Both the Motorola Moto G9 (India) and the Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 Pro 5G target the competitive Indian budget smartphone market, but they take different approaches. The Moto G9 focuses on providing a reliable experience with a Qualcomm Snapdragon 662, while the Redmi Note 9 Pro 5G steps up with the more powerful Snapdragon 750G and 5G connectivity, alongside significantly faster charging. This comparison dissects these key differences to determine which device offers the best value.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing future-proofing and faster charging, the Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 Pro 5G is the clear winner. Its Snapdragon 750G offers a noticeable performance uplift, and the 33W charging dramatically reduces downtime. However, the Moto G9 remains a viable option for those on a tighter budget who don't need 5G.
| 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, 18, 19, 20, 26, 28, 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, August 24. Released 2020, August 31 | 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 | 165.2 x 75.7 x 9.2 mm (6.50 x 2.98 x 0.36 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 + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 200 g (7.05 oz) | 215 g (7.58 oz) |
| | Water-repellent coating | IP53, dust and splash resistant |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 |
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~395 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.5 inches, 102.8 cm2 (~82.2% 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 (4x2.0 GHz Kryo 260 Gold & 4x1.8 GHz Kryo 260 Silver) | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Kryo 570 & 6x1.8 GHz Kryo 570) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM6115 Snapdragon 662 (11 nm) | Qualcomm SM7225 Snapdragon 750G 5G (8 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 610 | Adreno 619 |
| OS | Android 10 | 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 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 | 48 MP, f/1.7, (wide), 1/2.0", 0.8µm, PDAF
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Video | 1080p@30/60fps | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60fps, gyro-EIS |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR | HDR, panorama |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.2, 1.12µm | 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 | Yes | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO | GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (G1), BDS (B1I+B2a), GALILEO (E1+E5a), QZSS (L1+L5) |
| Radio | FM radio | Unspecified |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0 | USB Type-C 2.0 |
| 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 |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, compass |
| | - | Virtual proximity sensing |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 20W wired | 33W wired, 100% in 58 min |
| Type | Li-Po 5000 mAh | Li-Po 4820 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Forest Green, Sapphire Blue | Gray, Blue, Red/Mint |
| Models | - | M2007J17C |
| Price | About 130 EUR | About 370 EUR |
Motorola Moto G9 (India)
- Potentially lower price point
- Clean software experience (typically Motorola)
- Reliable performance for basic tasks
- Slower Snapdragon 662 processor
- Slower 20W charging
- No 5G connectivity
Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 Pro 5G
- Faster Snapdragon 750G processor
- 33W fast charging (58 min full charge)
- 5G connectivity for future-proofing
- Potentially higher price
- MIUI software can be resource intensive
- May run warmer under heavy load
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a particularly standout display. While specific panel details (like peak brightness or color gamut coverage) are absent, the focus here is on the underlying processing power impacting the user experience. Both likely utilize IPS LCD panels, common in this price bracket. The difference in chipsets will affect the smoothness of animations and responsiveness, more so than any inherent display quality gap.
Camera Comparison
Without detailed camera specs beyond the chipsets, a direct comparison is limited. However, the Snapdragon 750G’s image signal processor (ISP) is more advanced than the 662’s, offering better noise reduction and dynamic range. This suggests the Redmi Note 9 Pro 5G will likely produce superior image quality, particularly in challenging lighting conditions. The ISP’s capabilities are crucial for processing the data from the camera sensors, and a more powerful ISP will yield better results, even with similar sensors.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 Pro 5G’s Snapdragon 750G (8nm) is a significant upgrade over the Motorola Moto G9’s Snapdragon 662 (11nm). The 8nm process node inherently offers better power efficiency, translating to less heat generation under load. The 750G’s CPU configuration – 2x2.2 GHz Kryo 570 & 6x1.8 GHz Kryo 570 – provides a performance advantage over the Moto G9’s 4x2.0 GHz Kryo 260 Gold & 4x1.8 GHz Kryo 260 Silver. This means faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and a more enjoyable gaming experience on the Redmi Note 9 Pro 5G. The 750G also integrates a 5G modem, a feature absent in the Moto G9.
Battery Life
While battery capacities aren't provided, the charging speeds tell a clear story. The Redmi Note 9 Pro 5G’s 33W wired charging, capable of a full charge in 58 minutes, is a substantial improvement over the Moto G9’s 20W charging. This faster charging is a significant convenience factor, reducing downtime and allowing users to quickly top up their battery when needed. The more efficient Snapdragon 750G may also contribute to slightly better battery life, despite potentially having a similar capacity battery.
Buying Guide
Buy the Motorola Moto G9 (India) if you need a dependable smartphone for everyday tasks, prioritize a clean software experience, and are comfortable with slower charging speeds. Buy the Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 Pro 5G if you prefer a more powerful processor for gaming and multitasking, require 5G connectivity for future network compatibility, and value the convenience of rapid 33W charging.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Redmi Note 9 Pro 5G overheat during prolonged gaming sessions?
The Snapdragon 750G's 8nm process is more efficient than the Moto G9's 11nm Snapdragon 662, meaning it will generate less heat. While some throttling is possible during extended gaming, the Redmi Note 9 Pro 5G is better equipped to handle sustained workloads without significant performance drops.
❓ Is the 5G connectivity on the Redmi Note 9 Pro 5G actually useful in India right now?
While 5G infrastructure is still expanding in India, the Redmi Note 9 Pro 5G future-proofs your investment. Purchasing a 5G-enabled device now ensures compatibility with upcoming network rollouts, avoiding the need for a phone upgrade in the near future.
❓ Does the Motorola Moto G9 support VoWiFi (WiFi Calling)?
Support for VoWiFi varies by carrier and region. While the Snapdragon 662 is capable of VoWiFi, Motorola's implementation depends on partnerships with Indian telecom operators. Check with your carrier for compatibility.
