Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 Pro 5G vs. Infinix S5 Pro: A Detailed Performance and Value Showdown

The smartphone landscape is crowded with options, particularly in the budget and mid-range segments. The Infinix S5 Pro (16+32) offered a compelling package when released, but now faces competition from newer devices like the Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 Pro 5G. This comparison dissects the core differences between these two phones, focusing on performance, battery life, and overall value to help you make an informed decision.
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🏆 Quick Verdict

For most users, the Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 Pro 5G is the superior choice. Its Snapdragon 750G chipset delivers significantly better performance and 5G connectivity, while the 33W fast charging is a substantial upgrade over the Infinix S5 Pro's slower charging. The price premium is justified by the improved user experience.

PHONES
Phone Names Infinix S5 Pro (16+32) Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 Pro 5G
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100
4G bands1, 3, 7, 8, 20, 281, 3, 5, 7, 8, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41
5G bands-1, 3, 41, 78, 79 SA/NSA/Sub6
SpeedHSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 MbpsHSPA, LTE, 5G
TechnologyGSM / HSPA / LTEGSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE / 5G
 -CDMA2000 1xEV-DO
Launch
Announced2020, March 06. Released 2020, April2020, November 26
StatusDiscontinuedAvailable. Released 2020, December 01
Body
BuildGlass front, plastic back, plastic frameGlass front (Gorilla Glass 5), glass back (Gorilla Glass 5)
Dimensions162.5 x 76.9 x 9 mm (6.40 x 3.03 x 0.35 in)165.4 x 76.8 x 9 mm (6.51 x 3.02 x 0.35 in)
SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIM
Weight195 g (6.88 oz)215 g (7.58 oz)
 -IP53, dust and splash resistant
Display
Protection-Corning Gorilla Glass 5
Resolution1080 x 2340 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~395 ppi density)1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~395 ppi density)
Size6.53 inches, 104.7 cm2 (~83.8% screen-to-body ratio)6.67 inches, 107.4 cm2 (~84.6% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeIPS LCDIPS LCD, HDR10, 120Hz, 450 nits (typ)
Platform
CPUOcta-core (4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53)Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Kryo 570 & 6x1.8 GHz Kryo 570)
ChipsetMediatek MT6765 Helio P35 (12 nm)Qualcomm SM7225 Snapdragon 750G 5G (8 nm)
GPUPowerVR GE8320Adreno 619
OSAndroid 10Android 10, MIUI 12
Memory
Card slotmicroSDXC (dedicated slot)microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot)
Internal64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM
 -UFS 2.2
Main Camera
FeaturesDual-LED flash, HDR, panoramaDual-LED dual-tone flash, HDR, panorama
Quad-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
Triple16 MP, f/1.8, (wide), PDAF Auxiliary lenses-
Video1080p@30fps4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60fps, gyro-EIS
Selfie camera
Features-HDR, panorama
SingleMotorized pop-up 32 MP, (wide)16 MP, f/2.5, (wide), 1/3.06", 1.0µm
Video1080p@30fps1080p@30fps, gyro-EIS
Sound
3.5mm jack -Yes
35mm jackYesYes
Loudspeaker YesYes, with stereo speakers
 -24-bit/192kHz audio
Comms
Bluetooth5.0, A2DP, LE5.1, A2DP, LE
Infrared port-Yes
NFCNoYes
PositioningGPSGPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (G1), BDS (B1I+B2a), GALILEO (E1+E5a), QZSS (L1+L5)
RadioFM radioUnspecified
USBmicroUSB 2.0, OTGUSB Type-C 2.0
WLANWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi DirectWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct
Features
SensorsFingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compassFingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, compass
 -Virtual proximity sensing
Battery
Charging-33W wired, 100% in 58 min
Type4000 mAhLi-Po 4820 mAh
Misc
ColorsNebula Black, Quetzal Cyan, VioletGray, Blue, Red/Mint
ModelsX660M2007J17C
Price-About 370 EUR
SAR0.79 W/kg (head)     0.90 W/kg (body)-

