The sub-₹9,000 smartphone segment is fiercely competitive, and the Xiaomi Redmi 9i and Realme C11 (2021) are key contenders. Both aim to deliver essential smartphone functionality at an incredibly low price point, but they take different approaches to achieving this. This comparison dissects their core components to reveal which device offers the best value for your money.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing responsiveness and a slightly more future-proofed processor, the Xiaomi Redmi 9i is the better choice. Its Mediatek Helio G25, built on a 12nm process, offers a noticeable performance advantage over the Realme C11 (2021)'s older 28nm Unisoc SC9863A, despite similar core counts.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 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 | 2020, September 15. Released 2020, September 18 | 2021, June 28 |
| Status | Discontinued | Available. Released 2021, June 28 |
| 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) | 165.2 x 76.4 x 8.9 mm (6.50 x 3.01 x 0.35 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 194 g (6.84 oz) | 190 g (6.70 oz) |
| | - | Splash resistant design |
| 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 (~81.3% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 270 nits (typ) | IPS LCD, 400 nits (typ) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.5 GHz Cortex-A53) | Octa-core (4x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55 & 4x1.2 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6762G Helio G25 (12 nm) | Unisoc SC9863A (28 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | IMG8322 |
| OS | Android 10, MIUI 12 | Android 11, Realme Go UI |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM | 32GB 2GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 13 MP, f/2.2, 28mm (wide), 1.0µm, PDAF | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide), AF |
| 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) |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 4.2, A2DP |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, 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 | Accelerometer, proximity, compass | Accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired | 10W wired
Reverse wired |
| Type | Li-Po 5000 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Midnight Black, Sea Blue, Nature Green | Cool Blue, Cool Grey |
| Models | M2006C3LII | RMX3231 |
| Price | About 100 EUR | About 80 EUR |
| Pricing |
|---|
| 64GB 4GB RAM | ₹ 8,200 | - |
Xiaomi Redmi 9i
- More modern and efficient processor (Helio G25)
- Likely better sustained performance due to 12nm process
- Potentially faster image processing
- Lacks reverse wired charging
- Basic display specifications
Realme C11 (2021)
- Reverse wired charging for accessories
- Affordable price point
- Simple and easy-to-use interface
- Older and less efficient processor (Unisoc SC9863A)
- Likely slower performance and multitasking
- 28nm process may lead to more heat
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Both are likely to feature basic LCD panels with 720p+ resolution, typical for this price bracket. However, details like peak brightness and color gamut are missing. The Realme C11 (2021) doesn't specify any display protection, while Xiaomi often includes basic scratch resistance. The real difference lies elsewhere.
Camera Comparison
Both phones are expected to feature basic camera setups. Details are sparse, but the focus is unlikely to be on photographic excellence. The presence of a 2MP macro lens on both is largely a marketing tactic, offering limited practical benefit. Image quality will heavily rely on software processing, and neither phone is expected to excel in low-light conditions. Without specific sensor size information, it's difficult to declare a clear winner, but the Redmi 9i's slightly more powerful processor *could* translate to faster image processing.
Performance
The core of the distinction lies in the chipsets. The Redmi 9i’s Mediatek Helio G25 (12nm) utilizes a more modern CPU architecture – Cortex-A53 cores clocked at 2.0 GHz and 1.5 GHz – compared to the Realme C11 (2021)’s Unisoc SC9863A (28nm) with Cortex-A55 cores at 1.6 GHz and 1.2 GHz. The 12nm fabrication process of the Helio G25 is significantly more efficient than the 28nm process of the Unisoc chip, translating to better thermal management and potentially sustained performance. While both are octa-core, the newer architecture and smaller node give the Redmi 9i an edge in real-world responsiveness. The Unisoc chip's older architecture will likely struggle more with multitasking and demanding applications.
Battery Life
Both devices feature 10W wired charging, indicating similar charging speeds – expect around 3-4 hours for a full charge. Battery capacity is not specified for the Realme C11 (2021), but the Redmi 9i is likely to have a 5000mAh battery, standard for this segment. The Realme C11 (2021) adds reverse wired charging, a useful feature for topping up accessories like wireless earbuds, which the Redmi 9i lacks. However, the more efficient Helio G25 in the Redmi 9i could potentially lead to slightly better battery life during typical usage.
Buying Guide
Buy the Xiaomi Redmi 9i if you need a phone that feels more responsive for everyday tasks like browsing and social media, and if you anticipate using slightly more demanding apps. Buy the Realme C11 (2021) if you prioritize reverse wired charging for topping up accessories and are primarily focused on basic communication – calls, texts, and light WhatsApp usage – and are less concerned with performance.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Unisoc SC9863A in the Realme C11 (2021) struggle with popular apps like Facebook and WhatsApp over time?
The Unisoc SC9863A, being an older and less powerful chipset, may exhibit slowdowns and lag when running multiple apps or more demanding versions of Facebook and WhatsApp over time. The Redmi 9i's Helio G25 is better equipped to handle these workloads smoothly.
❓ 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 prioritizes fast charging, focusing instead on affordability. The Redmi 9i's more efficient processor might offset the slow charging slightly by consuming less power overall.
❓ Can the Realme C11 (2021) charge other devices even with a low battery?
Yes, the Realme C11 (2021)'s reverse wired charging feature allows it to charge other devices even when its own battery is not full. However, the charging speed will be significantly reduced when the phone's battery is low.
