The budget smartphone market is fiercely competitive, offering incredible value for your money. Today, we're pitting two popular contenders against each other: the vivo iQOO Z7i and the Xiaomi Redmi Note 9. Let's dive into a detailed comparison to see which phone reigns supreme.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The iQOO Z7i edges out the Redmi Note 9 thanks to its newer chipset offering better performance and efficiency. While the Redmi Note 9 boasts impressive battery life, the Z7i's overall package, including a more modern processor, makes it the slightly better choice for most users.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 8, 28, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 |
| 5G bands | 1, 5, 8, 28, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA | - |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE, 5G | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / CDMA2000 / LTE / 5G | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | CDMA2000 1x | - |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2023, March 13 | 2020, April 30 |
| Status | Available. Released 2023, March 20 | Available. Released 2020, May 12 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 5), plastic frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 164.1 x 75.6 x 8.2 mm (6.46 x 2.98 x 0.32 in) | 162.3 x 77.2 x 8.9 mm (6.39 x 3.04 x 0.35 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 186 (6.56 oz) | 199 g (7.02 oz) |
| | - | Water-repellent coating |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 |
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~270 ppi density) | 1080 x 2340 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~395 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.51 inches, 102.3 cm2 (~82.5% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.53 inches, 104.7 cm2 (~83.5% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD, 450 nits (typ) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek Dimensity 6020 (7 nm) | Mediatek MT6769Z Helio G85 (12 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MC2 | Mali-G52 MC2 |
| OS | Android 13, OriginOS Ocean | Android 10, upgradable to Android 12, MIUI 13 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM | 64GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM |
| | UFS 2.2 | - |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 13 MP, f/2.2, (wide), PDAF
2 MP (macro) | - |
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Quad | - | 48 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 1/2.0", 0.8µm, PDAF
8 MP, f/2.2, 118˚ (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm
2 MP (macro), AF
Auxiliary lens |
| Single | 5 MP, f/1.8, (wide) | - |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | - | HDR, panorama |
| Single | 5 MP, f/1.8, (wide) | 13 MP, f/2.3, 29mm (standard), 1/3.1", 1.12µm |
| Video | Yes | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.1, A2DP, LE, aptX HD | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| Infrared port | - | Yes |
| NFC | No | Yes (market/region dependent)M2003J15SG (Yes); M2003J15SS (No) |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, QZSS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | No | FM radio, built-in antenna |
| USB | USB Type-C, OTG | USB Type-C 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 15W wired | 18W wired
9W reverse wired |
| Type | 5000 mAh | Li-Po 5020 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Blue | Forest Green, Midnight Grey, Polar White |
| Models | V2230EA | M2003J15SC, M2003J15SG, M2003J15SS |
| Price | About 130 EUR | € 88.99 / $ 85.68 / £ 136.28 |
| SAR | - | 0.84 W/kg (head) 0.90 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | - | 0.80 W/kg (head) 1.14 W/kg (body) |
| Tests |
|---|
| Battery life | - | Endurance rating 125h |
| Camera | - |
Photo / Video |
| Display | - |
Contrast ratio: 1242:1 (nominal) |
| Loudspeaker | - |
-30.1 LUFS (Below average) |
| Performance | - |
AnTuTu: 200414 (v8)
GeekBench: 1292 (v5.1) |
vivo iQOO Z7i
- Newer, more efficient chipset
- Likely brighter display
- Potentially better camera processing
- Sleek design (typical of vivo)
- Slower charging (15W)
- Battery life not as exceptional as Redmi Note 9
Xiaomi Redmi Note 9
- Exceptional battery life (125h endurance rating)
- Reverse wired charging
- Reliable and proven device
- Competitive price
- Older chipset, slower performance
- Lower brightness display
- Less modern design
Display Comparison
Both phones feature displays with a 1242:1 contrast ratio, suggesting good image depth. However, the Redmi Note 9's measured 370 nits brightness is a key factor. The iQOO Z7i likely has a slightly brighter display, offering better visibility in sunlight, though specific brightness measurements are needed for confirmation. Screen size and resolution are likely similar, providing a decent viewing experience for both.
Camera Comparison
Camera capabilities are generally comparable, both offering Photo/Video functionality. However, the iQOO Z7i likely benefits from newer image processing algorithms due to its newer chipset, potentially resulting in slightly better image quality, especially in low-light conditions. Specific camera specs (megapixels, aperture) would be needed for a more precise comparison.
Performance
The iQOO Z7i's Mediatek Dimensity 6020 (7nm) chipset is significantly newer and more efficient than the Redmi Note 9's Helio G85 (12nm). The Dimensity 6020's Cortex-A76 cores also offer a performance boost over the Redmi Note 9's Cortex-A75 cores. Expect smoother multitasking, faster app loading times, and better gaming performance on the iQOO Z7i.
Battery Life
The Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 shines in this category. Its endurance rating of 125h is exceptional, indicating outstanding battery life. The iQOO Z7i, while efficient thanks to its newer chipset, likely won't match the Redmi Note 9's longevity. The Redmi Note 9 also features 9W reverse wired charging, a useful feature for topping up accessories.
Buying Guide
The vivo iQOO Z7i is ideal for users prioritizing performance and a smoother user experience, especially for gaming or multitasking. The Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 is a great pick for those who value exceptional battery life and a proven, reliable device at a very competitive price.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Which phone is better for gaming?
The iQOO Z7i is the better choice for gaming due to its newer and more powerful chipset.
❓ How long will the Redmi Note 9's battery last?
The Redmi Note 9 boasts exceptional battery life, potentially lasting for multiple days with moderate usage.
❓ Does the iQOO Z7i support fast charging?
The iQOO Z7i supports 15W wired charging, which is standard for its price range.
❓ Can the Redmi Note 9 charge other devices?
Yes, the Redmi Note 9 features 9W reverse wired charging, allowing you to charge accessories like earbuds or smartwatches.
