Xiaomi Redmi 9C vs Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G - Detailed Phone Comparison

Detailed Comparison

Specification

General

Launch Date August 12, 2020 June 14, 2021
Release Year 2020 2021

Physical

Volume 114.28 cm³ 123.48 cm³
Screen Size to Weight Ratio 3.33 "/g 3.13 "/g
Weight 196 g 217.5 g
Height 164.9 mm 169.5 mm
Width 77 mm 77.5 mm
Thickness 9 mm 9.4 mm
Foldable Design No No
Available Colors
  • Midnight Gray
  • Sunrise Orange
  • Twilight Blue
  • Cosmic Emerald

Display

Screen Size 6.53 " 6.8 "
Resolution 720 x 1600 1080 x 2400
Aspect Ratio 20:9 20:9
Screen-to-Body Ratio 81.1 % 85 %
Pixel Density 269 PPI 387 PPI
Refresh Rate N/A N/A
Typical Brightness 400 nits N/A
HBM Brightness N/A N/A
Peak Brightness N/A N/A

Hardware

Battery Capacity per Screen Area 117.26 mAh/in² 108.13 mAh/in²
Battery Density 43.75 mAh/cm³ 40.49 mAh/cm³
Battery Capacity 5000 mAh 5000 mAh
NFC Support No No
Chipset Mediatek MT6765G Helio G35 (12 nm) Qualcomm SM4350 Snapdragon 480 5G (8 nm)
CPU Octa-core (4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53) Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Kryo 460 & 6x1.8 GHz Kryo 460)
GPU PowerVR GE8320 Adreno 619

Connectivity

USB Version 2.0 2.0
OTG Support 1
DisplayPort
DisplayPort Version N/A N/A
USB Features microUSB 2.0, OTG USB Type-C 2.0

Software

Operating System Android Android
Initial OS Version 10 11
Maximum OS Version 12

Comparison Summary

1. Specifications Comparison

Here's a detailed comparison of the Xiaomi Redmi 9C and Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G, focusing on practical implications:

FeatureXiaomi Redmi 9CMotorola Moto G Stylus 5GPractical Impact
Design
Dimensions164.9 x 77 x 9 mm169.5 x 77.5 x 9.4 mmRedmi 9C is slightly more compact, potentially easier to handle for some. Moto G Stylus 5G is slightly larger and thicker.
Weight196g217.5gRedmi 9C is noticeably lighter, making it more comfortable for extended use, especially one-handed.
Display
Size6.53"6.8"Moto G Stylus 5G offers a slightly larger viewing area, better for media consumption and multitasking.
Resolution720x16001080x2400Moto G Stylus 5G provides a significantly sharper and more detailed image, resulting in a better viewing experience.
PPI269387Higher pixel density on Moto G Stylus 5G means text and images will appear much crisper.
TechnologyIPS LCDIPS LCDBoth offer similar color reproduction and viewing angles.
Refresh Rate60Hz60HzStandard smoothness for everyday tasks on both phones.
Brightness0 nits0 nitsBoth phones' peak brightnesses are unknown, making outdoor visibility difficult to assess.
Performance
ChipsetMediatek MT6765G Helio G35 (12 nm)Qualcomm SM4350 Snapdragon 480 5G (8 nm)Moto G Stylus 5G's Snapdragon chipset offers significantly better performance for gaming, multitasking, and demanding apps. It is also more power-efficient.
AnTuTu Score110,490171,000Moto G Stylus 5G will feel much snappier and responsive in day-to-day use.
GPUPowerVR GE8320Adreno 619Moto G Stylus 5G offers superior graphics performance, leading to smoother gameplay and faster image processing.
RAM2/3/4 GB4 GBMoto G Stylus 5G comes with at least 4GB RAM, enabling smoother multitasking and app switching.
Camera
Main Camera13MP, f/2.248MP, f/1.7Moto G Stylus 5G's higher resolution and wider aperture should result in significantly better image quality, especially in low light.
Selfie Camera5MP, f/2.220MP, f/2.0Moto G Stylus 5G will capture much more detailed and brighter selfies.
Wide Angle LensN/A16MP, f/2.2Moto G Stylus 5G offers a wider field of view for capturing landscapes and group photos.
Macro Lens2MP, f/2.42MP, f/2.2Moto G Stylus 5G has a slightly wider aperture, potentially capturing brighter macro shots.
ToF 3D sensorN/AYesMoto G Stylus 5G provides depth information for potentially better portrait mode.
Video Recording1080p@30fps1080p@30/60fpsMoto G Stylus 5G has the ability to record videos at 60fps, giving a much smoother recording.
Battery
Capacity5000mAh4000mAhRedmi 9C has a larger battery, potentially offering longer battery life. However, the less efficient chipset might offset this advantage.
Charging10W10WSlow charging speeds on both phones.
Software
OSAndroid 10Android 11 (upgradeable to 12)Moto G Stylus 5G has a more up-to-date operating system, with potentially longer software support.
Connectivity
Wi-Fi802.11b/g/n802.11a/b/g/n/acMoto G Stylus 5G supports faster and more reliable Wi-Fi standards (802.11ac), as well as Dual-band and Wi-Fi Display.
5GNoYesMoto G Stylus 5G has access to faster mobile data.
Storage
Internal32/64/128 GB128 GBMoto G Stylus 5G only comes in one variant - 128GB.
Expandable StorageNoNoNo expandable storage.

