1. Specifications Comparison
Feature | Xiaomi Redmi Note 9T | Realme C35 | Practical Impact |
---|---|---|---|
Design | |||
Dimensions | 161.2 × 77.3 × 9.1 mm | 164.4 × 75.6 × 8.1 mm | Realme C35 is slightly taller and thinner, while Redmi Note 9T is wider and thicker. The Realme C35 might feel more comfortable for one-handed use for some. The Xiaomi has a larger overall volume. |
Weight | 199g | 189g | Realme C35 is lighter, potentially more comfortable for long usage periods. 10g difference is noticeable for some users. |
Display | |||
Size | 6.53" | 6.6" | Negligible difference in screen size, both are large enough for media consumption. |
Resolution | 1080x2340 | 1080x2408 | Very similar sharpness, no practical difference in clarity for most users. |
PPI | 395 | 401 | Virtually identical pixel density; both screens will appear sharp. |
Technology | IPS LCD | IPS LCD | Similar color reproduction and viewing angles. |
Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 60Hz | Both have standard refresh rate. No difference in smoothness. |
Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Both phones have identical peak brightness at 0 nits, which is very concerning. It might be a mistake in provided specifications. |
Performance | |||
Chipset | Mediatek Dimensity 800U (7 nm) | Unisoc Tiger T616 (12 nm) | Dimensity 800U is significantly more powerful, leading to faster app loading, smoother multitasking and better gaming performance. |
AnTuTu Score | 343,150 | 230,726 | Redmi Note 9T has much better performance in benchmarks, indicating a smoother overall experience for the majority of users. |
GPU | Mali-G57 MC3 | Mali-G57 MP1 | The Redmi Note 9T's GPU is superior. This is crucial for gaming and graphics-intensive apps. |
Camera | |||
Standard Camera | 48MP f/1.79 | 50MP f/1.8 | The Realme C35 has slightly higher resolution sensor, but the Redmi Note 9T's wider aperture may result in better low-light performance. |
Selfie Camera | 13MP f/2.25 | 8MP f/2.0 | Redmi Note 9T offers a higher resolution selfie camera, while the Realme C35's wider aperture could result in slightly better low light photos. |
Portrait Camera | 2MP f/2.4 | None | Redmi Note 9T can capture depth information for portrait mode photos. |
Macro Camera | 2MP f/2.4 | 2MP f/2.4 | Both have similar macro cameras for close up shots. |
Black and White Camera | None | 2MP f/2.8 | The Realme C35 offers a dedicated black and white camera. |
Video Recording | 4K@30fps, 1080p@60fps | 1080p@30fps | Redmi Note 9T can record higher resolution 4k video and 60fps at 1080p. |
Battery | |||
Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Similar battery capacity, providing comparable all-day usage. |
Charging | 18W fast charging | 18W fast charging | Same charging speeds for both phones. |
Charger | 22.5W charger inbox | No charger mentioned | Redmi Note 9T has a faster charger in the box, enabling slightly faster charging times with the correct charger. |
Software | |||
OS | Android 10 | Android 11 | Realme C35 comes with a more recent Android version. |
Connectivity | |||
WiFi | 802.11ac | 802.11ac | Both support modern Wi-Fi standards. Redmi has additional capabilities of dual band, Wi-Fi direct and Wi-Fi display. |
Bluetooth | 5.1 | 5.0 | Xiaomi Redmi Note 9T has a newer version with LDAC and AAC, offering better audio codecs. |
GPS | GPS, A-GPS, Galileo, GLONASS (L1) | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou | Similar location tracking capabilities. |
Storage | |||
Internal | 64 GB or 128 GB | 64 GB or 128 GB | Same storage options. |
RAM | 4 GB | 4 GB | Adequate RAM for basic use, but may struggle with heavier multitasking. |
Expandable | No | No | Neither phone supports microSD card expansion. |
Audio | |||
Quality | Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | Basic audio | Redmi Note 9T offers enhanced audio with Hi-Res support and stereo speakers for a better media experience. |
Security | |||
Features | side-mounted fingerprint | side-mounted fingerprint | Both phones offer a side mounted fingerprint for basic biometrics. |
Build Quality | |||
Screen Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | Unknown | Redmi Note 9T has a tougher screen with Gorilla Glass 5. |
Sensors | |||
Sensors | Fingerprint, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Ultrasonic Proximity Sensor | Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Proximity Sensor | Redmi Note 9T has more proximity sensors and also fingerprint. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Xiaomi Redmi Note 9T Advantages:
- Significantly Superior Performance: The Dimensity 800U chipset provides much better performance than the Unisoc T616. This translates to faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and better gaming.
