Both the Lenovo Z6 Pro 5G and Xiaomi Mi 9 Pro 5G represent a fascinating point in smartphone history – the rapid rollout of 5G technology coupled with the continued dominance of Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 855 series. While both phones aim to deliver a premium experience, they take different approaches to achieving it, particularly in charging speed and processor choice. This comparison dissects those differences to help you choose the right device.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing fast charging and a slightly more powerful processor, the Xiaomi Mi 9 Pro 5G is the better choice. Its 40W wired and 30W wireless charging capabilities significantly outperform the Lenovo Z6 Pro 5G’s 18W charging, and the Snapdragon 855+ offers a modest performance edge. However, the Z6 Pro 5G remains a compelling option for budget-conscious buyers.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 41 - China |
| 5G bands | 41, 78 NSA/Sub6 | 41, 78, 79 NSA |
| Speed | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE (5CA) Cat18 1200/150 Mbps, 5G (2+ Gbps DL) | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE (7CA) Cat20 2000/150 Mbps, 5G (2+ Gbps DL) |
| Technology | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / LTE / 5G | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| | CDMA 800 & TD-SCDMA | CDMA 800 & TD-SCDMA |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2019, June 26. Released 2019, November 15 | 2019, September. Released 2019, September |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 6), glass back (Gorilla Glass 5), aluminum frame (7000 series) |
| Dimensions | 157.5 x 74.6 x 8.7 mm (6.20 x 2.94 x 0.34 in) | 157.2 x 74.6 x 8.5 mm (6.19 x 2.94 x 0.33 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 185 g (6.53 oz) | 196 g (6.91 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Corning Gorilla Glass 6 |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2340 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~403 ppi density) | 1080 x 2340 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~403 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.39 inches, 100.2 cm2 (~85.3% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.39 inches, 100.2 cm2 (~85.5% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | Super AMOLED, HDR10 | Super AMOLED, HDR10 |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (1x2.84 GHz Kryo 485 & 3x2.42 GHz Kryo 485 & 4x1.78 GHz Kryo 485) | Octa-core (1x2.96 GHz Kryo 485 & 3x2.42 GHz Kryo 485 & 4x1.8 GHz Kryo 485) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM8150 Snapdragon 855 (7 nm) | Qualcomm SM8150 Snapdragon 855+ (7 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 640 | Adreno 640 (700 MHz) |
| OS | Android 9.0 (Pie), ZUI 11 | Android 10, MIUI 11 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) | No |
| Internal | 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM, 512GB 12GB RAM | 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM, 512GB 12GB RAM |
| | UFS 2.1 | UFS 3.0 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | Dual-LED flash, panorama, HDR | Laser AF, Dual-LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Quad | 48 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.0", 0.8µm, PDAF
8 MP, f/2.4, (telephoto), PDAF
16 MP, f/2.2, 12mm (ultrawide)
2 MP, f/1.8, 2.9µm, PDAF, OIS (dedicated video camera)
TOF 3D, (depth) | - |
| Triple | - | 48 MP, f/1.8, 27mm (wide), 1/2.0", 0.8µm, PDAF
12 MP, f/2.2, 54mm (telephoto), 1/3.6", 1.0µm, PDAF, 2x optical zoom
16 MP, f/2.2, 13mm (ultrawide), 1/3.0", 1.0µm, AF |
| Video | 4K@30fps, 1080p@120fps, gyro-EIS | 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/120/240fps, 1080p@960fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR | HDR |
| Single | 32 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide), 1/2.8", 0.8µm | 20 MP, f/2.0, (wide), 1/3", 0.9µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | No |
| 35mm jack | Yes | No |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, EDR, LE, aptX HD | 5.0, A2DP, LE, aptX HD |
| Infrared port | - | Yes |
| NFC | Yes | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, BDS | GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (L1), BDS (B1), GALILEO (E1+E5a) |
| Radio | No | No |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG |
| 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, DLNA |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 18W wired | 40W wired, QC4
30W wireless
10W reverse wireless |
| Type | Li-Po 4000 mAh, non-removable | Li-Po 4000 mAh, non-removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Red, Blue | Dream White, Titanium Black |
| Price | About 400 EUR | About 600 EUR |
Lenovo Z6 Pro 5G
- More affordable price point
- Capable Snapdragon 855 performance
- Solid 5G connectivity
- Significantly slower 18W charging
- Potentially less refined camera system
- Less powerful processor compared to the Mi 9 Pro 5G
Xiaomi Mi 9 Pro 5G
- Faster Snapdragon 855+ processor
- Ultra-fast 40W wired and 30W wireless charging
- Likely superior camera system
- Higher price tag
- May not offer a dramatically different experience for casual users
- Potential for slightly higher thermal throttling under sustained load
Display Comparison
Unfortunately, detailed display specifications are unavailable. However, given the market positioning of both devices, it's reasonable to assume both utilize AMOLED panels. The Xiaomi Mi 9 Pro 5G, being the slightly more premium offering, likely boasts a higher peak brightness and potentially better color accuracy. The absence of high refresh rate technology (90Hz or 120Hz) is a common trait for phones in this generation, meaning display smoothness won't be a differentiating factor.
