The Oppo A73 and Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 Pro 5G represent compelling options in the increasingly crowded mid-range 5G smartphone market. While both aim to deliver 5G connectivity at an accessible price point, they diverge significantly in their core hardware, particularly in their respective Qualcomm Snapdragon chipsets. This comparison dissects those differences, focusing on performance, charging speed, and the real-world implications for the average user.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 Pro 5G is the superior choice. Its Snapdragon 750G chipset, built on a more efficient 8nm process, provides a noticeable performance uplift over the Oppo A73’s Snapdragon 662, making it better suited for demanding tasks and future-proofing. While the Oppo A73 offers respectable performance for basic use, the Redmi Note 9 Pro 5G delivers more power for a similar price.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 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, October 05. Released 2020, November 20 | 2020, November 26 |
| Status | Discontinued | Available. Released 2020, December 01 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 5), glass back (Gorilla Glass 5) |
| Dimensions | 159.8 x 72.9 x 7.5 mm (6.29 x 2.87 x 0.30 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 | 163 g (5.75 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 (~409 ppi density) | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~395 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.44 inches, 100.1 cm2 (~86.0% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.67 inches, 107.4 cm2 (~84.6% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | AMOLED, 430 nits (typ), 600 nits (peak) | 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, ColorOS 7.2 | Android 10, MIUI 12 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) |
| Internal | 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM | 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM |
| | UFS 2.1 (single lane) | UFS 2.2 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | Dual-LED dual-tone flash, HDR, panorama |
| Quad | 16 MP, f/2.2, (wide), 1/3.06", PDAF
8 MP, f/2.2, 120˚ (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm
Auxiliary lens | 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 | 1080p@30fps, gyro-EIS | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60fps, gyro-EIS |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR | HDR, panorama |
| Single | 16 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide), 1/3.1", 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 | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| | - | 24-bit/192kHz audio |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE, aptX | 5.1, A2DP, LE |
| Infrared port | - | Yes |
| NFC | Yes (market/region dependent) | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (G1), BDS (B1I+B2a), GALILEO (E1+E5a), QZSS (L1+L5) |
| Radio | FM radio | 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 (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, compass |
| | - | Virtual proximity sensing |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 30W wired, 50% in 30 min, 100% in 53 min | 33W wired, 100% in 58 min |
| Type | Li-Po 4015 mAh | Li-Po 4820 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Navy Blue, Classic Silver | Gray, Blue, Red/Mint |
| Models | CPH2099 | M2007J17C |
| Price | - | About 370 EUR |
Oppo A73
- Slightly faster full charge time (53 mins vs 58 mins)
- Potentially more streamlined software experience (depending on ColorOS version)
- Generally more affordable price point
- Less powerful Snapdragon 662 chipset
- Less efficient 11nm fabrication process
- Likely inferior camera performance
Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 Pro 5G
- More powerful Snapdragon 750G chipset
- More efficient 8nm fabrication process
- Potentially better camera performance
- 5G connectivity
- Slightly slower full charge time (58 mins vs 53 mins)
- May be slightly more expensive
- MIUI software can be resource intensive
Display Comparison
Neither device's display specifications are provided, so a direct comparison is limited. However, given the market positioning, both likely utilize LCD panels. The Redmi Note 9 Pro 5G, being the slightly more premium offering, may benefit from a higher peak brightness or improved color calibration. The absence of high refresh rate panels is typical for this price bracket, focusing instead on battery efficiency.
Camera Comparison
Without detailed camera specifications, a precise comparison is difficult. However, the Redmi Note 9 Pro 5G, positioned as a 'Pro' model, likely features a larger main sensor and more sophisticated image processing algorithms. The Snapdragon 750G also includes a more capable ISP (Image Signal Processor) than the 662, potentially leading to better dynamic range and low-light performance. The Oppo A73 will likely focus on software enhancements to compensate for potentially less capable hardware.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 Pro 5G’s Snapdragon 750G (8nm) is a significant step up from the Oppo A73’s Snapdragon 662 (11nm). The 8nm process inherently offers better power efficiency, translating to less heat generation and potentially reduced throttling during prolonged use. The CPU configuration also favors the Redmi Note 9 Pro 5G with its 2x2.2 GHz Kryo 570 cores versus the Oppo A73’s 4x2.0 GHz Kryo 260 Gold cores. This means faster single-core performance for responsive app launches and smoother multitasking. While both are octa-core CPUs, the architectural improvements in the 750G provide a clear advantage.
Battery Life
Both devices offer fast charging, with the Redmi Note 9 Pro 5G’s 33W slightly edging out the Oppo A73’s 30W. The Redmi Note 9 Pro 5G claims a full charge in 58 minutes, while the Oppo A73 takes 53 minutes. While the difference isn't massive, the more efficient Snapdragon 750G in the Redmi Note 9 Pro 5G may offset a potentially smaller battery capacity (spec not provided) through better power management, resulting in comparable or even superior real-world battery life.
Buying Guide
Buy the Oppo A73 if you prioritize a streamlined user experience and primarily need a phone for basic communication, social media, and light web browsing. Its 30W charging is adequate for everyday use. Buy the Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 Pro 5G if you value performance, enjoy mobile gaming, or anticipate using demanding applications. The Snapdragon 750G and its 8nm fabrication process offer a tangible advantage in sustained performance and efficiency.
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 specifically designed for gaming. Its Adreno 619 GPU is capable of running PUBG Mobile at high settings with stable frame rates. The 8nm process also helps prevent overheating and throttling during extended gaming sessions, providing a more consistent experience than the Oppo A73's Snapdragon 662.
❓ Does the Redmi Note 9 Pro 5G support carrier aggregation for faster 5G speeds?
The Snapdragon 750G supports carrier aggregation, which allows it to combine multiple 5G channels for significantly faster download and upload speeds. This is a crucial feature for maximizing the benefits of 5G networks, and the Oppo A73's Snapdragon 662 may have limited or no carrier aggregation support, resulting in slower 5G performance.
❓ How does the 11nm process of the Snapdragon 662 affect the Oppo A73's battery life compared to the 8nm process of the 750G?
The 11nm process is less efficient than the 8nm process. This means the Snapdragon 662 consumes more power for the same tasks, leading to potentially shorter battery life and increased heat generation. While the Oppo A73's battery capacity isn't specified, the Redmi Note 9 Pro 5G's more efficient chipset will likely result in comparable or better battery life despite potentially having a similar or smaller battery.
