The iQOO U3 and Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 Pro 5G represent compelling options in the increasingly competitive mid-range 5G smartphone market. Both aim to deliver a smooth experience and 5G connectivity without breaking the bank, but they achieve this through different approaches to chipset selection and feature prioritization. This comparison dissects their key differences to help you determine which device best suits your needs.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing rapid charging and a slightly more refined software experience, the Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 Pro 5G emerges as the better choice. Its 33W charging significantly reduces downtime, and the Snapdragon 750G offers a solid, well-optimized performance profile. However, the iQOO U3 remains a strong contender for those seeking raw CPU power.
| 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, 8, 28, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 |
| 5G bands | 1, 28, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA | 1, 3, 41, 78, 79 SA/NSA/Sub6 |
| EDGE | No | - |
| GPRS | Class 10 | - |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE, 5G | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / LTE / 5G | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE / 5G |
| | CDMA 800 | CDMA2000 1xEV-DO |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2020, December 14. Released 2020, December 18 | 2020, November 26 |
| Status | Discontinued | Available. Released 2020, December 01 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 5), glass back (Gorilla Glass 5) |
| Dimensions | 164.2 x 75.4 x 8.4 mm (6.46 x 2.97 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 | 185.5 g (6.56 oz) | 215 g (7.58 oz) |
| | - | IP53, dust and splash resistant |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2408 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~401 ppi density) | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~395 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.58 inches, 104.3 cm2 (~84.2% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.67 inches, 107.4 cm2 (~84.6% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 90Hz, HDR10, 460 nits (typ) | IPS LCD, HDR10, 120Hz, 450 nits (typ) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.4 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Kryo 570 & 6x1.8 GHz Kryo 570) |
| Chipset | Mediatek Dimensity 800U (7 nm) | Qualcomm SM7225 Snapdragon 750G 5G (8 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MC3 | Adreno 619 |
| OS | Android 10, IQOO UI 1.5 | Android 10, MIUI 12 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Call records | Yes | - |
| 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 |
| Phonebook | Yes | - |
| | UFS 2.2 | UFS 2.2 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 48 MP, f/1.8, 25mm (wide), 1/2.0", 0.8µm, PDAF
Auxiliary lens | - |
| 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 |
| Single | 1.3 MP | - |
| Video | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60fps, gyro-EIS |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR | HDR, panorama |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, (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 | 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 |
|---|
| Games | Yes | - |
| Java | No | - |
| Messaging | SMS, MMS, IM | - |
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, compass |
| | - | Virtual proximity sensing |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 18W wired | 33W wired, 100% in 58 min |
| Stand-by | Up to 600 h | - |
| Talk time | Up to 5 h | - |
| Type | 5000 mAh | Li-Po 4820 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | White, Gray, Aurora | Gray, Blue, Red/Mint |
| Models | V2061A | M2007J17C |
| Price | About 200 EUR | About 370 EUR |
vivo iQOO U3
- Potentially faster CPU performance for demanding tasks
- Competitive price point
- 5G connectivity
- Slower 18W charging
- Potentially less optimized software experience
Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 Pro 5G
- Faster 33W charging for quick top-ups
- Efficient Snapdragon 750G chipset
- Potentially better software optimization
- Slightly less powerful CPU compared to the iQOO U3
- May be slightly more expensive
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a particularly standout display. While specific panel details (like peak brightness or color gamut coverage) are absent, the focus here is on the underlying processors. Display quality will likely be similar, leaning towards adequate for the price point. Bezels are expected to be comparable, typical of this market segment. Color accuracy will likely be tuned for vibrant visuals, a common trend in Chinese smartphone manufacturing.
Camera Comparison
Without detailed sensor information, a direct camera comparison is difficult. However, given the market positioning, both phones likely feature a primary sensor around the 48MP-64MP range. The Redmi Note 9 Pro 5G, historically, tends to prioritize camera features, potentially offering slightly better image processing algorithms and more refined software features. The iQOO U3 may lean towards a more natural, less processed look. The presence of a 2MP macro lens on both devices is largely a marketing tactic and offers limited practical benefit. OIS (Optical Image Stabilization) is unlikely on either model.
Performance
The core of the difference lies in the chipsets. The iQOO U3’s Mediatek Dimensity 800U (7nm) features a more aggressive CPU configuration with 2x2.4 GHz Cortex-A76 cores, suggesting superior single-core performance compared to the Redmi Note 9 Pro 5G’s Qualcomm Snapdragon 750G (8nm) with its 2x2.2 GHz Kryo 570 cores. However, the Snapdragon 750G benefits from a more efficient 8nm process, potentially leading to better sustained performance and thermal management during prolonged gaming sessions. The Snapdragon's Adreno 619 GPU is also a strong performer. While the Dimensity 800U is capable, Qualcomm’s software optimization often provides a smoother experience. RAM speed is not specified, but both likely utilize LPDDR4X to balance performance and cost.
Battery Life
The Redmi Note 9 Pro 5G’s 33W wired charging is a significant advantage, achieving a full charge in a claimed 58 minutes. The iQOO U3’s 18W charging is considerably slower. While battery capacity isn’t specified, the faster charging of the Redmi Note 9 Pro 5G effectively mitigates any potential disadvantage from a slightly smaller battery. Users who frequently top up their phones will greatly benefit from the Redmi’s charging speed.
Buying Guide
Buy the vivo iQOO U3 if you need a phone that prioritizes CPU-intensive tasks like video editing or running demanding applications, and are willing to trade off charging speed. Buy the Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 Pro 5G if you prefer a more balanced experience with faster charging, a potentially more stable software experience, and a focus on everyday usability and gaming.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Snapdragon 750G in the Redmi Note 9 Pro 5G struggle with graphically intensive games like Genshin Impact?
The Snapdragon 750G is capable of running Genshin Impact, but you'll likely need to lower the graphics settings to medium or low to maintain a stable frame rate. The Adreno 619 GPU is a solid performer, but it's not a flagship-level chip.
❓ Is the 18W charging on the iQOO U3 slow enough to be a major inconvenience?
Yes, 18W charging is noticeably slower than the 33W charging on the Redmi Note 9 Pro 5G. Expect a full charge to take well over two hours, making it less ideal for users who need to quickly top up their battery throughout the day.
❓ Which phone is likely to receive more software updates and security patches?
Xiaomi generally provides more consistent software updates and security patches for its Redmi Note series compared to vivo's iQOO sub-brand. This is based on historical trends and brand commitment to software support.
❓ Does either phone support Wi-Fi 6?
Both the Mediatek Dimensity 800U and the Qualcomm Snapdragon 750G support Wi-Fi 6, allowing for faster and more stable wireless connections when connected to a compatible router.