Camera Comparison
Without detailed camera specs, a direct comparison is difficult. However, the Mi 9 Pro 5G, positioned as a more premium device, likely features a more sophisticated camera system. The larger sensor size, if present, would be a key advantage, capturing more light and resulting in better low-light performance. Lens apertures also play a crucial role; a wider aperture (lower f-number) allows for more light intake. Image processing algorithms will also differ, with Xiaomi typically favoring more vibrant and saturated colors, while Lenovo might aim for a more natural look. The presence of OIS (Optical Image Stabilization) on the main sensor would be a significant benefit for both phones, reducing blur in photos and videos.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipset: the Lenovo Z6 Pro 5G features the Snapdragon 855, while the Xiaomi Mi 9 Pro 5G steps up to the Snapdragon 855+. While both are 7nm processors with an octa-core configuration (1x2.84 GHz Kryo 485, 3x2.42 GHz Kryo 485, 4x1.78 GHz Kryo 485 for the Lenovo, and 1x2.96 GHz Kryo 485, 3x2.42 GHz Kryo 485, 4x1.8 GHz Kryo 485 for the Xiaomi), the ‘+’ variant offers a slightly higher clock speed on the prime core and a more refined GPU. This translates to a modest, but noticeable, performance increase in demanding tasks like gaming and video editing. Both phones likely utilize LPDDR4X RAM, but the Xiaomi’s optimized chipset will still provide a smoother experience.
Battery Life
The Xiaomi Mi 9 Pro 5G truly shines in the battery and charging department. Its 40W wired charging, supported by Quick Charge 4 (QC4), allows for incredibly fast top-ups – potentially reaching 100% in under an hour. The addition of 30W wireless charging and 10W reverse wireless charging adds further convenience. The Lenovo Z6 Pro 5G, with its 18W wired charging, feels comparatively slow. While battery capacity isn’t specified, the charging speed difference is substantial enough to outweigh any potential capacity advantage the Lenovo might have. The Xiaomi’s charging capabilities cater to users who need to quickly replenish their battery throughout the day.
Buying Guide
Buy the Lenovo Z6 Pro 5G if you need a capable 5G phone on a tighter budget and aren't heavily reliant on extremely fast charging. It provides a solid Snapdragon 855 experience without breaking the bank. Buy the Xiaomi Mi 9 Pro 5G if you prioritize convenience and speed, particularly with its significantly faster wired and wireless charging, and appreciate the incremental performance boost from the Snapdragon 855+.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Does the Snapdragon 855+ in the Mi 9 Pro 5G offer a substantial gaming advantage over the Snapdragon 855 in the Z6 Pro 5G?
While the Snapdragon 855+ provides a performance boost, the difference in gaming isn't massive. Both chips are capable of running most mobile games at high settings. However, the Mi 9 Pro 5G might maintain slightly higher frame rates and exhibit less frame drop during extended gaming sessions due to the optimized GPU and potentially better thermal management.
❓ How much faster is the 40W charging on the Xiaomi Mi 9 Pro 5G compared to the 18W charging on the Lenovo Z6 Pro 5G in real-world usage?
The 40W charging on the Mi 9 Pro 5G can realistically charge the phone from 0% to 100% in around 60-75 minutes, whereas the Z6 Pro 5G’s 18W charging will likely take over 2 hours. This difference is particularly noticeable for users who frequently need to top up their battery quickly throughout the day.
❓ Is the 30W wireless charging on the Xiaomi Mi 9 Pro 5G truly useful, or is it just a marketing gimmick?
30W wireless charging is genuinely useful. It's significantly faster than most wireless charging solutions, bringing the charging speed closer to wired charging. While not as fast as the 40W wired charging, it offers a convenient way to top up your phone without plugging in a cable.
