MediaTek just launched the new Helio G35 processor, a gaming chipset that will power entry-level smartphones.
Along with its release is the announcement of the first two smartphones that will be powered by it. One of them is the new Redmi 9C, one of the cheapest member of the Redmi 9 series.
With its very affordable price tag, the 9C have greater focus on key specs that will improve performance. Other than the aforementioned processor, this thing also has a large display and a big battery.
Update: Redmi 9C official price in PH is Php5,290 for the 2GB/32GB, Php5,990 for the 3GB/64GB.
Redmi’s latest will go against the Realme C11. Just like the former, this one also has an Helio G35 under the hood, and a large display and battery. They’re both straightforward, no-fuss smartphones that could easily pass as a daily driver device.
But the question is, which between the should you get? Our Redmi 9C versus Realme C11 specifications and features comparison has the answers.
Redmi 9C | Realme C11 | |
Operating System | Android 10 MIUI 12 | Android 10 Realme UI 1.0 |
SIM | Dual SIM Dual Standby | Dual SIM Dual Standby |
Display | 6.53-inch HD+ IPS 1600 x 720 pixel resolution ~269ppi | 6.5-inch HD+ IPS 1560 x 720 pixel resolution ~270ppi |
Processor | 2.3GHz MediaTek Helio G35 octa-core processor | 2.3GHz MediaTek Helio G35 octa-core processor |
GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | PowerVR GE8320 |
RAM | 2GB | 2GB |
Storage | 32GB expandable via microSD | 32GB expandable via microSD |
Front Camera | 5-megapixel | 5-megapixel |
Rear Camera | 13-megapixel (f/1.8) 5-megapixel (macro, f/2.4) 2-megapixel (depth sensor) PDAF LED flash | 13-megapixel (f/2.2) 2-megapixel (depth sensor) PDAF LED flash |
Audio | Single loudspeaker Headphone jack | Single loudspeaker Headphone jack |
Security | Rear-mounted fingerprint scanner Face unlock | Face unlock |
Connectivity | HSPA+, 4G LTE WiFi 802.11 b/g/n Bluetooth 5.0 GPS Infrared Blaster microUSB | HSPA+, 4G LTE WiFi 802.11 b/g/n Bluetooth 5.0 GPS, GLONASS, BDS microUSB |
Others | n/a | n/a |
Dimensions | 164.9 x 77.07 x 9mm | 164.4 x 75.9 x 9.1mm |
Weight | 196g | 196g |
Colors | Sunrise Orange Midnight Grey Twilight Blue | Mint Green Pepper Grey |
Body | TBA | TBA |
Battery | 5,000mAh | 5,000mAh battery 10W fastcharger |
Price | RM429 (~Php2900) | RM429 (~Php2900) |
Design and Build Quality
Both the Redmi 9C and Realme C11 have a pretty similar design. They have similar sizes, since they come with 6.53-inch screens. Plus, they use a dewdrop notch on the top of the screen, and an identical square camera glass on the back.
Although, the distinct vertical line on the back of the Realme C11 is more distinct than the plain back panel of the Redmi 9C. But there’s no denying that the vibrant orange that the 9C has is really eye-catching.
Other than Orange, the Redmi 9C is also available in Black and Blue. On the other hand, the Realme C11 is available in Mint Green and Pepper Grey. We’re starting to notice that Realme is only releasing two colors of their devices per market. These two are headed to Malaysia. Hopefully, we get to see new flavors once it hits other countries, especially here in the Philippines.
Display
Their similarities continues on their displays. Both devices come with 6.5-inch screens, with the Redmi 9C only marginally bigger at 6.53-inches.
They both come with dewdrop notches on the top. For a handset at this price, we really can’t expect punch-holes to keep the bezels smaller. Also, the glass used on top of the screen was not mentioned, and we don’t expect them to be as sturdy as most Gorilla Glasses around. On the upside, they should come with pre-applied screen protectors out of the box.
Processor
If performance is top priority, well, you can’t go wrong with these two. As stated earlier, both handsets are the first to use the latest MediaTek Helio G35 octa-core processor clocked at 2.3GHz, with PowerVR GE8320 GPU. They also share the same 2GB of RAM and 32GB of storage, no other configurations were mentioned as of now.
The real-world performance of this latest processor is yet to be determined. But as per the C11’s webpage, Realme claims it got a score of 109,054 in AnTuTu and compared it to other entry-level devices that only pulled a core of 91,300.
Since they also share the same RAM, storage, and screen resolution, we expect similar performance out of these devices. Hopefully, their respective interfaces wouldn’t make any difference.
Cameras
We might finally have figure out which is the winner between the Realme 9C and Realme C11. As you can see, Xiaomi was able to add a 5-megapixel macro camera on the 9C. It also has a brighter f/1.8 lens for the 13-megapixel main camera.
Meanwhile, the C11 shares the same 13-megapixel main camera, 2-megapixel depth sensor, and a 5-megapixel selfie camera.
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Battery
The Redmi 9C and Realme C11 have the same 5,000mAh batteries. Considering their low-resolution screens and possibly efficient processors, you can easily get two days of charge with light to moderate usage.
Xiaomi didn’t mention what charger they’d be including with the 9C. But we expect it to be at 10W too, just like what the Realme C11 has. If not, then they just handed the win for this round to the competition.
Others
Being entry-level smartphones, you really can’t expect any fancy extra features out of these devices.
However, the Redmi 9C has a few things that the Realme C11 lacks. The most notable one is the rear-mounted fingerprint scanner. A rare sight on entry-level smartphones in general, but the 9C was able to have it. It also comes with an infrared blaster, a common addition to almost all Xiaomi smartphones.
Conclusion
As you see in the table above, both devices share the same price tag of RM429 in Malaysia, the only confirmed market to get both devices as of writing. When directly converted to Philippine pesos, that’ll be about Php2,900. That conversion doesn’t come with importation costs and taxes yet, so it could be a little higher if ever they come here.
For the same price, you’d be getting more benefits out of the Redmi 9C. It has a brighter aperture for the main camera, has a 5-megapixel macro shooter, a rear-mounted fingerprint scanner, and an infrared blaster. These are the features that you won’t be getting on the Realme C11.
Thanks this page really helped me alot on decuding esp. When youre on a budget thanks alot I will be back in this site to find out more
Ganda pa ng kulay ng Redmi 9C yung orange, killer. Ang dull and boring nung sa realme hehehe