The Infinix Zero 8 and Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 Pro 5G represent compelling options in the crowded mid-range smartphone market. The Zero 8, while older, aimed for a premium feel with its camera and display. The Redmi Note 9 Pro 5G, however, brings 5G connectivity and a more modern chipset to the table, making this a fascinating comparison for budget-conscious consumers.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user, the Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 Pro 5G is the better choice. Its Snapdragon 750G chipset offers superior efficiency and 5G support, while maintaining comparable charging speeds. The Infinix Zero 8 remains a viable option for those prioritizing a potentially higher contrast display, but the Redmi Note 9 Pro 5G offers a more future-proof experience.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 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, LTE | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE / 5G |
| | - | CDMA2000 1xEV-DO |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2020, August 27. Released 2020, August 31 | 2020, November 26 |
| Status | Discontinued | Available. Released 2020, December 01 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 5), glass back (Gorilla Glass 5) |
| Dimensions | 168.7 x 76.1 x 9.1 mm (6.64 x 3.00 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 | 205 g (7.23 oz) | 215 g (7.58 oz) |
| | - | IP53, dust and splash resistant |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2460 pixels (~392 ppi density) | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~395 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.85 inches, 111.4 cm2 (~86.8% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.67 inches, 107.4 cm2 (~84.6% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 90Hz | IPS LCD, HDR10, 120Hz, 450 nits (typ) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.05 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Kryo 570 & 6x1.8 GHz Kryo 570) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6785 Helio G90T (12 nm) | Qualcomm SM7225 Snapdragon 750G 5G (8 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G76 MC4 | Adreno 619 |
| OS | Android 10 | Android 10, MIUI 12 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) |
| Internal | 128GB 8GB RAM | 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM |
| | - | UFS 2.2 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | Quad-LED flash, HDR, panorama | Dual-LED dual-tone flash, HDR, panorama |
| Quad | 64 MP, f/1.9, (wide), 1/1.73", 0.8µm, PDAF
8 MP, f/2.3, (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm
Auxiliary lenses | 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 |
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.8, AF | - |
| Video | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps, gyro-EIS | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60fps, gyro-EIS |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Dual | 48 MP, f/2.2, (wide), 1/2.0", 0.8µm
8 MP, f/2.2, (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm | - |
| Features | HDR | HDR, panorama |
| Single | VGA | 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 | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.1, A2DP, LE |
| Infrared port | - | Yes |
| NFC | No | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (G1), BDS (B1I+B2a), GALILEO (E1+E5a), QZSS (L1+L5) |
| Radio | FM radio | 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 |
|---|
| Browser | HTML, Adobe Flash | - |
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, compass |
| | - | Virtual proximity sensing |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 33W wired | 33W wired, 100% in 58 min |
| Stand-by | Up to 400 h | - |
| Talk time | Up to 9 h 48 min | - |
| Type | 4500 mAh | Li-Po 4820 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Silver Diamond, Black Diamond, Green Diamond | Gray, Blue, Red/Mint |
| Models | X687 | M2007J17C |
| Price | About 210 EUR | About 370 EUR |
| Tests |
|---|
| Audio quality |
Noise -84.7dB / Crosstalk -82.5dB | - |
| Battery life |
Endurance rating 116h
| - |
| Camera |
Photo / Video | - |
| Display |
Contrast ratio: 2184:1 (nominal) | - |
| Loudspeaker |
-28.4 LUFS (Average)
| - |
| Performance |
AnTuTu: 282348 (v8)
GeekBench: 6640 (v4.4), 1663 (v5.1)
GFXBench: 15fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) | - |
Infinix Zero 8
- Potentially higher display contrast ratio (2184:1)
- 33W fast charging
- Competitive price (likely, given its age)
- Older chipset (Helio G90T)
- No 5G connectivity
- Less efficient processor leading to potential throttling
Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 Pro 5G
- 5G connectivity
- More efficient Snapdragon 750G chipset (8nm)
- Faster charging (0-100% in 58 minutes)
- Display specs are unknown
- May lack the contrast of the Zero 8's display
- Software updates may be less frequent than newer models
Display Comparison
Both phones lack detailed display specifications beyond the Infinix Zero 8’s reported 2184:1 contrast ratio. While the Redmi Note 9 Pro 5G’s display specs are not provided, Xiaomi typically employs IPS LCD panels in this price range. The higher contrast ratio of the Zero 8 *suggests* deeper blacks and more vibrant colors, potentially offering a more immersive viewing experience, but this is dependent on real-world calibration. Without knowing the Redmi Note 9 Pro 5G’s peak brightness, it’s difficult to assess outdoor visibility.
