The Lenovo K10 Note and Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 Pro 5G represent compelling options in the crowded mid-range smartphone market. While both aim to deliver a solid experience without breaking the bank, they diverge significantly in their core components, particularly the chipset and charging capabilities. This comparison dissects these differences to determine which device offers the best value for your money.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 Pro 5G is the superior choice. Its Snapdragon 750G chipset provides a noticeable performance uplift over the K10 Note’s Snapdragon 710, and the significantly faster 33W charging dramatically improves usability. While the K10 Note remains a viable option, the Redmi Note 9 Pro 5G’s 5G connectivity and quicker power-up times justify the potential price premium.
| 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, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 34, 38, 39, 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 / CDMA / HSPA / LTE | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE / 5G |
| | CDMA 800 & TD-SCDMA | CDMA2000 1xEV-DO |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2019, September 05. Released 2019, September 16 | 2020, November 26 |
| Status | Discontinued | Available. Released 2020, December 01 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 5), glass back (Gorilla Glass 5) |
| Dimensions | 156.6 x 74.3 x 7.9 mm (6.17 x 2.93 x 0.31 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 | 164 g (5.78 oz) | 215 g (7.58 oz) |
| | - | IP53, dust and splash resistant |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2340 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~409 ppi density) | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~395 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.3 inches, 97.4 cm2 (~83.7% 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 (2x2.2 GHz Kryo 360 Gold & 6x1.7 GHz Kryo 360 Silver) | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Kryo 570 & 6x1.8 GHz Kryo 570) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SDM710 Snapdragon 710 (10 nm) | Qualcomm SM7225 Snapdragon 750G 5G (8 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 616 | Adreno 619 |
| OS | Android 9.0 (Pie), ZUI 11 | Android 10, MIUI 12 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM | 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM |
| | UFS 2.1 | UFS 2.2 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, panorama, HDR | 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 | 16 MP, f/1.8, PDAF
8 MP, f/2.4, (telephoto), PDAF, 2x optical zoom
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, 26mm (wide), 1/3.06", 1.0µm | 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, recording | 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, DLNA | 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 | 18W wired | 33W wired, 100% in 58 min |
| Type | Li-Po 4050 mAh, non-removable | Li-Po 4820 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Knight Black, Stardust Blue | Gray, Blue, Red/Mint |
| Models | PAFR0026IN, PAFR0026, PAFR0033IN, PAFR0033, PAFR0013IN, PAFR0013 | M2007J17C |
| Price | About 180 EUR | About 370 EUR |
Lenovo K10 Note
- Potentially lower initial cost
- Reliable Snapdragon 710 performance for basic tasks
- Established Lenovo brand reputation
- Slower Snapdragon 710 chipset
- Significantly slower 18W charging
- Lacks 5G connectivity
Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 Pro 5G
- Faster Snapdragon 750G chipset with 5G
- Significantly faster 33W charging (58 min full charge)
- Improved thermal efficiency due to 8nm process
- Potentially higher initial cost
- Xiaomi’s MIUI software can be polarizing
- May have more pre-installed bloatware
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a particularly standout display. Both likely utilize IPS LCD panels, common in this price bracket. However, detailed specs like resolution and refresh rate are missing. The focus here is on the internal hardware. The Redmi Note 9 Pro 5G’s chipset, built on an 8nm process, will generate less heat during sustained use, potentially leading to more consistent display performance over extended periods.
Camera Comparison
Without detailed camera specifications, a direct comparison is difficult. However, the chipset plays a role in image processing. The Snapdragon 750G’s improved ISP (Image Signal Processor) will likely result in better noise reduction, dynamic range, and overall image quality compared to the 710. The Redmi Note 9 Pro 5G likely benefits from more advanced computational photography features. The absence of information regarding sensor sizes and lens apertures makes a definitive statement impossible, but the chipset advantage leans towards the Xiaomi device.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 Pro 5G’s Snapdragon 750G (8nm) is a clear upgrade over the Lenovo K10 Note’s Snapdragon 710 (10nm). The 8nm process is more efficient, leading to better thermal management and potentially higher sustained performance. While both CPUs feature a 2x2.2 GHz Kryo core configuration, the Kryo 570 cores in the 750G offer architectural improvements over the Kryo 360 cores in the 710. This translates to faster application loading, smoother multitasking, and a more responsive user experience, particularly noticeable in demanding games. The 750G also includes an integrated 5G modem, a feature absent in the K10 Note.
Battery Life
While battery capacity isn’t specified, the charging speeds are a significant differentiator. The Redmi Note 9 Pro 5G’s 33W wired charging, capable of a full charge in 58 minutes, is a substantial improvement over the K10 Note’s 18W charging. This faster charging is a major convenience factor, especially for users who frequently find themselves needing to top up their battery quickly. Even if the K10 Note has a slightly larger battery capacity, the Redmi Note 9 Pro 5G’s charging speed will likely result in less downtime.
Buying Guide
Buy the Lenovo K10 Note if you prioritize a slightly lower initial cost and are less concerned with 5G connectivity or rapid charging. It’s a reasonable option for basic smartphone tasks and media consumption. Buy the Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 Pro 5G if you value future-proofing with 5G, faster performance for gaming and multitasking, and the convenience of significantly quicker charging – making it ideal for users on the go.
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 a capable chipset for gaming. While it won't deliver flagship-level performance, it should handle PUBG Mobile at medium to high settings with stable frame rates. The 8nm process also helps prevent excessive throttling during extended gaming sessions, maintaining consistent performance.
❓ How much faster is the 33W charging on the Redmi Note 9 Pro 5G compared to the 18W charging on the Lenovo K10 Note in real-world use?
The difference is substantial. The Redmi Note 9 Pro 5G can fully charge in approximately 58 minutes, while the K10 Note will take considerably longer – likely exceeding 1.5 to 2 hours. This means you can quickly top up the Redmi Note 9 Pro 5G during a short break, whereas the K10 Note requires a more significant charging period.
❓ Does the Redmi Note 9 Pro 5G's 5G connectivity actually matter if 5G coverage is limited in my area?
Even with limited 5G coverage currently, the Redmi Note 9 Pro 5G offers future-proofing. As 5G networks expand, you'll be ready to take advantage of faster speeds. Furthermore, the 5G modem often provides improved 4G performance in areas with congested networks.
