Realme vs Redmi: Best Choice in 2025

If you've ever found yourself scrolling through smartphone listings trying to decide between Realme and Redmi, you're not alone. These two budget smartphone giants have been battling it out in the Indian and global markets for years—and their rivalry has only intensified in 2025. Both brands are known for offering impressive specifications at affordable prices, making it tough for consumers to choose the better deal.
So, which one is actually worth your money?
In this detailed comparison of Realme vs Redmi, we’ll break down the key factors—performance, design, battery, camera, software, updates, and pricing—to help you make an informed choice. Whether you’re a gamer, a photography enthusiast, or a casual user, this guide will help you find the perfect budget smartphone

Realme vs Redmi: Brand Overview

Realme: The Rising Star
Realme, a sub-brand of Oppo (and part of BBK Electronics), entered the smartphone market in 2018 and quickly rose to prominence. It focuses on offering stylish design, fast charging, and balanced specs at competitive prices. Over time, Realme has also ventured into AIoT products like smart TVs, earbuds, and wearables.

Redmi: The Value King
Redmi, a sub-brand of Xiaomi, has been around since 2013 and is known for its “value for money” philosophy. Redmi phones often pack powerful processors, long battery life, and MIUI customization on top of Android. The brand also maintains strong community support and regular software updates.

1. Performance: Snapdragon vs MediaTek

Performance is a top priority for most smartphone users, especially gamers and multitaskers.

 
Realme Performance

Realme often uses MediaTek Dimensity and Snapdragon processors, especially in its Narzo and Number series. Phones like the Realme Narzo 70 Pro 5G feature the Dimensity 7050 chip, which handles gaming and multitasking smoothly.

 
Redmi Performance

Redmi also uses a mix of Snapdragon and MediaTek processors, but leans slightly more toward Qualcomm. The Redmi Note 13 Pro 5G, for instance, is powered by the Snapdragon 7s Gen 2, delivering excellent gaming and app performance.

Verdict: Tie. Both brands offer similar performance in this price range. However, Snapdragon chips in Redmi phones may provide slightly better GPU performance and stability in games.

2. Software & User Experience

 Realme UI

Realme phones run on Realme UI, based on Android. It offers a clean and intuitive interface with features like app cloner, smart sidebar, and Game Space. However, bloatware and occasional ads may annoy some users.

 
MIUI on Redmi

Redmi devices use MIUI, which is feature-rich but sometimes criticized for excessive ads and bloatware. MIUI 14, released in late 2024, has improved in terms of fluidity, customization, and reduced ads.

Verdict: If you prefer a more minimal experience, Realme UI might be better. But if you love customization and rich features, MIUI could win you over.

3. Design & Build Quality

Realme’s Design Language

Realme emphasizes trendy and youthful designs. Many of its phones sport vibrant color gradients, vegan leather finishes, and sleek profiles. The Realme 12 series, for example, mimics luxury watch designs.

 
Redmi’s Approach

Redmi focuses more on functional and durable designs, though recent models also offer attractive aesthetics. Devices like the Redmi Note 13 Pro+ boast curved AMOLED displays and glass backs.

Verdict: Realme scores higher on style and innovation, while Redmi wins on build robustness. Choose based on your taste—fashion or function.

4. Display Quality

Both brands have significantly upped their display game in 2025.

Realme offers AMOLED displays with high refresh rates (90Hz to 120Hz) even in sub-₹20,000 models.

Redmi also equips many of its devices with AMOLED or LCD panels, with HDR10 support and similar refresh rates.

Brightness levels, touch sampling rate, and viewing angles are nearly comparable in both brands. However, some Redmi phones tend to calibrate colors better for true-to-life visuals.

Verdict: Slight edge to Redmi for display color accuracy, but both offer high refresh AMOLED displays in budget ranges.

5. Camera Performance

Cameras are a big selling point for mid-range phones, and both brands have stepped up their game.

Realme Cameras

Realme phones often use Sony or Samsung sensors and offer modes like street photography, AI scene recognition, and nightscape. The Realme 12 Pro+ features a 64MP periscope telephoto lens—a rarity in this price segment.

 
Redmi Cameras

Redmi also uses Samsung sensors, and its recent models like the Redmi Note 13 Pro+ boast a 200MP main sensor, offering ultra-high detail and good low-light shots.

Verdict: Redmi has a clear edge in megapixel count and raw detail, but Realme holds its own with unique features and color science.

6. Battery Life & Charging

Realme

Most Realme phones pack 5000mAh batteries with support for 67W or even 100W fast charging. You can go from 0 to 100% in under 30 minutes in higher-end models.

Redmi

Redmi also offers 5000mAh batteries, but generally sticks to 33W to 67W fast charging in mid-range models. Charging speeds are decent but slightly behind Realme in most cases.

Verdict: Realme wins this round with faster charging capabilities.

7. Software Updates & Support

Realme

Realme provides 2-3 years of software updates, depending on the model. However, major Android updates can be delayed on budget devices.

Redmi

Xiaomi has improved its update policy and now offers up to 3 years of Android and 4 years of security updates on select models like the Note 13 series.

Verdict: Redmi has a better track record and a longer update cycle.

8. Price-to-Value Ratio

Realme and Redmi are nearly neck-to-neck in pricing. You can find excellent options under ₹15,000–₹25,000 in both lineups.

 
Realme Best Picks (as of 2025):

• Realme Narzo 70 Pro 5G
• Realme 12+ 5G
• Realme C67

 
Redmi Best Picks (as of 2025):

• Redmi Note 13 5G
• Redmi Note 13 Pro+
• Redmi 13C 5G

Verdict: Both offer tremendous value for money. However, Realme often pushes the envelope with aggressive pricing and features

Conclusion

In the battle of Realme vs Redmi, there's no single winner—it all comes down to your priorities. Both brands offer excellent devices that punch well above their price tags. If you're into style, design, and charging speed, go with Realme. If you're looking for a well-rounded experience with better updates and camera hardware, Redmi is your pick. 

Before buying, always compare specific models, check for user reviews, and consider after-sales support in your area.

Also Read: Google vs Alexa: Which Smart Assistant Is Better in 2025?

FAQ

Q1- Which country owns redmi?

Ans- Redmi is owned by China, as it is a sub-brand of the Chinese electronics company Xiaomi.

Q2- Why is Xiaomi so cheap?

Ans- Xiaomi keeps prices low by using online sales, thin profit margins, minimal marketing costs, and offering high-volume production.

Q3- Who owns Realme?

Ans- Realme is owned by BBK Electronics, a Chinese conglomerate that also owns brands like Oppo, Vivo, and OnePlus.