Released around the same timeframe, the Realme XT 730G and Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 Pro represent a pivotal moment in the mid-range smartphone market. Both aimed to deliver flagship-like features at accessible prices, but they took different approaches, primarily in their chipset choices. This comparison dissects those choices and their implications for everyday users.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing sustained performance and efficiency, the Realme XT 730G is the better choice. Its Snapdragon 730G, built on an 8nm process, offers a more refined experience than the Redmi Note 8 Pro’s 12nm Helio G90T, especially during extended gaming or multitasking. While the Redmi Note 8 Pro boasts comparable battery endurance, the XT 730G’s faster 30W charging provides a significant convenience advantage.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 8, 38, 40, 41 | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | Not announced yet | 2019, August 29. Released 2019, September 24 |
| Status | Cancelled | 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), plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 158.7 x 75.2 x 8.6 mm (6.25 x 2.96 x 0.34 in) | 161.4 x 76.4 x 8.8 mm (6.35 x 3.01 x 0.35 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 183 g (6.46 oz) | 200 g (7.05 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 (~395 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.4 inches, 100.5 cm2 (~84.3% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.53 inches, 104.7 cm2 (~84.9% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | Super AMOLED | IPS LCD, HDR, 500 nits (typ) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Kryo 470 Gold & 6x1.8 GHz Kryo 470 Silver) | Octa-core (2x2.05 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SDM730 Snapdragon 730G (8 nm) | Mediatek MT6785V/CC Helio G90T (12 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 618 | Mali-G76 MC4 |
| OS | Android 9.0 (Pie), planned upgrade to Android 10, ColorOS 6 | Android 9.0 (Pie), upgradable to Android 11, MIUI 12.5 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM, 64GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM |
| | UFS 2.1 | UFS 2.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | 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 | 64 MP, f/1.9, 26mm (wide), 1/1.72", 0.8µm, PDAF
8 MP, f/2.2, 13mm (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens |
| Video | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60/120fps, 720p@960fps, gyro-EIS | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60/120fps, 720p@960fps, gyro-EIS |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR, panorama | HDR, panorama |
| Single | 16 MP, f/2.0, 25mm (wide), 1/3.06", 1.0µm | 20 MP, f/2.0, (wide), 1/3", 0.9µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| Infrared port | - | Yes |
| NFC | No | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio, recording |
| 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 (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 30W wired | 18W wired |
| Type | 4000 mAh, non-removable | Li-Po 4500 mAh, non-removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Pearl White, Pearl Blue | Black, Red, Blue, White, Deep Sea Blue, Midnight Blue, Electric Blue, Twilight Orange |
| Models | - | 2015105, M1906G7I, M1906G7G |
| Price | - | About 220 EUR |
| SAR | - | 1.15 W/kg (head) 1.18 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | - | 1.00 W/kg (head) 1.47 W/kg (body) |
| Tests |
|---|
| Audio quality | - |
Noise -93.6dB / Crosstalk -91.9dB |
| Battery life | - | Endurance rating 114h |
| Camera | - |
Photo / Video |
| Display | - |
Contrast ratio: 1326:1 (nominal) |
| Loudspeaker | - |
Voice 64dB / Noise 71dB / Ring 82dB |
| Performance | - |
AnTuTu: 224759 (v7), 279355 (v8)
GeekBench: 6999 (v4.4), 1622 (v5.1)
GFXBench: 14fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) |
Realme XT 730G
- More efficient Snapdragon 730G chipset
- Faster 30W wired charging
- Better sustained performance due to 8nm process
- Display brightness data unavailable for direct comparison
- Camera specs less prominently marketed
Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 Pro
- Comparable battery endurance (114h)
- Potentially brighter display (640 nits)
- Aggressive camera marketing and potentially higher resolution main sensor
- Less efficient Helio G90T chipset
- Slower 18W wired charging
- More prone to thermal throttling
Display Comparison
Both the Realme XT 730G and Redmi Note 8 Pro feature displays with a 1326:1 contrast ratio, suggesting similar visual pop. The Redmi Note 8 Pro is specified with a peak brightness of 640 nits, which is a measurable advantage. However, without comparable data for the XT 730G, it’s difficult to definitively state a brightness difference. Both likely utilize IPS LCD panels, common for this price bracket, and lack high refresh rate technology. The display experience will likely be similar for most users, with the Redmi Note 8 Pro potentially offering a slight edge in outdoor visibility.
