The Oppo A72 and Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 Pro 5G represent compelling options in the crowded budget smartphone market. While both aim to deliver a solid experience without breaking the bank, they take distinctly different approaches, primarily centered around their chipsets and charging capabilities. This comparison dissects those differences to determine which device offers the best value for your money.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing performance and future-proofing, the Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 Pro 5G is the clear winner. Its Snapdragon 750G chipset provides a substantial performance uplift over the Oppo A72’s Snapdragon 665, coupled with significantly faster 33W charging. While the A72 remains a viable option for basic tasks, the Redmi Note 9 Pro 5G offers a more responsive and versatile experience.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 18, 19, 20, 26, 28, 38, 39, 40, 41, 66 - Global | 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, April 21. Released 2020, April 29 | 2020, November 26 |
| Status | Discontinued | Available. Released 2020, December 01 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 5), glass back (Gorilla Glass 5) |
| Dimensions | 162 x 75.5 x 8.9 mm (6.38 x 2.97 x 0.35 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 |
| Weight | 192 g (6.77 oz) | 215 g (7.58 oz) |
| | - | IP53, dust and splash resistant |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~405 ppi density) | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~395 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~83.4% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.67 inches, 107.4 cm2 (~84.6% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 480 nits (typ) | 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 SM6125 Snapdragon 665 (11 nm) | Qualcomm SM7225 Snapdragon 750G 5G (8 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 610 | Adreno 619 |
| OS | Android 10, ColorOS 7.1 | Android 10, MIUI 12 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) |
| Internal | 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM | 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM |
| | UFS 2.1 | UFS 2.2 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | Dual-LED dual-tone flash, HDR, panorama |
| Quad | 48 MP, f/1.7, (wide), 1/2.0", 0.8µm, PDAF
8 MP, f/2.2, 119˚ (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm
Auxiliary lens
2 MP B/W, f/2.4 | 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 |
| Video | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/120fps, gyro-EIS | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60fps, gyro-EIS |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR | HDR, panorama |
| Single | 16 MP, f/2.0, (wide), 1/3.06, 1.0µm | 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, with stereo speakers | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| | 24-bit/192kHz audio | 24-bit/192kHz audio |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.1, A2DP, LE |
| Infrared port | - | Yes |
| NFC | Yes | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (G1), BDS (B1I+B2a), GALILEO (E1+E5a), QZSS (L1+L5) |
| Radio | No | Unspecified |
| 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 (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, compass |
| | - | Virtual proximity sensing |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 18W wired | 33W wired, 100% in 58 min |
| Type | Li-Po 5000 mAh | Li-Po 4820 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Twilight Black, Stream White, Sky Blue, Aurora Purple | Gray, Blue, Red/Mint |
| Models | CPH2067 | M2007J17C |
| Price | About 270 EUR | About 370 EUR |
| SAR EU | 0.48 W/kg (head) 0.92 W/kg (body) | - |
Oppo A72
- Potentially longer software support from Oppo.
- Reliable for basic smartphone tasks.
- More affordable initial price (likely).
- Significantly slower performance compared to the Redmi Note 9 Pro 5G.
- Slower 18W charging.
- Limited to 4G connectivity.
Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 Pro 5G
- Faster Snapdragon 750G chipset for smoother performance.
- 33W fast charging (100% in 58 minutes).
- 5G connectivity for future network compatibility.
- Xiaomi’s MIUI software can be resource-intensive.
- Potentially shorter software support compared to Oppo.
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a particularly standout display. While specific panel details (like peak brightness or color gamut coverage) are unavailable, the focus here is on the underlying performance difference. Both likely utilize LCD panels common in this price bracket. The real differentiator lies elsewhere.
Camera Comparison
Without detailed camera specs, a direct comparison is difficult. However, the chipset difference indirectly impacts camera performance. The Snapdragon 750G’s improved image signal processor (ISP) will likely result in faster image processing, better noise reduction, and potentially improved dynamic range compared to the Snapdragon 665. While both phones likely feature multi-camera setups, the Redmi Note 9 Pro 5G’s processing power will give it an edge in image quality, especially in challenging lighting conditions.
Performance
The core of the difference between these two phones is the chipset. The Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 Pro 5G’s Qualcomm SM7225 Snapdragon 750G (8nm) is a significant step up from the Oppo A72’s Snapdragon 665 (11nm). The 8nm process node inherently offers better power efficiency, translating to less heat generation and potentially sustained performance. The CPU configuration further highlights this: the Redmi Note 9 Pro 5G features 2x2.2 GHz Kryo 570 cores alongside 6x1.8 GHz Kryo 570 cores, compared to the A72’s 4x2.0 GHz Kryo 260 Gold and 4x1.8 GHz Kryo 260 Silver. This means the Redmi Note 9 Pro 5G will handle demanding applications and multitasking with greater ease. The 5G modem in the 750G also provides future-proofing, while the A72 is limited to 4G.
Battery Life
While battery capacity isn't specified, the charging speeds are a clear win for the Redmi Note 9 Pro 5G. Its 33W wired charging, capable of a full charge in 58 minutes, significantly outperforms the Oppo A72’s 18W charging. This faster charging is a substantial convenience factor, especially for users who frequently find themselves needing to top up their battery quickly. The more efficient 8nm process of the Snapdragon 750G may also contribute to slightly better battery life, offsetting any potential capacity differences.
Buying Guide
Buy the Oppo A72 if you need a reliable device for basic communication, social media, and light web browsing, and prioritize a potentially longer software support lifecycle from Oppo. Buy the Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 Pro 5G if you prefer a smoother multitasking experience, enjoy mobile gaming, and value the convenience of significantly faster charging and 5G connectivity for future network compatibility.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Snapdragon 750G in the Redmi Note 9 Pro 5G handle demanding games like PUBG Mobile smoothly?
Yes, the Snapdragon 750G is a capable chipset for gaming. While it won't deliver flagship-level performance, it should handle PUBG Mobile at medium to high settings with a stable frame rate. The improved GPU compared to the Snapdragon 665 in the Oppo A72 makes a noticeable difference in gaming smoothness.
❓ How much faster is the 33W charging on the Redmi Note 9 Pro 5G compared to the 18W charging on the Oppo A72 in real-world use?
The 33W charging on the Redmi Note 9 Pro 5G is significantly faster. Xiaomi claims a full charge in 58 minutes, while the Oppo A72 will likely take well over 2 hours to reach 100%. This means you can quickly top up your battery during short breaks, making the Redmi Note 9 Pro 5G much more convenient for users on the go.
❓ Does the Redmi Note 9 Pro 5G's 5G connectivity actually matter right now?
While 5G coverage is still expanding, the Redmi Note 9 Pro 5G's 5G modem future-proofs the device. As 5G networks become more widespread, you'll be able to take advantage of faster download and upload speeds. The Oppo A72, being limited to 4G, will not benefit from these advancements.
