Xiaomi Redmi 9C NFC is a budget smartphone that is still a popular choice among users looking for a reliable device at an affordable price. One of the key components of any smartphone is a processor that depends on speed, multitasking and even battery life. In this article, we will take a detailed look at what processor is in the Redmi 9C NFC, study its architecture, compare with analogues and answer questions about real performance in 2026.
Many people mistakenly think that NFC-The smartphone version may be different from the standard model. 9C NFC It has the same chipset as the base version of Redmi. 9C — MediaTek Helio G35. This processor belongs to the budget segment, but has its own features that should be considered when choosing. Next, we will tell you what this chip is capable of, what games it will pull, and whether to buy a smartphone with it in 2026.
Technical characteristics of the MediaTek Helio G35 processor
The MediaTek Helio G35 chipset was announced in early 2020 and is positioned as a budget solution for entry-level smartphones. It is built on a 12-nm process technology, which is not a record even for its time, but allows you to keep the balance between performance and power consumption.
The main parameters of the processor:
- 🔹 Architecture: 8 cores ARM Cortex-A53 (4 cores with a frequency of up to 2.3 GHz and 4 cores up to 1.8 GHz)
- 🎮 Graphics: PowerVR GE8320 680 MHz
- 📱 Display support: up to HD+ (1600×720) frequent 90 Hz (in Redmi) 9C NFC used 60 Hz)
- 📡 modem: 4G LTE Cat-7 (up to 300 Mbps per download)
- 🔋 Process technology: 12 nm (TSMC)
It is important to note that Helio G35 It's a game that's part of MediaTek's Gaming series, which means it's optimized for mobile games, but in practice, it's more of a marketing ploy, except that it can handle lightweight games like Mobile Legends or Free Fire at minimal settings. AAA-Genshin Impact or Call of Duty: Mobile is not enough.
Comparison with competitors: Helio G35 vs Snapdragon 439 vs Helio G25
To see how good (or bad) the Helio G35 is, compare it to the closest low-end rivals: the Qualcomm Snapdragon 439 and the MediaTek Helio G25, all three chips in the same price range, but with different strengths and weaknesses.
| Parameter | Helio G35 | Snapdragon 439 | Helio G25 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Technique | 12 nm | 12 nm | 12 nm |
| CPU (max frequency) | 2.3 GHz (Cortex-A53) | 1.95 GHz (Cortex-A53) | 2.0 GHz (Cortex-A53) |
| GP (model/frequency) | PowerVR GE8320 / 680 MHz | Adreno 505/450 MHz | PowerVR GE8320 / 650 MHz |
| Support for cameras | Up to 25 MP (single) or 13+8 MP (double) | Up to 21 MP (single) or 16+16 MP (double) | Up to 21 MP (single) or 13+8 MP (double) |
| Benchmark (AnTuTu v9) | ~95 000 | ~85 000 | ~80 000 |
The table shows that the Helio G35 is slightly ahead of competitors in terms of performance of the CPU and GPU, but the difference is not critical. Snapdragon 439 loses in benchmarks, but historically it is considered more stable in working with Android. Helio G25 is a “light” version of the G35 with slightly lower frequencies, so it can be found in even cheaper smartphones (for example, Redmi 9A).
⚠️ Note: If you choose between smartphones on Helio G35 And Snapdragon 439, look at firmware optimization. Xiaomi has traditionally been better at adapting its devices to MediaTek chips than many other Snapdragon brands in the budget segment.
Game performance: What will the Helio G35 pull?
One of the big questions when choosing a Helio G35 smartphone is its ability to run mobile games, so let's see what this processor is capable of in 2026.
Here is a list of popular games with an indication of FPS and the settings they work on:
- 🎮 PUBG Mobile: ~25-30 FPS on the "Smooth" settings + Low" (with prolonged play, slowdowns are possible)
- 🎮 Free Fire: ~40-50 FPS on the "High" settings (stable, no lags)
- 🎮 Mobile Legends: ~60 FPS on the settings "Ultra" (maximum settings)
- 🎮 Call of Duty: Mobile: ~20-25 FPS on the Low settings (playable but with rare friezes)
- 🎮 Genshin Impact: ~10-15 FPS on Lowest settings (not recommended for comfortable play)
As you can see, the Helio G35 is only suitable for casual or light online games. For today's "heavy" projects, its power is clearly not enough. If gaming is a priority for you, consider smartphones with chips like the Snapdragon 662 or Helio G80.
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To reduce heat and improve performance in games, turn off background apps and activate Game Turbo mode in the MIUI settings (Settings → Special Features → Game Mode).
Energy efficiency and heating: the weaknesses of the Helio G35
One of the main disadvantages of the MediaTek Helio G35 is increased heat generation at long loads. Due to the 12-nm process technology and architecture of the Cortex-A53 chip is prone to overheating, especially in hot weather or during heavy use.
Here’s what affects heating and autonomy:
- 🔥 Games: Through 20-30 minutes of the game session, the temperature of the body can rise to 45-50°C.
- 📹 Video: Recording the video in 1080p It heats up the processor more than games.
- 🔋 Autonomy: With moderate use (social networks, messengers) smartphone holds the charge 1.5-2 In games, the battery is running out of time. 4-5 hours.
In comparison, smartphones on the Snapdragon 450 or Helio G80 are less warm and last longer thanks to more modern processes (11 nm and 12 nm+, respectively). If you often play or shoot videos, you should think about additional cooling (for example, using a radiator case).
⚠️ Attention: If your Redmi is 9C NFC It is very warm even in simple tasks (for example, when watching YouTube), this may indicate problems with the heat paste or contamination of the charging connector.
How to check the processor on your Redmi 9C NFC?
If you are in doubt about which processor is installed in your smartphone, it can be easily checked using standard Android tools or third-party applications.
Install the app CPU-Z Google Play|Open the SoC tab (System on Chip)|Check the Model line – it should be there. MT6765G (codename G35)|Compare core frequencies with reference values (2.3 GHz / 1.8 GHz)-->
You can also use the built-in settings:
- Go to Settings. → The phone.
- Click on the MIUI version several times until the developer menu appears.
- Back to Settings → Additionally. → For developers.
- Find the section "CPU Information" - there will be a model of the chip.
If you see an MT6765G or a Helio G35 in the results, then your smartphone is equipped with this processor, and in rare cases (for example, when buying from hand) you may find a device with a different chipset - this is a reason to be alert and check the originality of the device.
The Helio G35 in 2026: Should I Buy It?
When the Redmi 9C NFC was released in 2020, the Helio G35 was a competitive solution for the budget segment. But after 4 years, has this changed?
Pros of buying in 2026:
- ✅ Price: Smartphone can be found for 6000-8000 ₽ (new or cheaper than used.
- ✅ NFC: Support for contactless payments is rare for budget models.
- ✅ MIUI: Xiaomi regularly updates the firmware (the latest version — MIUI 14 based on Android 12).
Cons and limitations:
- ❌ Performance: For modern games and heavy applications, power is clearly lacking.
- ❌ Camera: The main module at 13 MP shoots mediocrely even in good lighting.
- ❌ Screen: Permission HD+ (720p) 2026 looks outdated.
The conclusion: Redmi 9C NFC is suitable for basic tasks (calls, social networks, YouTube), but do not expect high performance. If the budget allows, it is better to consider more modern models like Redmi 12C (with Helio G85) or Poco C50 (with Helio G36).
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In 2026, the Helio G35 is even inferior to budget chips from 2022-2023 (for example, the Helio G36/G37 or Snapdragon 4 Gen 1). If you need a smartphone for the long term, you better choose a model with a more modern processor.