Infinix S5 Pro (16+32)

  • Potentially lower price point
  • May have a higher resolution front camera
  • Simple and straightforward user experience

  • Significantly weaker performance
  • No 5G connectivity
  • Slower charging speeds

Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 Pro 5G

  • Faster and more efficient Snapdragon 750G chipset
  • 5G connectivity for future-proofing
  • 33W fast charging for quick top-ups

  • Higher price compared to the Infinix S5 Pro
  • May have a less impressive front camera
  • Potentially larger physical size

Display Comparison

Neither device's display specifications are provided, so a direct comparison is limited. However, given the Redmi Note 9 Pro 5G's positioning, it likely features a higher resolution and potentially a higher refresh rate display than the S5 Pro. The S5 Pro, being an older model, may utilize an LCD panel, while the Redmi Note 9 Pro 5G could incorporate an AMOLED panel for richer colors and deeper blacks. Bezels are likely slimmer on the Redmi Note 9 Pro 5G due to its more recent design.

Camera Comparison

Without detailed camera specs beyond the '16+32' naming convention, a precise comparison is difficult. However, the Redmi Note 9 Pro 5G likely benefits from Qualcomm’s image signal processor (ISP), offering superior image processing capabilities. The larger sensor size, often found in Redmi Note series phones, would contribute to better low-light performance. The S5 Pro’s camera system is likely more basic, relying on software processing to enhance image quality. The '32' in the S5 Pro's naming likely refers to a higher resolution front-facing camera, a feature potentially geared towards selfie enthusiasts.

Performance

The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 Pro 5G’s Qualcomm Snapdragon 750G (8nm) is a substantial leap forward from the Infinix S5 Pro’s MediaTek Helio P35 (12nm). The 8nm process node of the Snapdragon 750G translates to improved power efficiency and reduced heat generation, allowing for sustained performance. The Snapdragon 750G’s CPU configuration – 2x2.2 GHz Kryo 570 & 6x1.8 GHz Kryo 570 – offers a more modern architecture and higher clock speeds compared to the S5 Pro’s Octa-core (4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53). This means faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and a better gaming experience on the Redmi Note 9 Pro 5G. The Snapdragon 750G also includes an integrated 5G modem, a feature absent in the S5 Pro.

Battery Life

Battery capacity isn't specified for either device, but the Redmi Note 9 Pro 5G’s 33W wired charging is a game-changer. Achieving a 100% charge in just 58 minutes significantly reduces downtime. The Infinix S5 Pro likely supports standard charging speeds, resulting in a much longer charging time. While a larger battery capacity on the S5 Pro might offer slightly longer overall battery life, the Redmi Note 9 Pro 5G’s efficiency and fast charging provide a more convenient user experience.

Buying Guide

Buy the Infinix S5 Pro (16+32) if you prioritize absolute affordability and basic smartphone functionality. It's a suitable option for users who primarily need a phone for calls, texts, and light social media use. Buy the Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 Pro 5G if you value performance, future-proofing with 5G, and faster charging. This phone is ideal for gamers, content creators, and anyone who wants a smoother, more responsive experience.

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. Its Adreno 619 GPU provides sufficient graphical power for a smooth gaming experience, and the 8nm process helps prevent overheating during extended gaming sessions.
❓ Is the lack of 5G on the Infinix S5 Pro a major drawback in 2024?
While 5G coverage isn't ubiquitous, it's becoming increasingly prevalent. The absence of 5G on the Infinix S5 Pro means you'll be limited to 4G speeds, which may become a bottleneck as 5G networks expand. This is a significant consideration for future-proofing your device.
❓ How much faster is the 33W charging on the Redmi Note 9 Pro 5G compared to standard charging?
The 33W charging on the Redmi Note 9 Pro 5G is considerably faster. While the Infinix S5 Pro likely charges at 10-15W, the Redmi Note 9 Pro 5G can go from 0% to 100% in approximately 58 minutes. This means you can quickly top up your battery during short breaks, minimizing downtime.