The Samsung Galaxy A71 and Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 Pro 5G represent compelling options in the mid-range 5G smartphone space, but cater to slightly different priorities. The A71, released earlier, focuses on established brand recognition and endurance, while the Redmi Note 9 Pro 5G aims to disrupt with faster charging and a newer chipset. This comparison dives deep into the specifics to determine which device delivers the best overall experience.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing future-proofing and faster charging, the Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 Pro 5G emerges as the better choice. Its Snapdragon 750G chipset offers a performance edge, and the 33W charging significantly reduces downtime. However, the Galaxy A71’s proven endurance rating remains a strong point for heavy users.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66 | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 |
| 5G bands | - | 1, 3, 41, 78, 79 SA/NSA/Sub6 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE / 5G |
| | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 | CDMA2000 1xEV-DO |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2019, December 12. Released 2020, January 17 | 2020, November 26 |
| Status | Discontinued | Available. Released 2020, December 01 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 3), plastic back, plastic frame | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 5), glass back (Gorilla Glass 5) |
| Dimensions | 163.6 x 76 x 7.7 mm (6.44 x 2.99 x 0.30 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 + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 179 g (6.31 oz) | 215 g (7.58 oz) |
| | - | IP53, dust and splash resistant |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~393 ppi density) | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~395 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.7 inches, 108.4 cm2 (~87.2% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.67 inches, 107.4 cm2 (~84.6% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | Super AMOLED Plus | IPS LCD, HDR10, 120Hz, 450 nits (typ) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Kryo 470 Gold & 6x1.8 GHz Kryo 470 Silver) | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Kryo 570 & 6x1.8 GHz Kryo 570) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SDM730 Snapdragon 730 (8 nm) - GlobalQualcomm SDM730 Snapdragon 730G (8 nm) - Philippines | Qualcomm SM7225 Snapdragon 750G 5G (8 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 618 | Adreno 619 |
| OS | Android 10, upgradable to Android 13, One UI 5 | Android 10, MIUI 12 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated 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, panorama, HDR | Dual-LED dual-tone flash, HDR, panorama |
| Quad | 64 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 1/1.72", 0.8µm, PDAF
12 MP, f/2.2, 123˚ (ultrawide)
5 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@30/240fps, 1080p@960fps; gyro-EIS | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60fps, gyro-EIS |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR | HDR, panorama |
| Single | 32 MP, f/2.2, 26mm (wide), 1/2.8", 0.8µm | 16 MP, f/2.5, (wide), 1/3.06", 1.0µm |
| Video | 4K@30fps, 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 |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.1, A2DP, LE |
| Infrared port | - | Yes |
| NFC | Yes (market dependent) | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (G1), BDS (B1I+B2a), GALILEO (E1+E5a), QZSS (L1+L5) |
| Radio | FM radio | Unspecified |
| 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 (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, compass |
| | ANT+ | Virtual proximity sensing |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 25W wired | 33W wired, 100% in 58 min |
| Type | Li-Ion 4500 mAh, non-removable | Li-Po 4820 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Prism Crush Black, Prism Crush Silver, Prism Crush Blue, Prism Crush Pink | Gray, Blue, Red/Mint |
| Models | SM-A715F, SM-A715F/DS, SM-A715F/DSN, SM-A715F/DSM, SM-A715W, SM-A715X | M2007J17C |
| Price | About 120 EUR | About 370 EUR |
| SAR | 0.98 W/kg (head) 0.90 W/kg (body) | - |
| SAR EU | 0.51 W/kg (head) 1.56 W/kg (body) | - |
| Tests |
|---|
| Audio quality |
Noise -93.5dB / Crosstalk -92.6dB | - |
| Battery life | Endurance rating 102h | - |
| Camera |
Photo / Video | - |
| Display |
Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal) | - |
| Loudspeaker |
-29.0 LUFS (Average) | - |
| Performance |
AnTuTu: 192 458(v7), 263396 (v8)
GeekBench: 7039 (v4.4), 1733 (v5.1)
GFXBench: 15fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) | - |
Samsung Galaxy A71
- Exceptional 102-hour battery endurance
- Established Samsung brand and software support
- Proven display quality with 515 nits brightness
- Older Snapdragon 730 chipset
- Slower 25W charging compared to the competition
Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 Pro 5G
- Faster Snapdragon 750G 5G chipset
- Significantly faster 33W charging (100% in 58 mins)
- Potentially better 5G performance
- Battery endurance rating not provided
- Less established brand reputation compared to Samsung
Display Comparison
The Samsung Galaxy A71 boasts a display capable of reaching 515 nits of peak brightness, providing adequate visibility outdoors. While the Redmi Note 9 Pro 5G’s display specifications aren’t provided, Xiaomi typically prioritizes brightness in this segment. Both devices feature an 'Infinite' (nominal) contrast ratio, suggesting deep blacks, but without knowing the panel technology (e.g., AMOLED vs. IPS) of the Redmi Note 9 Pro 5G, a definitive brightness comparison is difficult. The A71’s established display quality is a known quantity, while the Redmi Note 9 Pro 5G’s display remains a relative unknown.
