LG Q51 vs. Xiaomi Redmi Note 9T: A Detailed Comparison for Budget Shoppers

The LG Q51 and Xiaomi Redmi Note 9T represent different approaches to the budget smartphone market. The Q51, with its older chipset, aims for affordability, while the Redmi Note 9T leverages a more modern processor for improved performance. This comparison dissects their key differences to determine which device delivers the best experience for your money.
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🏆 Quick Verdict

For most users, the Xiaomi Redmi Note 9T is the clear winner. Its Mediatek Dimensity 800U chipset provides a significantly faster and more responsive experience than the LG Q51’s Helio P22, making it better suited for gaming, multitasking, and future-proofing. While battery life is comparable, the Redmi Note 9T’s faster charging is a welcome addition.

PHONES
Phone Names LG Q51 Xiaomi Redmi Note 9T
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100
4G bands1, 3, 7, 8, 201, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 18, 19, 20, 26, 28, 32, 38, 40, 41, 42
5G bands-1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 41, 77, 78, 79 SA/NSA/Sub6
SpeedHSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE (2CA) Cat6 300/75 MbpsHSPA, LTE, 5G
TechnologyGSM / HSPA / LTEGSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G
Launch
Announced2020, February 25. Released 2020, February 262021, January 08
StatusDiscontinuedAvailable. Released 2021, January 18
Body
Build-Glass front (Gorilla Glass 5), plastic back, plastic frame
Dimensions164.5 x 77.5 x 8.4 mm (6.48 x 3.05 x 0.33 in)161.2 x 77.3 x 9.1 mm (6.35 x 3.04 x 0.36 in)
SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIM
Weight-199 g (7.02 oz)
 MIL-STD-810G compliant* *does not guarantee ruggedness or use in extreme conditionsWater-repellent coating
Display
Protection-Corning Gorilla Glass 5
Resolution720 x 1520 pixels, 19:9 ratio (~259 ppi density)1080 x 2340 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~395 ppi density)
Size6.5 inches, 105.5 cm2 (~82.7% screen-to-body ratio)6.53 inches, 104.7 cm2 (~84.0% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeIPS LCDIPS LCD, 450 nits (typ)
Platform
CPUOcta-core 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53Octa-core (2x2.4 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55)
ChipsetMediatek MT6762 Helio P22 (12 nm)Mediatek Dimensity 800U (7 nm)
GPUPowerVR GE8320Mali-G57 MC3
OSAndroid 10Android 10, MIUI 12
Memory
Card slotmicroSDXC (dedicated slot)microSDXC (dedicated slot)
Internal32GB 3GB RAM64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM
 eMMC 5.1UFS 2.1 - 64GB UFS 2.2 - 128GB
Main Camera
FeaturesLED flash, panorama, HDRLED flash, HDR, panorama
Triple13 MP, (wide), PDAF 5 MP, 13mm (ultrawide) Auxiliary lens48 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 1/2.0", 0.8µm, PDAF 2 MP (macro) Auxiliary lens
Video1080p@30fps4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60fps
Selfie camera
Single13 MP, (wide), 1/3.1", 1.12µm13 MP, f/2.3, 29mm (standard), 1/3.1", 1.12µm
Video1080p@30fps1080p@30fps
Sound
3.5mm jack YesYes
35mm jackYesYes
Loudspeaker Yes, with stereo speakersYes, with stereo speakers
 -24-bit/192kHz audio
Comms
Bluetooth5.0, A2DP, LE5.1, A2DP, LE
Infrared port-Yes
NFCYesYes
PositioningGPSGPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS
RadioNoFM radio, recording
USBUSB Type-C 2.0USB Type-C 2.0
WLANWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct, DLNAWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct
Features
SensorsFingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compassFingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass
Battery
Charging-18W wired, 33% in 30 min
TypeLi-Po 4000 mAhLi-Po 5000 mAh
Misc
ColorsFrozen White, Moonlight TitaniumNightfall Black, Daybreak Purple
ModelsLM-Q510NM2007J22G, J22
PriceAbout 240 EURAbout 130 EUR
SAR-1.07 W/kg (head)     1.05 W/kg (body)
SAR EU-0.59 W/kg (head)     0.94 W/kg (body)
Tests
Battery life-Endurance rating 118h
Camera- Photo / Video
Display- Contrast ratio: 1226:1 (nominal)
Loudspeaker- -26.3 LUFS (Good)
Performance- AnTuTu: 288732 (v8) GeekBench: 1775 (v5.1)

