Launched within months of each other, the Realme X2 and Xiaomi Mi 9T Pro represent a fascinating inflection point in the mid-range smartphone market. Both devices aimed to deliver flagship-adjacent performance without the flagship price tag, but they took different approaches. The X2 focused on a balance of features and efficiency with the Snapdragon 730G, while the Mi 9T Pro went for raw power with the older, but still potent, Snapdragon 855. This comparison dissects those choices to determine which phone offers the best value today.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing everyday tasks and moderate gaming, the Xiaomi Mi 9T Pro is the better choice. Its Snapdragon 855 provides a noticeable performance uplift over the Realme X2’s Snapdragon 730G, justifying the slight price premium. However, the X2 remains a compelling option for budget-conscious buyers.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 4, 5, 8, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 - China | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 - EMEA | - |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2019, September 24. Released 2019, September | 2019, August 21. Released 2019, August 21 |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 5), glass back (Gorilla Glass 5), plastic frame | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 5), glass back (Gorilla Glass 5), aluminum frame |
| Dimensions | 158.7 x 75.2 x 8.6 mm (6.25 x 2.96 x 0.34 in) | 156.7 x 74.3 x 8.8 mm (6.17 x 2.93 x 0.35 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 182 g (6.42 oz) | 191 g (6.74 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2340 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~403 ppi density) | 1080 x 2340 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~403 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.4 inches, 100.5 cm2 (~84.3% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.39 inches, 100.2 cm2 (~86.1% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | Super AMOLED | Super AMOLED, HDR |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Kryo 470 Gold & 6x1.8 GHz Kryo 470 Silver) | Octa-core (1x2.84 GHz Kryo 485 & 3x2.42 GHz Kryo 485 & 4x1.78 GHz Kryo 485) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SDM730 Snapdragon 730G (8 nm) | Qualcomm SM8150 Snapdragon 855 (7 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 618 | Adreno 640 |
| OS | Android 9.0 (Pie), upgradable to Android 10, Realme UI | Android 9.0 (Pie), upgradable to Android 11, MIUI 12.5 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | No |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM, 64GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM | 64GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM |
| | UFS 2.1 | UFS 2.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | Laser AF, Dual-LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Quad | 64 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/1.72", 0.8µm, PDAF
8 MP, f/2.3, 13mm (ultrawide)
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Triple | - | 48 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 1/2.0", 0.8µm, PDAF
8 MP, f/2.4, 53mm (telephoto), 1/4.0", 1.12µm, PDAF, 2x optical zoom
13 MP, f/2.4, 12mm (ultrawide), 1/3.1", 1.12µm |
| Video | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60/120fps, 720p@960fps, gyro-EIS | 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/120/240fps, 1080p@960fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR | HDR |
| Single | 32 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide), 1/2.8", 0.8µm | Motorized pop-up 20 MP, f/2.2, (wide), 1/3.4", 0.8µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| | - | 24-bit/192kHz audio
|
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.0, A2DP, LE, aptX HD |
| NFC | Yes | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (G1), BDS (B1), GALILEO (E1+E5a) |
| Radio | No | Yes |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG |
| 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 (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 30W wired, 67% in 30 min | 27W wired, QC4 |
| Type | 4000 mAh, non-removable | Li-Po 4000 mAh, non-removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Pearl White, Pearl Blue, Pearl Green | Carbon black, Red flame, Glacier blue |
| Models | RMX1992, RMX1993, RMX1991 | M1903F11G |
| Price | About 480 EUR | About 150 EUR |
| SAR | - | 1.03 W/kg (head) 0.72 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | - | 1.30 W/kg (head) 1.51 W/kg (body) |
| Tests |
|---|
| Audio quality |
Noise -92.6dB / Crosstalk -88.1dB |
Noise -93.9dB / Crosstalk -94.2dB |
| Battery life |
Endurance rating 105h
| Endurance rating 103h |
| Camera |
Photo / Video | - |
| Display |
Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal) |
Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal) |
| Loudspeaker |
-28.0 LUFS (Good)
|
-26.9 LUFS (Good) |
| Performance |
AnTuTu: 215578 (v7), 257443 (v8)
GeekBench: 6926 (v4.4), 1750 (v5.1)
GFXBench: 13fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) |
AnTuTu: 368846 (v7), 437823 (v8)
GeekBench: 10684 (v4.4), 2732 (v5.1)
GFXBench: 36fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) |
Realme X2
- Faster 30W charging
- More efficient Snapdragon 730G
- Competitive price point
- Less powerful processor
- Lower peak display brightness
Xiaomi Mi 9T Pro
- Significantly more powerful Snapdragon 855
- Better gaming performance
- Superior processing capabilities
- Slower 27W charging
- Potentially more thermal throttling
Display Comparison
Both the Realme X2 and Xiaomi Mi 9T Pro feature displays with an 'Infinite' (nominal) contrast ratio, indicating they are likely IPS LCD panels. However, the Realme X2’s measured peak brightness of 432 nits is a key differentiator. While adequate for indoor use, it may struggle in direct sunlight compared to panels with higher peak brightness. Both phones lack high refresh rate displays, a common omission in this price bracket at the time of release. The lack of specific panel technology details (like PWM frequency) makes it difficult to assess potential eye strain issues, but both are likely to be acceptable for most users.
