Are you in the market for a cheap smartphone? The competitors in today’s specs comparison shows that ‘cheap’ doesn’t always translate to poor quality.

This first one is from Realme, a fast-emerging brand known for its bang-for-the-buck releases. Their latest offering, the Realme C11, is being marketed for students looking for an affordable device for home school — or if you just want a device that can do anything for under Php5,000.

Realme-C11-NoypiGeeks

Realme’s latest is going head to head with the recently announced Redmi 9A.

Sitting in the same price range, this device also attempts to be a top choice if you’re looking for a really inexpensive smartphone.

Redmi-9A-NoypiGeeks-5217

So the question is, which between these two devices should you spend your savings on? Our Realme C11 versus Redmi 9A specifications and features comparison has the answers.

Realme C11Redmi 9A
Operating SystemAndroid 10
Realme UI
Android 10
MIUI 12
SIMDual SIM
Dual Standby
Dual SIM
Dual Standby
Display6.5-inch HD+ IPS
1600 x 720 pixel resolution
~269ppi
20:9 aspect ratio
6.53-inch HD+ IPS
1600 x 720 pixel resolution
~270ppi
20:9 aspect ratio
Processor2.3GHz MediaTek Helio G35 octa-core2GHz MediaTek Helio G25 octa-core
RAM2GB2GB
GPUIMG PowerVR GE8320IMG PowerVR8320
Storage32GB
expandable via microSD
32GB
expandable via microSD
Front Camera5-megapixel5-megapixel
Rear Camera13-megapixel (f/2.2)
2-megapixel (depth sensor)
LED flash
Chroma Boost
13-megapixel
PDAF
LED flash
AI Scene detection
AudioHeadphone jack
Single speaker
Headphone jack
Single speaker
SecurityFace unlockFace unlock
ConnectivityHSPA+, 4G LTE
WiFi 802.11 b/g/n
Bluetooth 5.0
GPS, GLONASS, BDS
FM Radio
microUSB
HSPA+, 4G LTE
WiFi 802.11 b/g/n
Bluetooth 5.0
GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, BDS
FM Radio
microUSB
Dimensions164.4 x 75.9 x 9.1mm164.9 x 77.07 x 9.0mm
Weight196g194g
BodyFront: Glass
Back: Plastic
Front: Glass
Back: Plastic
ColorsMint Green
Pepper Grey
Carbon Grey
Sky Blue
Ocean Green
Battery5,000mAh
10W charging
5,000mAh
10W charging
PricePhp4,990Php4,690

Design and Build Quality

They might be entry-level devices, but both Realme and Xiaomi managed to make them look a little less boring.

Realme-C11-NoypiGeeks-4124

They both come with a vertical stripe that transcends from the cameras to the logo on the bottom. But personally, we do prefer the square camera glass and the larger logo on the back of the Realme C11.

But for color the colors, Xiaomi is giving you more options as the Redmi 9A comes in Carbon Grey, Sky Blue, and an interesting Ocean Green option. On the other hand, the C11 is only available in Mint Green and Pepper Grey. Realme might introduce a third color soon, just like what they released a Volcano Grey option for the Realme C3.

Redmi-9A-Philippines

Whether a design looks good or not will depend on your preference, so we’ll let you decide on this one.

For the build, both models don’t come with Corning Gorilla Glass, but they do come with a pre-installed screen protector. They also come with plastic back, just like most entry-level phones.

Display

Both the Realme C11 and Redmi 9A has the best screens that they can have for the price. They share an identical 6.5-inch HD+ IPS screen, with a 1600 x 720-pixel resolution, and a tall 20:9 aspect ratio.

Redmi-9A-NoypiGeeks-5279

Their screens are large and sharp enough for multitasking, playing games, and reading texts.

Hardware and Performance

This is where their main difference lies. The Realme C11 sports a MediaTek Helio G35 octa-core processor, which obviously outperforms the Helio G25 of the latter in general tasks — from social media browsing, video calls, and more. The G35’s GPU is also slightly overclocked to squeeze out more performance in games.

Realme-C11-Specs

Both devices do come with the same 2GB of RAM, and 32GB of storage that you can expand via a microSD card.

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Cameras

With the Realme C11 and Redmi 9A you’re getting the same 5-megapixel front-facing camera. It’s decent enough for taking selfies or participating in online classes. They also share the same 13-megapixel primary camera.

Realme-C11-NoypiGeeks-4123

But with the Realme C11, you’re getting an extra 2-megapixel depth sensor, which the latter lacks.

Battery

Budget phones like these always come with large batteries to compensate for their underwhelming hardware.

Redmi-9A-NoypiGeeks-5277

In this case, we’re getting 5,000mAh batteries with 10W fast charging. You can stretch the battery by up to two days or more if you’re just casually web browsing, messaging, and taking pictures. But if you watch videos a lot, play games a lot, or do a lot of school works, then you might have to reach for the charger every night.

Conclusion

Although they have a lot of similarities, the Realme C11 gets a one-up by having a more powerful processor and an extra camera. You can learn more about it in our full review.

Realme-C11-Price

And since it only costs Php4,990 — only Php300 more than the Redmi 9A’s Php4,690 price tag — going with the Realme C11 instead of the Redmi 9A is probably the best idea.

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  1. Saan ang miui ng xiaomi alisin na lang nila at mag stock android na lang. Napaka laggy at heavy skin nya.