The Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 Pro 5G and the vivo X50 Lite represent compelling options in the crowded mid-range smartphone market. While both aim to deliver a solid experience without breaking the bank, they take distinctly different approaches. The X50 Lite, leveraging the older Snapdragon 665, focuses on a streamlined experience, while the Redmi Note 9 Pro 5G jumps forward with the newer Snapdragon 750G and 5G connectivity, creating a clear performance gap.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user, the Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 Pro 5G is the superior choice. Its Snapdragon 750G chipset delivers significantly faster performance, coupled with the benefit of 5G connectivity and substantially quicker 33W charging. While the X50 Lite offers a reasonable experience, it's outpaced in nearly every key metric.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 28, 38, 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 (2CA) Cat6 300/150 Mbps | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE / 5G |
| | - | CDMA2000 1xEV-DO |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2020, May 12. Released 2020, May 12 | 2020, November 26 |
| Status | Discontinued | Available. Released 2020, December 01 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 5), glass back (Gorilla Glass 5) |
| Dimensions | 159.3 x 75.2 x 8.7 mm (6.27 x 2.96 x 0.34 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 | 190.2 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 (~404 ppi density) | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~395 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.38 inches, 99.9 cm2 (~83.4% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.67 inches, 107.4 cm2 (~84.6% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | AMOLED | 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, Funtouch 10 | Android 10, MIUI 12 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) |
| Internal | 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 | 48 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.0", 0.8µm, PDAF
8 MP, f/2.2, (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens | 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 |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60fps, gyro-EIS |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR | HDR, panorama |
| Single | 16 MP, f/2.0, (wide), 1/3.06" 1.0µm | 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 | 5.1, A2DP, LE |
| Infrared port | - | Yes |
| NFC | Yes | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (G1), BDS (B1I+B2a), GALILEO (E1+E5a), QZSS (L1+L5) |
| Radio | FM radio | 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 (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, 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 | Nebula Blue, Jade Black | Gray, Blue, Red/Mint |
| Models | V1937, 1937 | M2007J17C |
| Price | About 300 EUR | About 370 EUR |
vivo X50 Lite
- Lower price point (likely)
- Simple and streamlined user experience
- Reliable performance for basic tasks
- Outdated Snapdragon 665 chipset
- Slower 18W charging
- Lacks 5G connectivity
Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 Pro 5G
- Significantly faster Snapdragon 750G chipset
- 33W fast charging (0-100% in 58 minutes)
- 5G connectivity for future-proofing
- Improved thermal efficiency
- Potentially slightly higher price
- May have more bloatware (Xiaomi's tendency)
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a particularly standout display. While specific panel details (like peak brightness or color gamut coverage) are absent, the core difference lies in the processing power driving them. The Snapdragon 750G in the Redmi Note 9 Pro 5G will handle display tasks – scrolling, animations, video playback – with greater fluidity. The X50 Lite’s Snapdragon 665 may exhibit slight stutters in demanding scenarios. Bezels are likely comparable given the market segment, and color accuracy will depend on software calibration, a detail not specified.
Camera Comparison
Without detailed sensor information beyond the presence of cameras, a direct comparison is limited. However, the processing power of the Snapdragon 750G in the Redmi Note 9 Pro 5G will undoubtedly contribute to superior image processing. Expect better dynamic range, noise reduction, and overall image quality, particularly in challenging lighting conditions. The X50 Lite’s Snapdragon 665 will struggle to keep up with complex image processing algorithms. The Redmi Note 9 Pro 5G is more likely to support advanced camera features like 4K video recording and improved night mode capabilities.
Performance
The performance disparity is the most significant factor in this comparison. The Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 Pro 5G’s Snapdragon 750G (8nm process) is a substantial upgrade over the vivo X50 Lite’s Snapdragon 665 (11nm). The 750G’s Kryo 570 cores, with a peak clock speed of 2.2 GHz, offer a noticeable performance boost over the 665’s 2.0 GHz Kryo 260 Gold cores. The 8nm process also contributes to better thermal efficiency, meaning the Redmi Note 9 Pro 5G is less likely to throttle under sustained load. This translates to smoother multitasking, faster app loading times, and a more enjoyable gaming experience. The inclusion of 5G connectivity on the Redmi Note 9 Pro 5G further future-proofs the device.
Battery Life
While battery capacity isn’t specified, the Redmi Note 9 Pro 5G’s 33W wired charging is a game-changer. A full charge in just 58 minutes is significantly faster than the X50 Lite’s 18W charging. This faster charging mitigates any potential disadvantage if the Redmi Note 9 Pro 5G has a slightly smaller battery capacity. The Snapdragon 750G’s improved efficiency also contributes to better battery life during typical usage, offsetting the power draw of 5G connectivity.
Buying Guide
Buy the vivo X50 Lite if you prioritize a simple, reliable smartphone experience and are on an extremely tight budget, and 5G connectivity isn't a necessity. Buy the Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 Pro 5G if you value performance, future-proofing with 5G, and significantly faster charging speeds – all without a major price premium. The Redmi Note 9 Pro 5G is the better option for gamers, power users, and those who want a phone that will remain relevant for longer.
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 high settings with stable frame rates. While it won't match the performance of flagship chipsets, it provides a significantly better gaming experience than the Snapdragon 665 in the X50 Lite, which may struggle with consistent performance at higher settings.
❓ How much faster is the 33W charging on the Redmi Note 9 Pro 5G compared to the 18W charging on the vivo X50 Lite in real-world use?
The Redmi Note 9 Pro 5G's 33W charging can fully charge the device in approximately 58 minutes. The X50 Lite's 18W charging will likely take well over 90 minutes, potentially exceeding two hours, to reach 100%. This difference is substantial and provides a much more convenient charging experience.
❓ Does the Redmi Note 9 Pro 5G's 5G connectivity actually make a difference in everyday use?
Currently, 5G coverage is still limited. However, if you live in an area with 5G access, you'll experience significantly faster download and upload speeds. Even without 5G, the modem in the 750G offers improved 4G LTE performance compared to the 665.
