The Realme V5 5G and Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 Pro 5G represent a sweet spot in the market – affordable access to 5G connectivity. Both aim to deliver a compelling experience without breaking the bank, but they achieve this through different approaches to chipset selection and charging technology. This comparison dissects those differences to determine which phone best suits your needs.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing slightly faster charging and a potentially more refined software experience, the Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 Pro 5G emerges as the winner. Its Snapdragon 750G offers a small performance edge, and the 33W charging completes a full charge in a shorter timeframe. However, the Realme V5 5G remains a strong contender, especially for those seeking a potentially lower price point.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 | 1, 3, 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 |
| 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, August 03. Released 2020, August 07 | 2020, November 26 |
| Status | Discontinued | Available. Released 2020, December 01 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 5), glass back (Gorilla Glass 5) |
| Dimensions | 162.1 x 75 x 9.1 mm (6.38 x 2.95 x 0.36 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 | 194 g (6.84 oz) | 215 g (7.58 oz) |
| | - | IP53, dust and splash resistant |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass | 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 (~83.9% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.67 inches, 107.4 cm2 (~84.6% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 90Hz | IPS LCD, HDR10, 120Hz, 450 nits (typ) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Kryo 570 & 6x1.8 GHz Kryo 570) |
| Chipset | Mediatek Dimensity 720 (7 nm) | Qualcomm SM7225 Snapdragon 750G 5G (8 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MC3 | Adreno 619 |
| OS | Android 10, Realme UI | Android 10, MIUI 12 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) |
| Internal | 128GB 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, 25mm (wide), 1/2.0", 0.8µm, PDAF
8 MP, f/2.3, 119˚ (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 | HDR | HDR, panorama |
| Single | 16 MP, f/2.1, 26mm (wide), 1/3.06", 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 | 24-bit/192kHz audio |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.1, A2DP, LE |
| Infrared port | - | Yes |
| NFC | No | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (G1), BDS (B1I+B2a), GALILEO (E1+E5a), QZSS (L1+L5) |
| 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 |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, compass |
| | - | Virtual proximity sensing |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 30W wired, 100% in 65 min | 33W wired, 100% in 58 min |
| Type | 5000 mAh | Li-Po 4820 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Blue, Silver, Mint | Gray, Blue, Red/Mint |
| Models | - | M2007J17C |
| Price | About 180 EUR | About 370 EUR |
Realme V5 5G
- Potentially lower price point
- Solid performance for everyday tasks
- Reliable Mediatek Dimensity 720 chipset
- Slower charging speed (65 minutes)
- Less efficient chipset compared to Snapdragon 750G
Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 Pro 5G
- Faster 33W charging (58 minutes)
- More efficient Snapdragon 750G chipset
- Potentially better image processing
- May be slightly more expensive
- Software experience can vary
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a particularly standout display. While specific panel details (like peak brightness or color gamut coverage) are absent, the focus here is on the underlying processors impacting the user experience *with* the display. Both likely utilize IPS LCD panels, common in this price bracket. The real difference lies in how efficiently the chipsets can drive the display, impacting battery life during prolonged use. The Redmi Note 9 Pro 5G’s Snapdragon 750G, built on an 8nm process, should offer slightly better power efficiency when rendering graphics, potentially leading to longer screen-on times.
Camera Comparison
Without detailed camera specs beyond the chipsets, a direct comparison is limited. However, the image signal processor (ISP) within the Snapdragon 750G is generally regarded as more advanced, offering better noise reduction and dynamic range. This translates to potentially superior image quality, particularly in challenging lighting conditions. Both phones likely feature a multi-camera setup, but the Redmi Note 9 Pro 5G’s chipset is better equipped to handle complex image processing algorithms, potentially leading to more detailed and vibrant photos. We can assume both will have a primary sensor, ultrawide, and depth sensor, but the Snapdragon's ISP will likely extract more detail.
Performance
The core of the difference lies in the chipsets: the Realme V5 5G features the Mediatek Dimensity 720 (7nm) while the Redmi Note 9 Pro 5G utilizes the Qualcomm Snapdragon 750G (8nm). While both are octa-core CPUs, the Snapdragon 750G boasts higher clock speeds (2.2 GHz Kryo 570 vs 2.0 GHz Cortex-A76), suggesting a performance advantage in CPU-intensive tasks. The 8nm process of the Snapdragon 750G also contributes to better thermal efficiency, potentially reducing throttling during sustained gaming sessions. This benefits gamers and users who frequently run demanding applications. The Dimensity 720, however, is no slouch and provides a solid experience for everyday tasks.
Battery Life
The Redmi Note 9 Pro 5G’s 33W wired charging is a clear advantage, achieving a 100% charge in 58 minutes, compared to the Realme V5 5G’s 30W charging which takes 65 minutes. While the actual battery capacity isn’t specified, the faster charging speed is a tangible benefit for users who need to quickly top up their device. The 8nm process of the Snapdragon 750G also contributes to better power efficiency, potentially offsetting any capacity difference and resulting in comparable real-world battery life. The faster charging is a significant convenience factor.
Buying Guide
Buy the Realme V5 5G if you prioritize maximizing value and are comfortable with potentially less optimized software. It's ideal for users who primarily stream content, browse the web, and engage in casual gaming. Buy the Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 Pro 5G if you value a smoother overall experience, faster charging speeds, and a chipset known for its efficiency and gaming capabilities. This phone is better suited for users who frequently multitask, play demanding games, or rely heavily on their smartphone for productivity.
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 well-equipped to handle PUBG Mobile at high settings. Its Adreno 619 GPU provides sufficient graphical power, and the 8nm process helps prevent overheating and throttling during extended gaming sessions. Expect a consistently smooth and enjoyable gaming experience.
❓ How does the charging speed difference (30W vs 33W) translate to real-world usage?
While a 3W difference may seem small, the Redmi Note 9 Pro 5G’s 33W charging shaves off approximately 7 minutes from a full charge compared to the Realme V5 5G. This can be significant for users who frequently need to quickly top up their battery before heading out. It also means less time tethered to a wall charger.
❓ Is the Mediatek Dimensity 720 in the Realme V5 5G capable of handling 5G connectivity effectively?
Yes, the Dimensity 720 is a capable 5G chipset. It supports both Sub-6GHz and SA/NSA 5G networks, ensuring compatibility with most 5G carriers. While the Snapdragon 750G might offer slightly better 5G modem efficiency, the Dimensity 720 provides a reliable 5G experience for everyday use.
