The Sony Xperia 10 II and Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 Pro 5G represent distinct approaches to the mid-range smartphone market. The Xperia 10 II prioritizes long-term endurance and a more refined, if understated, experience, while the Redmi Note 9 Pro 5G focuses on delivering the latest connectivity – 5G – and faster charging at a competitive price point. This comparison dissects their key differences to help you determine which aligns best with your needs.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing future-proofing and faster charging, the Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 Pro 5G is the better choice. Its Snapdragon 750G chipset and 33W charging significantly outperform the Xperia 10 II’s Snapdragon 665 and 18W charging, despite the Xperia 10 II’s impressive 92-hour endurance rating.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 20, 28, 38, 39, 40, 41 | 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, LTE Cat11 600/75 Mbps | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE / 5G |
| | - | CDMA2000 1xEV-DO |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2020, February 24 | 2020, November 26 |
| Status | Available. Released 2020, May 05 | Available. Released 2020, December 01 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 6), glass back (Gorilla Glass 6), plastic frame | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 5), glass back (Gorilla Glass 5) |
| Dimensions | 157 x 69 x 8.2 mm (6.18 x 2.72 x 0.32 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 | 151 g (5.33 oz) | 215 g (7.58 oz) |
| | IP65/IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 1.5m for 30 mins) | IP53, dust and splash resistant |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 6 | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2520 pixels, 21:9 ratio (~457 ppi density) | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~395 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.0 inches, 84.1 cm2 (~77.6% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.67 inches, 107.4 cm2 (~84.6% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | OLED | IPS LCD, HDR10, 120Hz, 450 nits (typ) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.0 GHz Kryo 260 Gold & 4x1.8 GHz Kryo 260 Silver) | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Kryo 570 & 6x1.8 GHz Kryo 570) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SDM665 Snapdragon 665 (11 nm) | Qualcomm SM7225 Snapdragon 750G 5G (8 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 610 | Adreno 619 |
| OS | Android 10, upgradable to Android 12 | Android 10, MIUI 12 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM | 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM |
| | - | UFS 2.2 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | 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 | 12 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide), 1/2.8", PDAF
8 MP, f/2.4, 52mm (telephoto), 1/4.0", PDAF, 2x optical zoom
8 MP, f/2.2, 120˚, 16mm (ultrawide), 1/4.0" | - |
| Video | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60fps, gyro-EIS |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR | HDR, panorama |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, 24mm (wide), 1/4.0" | 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, aptX HD | 5.1, A2DP, LE |
| Infrared port | - | Yes |
| NFC | Yes | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS | GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (G1), BDS (B1I+B2a), GALILEO (E1+E5a), QZSS (L1+L5) |
| Radio | No | 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 (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, compass |
| | - | Virtual proximity sensing |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 18W wired, PD, QC3 | 33W wired, 100% in 58 min |
| Type | Li-Po 3600 mAh | Li-Po 4820 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, White, Mint Green, Berry Blue | Gray, Blue, Red/Mint |
| Models | XQ-AU51, XQ-AU52, SO-41A | M2007J17C |
| Price | About 700 EUR | About 370 EUR |
| Tests |
|---|
| Battery life | Endurance rating 92h | - |
| Camera |
Photo / Video | - |
| Display |
Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal) | - |
| Loudspeaker |
-28.8 LUFS (Average) | - |
| Performance |
AnTuTu: 196545 (v8)
GeekBench: 5679 (v4.4), 1413 (v5.1)
GFXBench: 5.6fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) | - |
Sony Xperia 10 II
- Exceptional 92-hour battery endurance
- Compact and lightweight design
- Supports fast charging standards (PD, QC3)
- Older Snapdragon 665 chipset
- Lacks 5G connectivity
- Slower charging speed (18W)
Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 Pro 5G
- Faster Snapdragon 750G 5G chipset
- Significantly faster 33W charging (58 min to 100%)
- 5G connectivity for future-proofed data speeds
- Battery life likely lower than Xperia 10 II
- Potentially larger and heavier design
- Camera details are limited
Display Comparison
The Sony Xperia 10 II features a display capable of 520 nits of peak brightness, a respectable figure but potentially challenged in direct sunlight. The Redmi Note 9 Pro 5G’s display specifications are not provided, but given its market positioning, it likely offers comparable brightness. However, the Xperia 10 II’s ‘Infinite’ contrast ratio (nominal) suggests a standard IPS panel, while the Redmi Note 9 Pro 5G may incorporate features like HDR10 support, depending on the specific variant. The Xperia 10 II’s aspect ratio is also a key differentiator, offering a taller, narrower screen favored by some for media consumption.
