Realme C11 vs. Xiaomi Redmi 9A: Specs Comparison

Realme and Xiaomi’s Redmi have always been neck and neck in the entry-level and mid-range categories. Both companies offer bang-for-your-buck smartphones focused on key specs and good performance. For today we’ll be looking at their latest releases, the realme C11, and Redmi 9A, to see which sub-PHP 5K smartphone is worth your money.

Summary of advantages:

realme C11:

• Faster MediaTek Helio G35 chipset
• Addition of portrait camera
• Longer battery life

Redmi 9A:

• Lower price
• Higher MicroSD Card support

Display

The realme C11 features a 6.5-inch HD+ display, while the Redmi 9A comes with a slightly larger 6.53-inch HD+ display. They both use IPS panels and house the selfie camera in a dewdrop notch at the top-center of the display.

Chipset

A significant difference between the two devices is in the chipset. The realme C11 sports a MediaTek Helio G35 chipset, which is 300MHz faster than the Helio G25 chipset found on the Redmi 9A. The integrated IMG PowerVR GE8320 GPU also operates at 30MHz higher on the Helio G35.

RAM

Both devices come with 2GB of RAM, which is enough to run most apps. However, both devices will struggle when multitasking or running multiple apps at the same time.

Storage

While both devices come with 32GB of storage, the Redmi 9A can be expanded by up to 512GB via MicroSD card, while the realme C11 is only compatible with MicroSD cards up to 256GB.

Cameras

While both devices are equipped with a 13MP primary camera, the realme C11 has the advantage of having a secondary 2MP portrait lens. Their selfie cameras also have the same pixel count of 5MP.

Check out the sample photos from our realme C11 and Redmi 9A review so you can decide which phone produces better pictures.

Connectivity

As for connectivity, both devices can connect via 4G, WiFi 802.11 n, Bluetooth 5.0, and several GPS tracking. They also support the same ports, including a Micro USB for charging and data passthrough and a 3.5mm audio jack. Unfortunately, both devices lack a physical fingerprint scanner. Hence users are forced to use PINs, or the less secure face unlock.

OS

Both devices are pre-installed with Android 10 out of the box, with their own skins on top: Realme UI for the C11 and MIUI 12 for the 9A. Running on the latest Android version, there should be little to no compatibility issues with apps.

Battery

Powering both devices is a 5,000mAh battery with 10W charging support. While the capacity is the same, the actual battery life differs. In our video loop test, the realme C11 managed to last 25 hours and 31 minutes, while the Redmi 9A lasted 21 hours and 2 minutes.

Price

The prices of the newly launched devices are as follows:

• realme C11 (2GB+32GB) – PHP 4,990USD 85INR 7,209EUR 81CNY 619
• Redmi 9A (2GB+32GB) – PHP 4,590USD 78INR 6,631EUR 74CNY 570

Which should you get?

The realme C11 and Redmi 9A are both great contenders for the sub-PHP 5K category. Both devices now come with octa-core processors and decent cameras, which is rare in this price segment.

The realme C11, for PHP 400USD 7INR 578EUR 6CNY 50 more, does have tangible advantages over the Redmi 9A. It features a better chipset, a portrait camera that allows for more versatility in photography, and can last almost 4 hours and 30 minutes more.

That being said, those shopping in this price segment may not have the extra PHP 400USD 7INR 578EUR 6CNY 50 to spare. Thankfully, the Redmi 9A isn’t a bad purchase either, as it can provide its users a complete Android experience.