The sub-₹10,000 smartphone segment is fiercely competitive, and the Xiaomi Redmi 9i and Realme C12 are two key contenders. Both aim to deliver essential smartphone functionality at an incredibly affordable price point. This comparison dissects their specifications to determine which device offers the best value for users prioritizing performance and everyday usability.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Realme C12 edges out the Redmi 9i. Its Helio G35 chipset, with slightly higher clocked Cortex-A53 cores, provides a noticeable performance boost in everyday tasks and light gaming. While both offer similar battery life and charging speeds, the C12’s marginally better processor makes it the more responsive choice.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 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 | 2020, September 15. Released 2020, September 18 | 2020, August 14. Released 2020, August 14 |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 164.9 x 77.1 x 9 mm (6.49 x 3.04 x 0.35 in) | 164.5 x 75.9 x 9.8 mm (6.48 x 2.99 x 0.39 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 194 g (6.84 oz) | 209 g (7.37 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Corning Gorilla Glass |
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) | 720 x 1560 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~264 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.53 inches, 102.9 cm2 (~81.0% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.5 inches, 103.7 cm2 (~83.1% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 270 nits (typ) | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.5 GHz Cortex-A53) | Octa-core (4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6762G Helio G25 (12 nm) | Mediatek MT6765G Helio G35 (12 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | PowerVR GE8320 |
| OS | Android 10, MIUI 12 | Android 10, upgradable to Android 11, Realme UI 2.0 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM | 32GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 3GB 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 | 5 MP |
| Triple | - | 13 MP, f/2.2, (wide), PDAF
2 MP B/W, f/2.4
2 MP, f/2.4 |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR | HDR, panorama |
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.2, (wide), 1.12µm | 5 MP, f/2.0, (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 | 5.0, A2DP, LE, aptX |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, BDS |
| 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 b/g/n |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired | 10W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 5000 mAh | 6000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Midnight Black, Sea Blue, Nature Green | Marine Blue, Coral Red, Silver, Power Blue, Power Silver |
| Models | M2006C3LII | RMX2189 |
| Price | About 100 EUR | About 110 EUR |
| Pricing |
|---|
| 64GB 4GB RAM | ₹ 8,200 | - |
Xiaomi Redmi 9i
- Potentially more storage space (64GB)
- Established Xiaomi brand reputation
- Likely wider availability of accessories
- Slightly slower processor (Helio G25)
- Potentially less responsive UI
- No specified display details
Realme C12
- Faster processor (Helio G35)
- More responsive user experience
- Slightly better gaming performance
- Potentially less storage space
- Less established brand recognition
- No specified display details
Display Comparison
Neither the Redmi 9i nor the Realme C12 boast particularly impressive displays. Both are likely utilizing LCD panels, a standard for this price bracket. Detailed display specs (resolution, brightness) are missing, but we can infer they are similar – likely HD+ resolution. The focus here isn’t on visual fidelity, but on basic readability. Bezels are expected to be noticeable on both devices, contributing to a larger overall footprint. Color accuracy is unlikely to be a strong point on either.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance is likely to be similar on both devices, with both likely featuring a primary sensor and a depth sensor. The Redmi 9i’s 64GB storage offers more space for photos and videos, but the image quality will be largely determined by the sensor and image processing, which are not specified. The inclusion of a 2MP macro camera on either device is largely a marketing tactic, offering limited practical benefit due to the low resolution. Expect acceptable results in good lighting conditions, but struggles in low-light scenarios.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Realme C12 features the Mediatek Helio G35, with an octa-core CPU configuration of 4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A53 and 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53 cores. The Redmi 9i uses the Helio G25, clocked at 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 and 4x1.5 GHz Cortex-A53. While both are 12nm chips, the higher clock speeds on the G35 translate to faster processing, particularly in single-core tasks. This will be noticeable when launching apps or navigating the UI. Both devices are paired with 4GB of RAM, which is adequate for basic multitasking, but neither is designed for heavy gaming or demanding applications. The GPU on the G35 is also slightly more capable, offering a marginal improvement in graphics performance.
Battery Life
Both the Redmi 9i and Realme C12 are equipped with 10W wired charging, indicating a similar charging experience. While the battery capacity isn’t specified for the Realme C12, the Redmi 9i’s battery size is not provided either. Given the similar chipsets and target market, we can expect battery capacities to be in the 5000mAh range for both. This should provide all-day battery life for moderate usage, but expect longer charging times due to the low wattage.
Buying Guide
Buy the Xiaomi Redmi 9i if you prioritize brand recognition within the Xiaomi ecosystem and are looking for the absolute lowest possible price. It’s a solid choice for basic communication and light social media use. Buy the Realme C12 if you prefer a slightly more responsive user experience and a marginally more capable processor for handling multiple apps or casual gaming. The C12 offers a better balance of performance for the price.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Realme C12 handle popular games like PUBG Mobile?
While the Helio G35 can run PUBG Mobile, expect to play at lower graphics settings and frame rates to maintain a stable experience. It's not a gaming-focused chipset, so don't expect flagship-level performance. The Redmi 9i will offer a similar, but slightly less smooth, gaming experience.
❓ Is the 64GB storage on the Redmi 9i enough, or should I consider a microSD card?
64GB is sufficient for basic usage, but if you plan to download many apps, take a lot of photos and videos, or store music, a microSD card is highly recommended. Both devices support microSD card expansion, allowing you to increase storage capacity affordably.
❓ How long will it take to fully charge either phone with the 10W charger?
With a 10W charger, expect a full charge to take approximately 3-4 hours. These phones do not support fast charging, so charging times will be relatively slow compared to more expensive devices.
