Redmi A5 vs POCO C71 vs Infinix Smart 9 HD: Which is the Best Phone Under Rs 10,000?

The Redmi A5 has officially launched in India today, boasting a 120Hz display, a 5,200mAh battery, and a dual rear camera setup. With a price tag of ₹6,499, it's a solid choice for budget-conscious buyers who don't want to compromise on style.

But the budget smartphone segment is buzzing with options. Two notable contenders that recently hit the Indian market are the POCO C71 and the Infinix Smart 9 HD (Review), both offering compelling features for a similar price. If you're wondering which smartphone gives you the best value for your money, we've compared the latest Redmi A5 with both the POCO C71 and the Infinix Smart 9 HD, which will help you pick the right one.

Redmi A5 vs POCO C71 vs Infinix Smart 9 HD: Comparison

Display and Design

The Redmi A5 and POCO C71 share a similar design language, though the POCO C71 stands out slightly with its dual-tone rear panel, featuring a unique grill-like pattern on one side. In contrast, the Infinix Smart 9 HD offers a more premium feel with a glossy glass back and a squarish camera module. All three smartphones come equipped with a 3.5mm headphone jack and a lightweight design, with the Infinix Smart 9 HD being the lightest of the lot.

When it comes to the display, the Redmi A5 and POCO C71 both feature a large 6.8-inch screen with a smooth 120Hz refresh rate and IP52 dust and splash resistance. The Infinix Smart 9 HD, while slightly smaller at 6.7 inches and offering a lower 90Hz refresh rate, compensates with a slightly better IP54 rating for added protection.

Performance, Battery, Software, and Camera

Under the hood, the Redmi A5 is powered by the Unisoc T7250 octa-core processor, paired with up to 4GB of RAM and up to 128GB of internal storage. The POCO C71 features the same chipset but steps up the performance with up to 6GB of RAM, offering better multitasking capabilities. Meanwhile, the Infinix Smart 9 HD runs on the MediaTek Helio G50 SoC, coupled with 3GB of RAM and 64GB of storage, making it slightly less powerful compared to the other two models.

On the software front, both the Redmi A5 and POCO C71 ship with Android 15, while the Infinix Smart 9 HD runs on XOS based on Android 14 (Go edition).

Both the Redmi A5 and POCO C71 are equipped with a 5,200mAh battery and support 15W wired charging, with the charger included in the box. The Infinix Smart 9 HD offers a slightly smaller 5,000mAh battery with 10W charging support. For cameras, the Redmi A5 and POCO C71 feature a dual rear camera setup with a 32MP main sensor. The Infinix Smart 9 HD also has a dual rear camera system, but with a 13MP primary lens. For selfies, all three phones come with an 8MP front-facing camera.

Pricing

The Redmi A5 starts at ₹6,499 for the base 3GB/64GB model, while the higher-end variant with 4GB RAM and 128GB storage is priced at ₹7,499. The POCO C71 is similarly priced, with the 4GB + 64GB version available for ₹6,499, and the top-tier 6GB + 128GB model comes with a price tag of ₹7,499. Meanwhile, the Infinix Smart 9 HD is offered in a single 3GB RAM and 64GB configuration, which is priced at ₹6,699.

Which One Should You Buy?

Both Redmi A5 and POCO C71 offer better value in terms of performance, display, and battery life. Both phones share identical specifications; however, the POCO C71 is the better pick if you want extra RAM for smoother multitasking. On the other hand, the Infinix Smart 9 HD, though stylish and lightweight, falls slightly behind in terms of performance.