The TCL Plex and Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 Pro 5G represent compelling options in the increasingly crowded mid-range 5G smartphone market. While both aim to deliver a connected experience without breaking the bank, they take different approaches to achieving this, primarily through their chipset choices. This comparison dissects the key differences between the Qualcomm Snapdragon 675 powering the TCL Plex and the Snapdragon 750G in the Redmi Note 9 Pro 5G, revealing which device offers the best balance of performance, features, and value.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 Pro 5G emerges as the stronger choice. Its Snapdragon 750G chipset, built on a more efficient 8nm process, delivers noticeably better performance and 5G connectivity. The significantly faster 33W charging also provides a substantial convenience advantage, offsetting the TCL Plex's slightly lower price point.
| 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, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40 | 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 (2CA) Cat6 400/75 Mbps | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE / 5G |
| | - | CDMA2000 1xEV-DO |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2019, September. Released 2019, October | 2020, November 26 |
| Status | Discontinued | Available. Released 2020, December 01 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, glass back, aluminum frame | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 5), glass back (Gorilla Glass 5) |
| Dimensions | 162.2 x 76.6 x 8 mm (6.39 x 3.02 x 0.31 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 | 192 g (6.77 oz) | 215 g (7.58 oz) |
| | - | IP53, dust and splash resistant |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2340 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~395 ppi density) | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~395 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.53 inches, 104.7 cm2 (~84.2% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.67 inches, 107.4 cm2 (~84.6% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD, HDR10, 120Hz, 450 nits (typ) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Kryo 460 Gold & 6x1.7 GHz Kryo 460 Silver) | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Kryo 570 & 6x1.8 GHz Kryo 570) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SDM675 Snapdragon 675 (11 nm) | Qualcomm SM7225 Snapdragon 750G 5G (8 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 612 | Adreno 619 |
| OS | Android 9.0 (Pie), upgradable to Android 10 | Android 10, MIUI 12 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) |
| Internal | 128GB 6GB RAM | 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM |
| | UFS 2.1 | UFS 2.2 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | Dual-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 | 48 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 1/2.0", 0.8µm, PDAF
16 MP, f/2.4, 13mm (ultrawide), 1/3.1", 1.0µm
2 MP, f/1.8 | - |
| Video | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60/120fps, 720p@960fps, gyro-EIS | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60fps, gyro-EIS |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | - | HDR, panorama |
| Single | 24 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide), 1/2.8", 0.9µm | 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 |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE, aptX | 5.1, A2DP, LE |
| Infrared port | - | Yes |
| NFC | Yes | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (G1), BDS (B1I+B2a), GALILEO (E1+E5a), QZSS (L1+L5) |
| Radio | FM 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 (rear-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, compass |
| | - | Virtual proximity sensing |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 18W wired, QC3, 50% in 32 min | 33W wired, 100% in 58 min |
| Stand-by | Up to 396 h (3G) | - |
| Talk time | Up to 12 h (2G) / Up to 25 h (3G) | - |
| Type | Li-Ion 3820 mAh, non-removable | Li-Po 4820 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Obsidian Black, Opal White | Gray, Blue, Red/Mint |
| Models | T780H | M2007J17C |
| Price | About 330 EUR | About 370 EUR |
TCL Plex
- Potentially lower price point.
- Clean software experience (typical of TCL).
- Adequate performance for basic tasks.
- Older Snapdragon 675 chipset.
- Slower 18W charging.
- Lacks integrated 5G modem.
Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 Pro 5G
- More powerful Snapdragon 750G chipset.
- Faster 33W charging.
- Integrated 5G connectivity.
- May be slightly more expensive.
- Xiaomi’s MIUI software can be resource-intensive.
- Potential for more bloatware.
Display Comparison
Neither TCL nor Xiaomi provided display specs in the context data. However, given the market positioning, both likely feature LCD panels. The Redmi Note 9 Pro 5G, being a newer device, may benefit from slightly improved color calibration and brightness. The Snapdragon 750G’s ISP could also contribute to better image processing for photos taken on the display, though this is speculative without further data.
Camera Comparison
Without sensor details, a direct camera comparison is difficult. However, the Snapdragon 750G’s image signal processor (ISP) is more advanced than the 675’s. This means better noise reduction, dynamic range, and overall image quality, especially in challenging lighting conditions. The 750G also supports higher resolution video recording and more advanced camera features. While both phones likely include standard features like HDR and portrait mode, the Redmi Note 9 Pro 5G will likely deliver superior results due to its more capable chipset.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 Pro 5G’s Snapdragon 750G (8nm) boasts a clear advantage over the TCL Plex’s Snapdragon 675 (11nm). The 750G’s Kryo 570 cores, clocked at 2.2 GHz, represent a significant architectural improvement over the 675’s Kryo 460 cores (2.0 GHz). This translates to approximately 20-30% faster CPU performance in benchmarks and a more responsive user experience, particularly when multitasking or running demanding applications. The 8nm process also means better thermal efficiency, reducing the likelihood of throttling during extended gaming sessions. The 750G also integrates a 5G modem, a feature absent in the 675.
Battery Life
The TCL Plex offers 18W wired charging, claiming 50% charge in 32 minutes. The Redmi Note 9 Pro 5G significantly ups the ante with 33W wired charging, achieving a full charge in 58 minutes. While the TCL Plex’s slower charging is adequate for overnight charging, the Redmi Note 9 Pro 5G’s faster charging is a game-changer for users who need a quick power boost. The 8nm process of the 750G also contributes to better power efficiency, potentially offsetting any capacity differences between the batteries (which are not specified in the provided data).
Buying Guide
Buy the TCL Plex if your priority is a simple, clean software experience and you primarily use your phone for basic tasks like calling, texting, and light social media. You'll appreciate its affordability. Buy the Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 Pro 5G if you prioritize performance for gaming and multitasking, faster 5G speeds, and quicker charging times. This is the better option for power users and those who want a phone that will stay relevant for longer.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Redmi Note 9 Pro 5G’s Snapdragon 750G handle demanding games like PUBG Mobile smoothly?
Yes, the Snapdragon 750G is capable of running PUBG Mobile at high settings with stable frame rates. Its Adreno 619 GPU provides a significant performance boost over the Snapdragon 675’s Adreno 610, resulting in a smoother and more enjoyable gaming experience. The 8nm process also helps prevent overheating and throttling during extended gaming sessions.
❓ How much faster is the 33W charging on the Redmi Note 9 Pro 5G compared to the 18W charging on the TCL Plex in real-world use?
The Redmi Note 9 Pro 5G’s 33W charging will noticeably reduce your charging time. While the TCL Plex takes approximately 32 minutes to reach 50%, the Redmi Note 9 Pro 5G can achieve a full charge in 58 minutes. This means you can get a substantial charge in a much shorter period, making it ideal for users who are always on the go.
❓ Does the Snapdragon 750G in the Redmi Note 9 Pro 5G support carrier aggregation for faster 5G speeds?
Yes, the Snapdragon 750G supports carrier aggregation, which allows it to combine multiple 5G channels for significantly faster download and upload speeds. This is a crucial feature for maximizing the benefits of 5G connectivity, especially in areas with strong 5G coverage.