Camera Comparison
Both phones offer 'Photo / Video' capabilities, but detailed camera specifications are lacking. Without sensor size or aperture information, a direct comparison is difficult. However, the Mi 9T Pro’s superior processing power likely translates to better image processing, particularly in low-light conditions. The absence of details regarding OIS (Optical Image Stabilization) suggests neither phone features it, relying instead on electronic image stabilization. The lack of information on the main camera sensors makes it impossible to determine a clear winner, but the Mi 9T Pro’s chipset provides a computational advantage.
Performance
The core difference between these phones lies in their chipsets. The Xiaomi Mi 9T Pro’s Snapdragon 855, built on a 7nm process, significantly outperforms the Realme X2’s Snapdragon 730G (8nm). The 855 features a 1x2.84 GHz Kryo 485 core, alongside three 2.42 GHz cores and four 1.78 GHz cores, offering a substantial advantage in single-core and multi-core performance compared to the X2’s 2x2.2 GHz Kryo 470 Gold and 6x1.8 GHz Kryo 470 Silver configuration. This translates to faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and a better gaming experience. While the 7nm process of the 855 also contributes to better thermal efficiency, the higher performance still means the Mi 9T Pro is more likely to throttle under sustained load.
Battery Life
Both the Realme X2 and Xiaomi Mi 9T Pro achieve similar endurance ratings of 105h and 103h respectively, suggesting comparable real-world battery life. The X2’s 30W wired charging, capable of reaching 67% in 30 minutes, is faster than the Mi 9T Pro’s 27W charging with Quick Charge 4 (QC4). This means the X2 can be topped up more quickly, mitigating any potential battery life concerns. Despite the Mi 9T Pro’s more power-hungry chipset, efficient software optimization and similar battery capacities result in comparable endurance.
Buying Guide
Buy the Realme X2 if you prioritize long battery life and a smooth experience for everyday tasks like browsing, social media, and light gaming. It’s ideal for users who don’t push their phones to the limit. Buy the Xiaomi Mi 9T Pro if you demand more processing power for demanding games, multitasking, or future-proofing. It’s the better choice for power users and those who want a phone that will remain responsive for years to come.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Snapdragon 855 in the Mi 9T Pro overheat during prolonged gaming sessions?
The Snapdragon 855 is known to generate more heat than the 730G. While Xiaomi implemented cooling solutions, sustained gaming at high settings can lead to thermal throttling, reducing performance over time. However, the Mi 9T Pro’s overall processing power still provides a better gaming experience even with some throttling.
❓ Is the difference in charging speed between the Realme X2 and Mi 9T Pro noticeable in daily use?
Yes, the Realme X2’s 30W charging is significantly faster than the Mi 9T Pro’s 27W charging. You’ll notice a substantial difference in how quickly you can top up the battery, especially during short charging windows. This is a key advantage for users who frequently need a quick boost.
❓ Does the Mi 9T Pro support higher graphics settings in demanding games like PUBG or Call of Duty: Mobile?
Absolutely. The Snapdragon 855’s more powerful GPU allows the Mi 9T Pro to run games at higher graphics settings and frame rates compared to the Realme X2. This results in a smoother and more immersive gaming experience.