- Enhanced Audio Experience: Stereo speakers and Hi-Res audio support offer superior sound quality for media consumption.
- Better Screen Protection: The Redmi Note 9T's screen is protected by Corning Gorilla Glass 5, providing better resistance to scratches and drops.
- Superior Video Recording: Supports 4K video recording and 60fps at 1080p which is a big advantage for anyone who values video quality.
- Better Bluetooth: Newer bluetooth version with superior audio codecs
- More Sensors: Additional sensor of the Fingerprint and ultrasonic proximity sensor.
- Faster Charger: Comes with a 22.5W charger in the box.
Realme C35 Advantages:
- Slightly More Recent Android Version: Comes with Android 11 out of the box. This will get more updates and features than Android 10 that the Redmi Note 9T has.
- Slightly Better Selfie Camera Aperture: The slightly wider aperture on the front camera could result in better low-light photos.
- Dedicated Black and White Camera: Can capture black and white images with its dedicated sensor.
- Slightly Lighter: 10g lighter makes it more comfortable for longer use for some users.
- Newer Launch Date: Launched almost a year later, which might mean more software support for longer.
Trade-offs:
- Performance vs. OS: The Redmi Note 9T offers significantly superior performance but ships with an older Android version. The Realme C35 has a newer Android version but with far less powerful performance.
- Screen Protection vs. Lower Performance: The Xiaomi Redmi Note 9T has a much tougher screen protection but a lower launch date.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Xiaomi Redmi Note 9T is ideal for:
- Performance-Conscious Users: Users who value smooth performance for gaming, multitasking, and everyday use.
- Multimedia Enthusiasts: Users who want a good audio experience with stereo speakers and Hi-Res support, and those who capture high-quality video.
- Users Looking for Durability: Those who want their device to withstand more wear and tear thanks to the Gorilla Glass 5 screen protection.
- Users who care about speed: 22.5W in the box means faster charging speeds.
Specific Use Cases for Redmi Note 9T:
- Gaming on the go.
- Watching movies or listening to music with good audio.
- Heavy multitasking.
- Capturing video for vlogging.
Realme C35 is ideal for:
- Budget-Conscious Users: Users who prioritize a lower price and are willing to make some performance compromises.
- Users Who Prefer a Newer OS: Those who prefer a more recent version of Android out of the box with potentially longer software support.
- Casual Photographers: Users who want a decent camera for everyday use, and a dedicated B&W sensor for those types of shots.
- Users who prefer a lighter device.
Specific Use Cases for Realme C35:
- Everyday use like browsing, social media, and calling.
- Casual photography.
- Users who prioritize a simple and easy to use experience.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- How important is performance to you? (Gaming, heavy multitasking vs basic use)
- How important is display protection? (Do you need a screen that is tough or will you use a screen protector anyway?)
- Do you prefer a newer OS version or a better camera performance?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Heavy user/Gamer: Choose the Xiaomi Redmi Note 9T for its much better performance and better audio and video capabilities, even if it means slightly older OS and no B&W camera.
- Scenario 2: Budget User/Casual Photographer: Choose the Realme C35 if budget is your main constraint and you prefer a more recent Android version and better selfie camera aperture at the cost of performance.
- Scenario 3: Average User: If you want a good all round device with good video and audio, and better protection, choose the Xiaomi Redmi Note 9T.
What I would choose and why
I would choose the Xiaomi Redmi Note 9T.
Here's why:
The performance difference between the two phones is significant, and for me, a smoother, faster user experience is paramount. The Dimensity 800U chipset in the Redmi Note 9T provides a substantial advantage in day-to-day tasks, gaming, and overall responsiveness. The superior video and audio quality is also something that I prioritize, since i enjoy capturing videos and consuming media. The inclusion of the Gorilla Glass 5 screen protection is important to me for the durability of the device. While the Realme C35 has a slightly newer Android version, this advantage doesn't outweigh the performance benefits of the Xiaomi Redmi Note 9T. For my use case, the additional performance, better video capabilities and screen protection are far more beneficial, making it the better choice, even if it has a slightly older OS. Also, it is worth noting that the Redmi Note 9T comes with a 22.5W charger in the box, which is also an advantage over the Realme C35.