The Samsung Galaxy A91, released with a flagship-tier Snapdragon 855, now finds itself competing with newer mid-range contenders like the Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 Pro 5G. This comparison dissects the trade-offs between a slightly older, more powerful chipset and a newer, more efficient one, focusing on real-world performance and value for today's user.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For users prioritizing raw processing power and sustained performance, the Samsung Galaxy A91 edges out the Redmi Note 9 Pro 5G thanks to its Snapdragon 855. However, the Redmi Note 9 Pro 5G offers a compelling package with 5G connectivity, efficient power management, and faster charging at a potentially lower price point, making it the better choice for most.
| 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 / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | LTE | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 |
| 5G bands | - | 1, 3, 41, 78, 79 SA/NSA/Sub6 |
| Speed | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE / 5G |
| | - | CDMA2000 1xEV-DO |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | Not announced yet | 2020, November 26 |
| Status | Cancelled | Available. Released 2020, December 01 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 5), glass back (Gorilla Glass 5) |
| Dimensions | - | 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 | - | 215 g (7.58 oz) |
| | - | IP53, dust and splash resistant |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | 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 | 6.67 inches, 107.4 cm2 (~84.6% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | Super AMOLED | IPS LCD, HDR10, 120Hz, 450 nits (typ) |
| | Always-on display | - |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (1x2.84 GHz Kryo 485 & 3x2.42 GHz Kryo 485 & 4x1.78 GHz Kryo 485) | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Kryo 570 & 6x1.8 GHz Kryo 570) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM8150 Snapdragon 855 (7 nm) | Qualcomm SM7225 Snapdragon 750G 5G (8 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 640 | Adreno 619 |
| OS | Android 10, One UI | Android 10, MIUI 12 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) |
| Internal | 128GB 8GB RAM | 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM |
| | - | UFS 2.2 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, panorama, HDR | Dual-LED dual-tone flash, HDR, panorama |
| Quad | - | 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 |
| Triple | 48 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide), 1/2.0", 0.8µm, PDAF, OIS
12 MP, f/2.2, 12mm (ultrawide), 1.12µm
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Video | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60fps (gyro-EIS), 720p@960fps | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60fps, gyro-EIS |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR | HDR, panorama |
| Single | 32 MP, f/2.2, 25mm (wide), 1/2.8", 0.8µm | 16 MP, f/2.5, (wide), 1/3.06", 1.0µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps, gyro-EIS |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | No | Yes |
| 35mm jack | No | 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 | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (G1), BDS (B1I+B2a), GALILEO (E1+E5a), QZSS (L1+L5) |
| Radio | - | 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 (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, compass |
| | Samsung DeX (desktop experience support)
ANT+ | Virtual proximity sensing |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 45W wired | 33W wired, 100% in 58 min |
| Type | Li-Po 4500 mAh, non-removable | Li-Po 4820 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | White, Black | Gray, Blue, Red/Mint |
| Models | SM-A915F | M2007J17C |
| Price | - | About 370 EUR |
Samsung Galaxy A91
- Superior CPU and GPU performance with Snapdragon 855
- Faster 45W wired charging
- Likely higher-quality display (Super AMOLED)
- Less power-efficient chipset
- May experience more thermal throttling
- Potentially higher price
Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 Pro 5G
- Integrated 5G modem for future-proofing
- More power-efficient Snapdragon 750G
- Faster charging time (100% in 58 minutes)
- Potentially lower price
- Lower peak CPU and GPU performance
- Likely utilizes an IPS LCD display
- May lack advanced camera features
Display Comparison
Neither device's display specifications are provided, so a direct comparison is limited. However, given the A91's positioning, it likely features a Super AMOLED panel, known for vibrant colors and deep blacks. The Redmi Note 9 Pro 5G, typical of Xiaomi's offerings, likely utilizes an IPS LCD. While IPS panels offer accurate colors, they generally lack the contrast ratio of AMOLED. Bezels are likely comparable, reflecting the design trends of their respective release periods. Without specific data, it's reasonable to assume the A91 offers a visually superior experience due to its probable AMOLED technology.
Camera Comparison
Without detailed camera specs, analysis is limited. However, the A91, being positioned as a higher-end device, likely features a more sophisticated camera system with a larger primary sensor and potentially optical image stabilization (OIS). The Redmi Note 9 Pro 5G likely focuses on providing a versatile camera setup with a high-resolution main sensor, but may lack the advanced features found in the A91. Image processing styles will also differ; Samsung typically favors vibrant, saturated colors, while Xiaomi often aims for a more natural look. The absence of information on sensor sizes and apertures prevents a definitive camera comparison.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets: the Samsung Galaxy A91 boasts the Qualcomm SM8150 Snapdragon 855 (7nm), while the Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 Pro 5G utilizes the SM7225 Snapdragon 750G 5G (8nm). The Snapdragon 855, with its Kryo 485 cores clocked up to 2.84 GHz, delivers significantly higher peak CPU and GPU performance. However, the Snapdragon 750G, built on a more efficient 8nm process, offers better power efficiency. This translates to potentially longer battery life and less thermal throttling during sustained workloads. The 750G also integrates a 5G modem, a key advantage for future-proofing. While the A91's raw power is undeniable, the 750G's efficiency and 5G capabilities are crucial considerations.
Battery Life
Battery capacity isn't specified for either device. However, the charging speeds provide a clear distinction. The Samsung Galaxy A91 supports 45W wired charging, while the Redmi Note 9 Pro 5G offers 33W wired charging, reaching 100% in 58 minutes. The faster charging of the A91 is a significant advantage, allowing for quicker top-ups. The 8nm process of the Snapdragon 750G in the Redmi Note 9 Pro 5G likely contributes to better overall battery life, potentially offsetting the A91's faster charging if the battery capacities are similar. The A91's more power-hungry chipset will likely require more frequent charging.
Buying Guide
Buy the Samsung Galaxy A91 if you absolutely need the highest possible Android performance for demanding tasks like video editing or emulation, and are willing to potentially sacrifice battery life and newer features. Buy the Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 Pro 5G if you prioritize 5G connectivity, all-day battery life, and a more balanced experience with faster charging, all while staying within a more budget-friendly price range.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Snapdragon 750G in the Redmi Note 9 Pro 5G struggle with demanding games like PUBG or Genshin Impact?
While the Snapdragon 750G isn't a flagship chipset, it's capable of running PUBG and Genshin Impact at medium to high settings with acceptable frame rates. However, users seeking consistently high frame rates and maximum graphical fidelity may find the Snapdragon 855 in the Galaxy A91 provides a smoother experience. The 750G's efficiency will also result in less overheating during extended gaming sessions.
❓ How much faster is the 45W charging on the Galaxy A91 compared to the 33W charging on the Redmi Note 9 Pro 5G in real-world use?
The Redmi Note 9 Pro 5G already achieves a full charge in 58 minutes with 33W charging. The A91's 45W charging will likely shave off around 15-20 minutes from a full charge, offering a quicker top-up. However, the difference in charging speed is less significant if you're only topping up the battery for a short period.
❓ Does the Snapdragon 855 in the Galaxy A91 get noticeably hot during prolonged use, like video recording or gaming?
The Snapdragon 855 is known to generate more heat than newer chipsets like the Snapdragon 750G. While Samsung likely implemented thermal management solutions, users can expect some degree of heat buildup during intensive tasks. This may lead to slight performance throttling to prevent overheating.
