Both the Infinix Zero 8i and the Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 Pro 5G target the competitive mid-range 5G market, but they take different approaches to achieving value. The Zero 8i leans on MediaTek’s gaming-focused Helio G90T, while the Redmi Note 9 Pro 5G opts for Qualcomm’s more efficient Snapdragon 750G. This comparison dissects these key differences to determine which phone best suits your needs.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing all-day usability and 5G connectivity, the Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 Pro 5G emerges as the better choice. Its Snapdragon 750G, built on a more efficient 8nm process, offers a smoother experience and better thermal management, despite the Zero 8i’s slightly faster CPU clock speeds.
| 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, 8, 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 |
| | India | CDMA2000 1xEV-DO |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2020, December 03. Released 2020, December 09 | 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 | 210.5 g (7.44 oz) | 215 g (7.58 oz) |
| | - | IP53, dust and splash resistant |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | 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, 480 nits (typ) | 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 2.1 | UFS 2.2 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | Quad-LED flash, HDR, panorama | Dual-LED dual-tone flash, HDR, panorama |
| Quad | 48 MP, f/1.8, (wide), PDAF
8 MP, 119˚ (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 |
| Video | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60fps, gyro-EIS | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60fps, gyro-EIS |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Dual | 16 MP, f/2.0, (wide)
8 MP, f/2.2, 105˚ (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm | - |
| Features | Dual-LED flash, HDR | HDR, panorama |
| Single | - | 16 MP, f/2.5, (wide), 1/3.06", 1.0µm |
| Video | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60fps | 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, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| 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 |
| Type | 4500 mAh | Li-Po 4820 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Silver Diamond, Black Diamond | Gray, Blue, Red/Mint |
| Models | X687B | M2007J17C |
| Price | About 170 EUR | About 370 EUR |
| SAR | 0.40 W/kg (head) 0.95 W/kg (body) | - |
Infinix Zero 8i
- Potentially higher peak CPU performance for short bursts.
- 33W fast charging for quick top-ups.
- Aggressive pricing may offer better value.
- Helio G90T’s 12nm process is less efficient.
- Potential for thermal throttling under sustained load.
- Battery life may be shorter compared to the Redmi Note 9 Pro 5G.
Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 Pro 5G
- More efficient Snapdragon 750G (8nm) for better battery life.
- Improved thermal management for sustained performance.
- 5G connectivity for faster data speeds.
- Faster charging time (100% in 58 minutes).
- Slightly lower CPU clock speeds compared to the Zero 8i.
- May be slightly more expensive than the Zero 8i.
Display Comparison
Neither device’s display specifications are provided, so a direct comparison is limited. However, given the market positioning, both likely feature LCD panels with 60Hz refresh rates. The key differentiator will be color accuracy and peak brightness, which are unknown. The Redmi Note 9 Pro 5G, being a slightly newer device, *may* benefit from improved display calibration.
Camera Comparison
Without detailed camera specs, a comprehensive comparison is impossible. However, both phones likely feature multi-camera setups with a primary sensor, ultrawide, and depth sensor. The image processing algorithms will be a key differentiator. Xiaomi’s image processing is generally known for vibrant, saturated colors, while Infinix tends towards a more natural look. The Snapdragon 750G’s ISP (Image Signal Processor) is generally considered more advanced, potentially leading to better dynamic range and low-light performance on the Redmi Note 9 Pro 5G.
Performance
The core of the difference lies in the chipsets. The Infinix Zero 8i’s MediaTek Helio G90T (12nm) features a dual-cluster CPU configuration with 2x2.05 GHz Cortex-A76 cores and 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55 cores. The Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 Pro 5G’s Snapdragon 750G (8nm) utilizes 2x2.2 GHz Kryo 570 cores and 6x1.8 GHz Kryo 570 cores. While the Zero 8i boasts slightly higher clock speeds on its prime cores, the Snapdragon 750G’s 8nm process provides a significant advantage in power efficiency and thermal management. This translates to less throttling under sustained load, making the Redmi Note 9 Pro 5G the better choice for extended gaming or video editing. The 8nm node inherently generates less heat, allowing the Snapdragon 750G to maintain peak performance for longer.
Battery Life
Both devices feature 33W wired charging, with the Redmi Note 9 Pro 5G claiming a full charge in 58 minutes. The battery capacity is not specified for either device, but given the chipset differences, the Redmi Note 9 Pro 5G’s more efficient Snapdragon 750G will likely deliver longer battery life on a single charge. The 8nm process contributes to lower power consumption, offsetting any potential capacity difference.
Buying Guide
Buy the Infinix Zero 8i if you prioritize raw CPU performance for demanding tasks and occasional gaming bursts, and are comfortable with potentially shorter battery life. Buy the Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 Pro 5G if you value consistent performance, 5G connectivity, and a more balanced user experience with better thermal efficiency for sustained workloads and longer gaming sessions.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Helio G90T in the Infinix Zero 8i struggle with graphically intensive games like PUBG Mobile or Call of Duty?
The Helio G90T is capable of running these games, but you may experience noticeable frame drops and throttling after extended play sessions due to its 12nm process and resulting heat generation. The Redmi Note 9 Pro 5G’s Snapdragon 750G will provide a smoother, more consistent gaming experience.
❓ How much of a real-world difference will the 8nm process of the Snapdragon 750G make in terms of battery life?
The 8nm process is significantly more efficient than the 12nm process used in the Helio G90T. Expect to see a noticeable improvement in battery life on the Redmi Note 9 Pro 5G, potentially adding several hours of usage on a single charge, especially with moderate to heavy use.
❓ Does the Redmi Note 9 Pro 5G support carrier aggregation for faster 5G speeds?
The Snapdragon 750G supports carrier aggregation, which allows it to combine multiple 5G channels for faster download and upload speeds, provided your carrier supports it. This is a key advantage for users in areas with strong 5G coverage.
❓ Is the 33W charging on both phones equally effective, or does one charge faster in practice?
The Redmi Note 9 Pro 5G is officially rated to charge to 100% in 58 minutes with its 33W charging. While both phones support the same wattage, the Redmi Note 9 Pro 5G’s charging implementation appears to be slightly more optimized.
