POCO C3 came up as the first POCO smartphone in the entry-level segment. At the moment, Xiaomi has a lot of last-generation entry-level handsets. There are so many devices that it is very hard for non-expert people to recognize which one is the best for their actual needs. That is the reason why we decided to publish a comparison between three entry-level phones by Xiaomi. The first is the POCO C3, while the others are Redmi phones: Redmi 9i and Redmi 9 Prime. You can find all of these devices in the Indian market at very affordable prices.
Xiaomi POCO C3 vs Xiaomi Redmi 9i vs Xiaomi Redmi 9 Prime
| Xiaomi Redmi 9i | Xiaomi POCO C3 | Xiaomi Redmi 9 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| DIMENSIONS AND WEIGHT | 164.9 x 77.1 x 9 mm, 194 grams | 164.9 x 77.1 x 9 mm, 194 grams | 163.3 x 77 x 9.1 mm, 198 grams |
| DISPLAY | 6.53 inches, 720 x 1600p (HD+), 269 ppi, IPS LCD | 6.43 inches, 720 x 1600p (HD+), 270 ppi, IPS LCD | 6.53 inches, 1080 x 2340p (Full HD+), 395 ppi, IPS LCD |
| PROCESSOR | MediaTek Helio G25, octa-core 2 GHz | MediaTek Helio G35, octa-core 2.3 GHz | Mediatek Helio G80, octa-core 2 GHz |
| MEMORY | 4 GB RAM, 64 GB – 4 GB RAM, 128 GB – micro SD dedicated slot | 3 GB RAM, 32 GB – 4 GB RAM, 64 GB – micro SD dedicated slot | 4 GB RAM, 128 GB – 4 GB RAM, 64 GB – micro SD dedicated slot |
| SOFTWARE | Android 10, MIUI | Android 10, MIUI | Android 10, MIUI |
| CONNECTIVITY | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Bluetooth 5, GPS | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Bluetooth 5, GPS | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, Bluetooth 5.0, GPS |
| CAMERA | 13 MP f/2.2 5 MP f/2.2 front camera |
Triple 13 + 2 + 2 MP f/2.2 + f/2.4 + f/2.4 5 MP f/2.2 front camera |
Quad 13 + 8 + 5 + 2 MP f/2.2, f/2.2, f/2.4 and f/2.4 8 MP f/2.0 front camera |
| BATTERY | 5000 mAh | 5000 mAh | 5020 mAh, fast charging 18W |
| ADDITIONAL FEATURES | Dual SIM slot | Dual SIM slot | Dual SIM slot |
Design
While the front side is pretty much the same, POCO C3, Redmi 9i and Redmi 9 Prime have different back covers. All are built with plastic materials, but they have a different look. Given that it comes with just one camera, the Redmi 9i has a cleaner back, but the camera module of the POCO C3 remains small, even though it contains three sensors. The Redmi 9 Prime looks less elegant due to its bigger camera module including a fingerprint reader, but it has better color variants: as you can see in the render, it is available in gradient colors. Last but not least, Redmi 9 Prime has a water-repellent design.
Display
Do not expect a huge quality from these devices when it comes to the displays. Just like most of the entry-level phones, POCO C3 and Redmi 9i have a below-average HD+ resolution. But the Redmi 9 Prime has a Full HD+ panel and it is actually able to provide a higher definition, as well as a high brightness. Further, it has the Gorilla Glass 3 protection making the front panel sturdier. In each case, you get IPS panels with no astonishing color reproduction, but all of them are sufficient displays.
Specs & Software
Even when it comes to the hardware, Redmi 9 Prime wins the comparison. The reason is simple: it has a better chipset. We are talking about the Helio G80 by MediaTek, definitely superior to the Helio G35 found on the POCO C3. Further, it has more internal storage: up to 128 GB in the most expensive variant. The POCO C3 takes the silver medal with its Helio G35 paired with up to 4 GB of RAM. Redmi 9i loses with its Helio G25, but it runs MIUI 12 out of the box like the POCO C3, while Redmi 9 Prime is still based on the MIUI 11 as it is an older device.
Camera
The best camera phone of the trio is again the Redmi 9 Prime which sports a 13 MP quad camera paired with an 8 MP ultrawide sensor and a pair of sensors with 5 and 2 MP resolutions for macro and depth calculation. POCO C3 lowers the macro camera to 2 MP and lacks the ultrawide sensor, but it has the same main sensor as the Redmi 9 Prime. Even the Redmi 9i has the same 13 MP sensor, but it lacks secondary cameras. Redmi 9 Prime is also the best selfie phone thanks to an 8 MP snapper.
Battery
POCO C3, Redmi 9 Prime, and Redmi 9i all feature 5000 mAh batteries, but the Redmi 9 Prime has a shorter battery life because it has a display with a higher resolution. The battery king should be Redmi 9i because it has a display with lower brightness, but it naturally depends on the usage.
Price
Redmi 9i is priced at less than Rs. 10,000 ($130) in India, Redmi 9 Prime costs Rs. 10,299 ($140) in its base variant and POCO C3 is priced at Rs. 7,499 (appr. $103). While the POCO C3 provides the highest value for money, the Redmi 9 Prime wins this comparison thanks to its better display and cameras, as well as a stronger chipset.
Xiaomi POCO C3 vs Xiaomi Redmi 9i vs Xiaomi Redmi 9 Prime: PROs and CONS
Xiaomi Redmi 9 Prime
PROs
- Best hardware
- Best cameras
- Water-repellent
- Fingerprint reader
- Wireless FM radio
CONS
- Price
Xiaomi POCO C3
PROs
- Affordable
- Compact
- MIUI 12
- Build quality
- FM radio
CONS
- No fingerprint reader
Xiaomi Redmi 9i
PROs
- Very affordable
- Minimal design
- FM radio
CONS
- Inferior hardware
- No fingerprint scanner
