Are you looking for an affordable smartphone for online learning and home schooling? In this specs comparison, we have two of the cheapest and most capable smartphones you can get in the sub-Php5,000 category.

First, we have the newly released Redmi 9A. Just like its predecessor, this entry-level device could be your gateway to the smartphone world. It’s equipped with the right amount of features to get you ready for the upcoming school year.

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One of Xiaomi’s top competitor, Realme, also has an offering in this price range.

The Realme C3 is also rigged with a capable processor, display, and cameras — everything you need to keep up to the overwhelming new normal.

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We know you want to get the best out of your money, especially if you’re shopping in this price range. So, here in our Redmi 9A versus Realme C3 specifications and features comparison, we’ll help you decide which one is better. Let’s start.

Redmi 9ARealme C3
Operating SystemAndroid 10
MIUI 11
Android 10
Realme UI
SIMDual SIM
Dual Standby
Dual SIM
Dual Standby
Display6.53-inch HD+ IPS
1600 x 720 pixel resolution
~270ppi
20:9 aspect ratio
6.52-inch HD+ IPS
1600 x 720 pixel resolution
~270ppi
Corning Gorilla Glass
20:9 aspect ratio
Processor2GHz MediaTek helio G25 octa-core2GHz octa-core MediaTek Helio G70 octa-core
RAM2GB3GB
GPUPowerVR8320Mali G52
Storage32GB
expandable via microSD
32GB
expandable via microSD
Front Camera5-megapixel5-megapixel
Rear Camera13-megapixel
PDAF
LED flash
AI Scene detection
12-megapixel (f/1.8, PDAF)
2-megapixel (Depth sensor)
2-megapixel (Macro)
PDAF
LED flash
AI Scene Detection
Chroma Boost
AudioHeadphone jack
Single speaker
Headphone jack
Single speaker
SecurityFace unlockRear-mounted fingerprint scanner
Face unlock
ConnectivityHSPA+, 4G LTE
WiFi 802.11 b/g/n
Bluetooth 5.0
GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, BDS
FM Radio
microUSB
HSPA+, 4G LTE
WiFi 802.11 b/g/n
Bluetooth 5.0
GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS
FM Radio
microUSB
Dimensions164.9 x 77.07 x 9.0mm164.4 x 8.95 x 75mm
Weight194g195g
Bodyn/aSplash Resistant
Corning Gorilla Glass
ColorsCarbon Grey
Sky Blue
Ocean Green
Frozen Blue
Blazing Red
Volcano Grey
Battery5,000mAh
10W charging
5,000mAh
10W charging
PricePhp4,690Php5,990

Design

For a device this cheap, design shouldn’t really be your top priority. After all, both the Redmi 9A and Realme C3 already look equally pleasing. They also use a matte textured plastic on the back that’s anti-fingerprint. Plus, a pre-applied screen protector on the front for extra protection.

Realme-C3-colors-NoypiGeeks

The Realme C3 is available in Blazing Red, Frozen Blue, and the newly released Volcano Grey color option. It comes with a sunrise-like reflection as it reacts to light.

On the other hand, the Redmi 9A is available in subtle color options. There’s the Carbon Grey, Sky Blue, and Ocean Green that has a teal-like appearance.

Redmi-9A-Philippines

The Realme C3 has a splash-resistant body, which is enough to withstand accidental water splashes but don’t try to go swimming with it. On the other hand, Xiaomi didn’t mention any water protection for the Redmi 9A, but we expect it to withstand minor water contact, too. The C3 also has Corning Gorilla Glass protection, while no mention of any for the 9A.

Display

The Redmi 9A and Realme C3 pretty much has the same displays. As you can see, their IPS panels span at 6.53-inches, and a 1600 x 700 pixel resolution.

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They also come with a tall 20:9 aspect ratio, which is the right size for reading school lessons and articles.

Processor

This is where the main difference between the two lies. As you can see in our specs comparison table, the Realme C3 costs more than the Redmi 9A. That’s because it uses a more powerful MediaTek Helio G70 processor. It also has 3GB of RAM while the competition only has 2GB.

Realme-C3-triple-cameras-NoypiGeeks

The Realme C3 should be powerful enough to let you play games at decent quality after school.

But if the budget is really tight, then you can settle with the Redmi 9A. Its Helio G25 processor is enough to handle group video calls and other school-related apps. Plus, a couple of games at the lowest graphics settings.

Related

Cameras

Both devices come with 5-megapixel front-facing camera, which should be enough for participating in online classes.

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The higher price tag of the Realme C3 entitles you to a triple camera setup, while the latter only has a single 13-megapixel shooter. There’s the 12-megapixel main camera with a bright f/1.8 aperture, a 2-megapixel macro that lets you get up close to a subject by 4cm, and a depth sensor for DSLR-like blurred background.

Battery

Other than performance, battery life should be one of your top considerations in this price range. To which both devices doesn’t disappoint.

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The Redmi 9A and Realme C3 both come with 5,000mAh battery and 10W fast charging. That should be enough to provide an entire day of light to moderate usage, with a couple of juice left for the next day.

Conclusion

Clearly, the Realme C3 won this specs comparison. It offers a more powerful processor and extra 1GB of RAM that lets you comfortably do school works and gaming with a little to no lag. As a bonus, you’re also getting a better set of cameras and a fingerprint scanner. It has a price of only Php5,990 and you can learn more about it in our full review.

Realme-C3-Review-NoypiGeeks-5754

On the other hand, the Redmi 9A only cost Php4,690. If your budget is really tight, and you can’t spend Php1,300 more, then you can settle on this one. It has a respectable Helio G25 processor and has the same display, front camera, battery, and fast charging.

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