The Realme 7 and Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 Pro 5G represent compelling options in the increasingly crowded mid-range 5G smartphone market. While both aim to deliver a premium experience without the flagship price tag, they take distinctly different approaches to achieving this goal, primarily through their chipset choices. This comparison will dissect those differences and determine which device offers the best overall package.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing all-around performance and future-proofing, the Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 Pro 5G emerges as the stronger contender. Its Snapdragon 750G, built on a more efficient 8nm process, provides a noticeable performance edge and better thermal management, despite the Realme 7's faster charging.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 - SIM 1 & SIM 2 | 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, 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-A | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE / 5G |
| | - | CDMA2000 1xEV-DO |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2020, October 07 | 2020, November 26 |
| Status | Available. Released 2020, October 21 | 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 | Dual SIM (Nano-SIM, dual stand-by) | 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 Helio G95 (12 nm) | Qualcomm SM7225 Snapdragon 750G 5G (8 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G76 MC4 | Adreno 619 |
| OS | Android 10, Realme UI | Android 10, MIUI 12 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM, 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 | 48 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 1/2.0", 0.8µm, PDAF
8 MP, f/2.3, 119˚, 16mm (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm
2 MP, f/2.4, (macro)
2 MP, f/2.4, (depth) | 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 |
| 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, 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 (advertised) | 33W wired, 100% in 58 min |
| Type | Li-Po 5000 mAh, non-removable | Li-Po 4820 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Mist Blue, Mist White | Gray, Blue, Red/Mint |
| Models | RMX2155 | M2007J17C |
| Price | About 250 EUR | About 370 EUR |
| Tests |
|---|
| Battery life |
Endurance rating 126h
| - |
| Camera |
Photo / Video | - |
| Display |
Contrast ratio: 1474:1 (nominal) | - |
| Loudspeaker |
-25.9 LUFS (Very good)
| - |
| Performance |
AnTuTu: 292828(v8)
GeekBench: 1681 (v5.1)
GFXBench: 17fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) | - |
Realme 7 (Global)
- Faster 30W wired charging
- Strong endurance rating (126h)
- Potentially more vibrant display (1474:1 contrast)
- Less efficient 12nm Helio G95 chipset
- Likely lower sustained performance under load
- Limited camera information available
Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 Pro 5G
- More efficient 8nm Snapdragon 750G chipset
- Better sustained performance for gaming
- Likely superior camera image processing
- Slightly slower charging speed (58 minutes to 100%)
- Potentially larger physical size
- May lack Realme-specific software features
Display Comparison
Both devices lack detailed display specifications beyond the Realme 7's contrast ratio of 1474:1. However, given their market positioning, we can assume both utilize IPS LCD panels. The Redmi Note 9 Pro 5G's larger screen size (typically 6.67 inches vs. the Realme 7's 6.5 inches) may offer a more immersive viewing experience, but without knowing the peak brightness or color gamut coverage, it's difficult to definitively declare a winner. The Realme 7's contrast ratio suggests a potentially more vibrant image, but this is a limited metric.
Camera Comparison
Without detailed camera specs beyond 'Photo/Video' for the Realme 7, a direct comparison is challenging. However, the Redmi Note 9 Pro 5G typically features a higher resolution main sensor (often 64MP or 108MP) compared to the Realme 7’s likely 48MP sensor. This, combined with Qualcomm’s image signal processor (ISP), generally results in better dynamic range and detail in well-lit conditions. The Redmi Note 9 Pro 5G’s ISP also benefits from improved noise reduction algorithms. While both phones likely include a suite of auxiliary lenses, their quality is often secondary to the main sensor.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 Pro 5G’s Qualcomm SM7225 Snapdragon 750G (8nm) boasts a more modern architecture and a smaller fabrication process compared to the Realme 7’s Mediatek Helio G95 (12nm). The Snapdragon 750G’s CPU, with 2x2.2 GHz Kryo 570 cores, offers a clock speed advantage over the Realme 7’s 2x2.05 GHz Cortex-A76 cores. This translates to snappier app launches and smoother multitasking. The 8nm process also contributes to better thermal efficiency, meaning the Redmi Note 9 Pro 5G is less likely to throttle under sustained load, benefiting gamers. While the Helio G95 is a capable chip, the Snapdragon 750G provides a clear advantage in both raw performance and efficiency.
Battery Life
The Realme 7 boasts an endurance rating of 126 hours, suggesting solid battery life. However, the Redmi Note 9 Pro 5G’s more efficient Snapdragon 750G chipset could potentially deliver comparable or even better real-world battery performance despite potentially having a similar battery capacity. The Realme 7’s 30W charging is significantly faster, reaching 100% in 65 minutes (advertised) versus the Redmi Note 9 Pro 5G’s 33W charging at 58 minutes. This faster charging is a key advantage for users who prioritize quick top-ups.
Buying Guide
Buy the Realme 7 (Global) if you prioritize the fastest possible wired charging speeds and are heavily invested in the Realme ecosystem. Its 30W charging gets you to 100% significantly quicker. Buy the Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 Pro 5G if you value sustained performance during gaming and demanding tasks, and want a more efficient chipset that will likely hold up better over time, thanks to the 8nm Snapdragon 750G.
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 well-equipped to handle PUBG Mobile at high settings. Its Adreno 619 GPU provides ample graphical horsepower, and the 8nm process minimizes thermal throttling, allowing for sustained performance during extended gaming sessions. Expect smooth frame rates and a playable experience.
❓ How significant is the difference in charging speed between the Realme 7's 30W and the Redmi Note 9 Pro 5G's 33W charging?
While the Redmi Note 9 Pro 5G has a slightly higher wattage, the difference in real-world charging time is minimal – 58 minutes to 100% versus the Realme 7’s 65 minutes. The Realme 7’s faster initial charging rate (50% in 26 minutes) might be more noticeable for quick top-ups, but overall, the convenience factor is similar.
❓ Does the Redmi Note 9 Pro 5G support carrier aggregation for improved 5G speeds?
Yes, the Snapdragon 750G supports carrier aggregation, which allows it to combine multiple 5G channels for faster and more stable data speeds. This is a significant advantage in areas with strong 5G coverage, resulting in a noticeably improved browsing and streaming experience.
