The Lenovo A8 2020 and Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 Pro 5G represent distinct approaches to the budget smartphone market. The Lenovo prioritizes affordability, while the Xiaomi aims to deliver 5G connectivity and faster charging at a slightly higher price point. This comparison dissects the core differences to help you choose the right device for your needs.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 Pro 5G is the superior choice. Its Snapdragon 750G chipset offers significantly better performance and future-proofing with 5G, and the 33W fast charging is a game-changer compared to the Lenovo A8 2020’s 10W charging. The price premium is justified by the substantial improvements in key areas.
| 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 |
| | - | CDMA2000 1xEV-DO |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2020, October 15. Released 2020, October 15 | 2020, November 26 |
| Status | Discontinued | Available. Released 2020, December 01 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Plastic back, plastic frame | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 5), glass back (Gorilla Glass 5) |
| Dimensions | 163.8 x 75.6 x 9.3 mm (6.45 x 2.98 x 0.37 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 (max 2 at a time) | 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 5 |
| Resolution | 720 x 1560 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~259 ppi density) | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~395 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.53 inches, 107.9 cm2 (~87.2% 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 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Kryo 570 & 6x1.8 GHz Kryo 570) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6762 Helio P22 (12 nm) | Qualcomm SM7225 Snapdragon 750G 5G (8 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | Adreno 619 |
| OS | Android 10 | Android 10, MIUI 12 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB 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 | - | 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 |
| Triple | 13 MP, (wide), AF
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60fps, gyro-EIS |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR | HDR, panorama |
| Single | 5 MP | 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 | microUSB 2.0, OTG | 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 (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, compass |
| | - | Virtual proximity sensing |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W 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 | L10041 | M2007J17C |
| Price | About 90 EUR | About 370 EUR |
Lenovo A8 2020
- Lowest possible price point
- Acceptable for basic smartphone tasks
- Simple and straightforward user experience
- Slow performance with the Helio P22
- Extremely slow 10W charging
- Limited future-proofing
Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 Pro 5G
- Significantly faster Snapdragon 750G processor
- 5G connectivity for future network compatibility
- 33W fast charging (100% in 58 minutes)
- Higher price compared to the Lenovo A8 2020
- May still lack premium features found in higher-end phones
- Software updates may be less frequent than flagship devices
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Given the context data focuses on internal components, we can infer both likely utilize LCD panels common in this price bracket. The Redmi Note 9 Pro 5G, being a newer device, likely benefits from slightly improved color calibration and viewing angles. However, without specific display specs, it's safe to assume both offer adequate, but not exceptional, visual experiences. Bezels are likely comparable, reflecting the budget nature of both phones.
Camera Comparison
Without detailed camera specifications, a direct comparison is limited. However, the Redmi Note 9 Pro 5G, as a 'Pro' model, likely features a more sophisticated camera system. While both may include multiple lenses, the Redmi Note 9 Pro 5G likely has a larger primary sensor and more advanced image processing capabilities. The Helio P22’s ISP is less capable than the Snapdragon 750G’s, resulting in potentially lower image quality and slower processing times on the Lenovo A8 2020. We can expect better low-light performance and dynamic range from the Xiaomi.
Performance
The performance gap between these two is substantial. The Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 Pro 5G’s Qualcomm Snapdragon 750G (8nm) is a far more capable chipset than the Lenovo A8 2020’s MediaTek Helio P22 (12nm). The Snapdragon 750G utilizes Kryo 570 cores clocked up to 2.2 GHz, offering a significant uplift in CPU performance compared to the Helio P22’s 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 cores. The 8nm process node of the Snapdragon also translates to better power efficiency and reduced thermal throttling during sustained workloads. This means the Redmi Note 9 Pro 5G will handle multitasking, gaming, and demanding apps with considerably more ease.
Battery Life
The Redmi Note 9 Pro 5G’s 33W wired charging is a massive advantage. Achieving a 100% charge in just 58 minutes is a significant convenience compared to the Lenovo A8 2020’s slow 10W charging. While battery capacity isn’t specified, the faster charging speed effectively mitigates any potential capacity difference. The Snapdragon 750G’s 8nm process also contributes to better power efficiency, potentially offsetting any capacity disadvantage. The Lenovo A8 2020 will require considerably longer to fully charge, impacting usability for users who need quick top-ups.
Buying Guide
Buy the Lenovo A8 2020 if you absolutely need the lowest possible price and your usage is limited to basic tasks like calls, texts, and light social media. Buy the Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 Pro 5G if you value performance, 5G connectivity for future network upgrades, and significantly faster charging speeds, even if it means spending a bit more upfront.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Snapdragon 750G in the Redmi Note 9 Pro 5G handle demanding games like PUBG Mobile?
Yes, the Snapdragon 750G is capable of running PUBG Mobile at medium to high settings with stable frame rates. While it won't match the performance of flagship chipsets, it provides a significantly smoother gaming experience than the Helio P22 in the Lenovo A8 2020, which would struggle with even lower settings.
❓ How much faster is the 33W charging on the Redmi Note 9 Pro 5G compared to the 10W charging on the Lenovo A8 2020 in real-world use?
The difference is substantial. The Redmi Note 9 Pro 5G can go from 0-100% in approximately 58 minutes. The Lenovo A8 2020, with its 10W charging, will likely take over 3 hours to achieve a full charge. This means you can quickly top up the Redmi Note 9 Pro 5G during short breaks, while the Lenovo A8 2020 requires overnight charging for full usability.
❓ Is the 5G connectivity on the Redmi Note 9 Pro 5G useful if 5G isn't widely available in my area yet?
Yes, even if 5G isn't currently available, the Redmi Note 9 Pro 5G future-proofs your investment. As 5G networks expand, you'll be ready to take advantage of faster speeds without needing to upgrade your phone. The Snapdragon 750G also offers excellent 4G performance, so you'll still benefit from a faster and more efficient chipset even on 4G networks.
