The iQOO U1 and Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 Pro 5G represent compelling options in the increasingly competitive mid-range 5G smartphone market. Both devices aim to deliver 5G connectivity and solid performance without breaking the bank, but they achieve this through different approaches, primarily centered around their respective Qualcomm Snapdragon chipsets. This comparison will dissect the key differences to help you determine which phone best suits your needs.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing faster charging and slightly improved 5G performance, the Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 Pro 5G is the better choice. Its 33W charging significantly reduces downtime, and the Snapdragon 750G offers a modest performance edge. However, the iQOO U1 remains a viable option for those on a tighter budget.
| 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, 34, 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, LTE | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / LTE | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE / 5G |
| | CDMA 800 & TD-SCDMA | CDMA2000 1xEV-DO |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2020, July 16. Released 2020, July 23 | 2020, November 26 |
| Status | Discontinued | Available. Released 2020, December 01 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 5), glass back (Gorilla Glass 5) |
| Dimensions | 162.1 x 76.6 x 8.5 mm (6.38 x 3.02 x 0.33 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 |
| Weight | 190 g (6.70 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 (~84.3% 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 (2x2.3 GHz Kryo 465 Gold & 6x1.8 GHz Kryo 465 Silver) | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Kryo 570 & 6x1.8 GHz Kryo 570) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM7125 Snapdragon 720G (8 nm) | Qualcomm SM7225 Snapdragon 750G 5G (8 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 618 | Adreno 619 |
| OS | Android 10, iQOO UI 1.0 | Android 10, MIUI 12 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | No | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 6GB RAM, 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, 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, 25mm (wide), 1/2.0", 0.8µm, PDAF
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Video | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps; gyro-EIS | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60fps, gyro-EIS |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR | HDR, panorama |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.1, (wide) | 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 | 5.1, A2DP, LE, aptX HD | 5.1, A2DP, LE |
| Infrared port | - | Yes |
| NFC | No | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO | GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (G1), BDS (B1I+B2a), GALILEO (E1+E5a), QZSS (L1+L5) |
| Radio | No | Unspecified |
| USB | microUSB 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 | 33W wired, 100% in 58 min |
| Type | 4500 mAh | Li-Po 4820 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Blue, White | Gray, Blue, Red/Mint |
| Models | V2023A | M2007J17C |
| Price | About 150 EUR | About 370 EUR |
vivo iQOO U1
- Potentially lower price point
- Reliable Snapdragon 720G performance for everyday tasks
- Functional 5G connectivity
- Slower 18W charging
- Older Snapdragon 720G chipset compared to the 750G
- Potentially less efficient 5G modem
Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 Pro 5G
- Faster 33W charging (100% in 58 minutes)
- More advanced Snapdragon 750G 5G chipset
- Improved 5G modem for better connectivity
- Likely a higher price tag
- Performance gains over the 720G are incremental
- May not be significantly better in all real-world scenarios
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a particularly standout display. While specific panel details (like OLED vs. LCD, refresh rate) are missing, the focus here is on the underlying processing power. Display quality will likely be similar, leaning towards standard LCD panels common in this price bracket. Bezels are expected to be comparable, and color accuracy will likely be tuned for vibrant, rather than color-accurate, visuals.
Camera Comparison
Without detailed camera specs beyond the chipsets, a direct comparison is limited. However, both phones likely employ similar sensor configurations targeting the mid-range market. The Snapdragon 750G’s Spectra 480 ISP offers slightly improved image processing capabilities compared to the 720G’s Spectra 350L, potentially resulting in better dynamic range and noise reduction. Users prioritizing photography should look for detailed camera reviews focusing on image quality in various lighting conditions.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets: the iQOO U1 utilizes the Qualcomm SM7125 Snapdragon 720G, while the Redmi Note 9 Pro 5G features the SM7225 Snapdragon 750G. Both are 8nm chips, but the 750G represents a generational upgrade. The 750G’s Kryo 570 cores (2x2.2 GHz & 6x1.8 GHz) offer a slight clock speed advantage over the 720G’s Kryo 465 cores (2x2.3 GHz & 6x1.8 GHz). More importantly, the 750G integrates a more advanced 5G modem, offering potentially faster and more reliable 5G connectivity. This benefits users in areas with strong 5G coverage and those who frequently stream or download large files. The 720G is still capable, but the 750G provides a noticeable, albeit not massive, performance boost.
Battery Life
The Redmi Note 9 Pro 5G’s 33W wired charging is a significant advantage. Achieving a 100% charge in just 58 minutes drastically reduces downtime compared to the iQOO U1’s 18W charging. While battery capacity isn’t specified, the faster charging speed effectively mitigates any potential capacity difference. Users who frequently find themselves needing to top up their phone throughout the day will greatly appreciate the Redmi Note 9 Pro 5G’s charging capabilities.
Buying Guide
Buy the vivo iQOO U1 if you need a functional 5G phone with a reliable processor and are prioritizing cost savings above all else. It's ideal for everyday tasks and light gaming. Buy the Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 Pro 5G if you prefer faster charging speeds, a slightly more capable 5G modem, and are willing to spend a bit more for a smoother overall experience, especially if you frequently use 5G networks or play mobile games.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Snapdragon 750G in the Redmi Note 9 Pro 5G handle demanding games like PUBG Mobile smoothly?
Yes, the Snapdragon 750G is capable of running PUBG Mobile at medium to high settings with stable frame rates. While it won't deliver a flagship-level gaming experience, it provides a solid and enjoyable gaming performance for most users. The Adreno 619 GPU is a key component in this capability.
❓ How much of a real-world difference will the faster charging make on the Redmi Note 9 Pro 5G?
The 33W charging on the Redmi Note 9 Pro 5G is a game-changer for users who frequently need to top up their battery. Going from 0% to 100% in under an hour is significantly faster than the iQOO U1’s 18W charging, reducing downtime and ensuring you’re always ready to go.
❓ Is the 5G connectivity on the Redmi Note 9 Pro 5G noticeably better than on the iQOO U1?
The Redmi Note 9 Pro 5G’s Snapdragon 750G integrates a more advanced 5G modem. This translates to potentially faster download and upload speeds, as well as improved network stability, particularly in areas with strong 5G coverage. Users heavily reliant on 5G will likely see a tangible benefit.