Camera Comparison
Both phones are listed as having 'Photo / Video' capabilities, offering little specific insight. Without sensor size or aperture information, a detailed comparison is impossible. However, the Redmi Note 9 Pro 5G’s lineage suggests a focus on versatile camera systems, potentially including a more refined image processing pipeline. The Zero 8’s camera performance will likely rely heavily on Mediatek’s ISP capabilities. The absence of detail makes it difficult to assess low-light performance or video stabilization.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Infinix Zero 8 utilizes the Mediatek Helio G90T (12nm), while the Redmi Note 9 Pro 5G features the Qualcomm Snapdragon 750G (8nm). The Snapdragon 750G, built on a smaller 8nm process, inherently offers better power efficiency and thermal management. While the Zero 8’s CPU has slightly higher clock speeds on its prime cores (2.05 GHz vs 2.2 GHz), the Snapdragon 750G’s Kryo 570 architecture is generally more efficient. This translates to less throttling during sustained workloads like gaming, giving the Redmi Note 9 Pro 5G an edge in long-term performance. The 5G modem in the Snapdragon 750G is a significant advantage for future-proofing.
Battery Life
The Infinix Zero 8 boasts an endurance rating of 116 hours, a useful metric but lacking context without knowing the test conditions. Both phones support 33W wired charging, with the Redmi Note 9 Pro 5G achieving a full charge in 58 minutes. While the Zero 8’s battery capacity isn’t specified, the Snapdragon 750G’s efficiency in the Redmi Note 9 Pro 5G likely translates to comparable or even better real-world battery life despite potentially having a smaller battery capacity. The faster charging speed of the Redmi Note 9 Pro 5G is a practical benefit for users on the go.
Buying Guide
Buy the Infinix Zero 8 if you prioritize a potentially higher contrast display (2184:1 nominal) and are less concerned with 5G connectivity. It's a good option for users who primarily consume media and don't require the latest network technology. Buy the Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 Pro 5G if you want 5G connectivity, a more efficient processor, and a longer software support lifecycle. This phone is ideal for users who game, stream, or frequently download large files.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Helio G90T in the Infinix Zero 8 struggle with demanding games like PUBG or Genshin Impact?
The Helio G90T is capable of running these games, but it's prone to thermal throttling. Expect reduced frame rates and potential stuttering during extended gaming sessions. The Snapdragon 750G in the Redmi Note 9 Pro 5G will provide a smoother and more consistent gaming experience due to its superior thermal efficiency.
❓ How much does the 5G connectivity of the Redmi Note 9 Pro 5G actually matter in everyday use?
Currently, 5G coverage is still limited. However, the Redmi Note 9 Pro 5G future-proofs your investment. As 5G networks expand, you'll experience significantly faster download and upload speeds, especially beneficial for streaming, online gaming, and large file transfers. The Zero 8 is limited to 4G, which will become increasingly slower as networks evolve.
❓ Is the 33W charging on both phones equally effective?
While both support 33W charging, the Redmi Note 9 Pro 5G is confirmed to reach 100% charge in 58 minutes. The Infinix Zero 8's charging time isn't specified, but the more efficient chipset in the Redmi Note 9 Pro 5G may allow it to maintain higher charging speeds for a longer duration.
