Both the Honor Play 5T Youth and the Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 Pro 5G target the budget-conscious consumer seeking 5G connectivity. However, they approach this goal with vastly different internal hardware, creating a significant performance gap. This comparison dissects the key differences to determine which device delivers the best value.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user, the Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 Pro 5G is the clear winner. Its Snapdragon 750G chipset provides a substantially faster and more efficient experience than the Honor Play 5T Youth’s Helio P35, justifying the potential price difference. The faster 33W charging is also a significant advantage.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | LTE | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 |
| 5G bands | - | 1, 3, 41, 78, 79 SA/NSA/Sub6 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / CDMA2000 / LTE | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE / 5G |
| | CDMA2000 1x | CDMA2000 1xEV-DO |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, April 20 | 2020, November 26 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, April 27 | Available. Released 2020, December 01 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 5), glass back (Gorilla Glass 5) |
| Dimensions | 165.2 x 76 x 9.2 mm (6.50 x 2.99 x 0.36 in) | 165.4 x 76.8 x 9 mm (6.51 x 3.02 x 0.35 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 191 g (6.74 oz) | 215 g (7.58 oz) |
| | - | IP53, dust and splash resistant |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 |
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~266 ppi density) | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~395 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.6 inches, 105.2 cm2 (~83.8% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.67 inches, 107.4 cm2 (~84.6% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD, HDR10, 120Hz, 450 nits (typ) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.35 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53) | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Kryo 570 & 6x1.8 GHz Kryo 570) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6765 Helio P35 (12 nm) | Qualcomm SM7225 Snapdragon 750G 5G (8 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | Adreno 619 |
| OS | Android 10, Magic UI 4.0, no Google Play Services | Android 10, MIUI 12 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) |
| Internal | 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM | 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | UFS 2.2 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | Dual-LED dual-tone flash, HDR, panorama |
| Quad | 13 MP, (wide), PDAF
5 MP, (ultrawide)
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens | 108 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 1/1.52", 0.7µm, PDAF
8 MP, f/2.2, 118˚ (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60fps, gyro-EIS |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | - | HDR, panorama |
| Single | 8 MP, (wide) | 16 MP, f/2.5, (wide), 1/3.06", 1.0µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps, gyro-EIS |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| | - | 24-bit/192kHz audio |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.1, A2DP, LE | 5.1, A2DP, LE |
| Infrared port | - | Yes |
| NFC | No | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, BDS | GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (G1), BDS (B1I+B2a), GALILEO (E1+E5a), QZSS (L1+L5) |
| Radio | No | Unspecified |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0 | USB Type-C 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, compass |
| | - | Virtual proximity sensing |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 22.5W wired | 33W wired, 100% in 58 min |
| Type | Li-Po 5000 mAh | Li-Po 4820 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Blue | Gray, Blue, Red/Mint |
| Models | NZA-AL00, KOZ-AL40 | M2007J17C |
| Price | About 170 EUR | About 370 EUR |
Honor Play 5T Youth
- Lower price point (likely)
- Acceptable for basic smartphone tasks
- Functional for light usage
- Significantly weaker performance
- Slower charging speed
- Less future-proof
Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 Pro 5G
- Much faster performance with Snapdragon 750G
- Faster 33W charging
- 5G connectivity for future-proofing
- Higher price point
- May not be significantly better in camera performance for casual users
- Potentially larger physical size
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a particularly standout display. While specific display specs (resolution, panel type) are missing for the Honor Play 5T Youth, its market positioning suggests a standard LCD panel. The Redmi Note 9 Pro 5G, similarly, likely features an LCD. The key difference lies in processing power impacting UI smoothness, not display quality. Both will likely offer adequate viewing experiences for everyday tasks.
Camera Comparison
Without detailed camera specifications for either device, a direct comparison is limited. However, given the Redmi Note 9 Pro branding, it’s reasonable to expect a more capable camera system. Xiaomi typically prioritizes camera features in its 'Note' series. The Redmi Note 9 Pro 5G likely features a larger main sensor and more sophisticated image processing algorithms than the Honor Play 5T Youth. The presence of a 5G modem in the Redmi suggests a more modern ISP (Image Signal Processor) which aids in image quality.
Performance
The performance disparity is the defining factor in this comparison. The Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 Pro 5G’s Qualcomm SM7225 Snapdragon 750G (8nm) is a significant leap over the Honor Play 5T Youth’s Mediatek MT6765 Helio P35 (12nm). The Snapdragon 750G utilizes Kryo 570 cores, offering a more modern architecture and higher clock speeds (2x2.2 GHz vs 4x2.35 GHz Cortex-A53). The 8nm process node also translates to better power efficiency and reduced thermal throttling, crucial for sustained performance. The Helio P35, while capable of handling basic tasks, will struggle with demanding applications and multitasking.
Battery Life
The Redmi Note 9 Pro 5G’s 33W wired charging is a clear advantage, achieving a full charge in just 58 minutes. The Honor Play 5T Youth’s 22.5W charging is considerably slower. While battery capacity isn’t specified for either device, the Snapdragon 750G’s superior power efficiency in the Redmi Note 9 Pro 5G means it will likely deliver comparable or better battery life despite potentially having a similar or smaller battery capacity.
Buying Guide
Buy the Honor Play 5T Youth if your primary need is basic smartphone functionality – calls, texts, and light social media – and you prioritize minimizing cost above all else. Buy the Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 Pro 5G if you want a smoother, more responsive experience for gaming, multitasking, and future-proofing with 5G, and are willing to spend a bit more for a noticeable performance upgrade.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Helio P35 in the Honor Play 5T Youth struggle with popular games like PUBG Mobile?
Yes, the Mediatek Helio P35 is a relatively low-end chipset. While PUBG Mobile may be playable at the lowest settings, expect significant frame drops and a generally poor gaming experience. The Redmi Note 9 Pro 5G’s Snapdragon 750G is far better suited for gaming.
❓ How much faster is the charging on the Redmi Note 9 Pro 5G compared to the Honor Play 5T Youth in real-world use?
The Redmi Note 9 Pro 5G’s 33W charging can take a phone from 0% to 100% in approximately 58 minutes. The Honor Play 5T Youth’s 22.5W charging will likely take well over 2 hours to achieve a full charge, making it less convenient for users who need a quick top-up.
❓ Does the Snapdragon 750G in the Redmi Note 9 Pro 5G offer noticeable improvements in app loading times and multitasking?
Absolutely. The Snapdragon 750G’s more powerful CPU and GPU, combined with its efficient 8nm process, result in significantly faster app loading times and smoother multitasking compared to the Helio P35. You'll notice a difference even in everyday tasks like browsing the web and switching between apps.