2. Key Differences Analysis

Xiaomi Redmi 9C Advantages:

  • Potentially Longer Battery Life: The larger 5000mAh battery might provide longer usage between charges, though this is dependent on optimization.
  • Lighter Weight: Easier to handle and carry for extended periods.

Practical Implications: Ideal for users prioritizing absolute battery longevity above all else, or those who prefer a lighter device.

Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G Advantages:

  • Significantly Better Performance: The Snapdragon 480 5G chipset offers a much smoother and more responsive experience.
  • Superior Display: Higher resolution and PPI result in a sharper, more detailed viewing experience.
  • Better Camera System: Higher resolution sensors, wider aperture lenses, and additional features like an ultrawide lens lead to superior image and video quality.
  • 5G Connectivity: Access to faster mobile data speeds.
  • Stylus: Adds input and productivity capabilities.
  • Gyroscope: Gives access to better gaming experiences.

Practical Implications: A better all-around experience for users who value performance, display quality, and camera capabilities. The stylus adds a unique dimension for note-taking, sketching, and general productivity.

Trade-offs:

  • Moto G Stylus 5G is slightly heavier and might have shorter battery life depending on usage patterns.

3. User Profiles & Recommendations

Xiaomi Redmi 9C Ideal User:

  • Users on a very strict budget where every dollar counts.
  • Individuals who prioritize a lighter phone and potentially longer battery life over all other features.
  • Those with very basic smartphone needs (calling, texting, light browsing).

Use Cases:

  • Basic communication device for elderly users.
  • Emergency backup phone.

Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G Ideal User:

  • Users who want a well-rounded smartphone experience with good performance, a decent display, and a versatile camera system.
  • Individuals who value the added functionality of a stylus for note-taking, drawing, or general productivity.
  • Users who want access to 5G connectivity.

Use Cases:

  • Students taking notes in class.
  • Creative professionals sketching on the go.
  • Anyone who wants a smooth and responsive smartphone experience for everyday tasks and entertainment.

4. Decision Framework

Here are three key questions to guide your decision:

  1. What is my budget? The Redmi 9C is likely the more affordable option. If budget is the absolute primary concern, it might be the only choice.
  2. How important is performance and camera quality? If you value a smooth and responsive experience and want to take good photos and videos, the Moto G Stylus 5G is the clear winner.
  3. Do I need 5G connectivity or a stylus? If yes, the Moto G Stylus 5G is the only option.

Scenario-Based Recommendations:

  • Scenario 1: Extreme Budget Constraint: Choose the Xiaomi Redmi 9C.
  • Scenario 2: Balanced Performance and Features: Choose the Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G.
  • Scenario 3: Need for Stylus Functionality: Choose the Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G.

Personal Choice

If I were choosing between these two phones, I would pick the Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G.

Reasons:

  • Performance: The Snapdragon 480 5G offers a significantly smoother and more enjoyable user experience compared to the Redmi 9C's Helio G35. This is crucial for multitasking, gaming, and general responsiveness.
  • Display Quality: The higher resolution display on the Moto G Stylus 5G makes a noticeable difference in clarity and detail, enhancing media consumption and everyday use.
  • Camera Capabilities: The vastly superior camera system on the Moto G Stylus 5G allows for much better photos and videos in various lighting conditions. The addition of an ultrawide lens adds versatility.
  • 5G Connectivity: Having access to 5G is a definite plus, especially as networks continue to expand.
  • Stylus: While I might not use it every day, the stylus offers a unique level of precision and control for certain tasks, like note-taking and sketching.

While the Redmi 9C might offer slightly better battery life, the overall advantages of the Moto G Stylus 5G in performance, display, camera, and features far outweigh this potential benefit. The Moto G Stylus 5G provides a much more well-rounded and enjoyable smartphone experience.

Emily Harper
Emily Harper

Technology Insights Specialist

Dedicated technology writer specializing in mobile device analysis and technology communication. Expert at translating complex smartphone features into clear, actionable insights for diverse audiences.

Key Strengths:

  • Mobile technology analysis
  • Digital media communication
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Bridging technical complexity with engaging, accessible narratives.