Both the HTC Desire 20+ and the Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 Pro 5G target the increasingly competitive mid-range 5G market. While both leverage Qualcomm's Snapdragon series, they differ significantly in chipset choice and charging capabilities, creating a clear divergence in user experience. This comparison dissects these differences to determine which device offers the best value.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing fast charging and a slightly more modern chipset, the Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 Pro 5G is the better choice. Its 33W charging significantly reduces downtime, and the Snapdragon 750G offers a modest performance uplift. However, HTC loyalists may prefer the Desire 20+’s brand familiarity.
| 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 | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 |
| 5G bands | - | 1, 3, 41, 78, 79 SA/NSA/Sub6 |
| Speed | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE, Cat6 300/75 Mbps | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE / 5G |
| | - | CDMA2000 1xEV-DO |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2020, October 19. Released 2020, October 22 | 2020, November 26 |
| Status | Discontinued | Available. Released 2020, December 01 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 5), glass back (Gorilla Glass 5) |
| Dimensions | 164.9 x 75.7 x 9 mm (6.49 x 2.98 x 0.35 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 | 203 g (7.16 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 (~270 ppi density) | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~395 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~81.7% 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 (2x2.3 GHz Kryo 465 Gold & 6x1.8 GHz Kryo 465 Silver) | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Kryo 570 & 6x1.8 GHz Kryo 570) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM7125 Snapdragon 720G (8 nm) | Qualcomm SM7225 Snapdragon 750G 5G (8 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 618 | Adreno 619 |
| OS | Android 10 | Android 10, MIUI 12 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) |
| Internal | 128GB 6GB RAM | 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM |
| | - | UFS 2.2 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | Dual-LED flash, HDR, panorama | Dual-LED dual-tone flash, HDR, panorama |
| Quad | 48 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 1/2.0", 0.8µm, PDAF
5 MP, f/2.2, 115˚ (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 | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60fps, gyro-EIS |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR | HDR, panorama |
| Single | 16 MP, f/2.0, (wide) | 16 MP, f/2.5, (wide), 1/3.06", 1.0µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps, gyro-EIS |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | - | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| | - | 24-bit/192kHz audio |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.1, A2DP, LE |
| Infrared port | - | Yes |
| NFC | Yes | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (G1), BDS (B1I+B2a), GALILEO (E1+E5a), QZSS (L1+L5) |
| Radio | No | Unspecified |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG | USB Type-C 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, compass |
| | - | Virtual proximity sensing |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 15W wired, QC4 | 33W wired, 100% in 58 min |
| Type | Li-Po 5000 mAh | Li-Po 4820 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Dawn Orange, Twilight Black, Blue | Gray, Blue, Red/Mint |
| Models | - | M2007J17C |
| Price | About 250 EUR | About 370 EUR |
HTC Desire 20+
- Familiar HTC brand
- Reliable Qualcomm Snapdragon 720G performance for everyday tasks
- QC4 Quick Charge support
- Slow 15W charging
- Older Snapdragon 720G chipset
- Potentially less advanced 5G modem
Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 Pro 5G
- Faster 33W charging (full charge in 58 minutes)
- More powerful Snapdragon 750G chipset
- More advanced 5G modem
- Xiaomi’s MIUI software can be polarizing
- Potential for bloatware
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a particularly standout display. Both likely utilize IPS LCD panels, a common choice in this price bracket. The key difference lies in charging; display specs are not provided. However, given Xiaomi’s tendency to include higher refresh rate displays even in mid-range models, it’s plausible the Redmi Note 9 Pro 5G may offer a smoother visual experience, though this is speculative. Color accuracy and peak brightness are likely comparable, leaning towards adequate rather than exceptional.
Camera Comparison
Without detailed sensor information, a direct camera comparison is difficult. However, the market segment suggests both phones will feature multi-camera setups with a primary sensor likely around 48-64MP. The Redmi Note 9 Pro 5G, given Xiaomi’s camera focus, likely benefits from more sophisticated image processing algorithms. The Snapdragon 750G’s ISP (Image Signal Processor) is also newer, potentially leading to better low-light performance and dynamic range. The presence of a dedicated Night Mode and AI scene detection is more probable on the Redmi device. The inclusion of 2MP macro/depth sensors on both is largely marketing fluff and shouldn’t heavily influence purchasing decisions.
Performance
The Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 Pro 5G’s Snapdragon 750G represents a clear step up from the HTC Desire 20+’s Snapdragon 720G. While both are 8nm chips, the 750G utilizes newer Kryo 570 cores (2x2.2 GHz) compared to the 720G’s Kryo 465 Gold cores (2x2.3 GHz). This translates to a roughly 10-15% performance increase in CPU-bound tasks and a more noticeable improvement in GPU performance, benefiting gaming. The 750G also integrates a more advanced 5G modem, offering broader network compatibility. The Desire 20+’s 720G remains capable for everyday use, but will show its age more quickly with demanding applications.
Battery Life
The battery capacity is not specified for either device, but both likely fall in the 4500-5000mAh range. The critical difference is charging speed. The Redmi Note 9 Pro 5G’s 33W charging is a game-changer, achieving a full charge in approximately 58 minutes. The HTC Desire 20+’s 15W charging is significantly slower, requiring considerably longer to reach 100%. This difference in charging speed directly impacts usability, making the Redmi Note 9 Pro 5G far more convenient for users who frequently need to top up their battery.
Buying Guide
Buy the HTC Desire 20+ if you prioritize a familiar brand experience and are comfortable with slower charging speeds. It’s a solid, reliable device for everyday tasks. Buy the Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 Pro 5G if you need faster charging, a more future-proof 5G modem, and a slightly more powerful processor for gaming and demanding applications. It’s the better option for power users and those who value convenience.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Snapdragon 750G in the Redmi Note 9 Pro 5G handle demanding games like PUBG Mobile smoothly?
Yes, the Snapdragon 750G is capable of running PUBG Mobile at high settings with stable frame rates. While it won’t match flagship performance, it provides a significantly better gaming experience than the Snapdragon 720G in the Desire 20+ due to its more powerful GPU.
❓ How much faster is the 33W charging on the Redmi Note 9 Pro 5G compared to the 15W charging on the Desire 20+ in real-world use?
The Redmi Note 9 Pro 5G can go from 0-100% in around 58 minutes, while the Desire 20+ will likely take over 2 hours. This means you can quickly top up your Redmi Note 9 Pro 5G during a short break, whereas the Desire 20+ requires overnight charging for a full battery.
❓ Does the Redmi Note 9 Pro 5G’s MIUI software come with a lot of pre-installed bloatware?
Xiaomi’s MIUI is known for including pre-installed apps, often referred to as bloatware. While many can be uninstalled, it’s a common complaint among users. The Desire 20+ generally offers a cleaner software experience, though it may receive fewer software updates.
