Redmi 17C vs Redmi K90
The Redmi 17C (2026) runs on the MediaTek Helio G81 Ultra, while the Redmi K90 (2025) runs on the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite; launch prices were $100 and $401. By overall MobileRank rating, the Redmi K90 leads — 76/100 vs 32/100 (a 44-point difference). Key differences: the Redmi K90 has the bigger battery (7100 mAh vs 5160); the main camera is 13 MP vs 50 MP; the Redmi K90 is faster in AnTuTu (3,077,585 vs 358,608); the Redmi K90 has NFC for contactless payments, the Redmi 17C doesn't.
Profile comparison
Category scores
Redmi 17C
Redmi K90
What makes Redmi 17C better?
- Cheaper at launch: $100 vs $401
- Overall rating 32/100
What makes Redmi K90 better?
- Higher AnTuTu: 3077585 vs 358608
- Better Geekbench Single: 3013 vs 432
- Better Geekbench Multi: 9287 vs 1416
- Bigger battery: 7100 vs 5160 mAh
- Faster charging: 100W vs 18W
- Better main camera: 50MP vs 13MP
- Higher performance (91/100 vs 30/100)
- Better camera (58/100 vs 10/100)
- Longer battery life (72/100 vs 46/100)
- Better display (82/100 vs 55/100)
- Better portability (55/100 vs 53/100)
Comparison verdict
Comparing the Redmi 17C vs the Redmi K90, the Redmi K90 scores 44 points higher (76/100 vs 32/100). In the "performance" category, the Redmi K90 leads (91/100 vs 30/100). In the "camera" category, the Redmi K90 leads (58/100 vs 10/100). In the "battery" category, the Redmi K90 leads (72/100 vs 46/100). Value score: Redmi 17C — 52/100, Redmi K90 — 80/100; it shows how far a model sits above or below the usual level for its price, and is not part of the overall rating. In the "performance" category, the Redmi K90 significantly outperforms the Redmi 17C (91/100 vs 30/100). In the "display" category, the Redmi K90 notably outperforms the Redmi 17C (82/100 vs 55/100). In the "camera" category, the Redmi K90 significantly outperforms the Redmi 17C (58/100 vs 10/100). In the "battery" category, the Redmi K90 notably outperforms the Redmi 17C (72/100 vs 46/100). In the "portability" category, the Redmi K90 and the Redmi 17C are nearly equal (55/100 vs 53/100).
Specs comparison
| Specification | Redmi 17C | Redmi K90 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Processor | MediaTek Helio G81 Ultra | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite | |
| AnTuTu | 358608 | 3077585 | |
| Geekbench Single | 432 | 3013 | |
| Geekbench Multi | 1416 | 9287 | |
| Display | 6.9" IPS LCD | 6.6" AMOLED | |
| Resolution | 720x1640 | 2510x1156 | |
| Refresh rate | 120 Hz | 120 Hz | |
| Battery | 5160 mAh | 7100 mAh | |
| Charging | 18W | 100W | |
| Main camera | 13 MP | 50 MP | |
| Ultrawide | 0 MP | 8 MP | |
| Telephoto | 0 MP | 50 MP | |
| Front camera | 5 MP | 20 MP | |
| RAM | 4GB | 12GB / 16GB | |
| Storage | 64GB / 128GB | 256GB / 512GB | |
| OS | Android 16 | Android 16 | |
| Brightness (peak) | 600 nits | 3500 nits | |
| NFC | no | yes | |
| Protection | IP64 | IP68 | |
| Dimensions | 171.6×79.5×8.2 mm | 157.5×75.3×8.0 mm | |
| Weight | 206 g | 206 g | |
| Launch price | $100 | $401 |
Camera comparison
Redmi 17C
- Main: 13MP f/2.2
- Front: 5MP
Redmi K90
- Main: 50MP f/1.9
- Ultrawide: 8MP
- Telephoto: 50MP
- Front: 20MP
Display comparison
Redmi 17C
- 6.9" IPS LCD
- Resolution: 720x1640
- Refresh rate: 120 Hz
Redmi K90
- 6.6" AMOLED
- Resolution: 2510x1156
- Refresh rate: 120 Hz
Battery and charging
Redmi 17C
- 5160 mAh
- Wired: 18W
- No wireless charging
Redmi K90
- 7100 mAh
- Wired: 100W
- No wireless charging
Overall performance score
We compared Redmi 17C and Redmi K90, covering their specs and all relevant benchmarks.
Redmi K90 leads Redmi 17C by 88.3% in our overall performance rating.
Benchmarks
Launch prices and where to check today's
Launch price difference: $301. Redmi 17C was $301 cheaper at launch.
Detailed category analysis
performance
In the "performance" category, the Redmi K90 significantly outperforms the Redmi 17C (91/100 vs 30/100).
display
In the "display" category, the Redmi K90 notably outperforms the Redmi 17C (82/100 vs 55/100).
camera
In the "camera" category, the Redmi K90 significantly outperforms the Redmi 17C (58/100 vs 10/100).
battery
In the "battery" category, the Redmi K90 notably outperforms the Redmi 17C (72/100 vs 46/100).
portability
In the "portability" category, the Redmi K90 and the Redmi 17C are nearly equal (55/100 vs 53/100).
Frequently asked questions
Which is better: the Redmi 17C or the Redmi K90?
The Redmi K90 significantly outperforms the Redmi 17C by 44 points (76/100 vs 32/100).
What is the rating of the Redmi 17C and the Redmi K90?
The Redmi 17C has a MobileRank rating of 32/100, the Redmi K90 — 76/100.
Which has the better camera: the Redmi 17C or the Redmi K90?
The Redmi K90 leads on camera score (58/100 vs 10/100).
Which is more powerful: the Redmi 17C or the Redmi K90?
The Redmi K90 leads on performance (91/100 vs 30/100).
Should you choose the Redmi 17C over the Redmi K90?
The Redmi K90 is a better fit for gamers and power users, budget-conscious buyers.