There’s a clash of the budget giants coming to the Indian smartphone market soon. Just as we reported about the upcoming affordable powerhouse Redmi Note 9 there was an “accidental” leak of the challenger Realme 6i on Flipkart. The latter smartphone apparently already has an edge over the Redmi device thanks to a noticeably more powerful processor: Helio G90T vs. Helio G80 (2x Cortex-A76 @2.05 GHz + 6x Cortex-A55@2 GHz vs. 2x Cortex-A75 @2 GHz + 6x Cortex-A55 @1.8 GHz).
The Realme 6i Indian variant, which is more powerful than the European version that we have reviewed, can also boast of a 90 Hz refresh rate for its display according to the Flipkart leak. Separately listed supposed specs for the Realme 6i state 4 GB RAM, 256 GB storage, 16 MP selfie camera, 48 MP + 8 MP + 2 MP + 2 MP main camera system, 4,300-mAh battery, and likely 30 W fast charging. If all of these are accurate, then the Redmi Note 9 should have quite a fight on its hands for customers.
Of course, there are two more key details that will help decide this budget heavyweight contest: launch date and price. It seems the Realme 6i is being launched on July 14, just ahead of the Redmi Note 9, which could be an advantage for the Realme device as it might take some fanfare away from the rival. As for price, the Flipkart leak simply states “under 15k” (US$200) for the Realme device whereas rumors about the Redmi Note 9’s price are spread out from ₹10,000 (US$133) to the ₹15,000 mark. It’s going to be a bruising battle, but the Realme 6i smartphone might have the reach advantage here.
Realme 6i | Redmi Note 9 | |
---|---|---|
Processor | Helio G90T | Helio G80 |
Display | 6.5-inch; 90 Hz | 6.53-inch |
RAM | Up to 4 GB | Up to 4 GB |
Storage | Up to 256 GB | Up to 128 GB |
Front camera | 16 MP | 13 MP |
Rear camera | 48 MP/8 MP/2 MP/2 MP | 48 MP/8 MP/2 MP/2 MP |
Battery | 4,300 mAh; 30 W charging | 5,000 mAh; 18 W charging |
Price | Under ₹15,000 | Likely ₹10,000-₹15,000 |
Launch date | July 14 | Around July 20 |
Specifications based on Flipkart leak, rumors, and same-named devices in other markets