The Realme Narzo 20 and Xiaomi Redmi Note 9T represent compelling options in the crowded budget smartphone market. Both aim to deliver 5G connectivity and solid performance without breaking the bank, but they achieve this through different approaches. The Narzo 20 focuses on gaming with its Helio G85, while the Redmi Note 9T leverages the more powerful Dimensity 800U for a broader performance boost. 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 Dimensity 800U chipset provides a noticeable performance advantage in both everyday tasks and gaming, and its faster charging partially offsets the identical battery endurance rating. While the Narzo 20 is a capable device, the Redmi Note 9T offers a more future-proof and versatile experience.
| 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, 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 21. Released 2020, September 28 | 2021, January 08 |
| Status | Discontinued | Available. Released 2021, January 18 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 5), plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 164.5 x 75.9 x 9.8 mm (6.48 x 2.99 x 0.39 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 | 208 g (7.34 oz) | 199 g (7.02 oz) |
| | - | Water-repellent coating |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 |
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~270 ppi density) | 1080 x 2340 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~395 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~81.7% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.53 inches, 104.7 cm2 (~84.0% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 450 nits (typ), 560 nits (peak) | IPS LCD, 450 nits (typ) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (2x2.4 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6769Z Helio G85 (12 nm) | Mediatek Dimensity 800U (7 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G52 MC2 | Mali-G57 MC3 |
| OS | Android 10, upgradable to Android 11, Realme UI 2.0 | Android 10, MIUI 12 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | UFS 2.1 - 64GB
UFS 2.2 - 128GB |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Triple | 48 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 1/2.0", 0.8µm, PDAF
8 MP, f/2.3, 119˚ (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm
2 MP (macro) | 48 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 1/2.0", 0.8µm, PDAF
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens |
| Video | 1080p@30/60fps | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR, panorama | - |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm | 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 | 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 | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | FM radio | 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
5W reverse wired | 18W wired, 33% in 30 min |
| Type | 6000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Glory Silver, Victory Blue | Nightfall Black, Daybreak Purple |
| Models | RMX2193 | M2007J22G, J22 |
| Price | About 130 EUR | About 130 EUR |
| SAR | 1.03 W/kg (head) 0.73 W/kg (body) | 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) |
Realme Narzo 20
- Potentially lower price point
- Dedicated gaming focus with Helio G85
- 5W reverse wired charging
- Less powerful processor than the Redmi Note 9T
- Larger process node (12nm) leads to lower efficiency
- Slower charging speed
Xiaomi Redmi Note 9T
- More powerful Dimensity 800U chipset
- Faster charging (33% in 30 minutes)
- Better overall performance for multitasking and gaming
- No reverse wireless charging
- Potentially higher price point
- Identical battery endurance to Narzo 20
Display Comparison
Both the Realme Narzo 20 and Xiaomi Redmi Note 9T feature displays with a 1226:1 contrast ratio, suggesting similar visual characteristics in terms of dynamic range. However, the Redmi Note 9T boasts a measured peak brightness of 471 nits, which, while not exceptional, provides a slightly more visible experience in direct sunlight. Details regarding panel technology (IPS vs. AMOLED) and refresh rate are missing, but given the price point, both likely utilize standard 60Hz IPS LCDs. Bezels are assumed to be comparable, typical of this segment.
Camera Comparison
Both devices are listed as having 'Photo / Video' capabilities, lacking specific details. Without sensor size or aperture information, a direct comparison is difficult. However, the Redmi Note 9T’s more powerful processor allows for more sophisticated image processing, potentially leading to better dynamic range and noise reduction. The prevalence of 2MP macro lenses on both devices suggests they are largely marketing features and unlikely to deliver significant photographic value. Real-world camera performance will depend heavily on software optimization, which is currently unknown.
Performance
The core difference between these two phones lies in their chipsets. The Xiaomi Redmi Note 9T’s Mediatek Dimensity 800U (7nm) significantly outperforms the Realme Narzo 20’s Helio G85 (12nm). The Dimensity 800U features a more modern CPU architecture – Cortex-A76 cores clocked at 2.4 GHz versus the Narzo 20’s Cortex-A75 cores at 2.0 GHz. This translates to faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and improved gaming performance. The 7nm process node of the Dimensity 800U also contributes to better thermal efficiency, reducing the likelihood of throttling during sustained workloads. While both phones are octa-core, the architectural advantages of the Dimensity 800U are substantial.
Battery Life
Both the Realme Narzo 20 and Xiaomi Redmi Note 9T achieve an endurance rating of 118 hours, indicating similar battery life under typical usage. However, the Redmi Note 9T offers significantly faster charging with 18W wired charging capable of delivering 33% charge in 30 minutes, compared to the Narzo 20’s standard 18W charging. This faster charging speed is a practical advantage for users who need to quickly top up their battery. The Narzo 20 does offer 5W reverse wired charging, a feature absent on the Redmi Note 9T, allowing it to charge other devices, albeit slowly.
Buying Guide
Buy the Realme Narzo 20 if you prioritize a dedicated gaming focus and are comfortable with slightly less overall system responsiveness. Its Helio G85 is tuned for gaming, and the price may be lower depending on current promotions. Buy the Xiaomi Redmi Note 9T if you prefer a more balanced experience with stronger CPU performance, faster charging, and a more capable 5G modem. It’s the better all-rounder for users who multitask, stream video, and occasionally game.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Redmi Note 9T’s Dimensity 800U handle demanding games like PUBG Mobile at high settings?
Yes, the Dimensity 800U is more than capable of running PUBG Mobile at high settings with smooth frame rates. Its Mali-G57 MC3 GPU provides a significant performance boost over the Helio G85, allowing for a more enjoyable gaming experience without significant frame drops.
❓ Does the Realme Narzo 20 get noticeably hot during extended gaming sessions?
The Helio G85, while optimized for gaming, is built on a 12nm process. This means it's more prone to generating heat under sustained load compared to the Redmi Note 9T’s 7nm Dimensity 800U. Expect some warming during prolonged gaming, potentially leading to slight performance throttling.
❓ Is the 5G connectivity on both phones the same, and will I get similar speeds?
While both support 5G, the Dimensity 800U in the Redmi Note 9T generally offers broader 5G band support and potentially more stable connections, depending on your carrier and region. The Helio G85’s 5G modem may have limitations in certain areas.
❓ How significant is the difference in charging speed between the two phones in real-world use?
The Redmi Note 9T’s ability to reach 33% charge in 30 minutes is a noticeable advantage. This can translate to several hours of usage from a quick top-up, whereas the Narzo 20’s 18W charging will take considerably longer to achieve the same level of charge.
