Xiaomi Redmi 9C vs Motorola ThinkPhone - Detailed Phone Comparison

Detailed Comparison

Specification

General

Launch Date August 12, 2020 January 29, 2023
Release Year 2020 2023

Physical

Volume 114.28 cm³ 98.06 cm³
Screen Size to Weight Ratio 3.33 "/g 3.5 "/g
Weight 196 g 188.5 g
Height 164.9 mm 158.8 mm
Width 77 mm 74.4 mm
Thickness 9 mm 8.3 mm
Foldable Design No No
Available Colors
  • Midnight Gray
  • Sunrise Orange
  • Twilight Blue
  • Carbon Black

Display

Screen Size 6.53 " 6.6 "
Resolution 720 x 1600 1080 x 2400
Aspect Ratio 20:9 20:9
Screen-to-Body Ratio 81.1 % 89 %
Pixel Density 269 PPI 399 PPI
Refresh Rate N/A 144 Hz
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 114.78 mAh/in²
Battery Density 43.75 mAh/cm³ 50.99 mAh/cm³
Battery Capacity 5000 mAh 5000 mAh
NFC Support No Yes
Chipset Mediatek MT6765G Helio G35 (12 nm) Qualcomm SM8475 Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 (4 nm)
CPU Octa-core (4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53) Octa-core (1x3.19 GHz Cortex-X2 & 3x2.75 GHz Cortex-A710 & 4x1.80 GHz Cortex-A510)
GPU PowerVR GE8320 Adreno 730

Connectivity

USB Version 2.0 3.1
OTG Support 1 1
DisplayPort
DisplayPort Version N/A N/A
USB Features microUSB 2.0, OTG USB Type-C 3.1, OTG

Software

Operating System Android Android
Initial OS Version 10 13
Maximum OS Version

Comparison Summary

Smartphone Comparison: Xiaomi Redmi 9C vs. Motorola ThinkPhone

1. Specifications Comparison

FeatureXiaomi Redmi 9CMotorola ThinkPhonePractical Impact
Design
Dimensions164.9 x 77 x 9 mm158.8 x 74.4 x 8.3 mmThinkPhone is more compact and pocketable. Redmi 9C might feel bulkier.
Weight196g188.5gThinkPhone is slightly lighter, which can be noticeable during extended use.
FoldableStandardStandardBoth are standard smartphones.
Display
Size6.53"6.6"Negligible difference in size.
Resolution720x16001080x2400ThinkPhone's display is significantly sharper, resulting in crisper images and text.
Pixel Density (PPI)269399ThinkPhone's higher PPI means finer details are more visible, leading to a better viewing experience.
TechnologyIPS LCDP-OLEDThinkPhone offers richer colors, deeper blacks, and better contrast compared to the Redmi 9C.
Refresh Rate60Hz144HzThinkPhone provides dramatically smoother scrolling, animations, and gaming experience.
Brightness0 nits1200 nitsThinkPhone offers dramatically better outdoor visibility
Performance
ChipsetMediatek MT6765G Helio G35 (12 nm)Qualcomm SM8475 Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 (4 nm)ThinkPhone offers significantly faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and better gaming performance. Redmi 9C will struggle with demanding tasks.
AnTuTu Score110,4901,232,700ThinkPhone is vastly more powerful and future-proof.
GPUPowerVR GE8320Adreno 730ThinkPhone delivers far superior graphics performance for gaming and other visually intensive applications.
RAM2/3/4 GB8 GBThinkPhone can handle many more apps running in the background without slowdowns. Redmi 9C might experience lag with multiple apps open.
Camera
Main Camera13MP, f/2.250MP, f/1.8, 1/1.55" sensorThinkPhone captures much more detailed photos, especially in low light, due to the larger sensor and wider aperture.
Selfie Camera5MP, f/2.232MP, f/2.45ThinkPhone takes significantly sharper and more detailed selfies.
Macro Lens2MPNoRedmi 9C can take close-up shots of small objects.
Wide Angle + MacroNo13MP, f/2.4ThinkPhone can take both Wide Angle and Macro shots
Video Recording1080p@30fps8K@30fps, 4K@60fps, 1080p@960fpsThinkPhone can record much higher quality videos with more advanced features like HDR and EIS.
Battery
Capacity5000mAh5000mAhSimilar battery life under normal usage.
Charging10W68W wired, 15W wirelessThinkPhone charges much faster, significantly reducing downtime. Wireless charging adds convenience.
Storage
Internal32/64/128 GB256 GBThinkPhone offers more storage for apps, photos, and videos.
ExpandableNoNoNeither phone supports expandable storage.
Connectivity
Wi-Fi802.11b/g/n802.11a/b/g/n/ac/ax (Wi-Fi 6)ThinkPhone supports faster and more reliable Wi-Fi connections.
Bluetooth5.05.2ThinkPhone has a slightly newer Bluetooth version.
GPSGPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, BeidouGPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, SUPL, GalileoThinkPhone offers better location accuracy.
Software
OSAndroid 10Android 13ThinkPhone has a more modern operating system with the latest features and security updates.
Audio
QualityBasic audioDolby Atmos, Stereo SpeakersThinkPhone delivers a more immersive and higher-quality audio experience.
Security
FeaturesRear fingerprintBasic FingerprintBoth phones have similar fingerprint sensor technology
Build Quality
Screen ProtectionUnknownCorning Gorilla Glass VictusThinkPhone's screen is significantly more resistant to scratches and damage.
Other
SensorsAccelerometer, Magnetometer, Ultrasonic proximity virtualAccelerometer, Gyroscope, ProximityThinkPhone includes a gyroscope, which is important for some apps and games.

