The sub-$200 smartphone market is fiercely competitive. The Oppo A33 (2020) and Xiaomi Redmi Note 9T both aim to deliver essential features at an accessible price, but they take drastically different approaches to achieving this. The Oppo prioritizes a streamlined experience with a Snapdragon 460, while the Redmi Note 9T leverages the more powerful Mediatek Dimensity 800U chipset. This comparison dives deep into the specifics to determine which device offers the best value.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Xiaomi Redmi Note 9T is the superior choice. Its Mediatek Dimensity 800U chipset provides significantly better performance for gaming and demanding applications, offsetting the similar battery life and charging speeds offered by both devices. The Oppo A33 is only preferable for those prioritizing extreme simplicity and minimal software overhead.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 38, 40, 41 | 1, 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 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2020, September 28. Released 2020, October 01 | 2021, January 08 |
| Status | Discontinued | Available. Released 2021, January 18 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 5), plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 163.9 x 75.1 x 8.4 mm (6.45 x 2.96 x 0.33 in) | 161.2 x 77.3 x 9.1 mm (6.35 x 3.04 x 0.36 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 186 g (6.56 oz) | 199 g (7.02 oz) |
| | - | Water-repellent coating |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 |
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) | 1080 x 2340 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~395 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.5 inches, 102.8 cm2 (~83.5% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.53 inches, 104.7 cm2 (~84.0% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 90Hz | IPS LCD, 450 nits (typ) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x1.8 GHz Kryo 240 & 4x1.6 GHz Kryo 240) | Octa-core (2x2.4 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM4250 Snapdragon 460 (11 nm) | Mediatek Dimensity 800U (7 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 610 | Mali-G57 MC3 |
| OS | Android 10, ColorOS 7.2 | Android 10, MIUI 12 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 3GB RAM, 32GB 4GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM |
| | UFS 2.1 gear 3 (one-lane) | UFS 2.1 - 64GB
UFS 2.2 - 128GB |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Triple | 13 MP, f/2.2, 25mm (wide), 1/3.06", 1.12µm, PDAF
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens | 48 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 1/2.0", 0.8µm, PDAF
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR | - |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide) | 13 MP, f/2.3, 29mm (standard), 1/3.1", 1.12µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with stereo speakers | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| | - | 24-bit/192kHz audio |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE, aptX HD | 5.1, A2DP, LE |
| Infrared port | - | Yes |
| NFC | No | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | No | FM radio, recording |
| 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 | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 18W wired | 18W wired, 33% in 30 min |
| Type | Li-Po 5000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Moonlight Black, Mint Cream | Nightfall Black, Daybreak Purple |
| Models | CPH2137 | M2007J22G, J22 |
| Price | About 130 EUR | About 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) |
Oppo A33 (2020)
- Potentially cleaner software experience (depending on ColorOS version)
- Slightly more affordable (typically)
- Adequate for basic smartphone tasks
- Significantly weaker performance compared to the Redmi Note 9T
- Less capable for gaming and demanding apps
- Display brightness likely lower than the Redmi Note 9T
Xiaomi Redmi Note 9T
- Much faster performance thanks to the Dimensity 800U
- Brighter display for better outdoor visibility
- More capable camera system (potentially)
- MIUI software can be resource-intensive and include bloatware
- May be slightly more expensive than the Oppo A33
- Similar battery life to the Oppo A33 despite more powerful chipset
Display Comparison
Both phones feature similar contrast ratios at 1226:1, suggesting comparable image depth. However, the Redmi Note 9T boasts a measured peak brightness of 471 nits, which is a noticeable advantage over what we can infer for the Oppo A33 (no brightness data provided). This brighter display will be more visible outdoors under direct sunlight. While both likely utilize LCD panels, the Redmi Note 9T’s higher brightness makes it the better choice for media consumption in varied lighting conditions.
Camera Comparison
Both devices are listed as having 'Photo / Video' capabilities, but lack specific details. Given the price point, we can assume both feature modest camera systems. Without sensor size or aperture information, it’s difficult to make a definitive judgment. However, the Redmi Note 9T’s more powerful processor allows for more sophisticated image processing, potentially resulting in better dynamic range and noise reduction. The inclusion of OIS (Optical Image Stabilization) on the Redmi Note 9T, if present, would further enhance image quality, particularly in low-light conditions. We can safely assume the 2MP macro lenses on both phones offer limited practical benefit.
Performance
The performance gap between these devices is substantial. The Xiaomi Redmi Note 9T’s Mediatek Dimensity 800U (7nm) is built on a more advanced process node than the Oppo A33’s Qualcomm Snapdragon 460 (11nm). The Dimensity 800U’s octa-core configuration, featuring two high-performance Cortex-A76 cores clocked at 2.4 GHz, significantly outperforms the Snapdragon 460’s Kryo 240 cores (1.8 GHz and 1.6 GHz). This translates to faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and a far more enjoyable gaming experience on the Redmi Note 9T. The Snapdragon 460 is adequate for basic tasks, but will struggle with graphically intensive games.
Battery Life
Both the Oppo A33 and Xiaomi Redmi Note 9T achieve an endurance rating of 118 hours, indicating similar overall battery life. Both also support 18W wired charging. However, the Redmi Note 9T claims to reach 33% charge in 30 minutes, suggesting a slightly more efficient charging implementation. The Dimensity 800U’s 7nm process likely contributes to better power efficiency under load, potentially offsetting the similar battery capacities.
Buying Guide
Buy the Oppo A33 (2020) if you need a phone for basic communication – calls, texts, and light social media – and value a clean, uncluttered software experience. Buy the Xiaomi Redmi Note 9T if you prefer a phone capable of handling modern mobile games, streaming video, and multitasking without significant lag, and are comfortable with Xiaomi’s MIUI software.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Redmi Note 9T struggle with demanding games like PUBG Mobile or Call of Duty?
No, the Mediatek Dimensity 800U in the Redmi Note 9T is capable of running PUBG Mobile and Call of Duty Mobile at medium to high settings with playable frame rates. While it won't match the performance of flagship devices, it provides a significantly better gaming experience than the Snapdragon 460-powered Oppo A33.
❓ Is Xiaomi's MIUI software heavily laden with bloatware?
MIUI has historically been criticized for including pre-installed apps (bloatware). However, Xiaomi has been reducing the amount of bloatware in recent versions. You can uninstall many of these apps, but some may remain. The Oppo A33’s ColorOS is generally considered to be a cleaner software experience, but this can vary depending on the specific version installed.
❓ How does the Snapdragon 460 in the Oppo A33 handle multitasking?
The Snapdragon 460 is sufficient for light multitasking, such as switching between messaging apps and web browsing. However, it will struggle with running multiple demanding apps simultaneously. Expect noticeable lag and slowdowns when attempting to run several apps at once.
❓ Does the Redmi Note 9T support 5G connectivity?
Yes, the Mediatek Dimensity 800U chipset in the Redmi Note 9T includes integrated 5G modem, allowing it to connect to 5G networks where available. The Oppo A33 (2020) is a 4G-only device.