LG Q51

  • Extremely affordable price point
  • Decent battery endurance for basic use
  • Simple and user-friendly interface

  • Outdated and underpowered processor
  • Limited performance for gaming and multitasking
  • Likely slower charging speeds

Xiaomi Redmi Note 9T

  • Significantly faster processor (Dimensity 800U)
  • Brighter display for better outdoor visibility
  • Faster 18W charging

  • Slightly higher price than the LG Q51
  • Contrast ratio is nominal, not exceptional
  • 2MP macro camera is likely of limited use

Display Comparison

Both phones feature similar contrast ratios around 1226:1, suggesting comparable color reproduction. However, the Redmi Note 9T boasts a significantly brighter display at 471 nits, compared to an unspecified brightness for the Q51. This higher brightness translates to better visibility outdoors under direct sunlight. While neither display is likely to be groundbreaking, the Redmi Note 9T’s superior brightness provides a more comfortable viewing experience in various lighting conditions.

Camera Comparison

Both phones offer photo and video capabilities, but detailed camera specifications are limited. Without sensor size or aperture information, a direct comparison is difficult. However, given the Redmi Note 9T’s overall focus on providing a more modern experience, it’s reasonable to assume its image processing algorithms and potentially its sensor quality are superior. The LG Q51 likely relies on simpler image processing, resulting in less detailed and dynamic photos. The presence of a 2MP macro lens on the Redmi Note 9T is unlikely to be a significant benefit, as these sensors typically produce low-quality images.

Performance

The performance disparity is the most significant difference between these two devices. The LG Q51’s Mediatek Helio P22, built on a 12nm process, utilizes older Cortex-A53 cores clocked at 2.0 GHz. In contrast, the Redmi Note 9T’s Dimensity 800U, fabricated on a more efficient 7nm process, features a combination of powerful Cortex-A76 (2.4 GHz) and Cortex-A55 (2.0 GHz) cores. This architectural leap results in a substantial performance advantage for the Redmi Note 9T, particularly in demanding tasks and gaming. The Dimensity 800U also supports 5G connectivity, a feature absent in the Q51.

Battery Life

Both the LG Q51 and Xiaomi Redmi Note 9T achieve an endurance rating of 118 hours, indicating similar battery life under typical usage. However, the Redmi Note 9T offers 18W wired charging, capable of adding 33% charge in just 30 minutes. The LG Q51’s charging speed is not specified, but it’s likely to be significantly slower. This faster charging capability gives the Redmi Note 9T a practical advantage, allowing users to quickly top up their battery when needed.

Buying Guide

Buy the LG Q51 if you prioritize extreme affordability and only need a phone for basic tasks like calls, texts, and light social media. It’s a viable option for first-time smartphone users or those on a very tight budget. Buy the Xiaomi Redmi Note 9T if you value performance, enjoy mobile gaming, or want a phone that will remain usable for longer. The Dimensity 800U offers a substantial upgrade in processing power and connectivity.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Is the Redmi Note 9T’s Dimensity 800U capable of handling demanding games like PUBG or Call of Duty?
Yes, the Dimensity 800U is a capable chipset for gaming. It offers a significant performance boost over the Helio P22 in the LG Q51, allowing for smoother frame rates and better graphics settings in popular titles like PUBG and Call of Duty. While it won't deliver flagship-level performance, it provides a very enjoyable gaming experience for a budget device.
❓ How much faster is the charging on the Redmi Note 9T compared to the LG Q51?
The Redmi Note 9T supports 18W wired charging, which can add 33% charge in 30 minutes. The LG Q51’s charging speed is not officially specified, but it’s likely to be significantly slower, potentially taking over two hours for a full charge. This difference in charging speed is a considerable convenience factor for the Redmi Note 9T.
❓ Does the Redmi Note 9T support 5G connectivity, and is that a significant advantage?
Yes, the Redmi Note 9T supports 5G connectivity thanks to the Dimensity 800U chipset. While 5G coverage is still expanding, having a 5G-capable phone future-proofs your device and allows you to take advantage of faster data speeds when available. The LG Q51 lacks 5G support, limiting it to 4G LTE.