Redmi vs Realme : Which One Is Better & Why?

Two brands hold the top positions when it comes to affordable smartphones in India. Those are none other than Redmi and Realme. Do you remember the time in 2016 when the Redmi Note 4 became one of the most common smartphones in India? Due to its exclusive features and affordable price. That was the breakthrough model of Redmi which landmarked the successful journey of Redmi. Two years later, Realme stepped in with the same approach- to provide exclusive smartphones at affordable prices. Since then, Redmi vs Realme has become the most debated topic of the folks who seek quality smartphones with pocket-friendly prices.

In this article, we will compare both of them with respect to various factors.

Let’s begin!

Redmi vs Realme: A Quick Comparison (Business Wise)  

Let’s have a business-wise brief comparison of smartphone giants-

Journey of the Pocket-friendly Smartphone Giants: Redmi vs Realme

If you are residing in India, then undoubtedly you must have heard the name of both the brands. Probably you must have seen them in numerous retail shops too. Neither of them has completed a decade in India nor are any indigenous brands. 

Have you ever wondered how these two became a household brand? To know the answer, you need to peep into their journey. The following section describes how they entered India as a Rookie and became smartphone giants within a decade.

(A) 2013: Redmi began its journey toward Success

Both smartphone brands are known for their value-for-money products. This feature became the strength and core of their success in India. Ten years ago smartphones weren’t as common as they are today. Also at that time, people couldn’t afford iPhones or One Plus smartphones due to their sky-high prices. Although numerous other brands were available too, users had to compromise on the quality. The folks were in a massive dilemma because they had to compromise either on the quality or the price. 

Xiaomi saw this as a golden opportunity and created a sub-brand named “Redmi”! In July 2013, it launched its first budget smartphone named “Redmi Phone Hongmi.” Gradually, it released many smartphones but it saw massive success after Redmi Note 3 and Redmi Note 4!

Eventually, it continued the series along with numerous subsets. Some of its super-hit smartphones are-

• Redmi Note 4 (2016)
• Redmi Note 5 Pro (2018)
• Redmi Note 7 Pro (2019)
• Redmi Note 12 Pro (2023)

(B) 2018: Realme joined the League of Value-Added Smartphones

Back in 2018, Realme didn’t launch itself as an independent company. It was a sub brand of Oppo and later it ventured as its own brand. It’s a long story in which Sky Li (founder of Realme) resigned from the post of Vice President of Oppo. And made Realme an independent brand. He figured out the surging demand for value-for-money smartphones in Asia and especially in India. It launched its first phone named Realme 1 in 2018 and saw a massive success. 

At the end of the same year (2018), Realme adopted a new logo. The sales of Realme devices surpassed the sales of its sibling company i.e. “Oppo.” Within a year, it joined the list of most popular smartphone brands in India along with Xiaomi, Samsung, and Vivo. Soon it became the fourth-largest smartphone brand in India.

Some of its highest-selling smartphone models are-

• Realme 2 Pro (2018)
• Realme 6 (2020)
• Realme C53 (2021)
• Realme 9 Pro+ (2022)
• Realme Narzo 50 Pro (2023)
• Realme 11 pro (2023)

A Brief Description of Redmi and Realme

(A) Redmi

It is a popular smartphone brand known for offering high-quality devices at affordable prices. Redmi is a subsidiary of Xiaomi Corporation, a Chinese electronics company. Redmi smartphones combine impressive features, sleek designs, and competitive specifications. 

They often incorporate powerful processors, ample RAM, and generous storage options, making them capable of handling demanding tasks and multitasking. Redmi devices are also recognized for their vibrant displays, long-lasting batteries, and excellent camera systems that capture stunning photos and videos. With its strong performance, value for money, and wide range of models catering to different user needs, Redmi has gained a significant following worldwide.

(B) Realme

It is a prominent smartphone brand that has quickly gained popularity since its establishment in 2018. Originally a sub-brand of Oppo, Realme has since become an independent entity. 

Known for its affordable yet feature-rich smartphones, Realme offers a diverse range of devices that cater to different consumer preferences. Realme smartphones often boast powerful processors, ample RAM, and large storage capacities, ensuring smooth multitasking and seamless performance. Additionally, they feature vibrant displays, impressive camera systems, and long-lasting batteries, enhancing the overall user experience. Realme has managed to carve out a niche in the market by providing excellent value for money, making it a favorite among budget-conscious consumers.

Why did Redmi and Realme become popular? 

Redmi and Realme became popular smartphone brands due to several key factors. 

1. They offer affordable devices that provide impressive specifications and features, attracting budget-conscious consumers. 
2. Both brands focus on delivering a seamless user experience by incorporating powerful processors, ample RAM, and good camera systems. 
3. They prioritize innovation, introducing new technologies and features to their devices.
4. Aggressive marketing strategies, effective online presence, and extensive availability in various markets have contributed to their popularity. 
5. Lastly, word-of-mouth and positive reviews have played a significant role in establishing them as popular smartphone brands.

Now after seeing the similarities, you must be bewildered about which brand makes a better smartphone. This is the point where the battle of Redmi vs Realme becomes tougher. 

Redmi vs Realme: Which makes a better smartphone?

Well, this is a quite subjective topic. Because the decision will depend on your preferences and priorities. Both brands offer a wide range of devices with varying features and specifications. To determine which one is better, you need to consider certain factors.

Some of the essential factors that can help you to determine which makes a better smartphone are described below-

Final Words for Redmi vs Realme: Which one is better?

From the comparison table described above, you must have come across numerous similar features. Actually, the features will be similar if you compare the brand from a broad perspective. To get the key differences, you need to compare specific models of smartphones of Redmi and Realme. So, to determine which one is better you have to research and compare specific smartphone models. Thus, you can make an informed decision based on your personal preferences and requirements. 

However, if you look at “the number of units sold” in the first table, you will see that Redmi sold 70 million units in India. Realme sold 20 million units all over the world. Although you can argue that Realme is comparatively newer than Redmi. But the specifications of both brands’ smartphones are almost the same. Therefore, we can conclude that the majority of people prefer Redmi over Realme.