The LG G8X ThinQ and Xiaomi Mi 9T Pro represent a fascinating intersection of flagship power and value. Released around the same time, both devices leveraged the Snapdragon 855 to deliver a premium experience. Now, with prices significantly reduced, they offer compelling options for budget-conscious buyers. This comparison dissects their strengths and weaknesses to determine which phone reigns supreme in 2024.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing sustained battery life and a slightly brighter display, the LG G8X ThinQ emerges as the winner. Its 111-hour endurance rating and 603 nits of brightness provide a tangible advantage. However, the Mi 9T Pro’s faster 27W charging is a significant counterpoint for those who value quick top-ups.
| 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, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 20, 28, 32, 38, 39, 40, 41 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40 |
| Speed | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat20 1960/75 Mbps | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 12, 14, 20, 29, 30, 38, 39, 40, 41, 46, 66 - USA | - |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2019, September 06. Released 2019, November 01 | 2019, August 21. Released 2019, August 21 |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 6), glass back (Gorilla Glass 5), aluminum frame | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 5), glass back (Gorilla Glass 5), aluminum frame |
| Dimensions | 159.3 x 75.8 x 8.4 mm (6.27 x 2.98 x 0.33 in) | 156.7 x 74.3 x 8.8 mm (6.17 x 2.93 x 0.35 in) |
| SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 192 g (6.77 oz) | 191 g (6.74 oz) |
| | IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 1.5m for 30 min)
MIL-STD-810G compliant*
*does not guarantee ruggedness or use in extreme conditions | - |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 6 | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2340 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~403 ppi density) | 1080 x 2340 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~403 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.4 inches, 100.5 cm2 (~83.3% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.39 inches, 100.2 cm2 (~86.1% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | OLED, HDR10 | Super AMOLED, HDR |
| | Always-on display | - |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (1x2.84 GHz Kryo 485 & 3x2.42 GHz Kryo 485 & 4x1.78 GHz Kryo 485) | Octa-core (1x2.84 GHz Kryo 485 & 3x2.42 GHz Kryo 485 & 4x1.78 GHz Kryo 485) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM8150 Snapdragon 855 (7 nm) | Qualcomm SM8150 Snapdragon 855 (7 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 640 | Adreno 640 |
| OS | Android 9.0 (Pie), upgradable to Android 12 | Android 9.0 (Pie), upgradable to Android 11, MIUI 12.5 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) - dual-SIM model | No |
| Internal | 128GB 6GB RAM | 64GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM |
| | UFS 2.1 | UFS 2.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 12 MP, f/1.8, 27mm (wide), 1/2.55", 1.4µm, dual pixel PDAF, OIS
13 MP, f/2.4, 9mm (ultrawide), 1.0µm | - |
| Features | Dual-LED dual-tone flash, HDR, panorama | Laser AF, Dual-LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 3.15 MP, AF | - |
| Triple | - | 48 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 1/2.0", 0.8µm, PDAF
8 MP, f/2.4, 53mm (telephoto), 1/4.0", 1.12µm, PDAF, 2x optical zoom
13 MP, f/2.4, 12mm (ultrawide), 1/3.1", 1.12µm |
| Video | 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/240fps, 24-bit/192kHz stereo sound rec., gyro-EIS | 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/120/240fps, 1080p@960fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR | HDR |
| Single | 32 MP, f/1.9, 26mm (wide), 1/2.8", 0.8µm | Motorized pop-up 20 MP, f/2.2, (wide), 1/3.4", 0.8µm |
| Video | 4K@30fps, gyro-EIS | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with stereo speakers | Yes |
| | 32-bit/192kHz audio
24-bit/192kHz audio recording
Tuned by Meridian Audio | 24-bit/192kHz audio
|
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE, aptX HD | 5.0, A2DP, LE, aptX HD |
| NFC | Yes | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (G1), BDS (B1), GALILEO (E1+E5a) |
| Radio | FM radio | Yes |
| USB | USB Type-C 3.1, OTG | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG |
| 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 |
|---|
| Browser | HTML, Adobe Flash | - |
| Sensors | Fingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer | Fingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 21W wired, PD, QC3
9W wireless | 27W wired, QC4 |
| Talk time | Up to 12 h (multimedia) | - |
| Type | Li-Po 4000 mAh, non-removable | Li-Po 4000 mAh, non-removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | New Aurora Black | Carbon black, Red flame, Glacier blue |
| Models | LMG850EMW, LM-G850, 901LG, LM-G850N | M1903F11G |
| Price | About 560 EUR | About 150 EUR |
