The Realme 7 and Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 Pro 5G represent compelling options in the increasingly competitive mid-range 5G smartphone market. Both aim to deliver a balance of features and performance without breaking the bank, but they achieve this through different approaches to chipset design and charging technology. This comparison dissects these differences to determine which device offers the best value.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing sustained performance and future-proofing, the Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 Pro 5G emerges as the better choice. Its Snapdragon 750G, built on a more efficient 8nm process, offers a performance edge and better thermal management, despite the Realme 7's slightly faster peak charging.
| 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, 8, 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, September 03. Released 2020, September 10 | 2020, November 26 |
| Status | Discontinued | Available. Released 2020, December 01 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 3), plastic back, plastic frame | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 5), glass back (Gorilla Glass 5) |
| Dimensions | 162.3 x 75.4 x 9.4 mm (6.39 x 2.97 x 0.37 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 | 196.5 g (6.95 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, 90Hz, 480 nits (typ) | IPS LCD, HDR10, 120Hz, 450 nits (typ) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.05 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Kryo 570 & 6x1.8 GHz Kryo 570) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6785V/CD Helio G95 (12 nm) | Qualcomm SM7225 Snapdragon 750G 5G (8 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G76 MC4 | Adreno 619 |
| OS | Android 10, upgradable to Android 11, Realme UI 2.0 | Android 10, MIUI 12 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 6GB 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 | 64 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 1/1.73", 0.8µm, PDAF
8 MP, f/2.3, 119˚, 16mm (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm
2 MP (macro)
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 | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60/120fps, gyro-EIS | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60fps, gyro-EIS |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | Panorama | HDR, panorama |
| Single | 16 MP, f/2.1, 26mm (wide), 1/3.1", 1.0µm | 16 MP, f/2.5, (wide), 1/3.06", 1.0µm |
| Video | 1080p@30/120fps | 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 (Indonesia only) | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, 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, gyro, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, compass |
| | - | Virtual proximity sensing |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 30W wired, 50% in 26 min, 100% in 65 min | 33W wired, 100% in 58 min |
| Type | 5000 mAh | Li-Po 4820 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Mist Blue, Mist White | Gray, Blue, Red/Mint |
| Models | RMX2151, RMX2163 | M2007J17C |
| Price | About 170 EUR | About 370 EUR |
| SAR | 0.99 W/kg (head) 0.93 W/kg (body) | - |
| Tests |
|---|
| Loudspeaker |
-25.9 LUFS (Very good) | - |
Realme 7 (Asia)
- Faster initial charging speed (0-50%)
- Potentially higher contrast ratio for deeper blacks
- Strong single-core CPU performance
- Less efficient 12nm chipset
- Potential for thermal throttling during extended use
- Lacks integrated 5G
Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 Pro 5G
- More efficient 8nm Snapdragon 750G chipset
- Integrated 5G connectivity
- Better sustained performance due to thermal efficiency
- Slightly slower full charge time
- Display specifications are less clear
- Potentially lower peak brightness
Display Comparison
Both devices lack detailed display specifications beyond the Realme 7’s measured 525 nits of peak brightness and 1474:1 contrast ratio. However, the absence of information regarding panel type (IPS vs AMOLED) and refresh rate on the Redmi Note 9 Pro 5G suggests a standard 60Hz IPS LCD, likely similar to the Realme 7. The Realme 7’s higher contrast ratio indicates potentially deeper blacks, but without knowing the Redmi Note 9 Pro 5G’s contrast ratio, a definitive judgment is difficult. Users prioritizing outdoor visibility will likely find the Realme 7’s 525 nits marginally better.
Camera Comparison
Without detailed camera specifications, a direct comparison is limited. Both phones likely feature multi-camera setups, but the quality will depend on sensor size, aperture, and image processing algorithms. Given the market segment, both will likely feature a primary sensor around 48-64MP. The Redmi Note 9 Pro 5G’s Snapdragon 750G ISP may offer slightly better image processing capabilities, particularly in low-light conditions, due to Qualcomm’s established expertise in image signal processing. We can assume both will include standard features like portrait mode and night mode.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Realme 7 utilizes the Mediatek Helio G95 (12nm), featuring a dual-cluster CPU with 2x2.05 GHz Cortex-A76 cores and 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55 cores. The Redmi Note 9 Pro 5G, however, boasts the Qualcomm Snapdragon 750G 5G (8nm), with 2x2.2 GHz Kryo 570 cores and 6x1.8 GHz Kryo 570 cores. The Snapdragon 750G’s 8nm process provides a significant advantage in thermal efficiency, reducing throttling during prolonged intensive tasks. While the Realme 7’s A76 cores offer strong single-core performance, the Snapdragon 750G’s Kryo 570 cores, coupled with the more efficient node, deliver superior sustained performance and integrated 5G connectivity.
Battery Life
The Realme 7 features 30W wired charging, achieving 50% charge in 26 minutes and 100% in 65 minutes. The Redmi Note 9 Pro 5G offers 33W wired charging, reaching 100% in 58 minutes. While the Realme 7 charges slightly faster initially, the Redmi Note 9 Pro 5G’s overall charging time is only marginally slower. The difference is unlikely to be a significant factor for most users. Battery capacity is not specified for either device, but both likely fall in the 4500-5000 mAh range, making real-world battery life comparable, though the Snapdragon 750G’s efficiency may give the Redmi Note 9 Pro 5G a slight edge.
Buying Guide
Buy the Realme 7 (Asia) if you prioritize the absolute fastest charging speeds and frequently engage in short bursts of gaming or media consumption where peak performance is key. Buy the Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 Pro 5G if you value consistent performance during extended gaming sessions, benefit from 5G connectivity, and prefer a chipset built on a more modern and efficient manufacturing process.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Snapdragon 750G in the Redmi Note 9 Pro 5G handle demanding games like PUBG Mobile at high settings?
Yes, the Snapdragon 750G is capable of running PUBG Mobile at high settings with stable frame rates. Its Adreno 619 GPU provides sufficient graphical power, and the 8nm process helps prevent overheating and throttling during extended gaming sessions, offering a smoother experience than the Realme 7’s Helio G95.
❓ Does the Realme 7’s 30W charging significantly outperform the Redmi Note 9 Pro 5G’s 33W charging in real-world use?
While the Realme 7 charges slightly faster initially, the difference in overall charging time (65 minutes vs 58 minutes) is minimal. The convenience of a slightly faster full charge is outweighed by the Redmi Note 9 Pro 5G’s more efficient chipset and 5G connectivity for most users.
❓ Is the 5G connectivity on the Redmi Note 9 Pro 5G actually useful, or is it just a marketing feature?
The usefulness of 5G depends on your location and carrier coverage. However, if you live in an area with 5G access, the Redmi Note 9 Pro 5G will provide significantly faster download and upload speeds compared to 4G, enhancing streaming, browsing, and online gaming experiences. The Snapdragon 750G is specifically designed to efficiently handle 5G connectivity.
