The vivo Y50 (2020) and Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 Pro 5G represent distinct approaches to the budget smartphone market. The Y50, released in 2020, aimed for affordability with a reliable, if aging, chipset. The Redmi Note 9 Pro 5G, arriving later, brought 5G connectivity and a more modern processor to the table, albeit at a potentially higher price point. This comparison dissects the key differences to determine which device offers the best value in today's market.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user in 2024, the Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 Pro 5G is the clear winner. Its Snapdragon 750G chipset delivers significantly improved performance, and the 33W fast charging is a game-changer compared to the Y50’s 15W charging. The addition of 5G connectivity future-proofs the device to a greater extent.
| 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, 7, 8, 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, LTE | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE / 5G |
| | - | CDMA2000 1xEV-DO |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2020, April 06. Released 2020, April 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 | 162 x 76.5 x 9.1 mm (6.38 x 3.01 x 0.36 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 | 197 g (6.95 oz) | 215 g (7.58 oz) |
| | - | IP53, dust and splash resistant |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~403 ppi density) | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~395 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.53 inches, 102.9 cm2 (~83.1% 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 (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 SM6125 Snapdragon 665 (11 nm) | Qualcomm SM7225 Snapdragon 750G 5G (8 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 610 | Adreno 619 |
| OS | Android 10, Funtouch 10.0 | Android 10, MIUI 12 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) |
| Internal | 128GB 8GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM | 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM |
| | - | UFS 2.2 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | Dual-LED dual-tone flash, HDR, panorama |
| Quad | 13 MP, f/2.2, (wide), PDAF
8 MP, f/2.2, 13mm (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, panorama |
| Single | 16 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 |
| 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 | No | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO | 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, 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 (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, compass |
| | - | Virtual proximity sensing |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 15W wired | 33W wired, 100% in 58 min |
| Type | 5000 mAh | Li-Po 4820 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Starry Black, Iris Blue, Iris Blue, Pearl White | Gray, Blue, Red/Mint |
| Models | 1935, V1965A | M2007J17C |
| Price | About 70 EUR | About 370 EUR |
vivo Y50 (2020)
- Extremely affordable price point
- Reliable Snapdragon 665 chipset for basic tasks
- Simple and user-friendly interface
- Slow 15W charging
- Lacks 5G connectivity
- Aging chipset with limited performance headroom
Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 Pro 5G
- Significantly faster 33W charging
- 5G connectivity for future-proofing
- More powerful Snapdragon 750G chipset
- Potentially higher price than the Y50
- May require a separate 5G data plan
- LCD display isn't as vibrant as OLED
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a particularly standout display. While specific display specs (resolution, panel type) aren't provided for the Y50, its market positioning suggests an LCD panel. The Redmi Note 9 Pro 5G also likely features an LCD. The key difference lies in the processing power driving the display; the Snapdragon 750G’s improved GPU can handle more demanding graphical tasks, potentially resulting in smoother animations and a more responsive user interface. Bezels are likely comparable given the similar price brackets.
Camera Comparison
Without detailed camera specifications, a direct comparison is limited. However, the Redmi Note 9 Pro 5G’s more powerful processor allows for more sophisticated image processing algorithms. This can result in better dynamic range, noise reduction, and overall image quality, even with similar sensor sizes. The Y50’s image processing will be more basic, relying heavily on the capabilities of the Snapdragon 665’s ISP. It’s reasonable to assume the Redmi Note 9 Pro 5G offers a more versatile and capable camera system.
Performance
The core difference between these phones is the chipset. The vivo Y50’s Snapdragon 665, built on an 11nm process, is a capable but aging processor. Its octa-core configuration (4x2.0 GHz Kryo 260 Gold & 4x1.8 GHz Kryo 260 Silver) provides adequate performance for everyday tasks. However, the Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 Pro 5G’s Snapdragon 750G, fabricated on a more efficient 8nm process, represents a substantial upgrade. The 750G’s CPU (2x2.2 GHz Kryo 570 & 6x1.8 GHz Kryo 570) offers faster processing speeds and improved power efficiency. This translates to snappier app launches, smoother multitasking, and better gaming performance. The 750G also includes an integrated 5G modem, a feature absent in the Y50.
Battery Life
While battery capacity isn't specified for either device, the charging speeds tell a significant story. The vivo Y50’s 15W charging is comparatively slow, requiring a substantial amount of time to fully charge the battery. The Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 Pro 5G’s 33W charging, capable of reaching 100% in just 58 minutes, is a major advantage. This faster charging speed minimizes downtime and provides a more convenient user experience. The 8nm process of the Snapdragon 750G also contributes to better power efficiency, potentially offsetting any difference in battery capacity.
Buying Guide
Buy the vivo Y50 (2020) if you prioritize extreme affordability and have very basic smartphone needs – primarily calls, texts, and light social media use. You're accepting compromises in performance and charging speed. Buy the Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 Pro 5G if you want a more responsive experience, faster charging, and the benefit of 5G connectivity, even if it means spending a bit more upfront. This is the better choice for users who stream video, play mobile games, or 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 medium to high settings with stable frame rates. While it's not a flagship-level gaming chip, it provides a significantly better gaming experience than the Snapdragon 665 in the vivo Y50.
❓ Is the 5G connectivity on the Redmi Note 9 Pro 5G actually useful if I don't live in an area with widespread 5G coverage?
Even with limited 5G coverage currently, the Redmi Note 9 Pro 5G’s 5G modem future-proofs the device. As 5G networks expand, you’ll be able to take advantage of faster speeds. Furthermore, the phone will still operate on 4G LTE networks when 5G isn't available.
❓ How much faster is the 33W charging on the Redmi Note 9 Pro 5G compared to the 15W charging on the vivo Y50?
The 33W charging on the Redmi Note 9 Pro 5G is substantially faster. It can fully charge the phone in approximately 58 minutes, while the vivo Y50’s 15W charging will likely take over two hours to reach 100%. This difference is particularly noticeable for users who frequently need to top up their battery.