2. Key Differences Analysis

Xiaomi Redmi 9C Advantages:

  • Macro Lens: Dedicated macro lens for close-up photography.
    • Practical implication: Allows users to capture detailed images of small objects, which can be useful for hobbies, documenting details, or simply exploring the world up close.
  • Ultrasonic proximity virtual: Provides good motion and proximity features

Motorola ThinkPhone Advantages:

  • Significantly faster performance: Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 chipset provides a much smoother user experience for demanding tasks.
    • Practical implication: Apps launch faster, multitasking is smoother, and gaming is significantly improved.
  • Superior display quality: Higher resolution, pixel density, and OLED technology result in a sharper, more vibrant, and more enjoyable viewing experience.
    • Practical implication: Better for watching videos, browsing photos, and reading text.
  • Much better camera system: Higher resolution sensors, wider aperture lenses, and advanced video recording capabilities produce significantly better image and video quality.
    • Practical implication: Captures clearer, more detailed photos and videos in various lighting conditions.
  • Faster charging and wireless charging: 68W wired and 15W wireless charging greatly reduce charging time and offer added convenience.
    • Practical implication: Less time spent waiting for the phone to charge.
  • Better build quality and screen protection: Corning Gorilla Glass Victus provides superior protection against scratches and drops.
    • Practical implication: Increased durability and peace of mind.
  • Modern software: Comes with a newer version of Android, providing access to the latest features, security updates, and a more refined user interface.
    • Practical implication: A more secure and up-to-date experience.
  • Enhanced Audio: Dolby Atmos and Stereo Speakers deliver a more immersive and higher-quality audio experience

Trade-offs:

  • The Motorola ThinkPhone is likely significantly more expensive than the Xiaomi Redmi 9C.
  • Xiaomi Redmi 9C offers macro lens while the Motorola ThinkPhone does not.

3. User Profiles & Recommendations

Xiaomi Redmi 9C:

  • Ideal User: Budget-conscious users who need a basic smartphone for everyday tasks like calling, texting, and light social media use.
  • Use Cases:
    • First smartphone for children or elderly individuals.
    • Backup phone for emergencies.
    • Users who prioritize affordability above all else.
  • Price-to-Value: Offers decent value for its ultra-low price point.

Motorola ThinkPhone:

  • Ideal User: Professionals, power users, and anyone who demands top-tier performance, a great camera, and a premium experience.
  • Use Cases:
    • Mobile photography and videography.
    • Gaming and other demanding applications.
    • Business use, where reliability and security are paramount.
    • Users who want the best possible smartphone experience.
  • Price-to-Value: Justifies its higher price with its superior performance, features, and build quality.

4. Decision Framework

Key Questions for Buyers:

  1. What is your budget? The price difference between these two phones is likely substantial.
  2. What are your primary uses for the phone? Are you primarily using it for basic communication, or do you need it for demanding tasks like gaming, photography, or work?
  3. How important is screen quality and performance? If you value a smooth, responsive experience with a vibrant display, the ThinkPhone is the clear choice.

Scenario-Based Recommendations:

  • Scenario 1: Tight Budget: If your budget is very limited, the Xiaomi Redmi 9C is a functional option for basic tasks.
  • Scenario 2: Balanced Needs: If you want a good balance of performance and features without breaking the bank, you should consider other options, as this comparison is between a budget phone and a high end phone.
  • Scenario 3: Performance and Features Matter Most: If you are willing to pay more for the best possible performance, camera, display, and features, the Motorola ThinkPhone is the better choice.

My Choice

If I were making the decision, I would choose the Motorola ThinkPhone. While it's undoubtedly more expensive, the advantages in performance, display quality, camera capabilities, and overall user experience are significant and worth the investment. As someone who relies on their smartphone for both personal and professional tasks, including photography, communication, and occasional gaming, the ThinkPhone's superior capabilities would provide a much more satisfying and productive experience. The faster charging and better build quality are also important considerations for long-term use.

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
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Bridging technical complexity with engaging, accessible narratives.