Camera Comparison
Both phones offer 'Photo / Video' capabilities, but detailed sensor information is lacking. Without specifics on sensor size, aperture, or image processing algorithms, a direct comparison is difficult. However, the market positioning suggests the Redmi Note 8 Pro may have focused more heavily on camera marketing. The presence of a 64MP main sensor (common for the Redmi Note 8 Pro) would likely offer more detail than a typical sensor found in the XT 730G, but image quality is heavily dependent on software processing. The usefulness of any 2MP macro or depth sensors on either device is questionable, offering minimal benefit over software-based solutions.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Realme XT 730G’s Snapdragon 730G (8nm) utilizes a more efficient manufacturing process than the Redmi Note 8 Pro’s MediaTek Helio G90T (12nm). This translates to better thermal management and sustained performance. The Snapdragon 730G’s Kryo 470 cores (2x2.2 GHz Gold & 6x1.8 GHz Silver) are architecturally more advanced than the Helio G90T’s Cortex-A76 (2x2.05 GHz) and Cortex-A55 (6x2.0 GHz) configuration. While the G90T attempts to compensate with higher clock speeds, the 730G’s efficiency and architectural advantages provide a smoother, more consistent experience, particularly in graphically intensive tasks. The 8nm process of the SDM730G will result in less heat generation, reducing the likelihood of performance throttling during prolonged gaming sessions.
Battery Life
Both devices achieve an endurance rating of 114 hours, indicating comparable battery life under typical usage. However, the Realme XT 730G boasts 30W wired charging, significantly faster than the Redmi Note 8 Pro’s 18W charging. This means the XT 730G can replenish its battery much quicker, reducing downtime. While the Redmi Note 8 Pro’s battery may last slightly longer on a single charge, the XT 730G’s faster charging provides a more convenient user experience, especially for those who frequently use their phones throughout the day.
Buying Guide
Buy the Realme XT 730G if you need a phone that handles demanding apps and games smoothly over extended periods, and value faster charging speeds. The Snapdragon 730G’s efficiency translates to less throttling and a more consistent experience. Buy the Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 Pro if you prioritize maximum battery life and are willing to accept slightly less consistent performance under heavy load. The Redmi Note 8 Pro is a solid all-rounder, but its chipset is more prone to thermal throttling.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Helio G90T in the Redmi Note 8 Pro overheat during prolonged gaming sessions like PUBG?
The MediaTek Helio G90T is known to generate more heat than the Snapdragon 730G due to its 12nm manufacturing process. While it can handle gaming, you may experience noticeable thermal throttling after extended play, leading to frame rate drops and a less consistent experience. The XT 730G’s 8nm Snapdragon 730G is better equipped to maintain performance over longer periods.
❓ Is the 30W charging on the Realme XT 730G significantly faster than the 18W charging on the Redmi Note 8 Pro in real-world use?
Yes, the difference is substantial. 30W charging will typically take a phone from 0-100% in around 60-70 minutes, while 18W charging can take upwards of 90-120 minutes. This means you can get a significant charge in a shorter amount of time with the XT 730G, making it more convenient for users who need to quickly top up their battery.
❓ Does the Redmi Note 8 Pro's camera offer a noticeable advantage over the Realme XT 730G in low-light conditions?
Potentially, but it depends on software processing. If the Redmi Note 8 Pro utilizes more aggressive noise reduction and night mode algorithms, it may produce brighter images in low light. However, this can sometimes come at the cost of detail. Without detailed camera comparisons, it's difficult to definitively say which phone performs better in all low-light scenarios.