| SAR | 1.12 W/kg (body) | 1.03 W/kg (head) 0.72 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | 0.90 W/kg (head) | 1.30 W/kg (head) 1.51 W/kg (body) |
| Tests |
|---|
| Audio quality |
Noise -93.2dB / Crosstalk -93.4dB |
Noise -93.9dB / Crosstalk -94.2dB |
| Battery life |
Endurance rating 111h
| Endurance rating 103h |
| Camera |
Photo / Video | - |
| Display |
Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal) |
Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal) |
| Loudspeaker |
-24.9 LUFS (Very good)
|
-26.9 LUFS (Good) |
| Performance |
AnTuTu: 339726 (v7), 411980 (v8)
GeekBench: 11251 (v4.4), 2870 (v5.1)
GFXBench: 38fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) |
AnTuTu: 368846 (v7), 437823 (v8)
GeekBench: 10684 (v4.4), 2732 (v5.1)
GFXBench: 36fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) |
LG G8X ThinQ
- Superior battery life (111h endurance)
- Brighter display (603 nits)
- Wireless charging support
- Slower wired charging (21W)
- Potentially less aggressive software optimization
Xiaomi Mi 9T Pro
- Faster wired charging (27W)
- Potentially more refined software experience (MIUI)
- Competitive price point
- Shorter battery life (103h endurance)
- No wireless charging
Display Comparison
Both the LG G8X ThinQ and Xiaomi Mi 9T Pro feature displays with an 'Infinite' (nominal) contrast ratio, suggesting deep blacks typical of OLED panels. However, the LG G8X pulls ahead with a measured peak brightness of 603 nits, offering superior visibility in direct sunlight compared to the Mi 9T Pro (brightness data unavailable, but generally lower in this price bracket). While both likely utilize similar PWM dimming rates, the G8X’s higher brightness could mitigate flicker perception for some users. The lack of high refresh rate panels on either device is a notable omission by today’s standards.
Camera Comparison
Both phones feature capable camera systems, but detailed sensor information is limited. The context data only indicates 'Photo / Video' capabilities. Given the market positioning, the Mi 9T Pro likely emphasizes computational photography and scene recognition, a Xiaomi hallmark. The LG G8X, historically, leans towards more natural image processing. Without specific sensor size or aperture data, it’s difficult to definitively declare a winner. The presence of a 2MP macro lens on the Mi 9T Pro is likely a marketing feature with limited practical benefit. Focusing on the main sensor’s performance is crucial.
Performance
At the heart of both devices lies the Qualcomm Snapdragon 855 (7nm). Both utilize the same octa-core CPU configuration – 1x2.84 GHz Kryo 485, 3x2.42 GHz Kryo 485, and 4x1.78 GHz Kryo 485. This means raw processing power is virtually identical. Performance differences will likely stem from software optimization and thermal management. While neither phone is known for aggressive throttling, the G8X’s larger chassis *potentially* allows for slightly better heat dissipation, though real-world testing would be needed to confirm. Both devices likely utilize LPDDR4X RAM, impacting multitasking performance.
Battery Life
The LG G8X ThinQ boasts an endurance rating of 111 hours, significantly exceeding the Xiaomi Mi 9T Pro’s 103 hours. This translates to a tangible advantage in real-world usage, allowing the G8X to comfortably last a full day even with heavy use. While the Mi 9T Pro compensates with faster 27W wired charging (QC4), compared to the G8X’s 21W (PD, QC3), the difference in charging speed doesn’t fully offset the G8X’s superior battery life. The G8X also offers 9W wireless charging, a feature absent on the Mi 9T Pro.
Buying Guide
Buy the LG G8X ThinQ if you need exceptional battery endurance for all-day use, frequently consume content outdoors, or appreciate a slightly brighter screen. Buy the Xiaomi Mi 9T Pro if you prioritize faster charging speeds, often find yourself needing to quickly replenish battery levels, and are comfortable with a slightly shorter battery life.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Does the Xiaomi Mi 9T Pro's 27W charging significantly reduce charging time compared to the LG G8X ThinQ's 21W?
While 27W is faster, the difference isn't dramatic. The Mi 9T Pro will likely charge from 0-100% in around 60-75 minutes, while the G8X will take closer to 90-100 minutes. However, the G8X’s larger battery capacity means the overall time to gain a usable charge (e.g., 0-50%) might be comparable.
❓ Given both phones use the Snapdragon 855, will I notice a performance difference in demanding games like PUBG or Genshin Impact?
The performance difference will be minimal. Both phones are capable of running these games at high settings. Any discrepancies will likely be due to software optimization and thermal throttling. The LG G8X’s potentially better heat dissipation *could* lead to slightly more sustained performance during extended gaming sessions, but this is not guaranteed.
❓ Is the LG G8X ThinQ's wireless charging a significant advantage?
For users who frequently utilize wireless charging pads, it's a convenient feature. However, at 9W, the wireless charging speed is relatively slow. It's best suited for overnight charging or occasional top-ups, not rapid replenishment.
