The Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 4G and Realme 8i represent compelling options in the crowded budget smartphone market. While both aim to deliver essential features at an accessible price point, they diverge significantly in their core hardware. The Redmi Note 9 4G relies on Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 662, prioritizing efficiency, while the Realme 8i opts for MediaTek’s Helio G96, aiming for a performance edge. This comparison dissects these differences to determine which device best suits your needs.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing consistent performance and a proven track record, the Realme 8i emerges as the slightly better choice. Its Helio G96 chipset offers a noticeable performance uplift over the Snapdragon 662 in the Redmi Note 9 4G, particularly in gaming. However, the Redmi Note 9 4G remains a viable option for those seeking a reliable and efficient device.
| 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, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 | 1, 3, 5, 8, 38, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | CDMA 800 | - |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2020, November 26 | 2021, September 09 |
| Status | Available. Released 2020, November 26 | Available. Released 2021, September 14 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 3), plastic frame, plastic back | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 162.3 x 77.3 x 9.6 mm (6.39 x 3.04 x 0.38 in) | 164.1 x 75.5 x 8.5 mm (6.46 x 2.97 x 0.33 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 198 g (6.98 oz) | 194 g (6.84 oz) |
| | Water-repellent coating | - |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | - |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2340 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~395 ppi density) | 1080 x 2412 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~400 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.53 inches, 104.7 cm2 (~83.4% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.6 inches, 104.8 cm2 (~84.6% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 400 nits (typ) | IPS LCD, 120Hz, 600 nits (peak) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.0 GHz Kryo 260 Gold & 4x1.8 GHz Kryo 260 Silver) | Octa-core (2x2.05 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM6115 Snapdragon 662 (11 nm) | Mediatek MT6781 Helio G96 (12 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 610 | Mali-G57 MC2 |
| OS | Android 10, upgradable to Android 12, MIUI 14 | Android 11, Realme UI 2.0 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM |
| | UFS 2.2 | UFS 2.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | - | 16 MP, f/2.1, (wide), 1/3.0", 1.0µm |
| Triple | 48 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 1/2.0", 0.8µm, PDAF
8 MP, f/2.2, 120˚ (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm
Auxiliary lens | 50 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, PDAF
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | - | Panorama |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, 27mm (wide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm | 16 MP, f/2.1, (wide), 1/3.0", 1.0µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with stereo speakers | Yes |
| | 24-bit/192kHz audio | - |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.2, A2DP | 5.1, A2DP, LE |
| Infrared port | Yes | - |
| NFC | No | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | FM radio | No |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 18W wired
2.5W reverse wired | 18W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 6000 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Gray, Green, Blue, Orange | Space Black, Space Purple |
| Models | M2010J19SC | RMX3151 |
| Price | About 130 EUR | About 440 EUR |
| Tests |
|---|
| Battery life | - |
Endurance rating 131h
|
| Camera | - |
Photo / Video |
| Loudspeaker | - |
-28.4 LUFS (Average)
|
Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 4G
- Potentially better battery efficiency due to the 11nm Snapdragon 662.
- Includes 2.5W reverse wired charging for topping up accessories.
- Established brand reputation and software support.
- Less powerful chipset compared to the Helio G96.
- Likely dimmer display, impacting outdoor visibility.
Realme 8i
- More powerful Helio G96 chipset for improved performance.
- Brighter display (540 nits) for better outdoor viewing.
- Higher contrast ratio for more vibrant visuals.
- Potentially less battery efficient due to the 12nm Helio G96.
- Lacks reverse wired charging functionality.
Display Comparison
The Realme 8i boasts a brighter display, reaching a measured 540 nits, compared to the Redmi Note 9 4G’s unspecified brightness. This difference is significant for outdoor use, where the Realme 8i will remain more legible in direct sunlight. The Realme 8i’s 1244:1 contrast ratio also suggests deeper blacks and more vibrant colors. While both likely utilize IPS LCD panels, the Realme 8i’s specifications indicate a more visually engaging experience, particularly for media consumption.
Camera Comparison
Both phones feature a 'Photo / Video' camera setup, but detailed sensor information is lacking. Without specifics, it’s difficult to make a definitive judgment. However, the Realme 8i’s marketing often emphasizes camera capabilities, suggesting a potentially more refined image processing pipeline. The absence of Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) on either device means low-light performance will likely rely heavily on software algorithms. Users should temper expectations regarding image quality, especially in challenging lighting conditions.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Realme 8i’s MediaTek Helio G96 (12nm) features two Cortex-A76 cores clocked at 2.05 GHz, alongside six Cortex-A55 cores. This configuration provides a performance advantage over the Redmi Note 9 4G’s Qualcomm Snapdragon 662 (11nm) which uses four Kryo 260 Gold cores at 2.0 GHz and four Kryo 260 Silver cores. The Helio G96’s newer architecture and higher clock speeds translate to faster app loading times and smoother multitasking. However, the 12nm process of the Helio G96 may result in slightly higher power consumption compared to the Snapdragon 662’s 11nm process.
Battery Life
Both the Redmi Note 9 4G and Realme 8i share an endurance rating of 131 hours, suggesting comparable real-world battery life. Both also support 18W wired charging. While the battery capacity isn’t specified, the Snapdragon 662’s efficiency in the Redmi Note 9 4G could offset any capacity differences. The inclusion of 2.5W reverse wired charging on the Redmi Note 9 4G is a minor convenience feature absent on the Realme 8i.
Buying Guide
Buy the Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 4G if you need a dependable daily driver with a focus on battery efficiency and a well-established software ecosystem. It’s ideal for users who primarily browse, use social media, and make occasional calls. Buy the Realme 8i if you prefer a phone capable of handling more demanding tasks like gaming and multitasking, and you value a brighter display for outdoor visibility. It’s geared towards users who want a bit more power without breaking the bank.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Realme 8i’s Helio G96 overheat during prolonged gaming sessions?
While the Helio G96 is a capable chipset, its 12nm process isn't as thermally efficient as some newer chips. Expect some heat buildup during extended gaming, but the Realme 8i’s thermal management should prevent significant throttling. Performance may dip slightly after an hour of intensive gameplay.
❓ Is the lack of detailed camera specs on both phones a cause for concern?
Yes, it is. Without knowing sensor sizes and apertures, it’s difficult to assess image quality. Both phones likely rely heavily on software processing, which can sometimes result in over-sharpened or artificial-looking images. Don't expect flagship-level camera performance.
❓ Does the Realme 8i support high frame rates in popular games like PUBG Mobile?
The Realme 8i *should* be capable of running PUBG Mobile at 60fps, but achieving higher frame rates (90fps) will depend on the game settings and the phone’s thermal performance. Lowering graphics settings is recommended for smoother gameplay.
❓ How does the software experience differ between Xiaomi’s MIUI and Realme UI?
MIUI (Xiaomi) is known for its extensive customization options but can also be perceived as bloated with pre-installed apps. Realme UI aims for a cleaner, more streamlined experience, closer to stock Android, with a focus on speed and efficiency. Preference is subjective, but Realme UI generally receives positive feedback for its user-friendliness.
