Both the Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 Pro and the vivo Y19 (2019) represent compelling options in the sub-$200 smartphone market. However, they cater to slightly different priorities. The Redmi Note 8 Pro aggressively targets gamers with its more powerful chipset, while the Y19 aims for a balance of usability and affordability. This comparison dissects their key differences to help you choose the right device.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing gaming and camera capabilities, the Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 Pro is the clear winner. Its Helio G90T chipset provides a noticeable performance boost over the Y19’s Helio P65, making it better suited for demanding games. However, the Y19 remains a viable option for basic tasks and users 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, 28, 38, 40, 41 | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2019, November 01. Released 2019, November | 2019, August 29. Released 2019, September 24 |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 5), glass back (Gorilla Glass 5), plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 162.2 x 76.5 x 8.9 mm (6.39 x 3.01 x 0.35 in) | 161.4 x 76.4 x 8.8 mm (6.35 x 3.01 x 0.35 in) |
| SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 193 g (6.81 oz) | 200 g (7.05 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2340 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~395 ppi density) | 1080 x 2340 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~395 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.53 inches, 104.7 cm2 (~84.4% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.53 inches, 104.7 cm2 (~84.9% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD, HDR, 500 nits (typ) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.7 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (2x2.05 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6768 Helio P65 (12 nm) | Mediatek MT6785V/CC Helio G90T (12 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G52 MC2 | Mali-G76 MC4 |
| OS | Android 9.0 (Pie), Funtouch 9.2 | Android 9.0 (Pie), upgradable to Android 11, MIUI 12.5 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) |
| Internal | 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM, 64GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM |
| | - | UFS 2.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Quad | - | 64 MP, f/1.9, 26mm (wide), 1/1.72", 0.8µm, PDAF
8 MP, f/2.2, 13mm (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens |
| Triple | 16 MP, f/1.8, (wide), PDAF
8 MP, f/2.2, 13mm (ultrawide)
2 MP (macro) | - |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60/120fps, 720p@960fps, gyro-EIS |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR | HDR, panorama |
| Single | 16 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide), 1/3.06", 1.0µm | 20 MP, f/2.0, (wide), 1/3", 0.9µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | - | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| Infrared port | - | Yes |
| NFC | No | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio, recording |
| 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 (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 18W wired
5W reverse wired | 18W wired |
| Type | 5000 mAh, non-removable | Li-Po 4500 mAh, non-removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Magnetic Black, Spring White | Black, Red, Blue, White, Deep Sea Blue, Midnight Blue, Electric Blue, Twilight Orange |
| Models | 1915 | 2015105, M1906G7I, M1906G7G |
| Price | About 210 EUR | About 220 EUR |
| SAR | 0.72 W/kg (head) 0.31 W/kg (body) | 1.15 W/kg (head) 1.18 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | - | 1.00 W/kg (head) 1.47 W/kg (body) |
| Tests |
|---|
| Audio quality | - |
Noise -93.6dB / Crosstalk -91.9dB |
| Battery life | - | Endurance rating 114h |
| Camera | - |
Photo / Video |
| Display | - |
Contrast ratio: 1326:1 (nominal) |
| Loudspeaker | - |
Voice 64dB / Noise 71dB / Ring 82dB |
| Performance | - |
AnTuTu: 224759 (v7), 279355 (v8)
GeekBench: 6999 (v4.4), 1622 (v5.1)
GFXBench: 14fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) |
vivo Y19 (2019)
- More powerful Helio G90T chipset for gaming
- Brighter display for better outdoor visibility
- Potentially better camera performance due to ISP
- Reverse wired charging capability
- May be slightly more expensive
- No significant advantage in battery endurance despite similar rating
Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 Pro
- More affordable price point
- Similar battery endurance rating
- Sufficient for basic smartphone tasks
- Reliable Mediatek Helio P65 chipset
- Inferior gaming performance
- Dimmer display
- Less capable camera system
Display Comparison
Both phones feature similar contrast ratios at 1326:1, suggesting comparable color reproduction. However, the Redmi Note 8 Pro boasts a significantly brighter display, reaching a measured 640 nits compared to the Y19’s unspecified brightness. This higher peak brightness translates to better visibility outdoors under direct sunlight. While neither phone specifies panel technology, the Redmi Note 8 Pro’s superior brightness makes it the more comfortable option for extended viewing.
Camera Comparison
Both devices advertise photo and video capabilities, but details are sparse. The Redmi Note 8 Pro’s advantage likely stems from its more powerful ISP (Image Signal Processor) integrated within the Helio G90T, allowing for faster image processing and potentially better low-light performance. While the Y19’s camera is adequate for casual snapshots, the Redmi Note 8 Pro is better equipped to handle more demanding photography scenarios. The lack of specific sensor details makes a direct comparison difficult, but the G90T’s processing power suggests a superior overall camera experience.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Redmi Note 8 Pro’s Mediatek Helio G90T (12nm) utilizes Cortex-A76 cores clocked at 2.05 GHz, offering a substantial architectural advantage over the vivo Y19’s Helio P65 (12nm) with its Cortex-A75 cores at 2.0 GHz. The A76 cores in the G90T deliver better single-core performance, crucial for responsiveness, while the G90T’s Mali-G76 MP4 GPU provides a significant uplift in graphics processing power. This translates to smoother gameplay and faster app loading times on the Redmi Note 8 Pro. Both phones share 6x Cortex-A55 cores for efficiency, but the G90T’s overall architecture is more modern and capable.
Battery Life
Both phones share an endurance rating of 114 hours and 18W wired charging. This suggests similar battery life under comparable usage scenarios. The Y19 also offers 5W reverse wired charging, a niche feature allowing it to charge other devices, which the Redmi Note 8 Pro lacks. However, the Redmi Note 8 Pro’s more efficient chipset may allow it to maintain its battery life for longer during intensive tasks like gaming, despite having the same overall endurance rating.
Buying Guide
Buy the vivo Y19 (2019) if you need a reliable, affordable smartphone for everyday tasks like calling, texting, and light social media use. Buy the Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 Pro if you prioritize gaming performance, a more versatile camera system, and don't mind spending a bit more for a smoother overall experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Redmi Note 8 Pro’s Helio G90T overheat during prolonged gaming sessions?
The Helio G90T is known to generate some heat under sustained load. However, Xiaomi implemented thermal management solutions, including a multi-layer graphite sheet, to mitigate overheating. While some throttling may occur during extended gaming, it’s generally manageable and doesn’t significantly impact performance.
❓ Is the 5W reverse charging on the vivo Y19 useful for topping up other devices?
The 5W reverse charging is a slow charging method. It’s best suited for emergency top-ups of smaller devices like wireless earbuds or smartwatches, rather than fully charging a smartphone. It’s a convenient feature to have, but don’t expect rapid charging speeds.
❓ Can the Redmi Note 8 Pro handle demanding games like PUBG Mobile at high settings?
Yes, the Redmi Note 8 Pro can comfortably run PUBG Mobile at high settings with smooth frame rates. The Helio G90T’s Mali-G76 MP4 GPU is capable of handling the game’s graphics demands. Users can expect a playable experience with minimal lag or stuttering.