Camera Comparison
Both devices offer photo and video capabilities, but detailed sensor information is lacking for the Xperia 10 II. The Redmi Note 9 Pro 5G’s camera specifications are also not provided, making a direct comparison difficult. However, given the Redmi Note series’ history, it likely features a higher resolution main sensor and more versatile camera system than the Xperia 10 II. The absence of details regarding OIS (Optical Image Stabilization) on either device suggests reliance on software stabilization, potentially impacting low-light video quality.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 Pro 5G’s Snapdragon 750G (8nm) is a significant upgrade over the Sony Xperia 10 II’s Snapdragon 665 (11nm). The 8nm process node of the 750G translates to improved thermal efficiency and performance per watt. The 750G’s CPU configuration – 2x2.2 GHz Kryo 570 & 6x1.8 GHz Kryo 570 – offers a noticeable performance boost over the Xperia 10 II’s 4x2.0 GHz Kryo 260 Gold & 4x1.8 GHz Kryo 260 Silver. This difference will be most apparent in multitasking, gaming, and demanding applications. The Redmi Note 9 Pro 5G also benefits from 5G connectivity, a feature absent in the Xperia 10 II.
Battery Life
The Sony Xperia 10 II boasts an impressive 92-hour endurance rating, indicating exceptional battery life. However, its 18W wired charging, supporting PD and QC3, is considerably slower than the Redmi Note 9 Pro 5G’s 33W wired charging, which can reach 100% in just 58 minutes. While the Xperia 10 II excels in longevity, the Redmi Note 9 Pro 5G offers significantly faster replenishment, making it more convenient for users who frequently need to top up their battery.
Buying Guide
Buy the Sony Xperia 10 II if you absolutely need maximum battery life and value a more compact form factor. Its 92-hour endurance rating is exceptional for a smartphone. Buy the Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 Pro 5G if you prioritize 5G connectivity, faster charging speeds, and a more modern chipset for improved performance in demanding applications and future software support.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Does the Snapdragon 665 in the Xperia 10 II struggle with demanding games like PUBG or Call of Duty?
The Snapdragon 665 is a capable chipset for casual gaming, but it will likely struggle with graphically intensive titles like PUBG or Call of Duty at higher settings. Expect reduced frame rates and potential stuttering. The Redmi Note 9 Pro 5G’s Snapdragon 750G offers a significantly smoother gaming experience.
❓ How much faster is the 33W charging on the Redmi Note 9 Pro 5G compared to the 18W charging on the Xperia 10 II in real-world use?
The Redmi Note 9 Pro 5G’s 33W charging can fully charge the battery in approximately 58 minutes. The Xperia 10 II’s 18W charging will take considerably longer, likely exceeding 2 hours for a full charge. This difference is substantial for users who prioritize quick top-ups.
❓ Is the lack of 5G on the Xperia 10 II a significant drawback in 2024?
While 5G coverage isn't ubiquitous, its availability is rapidly expanding. The absence of 5G on the Xperia 10 II means you'll be limited to 4G speeds, potentially impacting download and streaming speeds in areas with 5G coverage. The Redmi Note 9 Pro 5G offers future-proofing in this regard.
