Both the Realme Q2i and Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 5G represent compelling options in the increasingly competitive budget 5G smartphone market. While both aim to deliver 5G connectivity at an accessible price point, they differ significantly in their core processing power, stemming from the Mediatek Dimensity 720 and Dimensity 800U chipsets respectively. This comparison will dissect those differences and determine which device offers the best overall experience.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing consistent performance and future-proofing, the Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 5G emerges as the better choice. The Dimensity 800U’s higher clock speeds and improved architecture translate to a noticeably smoother experience in demanding tasks, justifying a potential price premium.
| 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 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 |
| 5G bands | 1, 41, 77, 78, 79 SA/NSA | 1, 3, 41, 78, 79 SA/NSA/Sub6 |
| EDGE | - | No |
| GPRS | - | No |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE, 5G 2.3 Gbps DL | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE / 5G | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE / 5G |
| | CDMA2000 1xEV-DO | CDMA2000 1xEV-DO |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2020, October 13. Released 2020, October 21 | 2020, November 26 |
| Status | Discontinued | Available. Released 2020, December 01 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 5), plastic back |
| Dimensions | 164.4 x 76 x 8.6 mm (6.47 x 2.99 x 0.34 in) | 162 x 77.3 x 9.2 mm (6.38 x 3.04 x 0.36 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 189.5 g (6.70 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 (~81.6% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.53 inches, 104.7 cm2 (~83.6% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD, 450 nits (typ) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (2x2.4 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek Dimensity 720 (7 nm) | Mediatek Dimensity 800U (7 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MC3 | Mali-G57 MC3 |
| OS | Android 10, Realme UI | Android 10, MIUI 12 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Call records | - | Yes |
| Card slot | No | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 128GB 4GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 6GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM |
| Phonebook | - | 500 entries |
| | UFS 2.1 | UFS 2.2 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | - | VGA |
| Triple | 13 MP, f/2.2, 26mm (wide), PDAF
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens | 48 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 1/2.0", 0.8µm, PDAF
8 MP, f/2.2, 118˚ (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm
2 MP (macro) |
| Video | 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60fps | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR | - |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide) | 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 | 5.1, A2DP, LE |
| Infrared port | - | Yes |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, QZSS |
| Radio | No | Unspecified |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0 | 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 |
|---|
| Games | - | Downloadable |
| Java | - | No |
| Messaging | - | SMS(threaded view) |
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 18W wired | 18W wired |
| Stand-by | - | Up to 300 h |
| Talk time | - | Up to 3 h 30 min |
| Type | 5000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Blue, Silver | Gray, Green, Violet |
| Models | - | M2007J22C |
| Price | About 130 EUR | About 170 EUR |
Realme Q2i
- Potentially lower price point
- Functional 5G connectivity
- Adequate for basic tasks
- Less powerful processor
- May struggle with demanding apps
- Limited future-proofing
Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 5G
- More powerful Dimensity 800U chipset
- Smoother performance for gaming and multitasking
- Better long-term usability
- Potentially higher price
- 18W charging is relatively slow
- May not offer significant camera improvements
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a particularly standout display. Given the provided data focuses on processing, we can infer both likely utilize LCD panels common in this price bracket. The absence of specifications like refresh rate or resolution suggests a focus on cost optimization. Bezels are likely comparable, and color accuracy will be standard for the segment. The user experience will likely be similar in terms of visual fidelity.
Camera Comparison
Without detailed camera specifications, a direct comparison is difficult. However, given the market positioning, it’s reasonable to assume both phones feature a multi-camera setup with a primary sensor, ultrawide, and potentially a depth or macro lens. The image processing capabilities will largely depend on the ISP within each chipset; the Dimensity 800U likely offers slightly more advanced image processing features. The absence of OIS on either device suggests reliance on software stabilization, and low-light performance will likely be comparable, limited by sensor size and aperture.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 5G’s Dimensity 800U features a CPU with 2x2.4 GHz Cortex-A76 cores, compared to the Realme Q2i’s Dimensity 720 with 2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A76 cores. This 20% clock speed increase on the prime cores directly translates to faster single-core performance, impacting app launch times and general responsiveness. Both utilize the same 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55 efficiency cores, but the 800U’s overall architecture is more refined, offering better sustained performance under load. While both are 7nm chips, the 800U benefits from architectural improvements, making it the superior performer for gaming and multitasking.
Battery Life
Both devices feature 18W wired charging, suggesting similar charging speeds – approximately 2-3 hours for a full charge. Battery capacity isn’t specified, but typical capacities for this segment are around 5000mAh. The Dimensity 800U’s improved efficiency *could* translate to slightly better battery life, but the difference will likely be marginal. The 18W charging is relatively slow compared to faster charging solutions available on other devices, meaning neither phone excels in this area.
Buying Guide
Buy the Realme Q2i if you need a functional 5G phone for basic tasks like browsing, social media, and light messaging, and are on a very tight budget. It’s a solid option for those upgrading from a 4G device and simply want to experience 5G. Buy the Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 5G if you prefer a more responsive experience for gaming, multitasking, and content creation. The extra processing power ensures better longevity and a more enjoyable user experience, especially as apps become more demanding.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Redmi Note 9 5G handle graphically intensive games like PUBG Mobile smoothly?
The Dimensity 800U in the Redmi Note 9 5G is significantly more capable of handling demanding games like PUBG Mobile. While you may need to adjust graphics settings for optimal performance, the 800U’s higher clock speeds and improved GPU will deliver a smoother and more consistent frame rate compared to the Q2i’s Dimensity 720.
❓ Is the difference in performance between the Dimensity 720 and 800U noticeable in everyday tasks like browsing and social media?
While both chips are adequate for everyday tasks, the Redmi Note 9 5G with the Dimensity 800U will feel noticeably snappier. App launch times will be faster, scrolling will be smoother, and multitasking will be less prone to lag. The difference is subtle but accumulates over time, leading to a more pleasant user experience.
❓ Does the Redmi Note 9 5G get significantly hotter than the Realme Q2i during prolonged gaming sessions?
The Dimensity 800U is more powerful, and therefore generates more heat under sustained load. However, Xiaomi typically implements thermal management solutions to mitigate overheating. While the Redmi Note 9 5G may get warmer than the Q2i during extended gaming, it shouldn't reach uncomfortable levels, and performance throttling should be minimal.