Camera Comparison
Both phones are listed as having 'Photo / Video' capabilities, lacking specific details. Without sensor size, aperture, or OIS information, a direct comparison is challenging. However, given Xiaomi’s recent focus on high-resolution sensors, it’s reasonable to assume the Redmi Note 9 Pro 5G might prioritize megapixel count. The A71’s camera performance is likely more refined due to Samsung’s established image processing algorithms, but the Redmi Note 9 Pro 5G could offer more versatility with potentially wider lens options. The absence of detail makes a conclusive assessment impossible.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Samsung Galaxy A71 utilizes the Qualcomm Snapdragon 730 (or 730G in some regions), built on an 8nm process, featuring an octa-core CPU with a 2x2.2 GHz Kryo 470 Gold and 6x1.8 GHz Kryo 470 Silver configuration. The Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 Pro 5G, however, employs the Snapdragon 750G 5G, also on an 8nm process, but with Kryo 570 cores clocked at the same 2x2.2 GHz and 6x1.8 GHz speeds. The 750G represents a generational leap, offering improved CPU and GPU performance, particularly in 5G-related tasks. This translates to a smoother experience with 5G networks and potentially better gaming performance on the Redmi Note 9 Pro 5G.
Battery Life
The Samsung Galaxy A71 shines with an impressive endurance rating of 102 hours, indicating exceptional battery life. This is coupled with 25W wired charging. The Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 Pro 5G counters with 33W wired charging, achieving a full charge in just 58 minutes. While the A71’s endurance is superior for multi-day use, the Redmi Note 9 Pro 5G’s faster charging mitigates the impact of a potentially smaller battery capacity, offering quicker top-ups when needed. The trade-off is between longevity and convenience.
Buying Guide
Buy the Samsung Galaxy A71 if you prioritize exceptional battery life and a well-established ecosystem. Its 102-hour endurance rating is ideal for users who frequently travel or have limited access to charging. Buy the Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 Pro 5G if you value faster charging speeds, a more modern chipset for 5G connectivity, and a potentially smoother overall experience, especially for gaming and demanding applications.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Does the Snapdragon 750G in the Redmi Note 9 Pro 5G offer a noticeable gaming improvement over the Snapdragon 730 in the Galaxy A71?
Yes, the Snapdragon 750G features an upgraded GPU and CPU architecture compared to the 730. While both can handle most mobile games, the 750G will deliver higher frame rates and smoother performance in demanding titles, especially at higher settings. The 750G is also optimized for 5G gaming, offering lower latency.
❓ How much faster is the 33W charging on the Redmi Note 9 Pro 5G compared to the 25W charging on the Galaxy A71 in real-world use?
The Redmi Note 9 Pro 5G’s 33W charging can fully charge the device in approximately 58 minutes. The Galaxy A71’s 25W charging will take considerably longer, likely exceeding 1 hour and 30 minutes. This difference is significant for users who frequently need to quickly top up their battery.
❓ Is the lack of specific camera details on both phones a cause for concern?
Yes, it is. Without knowing sensor sizes, apertures, or the presence of OIS, it's difficult to assess camera quality. However, Xiaomi has been increasingly focusing on camera performance in its Redmi Note series, so it's reasonable to expect a competitive camera system, but it's still a gamble without more information.
