor around 50MP. Image quality will be comparable in good lighting conditions, but the Realme might have slightly better image processing. Low-light performance will likely be average on both.
Performance
The Realme C33 2023's Unisoc Tiger T612 with its Cortex-A75 cores offers a noticeable performance advantage over the Redmi 9i Sport's Helio G25. The A75 cores are designed for higher performance, making the Realme better suited for multitasking and smoother app usage. Gaming performance will also be better on the Realme.
Battery Life
Both devices offer a 5000mAh battery, promising all-day battery life with moderate usage. Charging speeds are identical at 10W, so expect similar charging times. Battery optimization will play a key role in real-world performance.
Buying Guide
The Xiaomi Redmi 9i Sport is ideal for users prioritizing a simple, reliable phone for basic tasks like calling, texting, and light social media. The Realme C33 2023 is a better choice for those who want a bit more performance for multitasking and occasional gaming.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Which phone is better for gaming?
The Realme C33 2023 is the better choice for gaming due to its more powerful processor.
❓ Do both phones have NFC?
NFC availability varies by region. Check the specific model's specifications for your area.
❓ What is the storage capacity of each phone?
Both phones typically come in 32GB and 64GB storage options, expandable via microSD card.
