1. Specifications Comparison
Design
| Feature | Xiaomi Redmi 9C | Motorola Moto G04s | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 164.9 × 77 × 9 mm | 163.5 × 74.5 × 8 mm | Redmi 9C is slightly larger and thicker, potentially less comfortable for one-handed use. |
| Weight | 196g | 178.8g | Moto G04s is lighter, making it more comfortable to hold for extended periods. |
| Build | Not specified | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | Moto G04s offers better screen protection against scratches and minor impacts. |
| Fingerprint Sensor | Rear-mounted | Side-mounted | Side-mounted sensors are often considered more convenient, especially when picking up the phone. |
Display
| Feature | Xiaomi Redmi 9C | Motorola Moto G04s | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 6.53" | 6.56" | Negligible difference in screen size. |
| Resolution | 720x1600 | 720x1612 | Similar sharpness; adequate for basic use but not ideal for detailed viewing. |
| PPI | 269 | 269 | Identical pixel density means similar visual clarity. |
| Technology | IPS LCD | IPS LCD | Similar color reproduction and viewing angles. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 90Hz | Moto G04s offers smoother scrolling and animations, resulting in a slightly more fluid user experience. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Brightness not specified. |
Performance
| Feature | Xiaomi Redmi 9C | Motorola Moto G04s | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6765G Helio G35 (12 nm) | Unisoc T606 (12 nm) | Moto G04s has a significantly faster processor, leading to smoother app performance and multitasking. |
| AnTuTu Score | 110,490 | 220,000 | Almost double the performance in benchmarks. Expect faster app loading and better gaming on the Moto G04s. |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | Mali-G57 MP1 | The Mali-G57 MP1 in the Moto G04s offers better graphics performance. |
| RAM | 2/3/4 GB | 4 GB | Moto G04s with 4GB RAM will handle multitasking better, reducing app reloads. |
Camera
| Feature | Xiaomi Redmi 9C | Motorola Moto G04s | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main Camera | 13MP, f/2.2 | 50MP, f/1.8 | Moto G04s captures significantly more detailed photos, especially in good lighting. Wider aperture allows for better low-light performance. |
| Selfie Camera | 5MP, f/2.2 | 5MP, f/2.2 | Similar selfie performance. |
| Portrait Mode | 2MP depth sensor | None | Redmi 9C can take portrait mode shots with background blur, but quality may be limited. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP | None | Redmi 9C can take close-up macro shots, but quality may be limited. |
| Video Recording | 1080p@30fps, No stabilization | 1080p@30fps, Yes stabilization | Moto G04s records more stable videos, reducing shakiness. |
| Slow Motion | 30 fps | 120 fps | Motorola G04s can record higher frame rate for better slow-motion videos. |
Battery
| Feature | Xiaomi Redmi 9C | Motorola Moto G04s | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Similar battery life; expect all-day usage with moderate use. |
| Charging | 10W | 15W | Moto G04s charges faster, reducing downtime. |
| Battery Type | Li-Ion | Li-Polymer | Li-Polymer batteries generally have a longer lifespan and are safer. |
Software and Connectivity
| Feature | Xiaomi Redmi 9C | Motorola Moto G04s | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| OS | Android 10 | Android 14 | Moto G04s has a much newer OS version, with better security, features, and potential for updates. |
| WiFi | 802.11b/g/n | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac | Moto G04s supports faster and more reliable WiFi connections on compatible networks. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 LE | 5.0 LE | Similar Bluetooth performance. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, SUPL, Galileo | Moto G04s should have slightly better location accuracy. |
| Storage | 32/64/128 GB | 64/128/256 GB | Motorola has more storage capacity (256GB vs 128GB). |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone supports expandable storage. |
Audio
| Feature | Xiaomi Redmi 9C | Motorola Moto G04s | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Audio Quality | Basic | Dolby Atmos | Motorola's Dolby Atmos will enhance the audio. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Xiaomi Redmi 9C Advantages:
- Portrait Mode: The dedicated depth sensor allows for portrait mode photos.
- Macro Lens: Dedicated macro lens is available for capturing close-up shots
Motorola Moto G04s Advantages:
- Significantly Faster Performance: The Unisoc T606 chipset provides a much smoother user experience compared to the Helio G35.
- Better Camera Quality: The 50MP main camera captures more detail and performs better in low light.
- Smoother Display: 90Hz refresh rate offers a more fluid visual experience.
- Newer Operating System: Android 14 provides the latest features, security updates, and improved privacy controls.
- Faster Charging: 15W charging is faster than the Redmi 9C's 10W.
- Better Build: Features Corning Gorilla Glass 3 Screen Protection
Trade-offs:
- The Redmi 9C has a portrait mode while the Moto G04s does not.
- The Redmi 9C has a macro lens while the Moto G04s does not.
- The Motorola Moto G04s is more expensive.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Xiaomi Redmi 9C:
- Ideal User: Users with very basic smartphone needs, such as calling, texting, and occasional social media use, who are extremely price-sensitive.
- Use Cases: Emergency phone, secondary phone for travel, phone for young children with limited access.
Motorola Moto G04s:
- Ideal User: Users who want a responsive and modern smartphone experience on a budget, with a good camera for everyday photos and smooth performance for basic apps and gaming.
- Use Cases: Daily driver for students or budget-conscious individuals, social media enthusiasts, casual gamers, users who value a smooth and up-to-date software experience.
4. Decision Framework
Consider these questions before making a decision:
- How important is performance? If you need a phone for more than just basic tasks, the Moto G04s is the better choice.
- How important is the Camera? If you want the best camera go with Motorola Moto G04s.
- What is your budget? If you have a very tight budget, Redmi 9C is the only option.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Basic user, extremely tight budget: Choose the Xiaomi Redmi 9C.
- Scenario 2: Want a modern and smooth experience, with good camera at a budget price: Choose the Motorola Moto G04s.
Which one would I choose?
I would choose the Motorola Moto G04s. The significant performance boost, better camera, smoother display, and newer operating system make it a much more enjoyable and capable device for daily use. While the Redmi 9C is cheaper, the compromises in performance and features are too significant for me, the Moto G04s offers much better value for money and is well worth the extra cost. I would want the phone to last longer so i would buy the phone with the newer OS.
