Are you looking for a capable smartphone in the sub-Php10k (USD200/INR15,000) price range? Today, we’ll be comparing some of your options — and spoiler alert: they both offer great value for the money.
First, we have the Realme 6. This thing is a testament that Realme can pretty much do anything — including putting top midrange specs on an entry-level smartphone.
However, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the release of this device in the Philippines and other markets have been delayed.
Well, that’s not the case with the Xiaomi Redmi Note 9S, another contender in this price range. It may have come out second, but Xiaomi Philippines was able to bring it in the country earlier than Realme can bring theirs.
In our Realme 6 versus Redmi Note 9S specifications and features comparison, we’ll see if you should wait for the Realme 6, or go ahead and get the Redmi Note 9s already. Let’s start.
| Realme 6 | Xiaomi Redmi Note 9S | |
| Operating System | Android 10 Realme UI | Android 10 MIUI 11 |
| SIM | Dual SIM Dual Standby | Dual SIM Dual Standby |
| Display | 6.5-inch FHD+ IPS 2400 x 1080 pixel resolution ~404ppi 90.5% screen-to-body ratio Corning Gorilla Glass 3 90Hz refresh rate | 6.67-inch FHD+ IPS 2400 x 1080 pixel resolution ~394ppi 91% screen-to-body ratio Corning Gorilla Glass 5 |
| Processor | 2.05GHz MediaTek Helio G90T octa-core | 2.3GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon 720G octa-core |
| RAM | 4GB/6GB/8GB | 4GB/6GB |
| GPU | Mali G76 GPU | Adreno 618 |
| Storage | 64GB/128GB UFS 2.1 expandable via microSD | 64GB/128GB UFS 2.1 expandable via microSD |
| Front Camera | 16-megapixel Punch-hole Night selfie 120fps slow-mo selfie | 16-megapixel Punch-hole 120fps slow-mo selfie |
| Rear Camera | 64-megapixel (f1.8) 8-megapixel (ultra-wide, f/2.3) 2-megapixel (portrait) 2-megapixel (macro) PDAF LED flash AI Scene Detection Chroma Boost UIS Max Video Stabilization Super NightScape 2.0 up to 4K@30fps up to 720p@120fps slow-mo | 48-megapixel (f/1.8) 8-megapixel (ultra-wide, f/2.2) 5-megapixel (macro) 2-megapixel (depth sensor) PDAF LED flash AI Scene Detection Ultra Nightscape mode up to 4K@30fps up to 720p@960fps slow-mo |
| Audio | Headphone jack Single speaker | Headphone jack Single speaker |
| Security | Side-mounted fingerprint scanner Face unlock | Side-mounted fingerprint scanner Face unlock |
| Connectivity | 4G LTE WiFi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band Bluetooth 5.0 GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, BDS USB Type-C | 4G LTE WiFi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band Bluetooth 5.0 GPS, A-GPS, Galileo, GLONASS, BDS, NavIC IR blaster USB Type-C |
| Others | Splash-resistant | P2i splash proof |
| Dimensions | 162.1 x 74.8 x 8.9mm | 165.75 x 76.68 x 8.8mm |
| Weight | 191g | 209g |
| Colors | Comet White Comet Blue | Aurora Blue Glacier White Interstellar Black |
| Battery | 4,300mAh battery 30W Flash Charge | 5,020mAh 22.5W fast charging |
| Price | 4GB/64GB: INR12,999 (~Php8,900) 6GB/128GB: INR14,999 (~Php10,300) 8GB/128GB: INR15,999 (~Php11,000) | 4GB/64GB: Php10,490 6GB/128GB: Php11,990 |
There’s no denying that both the Realme 6 and Redmi Note 9S are some of the best contenders in the sub-Php10k category.
Although, we still have to answer the question we had earlier. From what it looks like, you might be better off skipping the Redmi Note 9S and wait for the Realme 6 instead.
Since you’re in a budget, you want to have the fastest processor you can get for the price. That’s something that the MediaTek Helio G90T chipset of the Realme 6 can offer you. In fact, it’s the processor found on the best-performing midrange phone in AnTuTu’s top list.
On the other hand, the Redmi Note 9S uses the controversial Snapdragon 720G processor, which is said to be a downgrade to the Helio G90T chipset that its predecessor use.
The Realme 6 also comes with a fast 90Hz refresh screen, possibly the cheapest device to have it. This feature will help you visually feel the power of its fast processor.
Related
It’s been a close fight in the camera department. The two devices share the same 16-megapixel selfie camera, 8-megapixel ultra-wide, and two low-resolution sensors for depth-sensing and macro shots
However, the Realme 6 has a sharper 64-megapixel main shooter, versus the 48-megapixel sensor on the 9S. It also has a software video stabilizer that makes even casual handheld videos free from shakiness.
To Xiaomi’s credit, the Redmi Note 9S do come with a bigger 5,020mAh battery, versus the 4,300mAh on the competition. However, Realme makes up for it by adding a 30W Flash Charge support on the Realme 6, while the 9S settles for a relatively slower 22.5W charger.
Xiaomi also included an IR blaster for those who want to control their non-smart appliances. Plus, a tougher Corning Gorilla Glass 5 protection for the clumsy folks.
Still, we gotta hand the win to the Realme 6 due to its more powerful processor, fast and smooth display, and better camera hardware and software.
Its official price in the Philippines is yet to be announced, but with the Redmi Note 9S now in the picture, we expect Realme’s local arm to launch the Realme 6 any day now.
Snapdragon would be better at thermal management, I read some reviews where that was the issue with the redmi note 8 pro, hence why redmi chose the sd 720G for the note 9.
What about the comparison for thermal management?
I’m concerned about how well the phone manage the processing power vs battery management. What processor is more efficient in the long run. Will there be a slowdown on either devices after months of usage?