The mid-range 5G smartphone market is fiercely competitive, and the vivo Y500 (China) and Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 Pro 5G represent compelling options. This comparison focuses on the core differences – the Mediatek Dimensity 7300’s cutting-edge process node versus the Qualcomm Snapdragon 750G’s established 5G capabilities, and the dramatic disparity in charging speeds. We’ll dissect how these choices impact real-world performance and user experience.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For users prioritizing raw performance and incredibly fast charging, the vivo Y500 (China) is the clear winner. Its Dimensity 7300 chipset and 90W charging significantly outperform the Redmi Note 9 Pro 5G’s Snapdragon 750G and 33W charging. However, the Redmi Note 9 Pro 5G remains a solid choice for those seeking a balanced experience at a potentially lower price point.
| 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, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 |
| 5G bands | 1, 3, 5, 8, 28, 38, 40, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA | 1, 3, 41, 78, 79 SA/NSA/Sub6 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE, 5G | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / LTE / 5G | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE / 5G |
| | - | CDMA2000 1xEV-DO |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2025, September 01 | 2020, November 26 |
| Status | Available. Released 2025, September 05 | Available. Released 2020, December 01 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 5), glass back (Gorilla Glass 5) |
| Dimensions | 163.1 x 75.9 x 8.2 mm (6.42 x 2.99 x 0.32 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 | 213 g (7.51 oz) | 215 g (7.58 oz) |
| | - | IP53, dust and splash resistant |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Diamond Shield Glass | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2392 pixels (~388 ppi density) | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~395 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.77 inches, 110.9 cm2 (~89.6% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.67 inches, 107.4 cm2 (~84.6% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | AMOLED, 1B colors, 120Hz, 3840Hz PWM, 5000 nits (peak) | IPS LCD, HDR10, 120Hz, 450 nits (typ) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.5 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Kryo 570 & 6x1.8 GHz Kryo 570) |
| Chipset | Mediatek Dimensity 7300 (4 nm) | Qualcomm SM7225 Snapdragon 750G 5G (8 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G615 MC2 | Adreno 619 |
| OS | Android 15, OriginOS 5 | Android 10, MIUI 12 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | No | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) |
| Internal | 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM, 512GB 12GB RAM | 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM |
| | - | UFS 2.2 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), PDAF
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Features | Ring-LED flash, panorama, HDR | 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 |
| Video | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps, gyro-EIS | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60fps, gyro-EIS |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | Panorama | HDR, panorama |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.1, (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 | No | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with stereo speakers | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| | - | 24-bit/192kHz audio |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.4, A2DP, LE, aptX HD | 5.1, A2DP, LE |
| Infrared port | - | Yes |
| NFC | Yes | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS, GALILEO, GLONASS, QZSS, BDS | 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/6, dual-band | 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 | 90W wired
Reverse wired | 33W wired, 100% in 58 min |
| Type | Si/C Li-Ion 8200 mAh | Li-Po 4820 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Blue, Purple | Gray, Blue, Red/Mint |
| Models | V2506A | M2007J17C |
| Price | About 170 EUR | About 370 EUR |
vivo Y500 (China)
- Significantly faster 90W charging
- More powerful Dimensity 7300 chipset
- Superior CPU and GPU performance
- More efficient 4nm process
- China-market device (potential software/availability issues)
- Limited global support
Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 Pro 5G
- Globally available and supported
- Proven Snapdragon 750G 5G performance
- Potentially lower price point
- Established brand reputation
- Slower 33W charging
- Less powerful chipset compared to Dimensity 7300
- Less efficient 8nm process
Display Comparison
While specific display details are missing for both devices, the focus here is on the underlying performance. Both likely feature LCD panels given their price points. However, the chipset’s ability to drive a higher refresh rate display smoothly is where the Dimensity 7300 has an advantage. Its more powerful GPU can handle higher resolutions and refresh rates without significant performance drops. The Redmi Note 9 Pro 5G’s Snapdragon 750G, while capable, will likely show more strain under similar conditions.
Camera Comparison
Without detailed camera specifications, it’s difficult to make a definitive comparison. However, the chipset plays a crucial role in image processing. The Dimensity 7300’s advanced ISP (Image Signal Processor) likely offers superior noise reduction, dynamic range, and faster image processing speeds compared to the Snapdragon 750G’s ISP. This translates to better low-light performance and more detailed images. The vivo brand also typically emphasizes camera capabilities, suggesting a potentially more refined camera experience.
Performance
The Mediatek Dimensity 7300 (4nm) in the vivo Y500 represents a significant leap in efficiency and performance compared to the Qualcomm Snapdragon 750G (8nm). The Dimensity 7300’s Cortex-A78 cores, clocked at 2.5 GHz, offer substantially higher single-core performance than the Snapdragon 750G’s Kryo 570 cores at 2.2 GHz. The 4nm process node further enhances efficiency, leading to less heat generation and sustained performance during demanding tasks like gaming. The Snapdragon 750G’s strength lies in its integrated 5G modem, but it’s outmatched in raw CPU and GPU power. The Dimensity 7300’s architecture is more modern, offering better performance per watt.
Battery Life
The charging speed is the most significant differentiator here. The vivo Y500’s 90W wired charging is a game-changer, capable of fully charging the battery in a fraction of the time compared to the Redmi Note 9 Pro 5G’s 33W charging (58 minutes to 100%). While battery capacity isn’t specified, the Dimensity 7300’s superior efficiency means the Y500 can likely achieve comparable or even better battery life despite potentially having a smaller battery. The Redmi Note 9 Pro 5G’s slower charging speed requires more planning and downtime.
Buying Guide
Buy the vivo Y500 (China) if you need blazing-fast charging, demanding gaming performance, and are comfortable with a China-market device. Buy the Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 Pro 5G if you prefer a more globally available device with a proven track record, and prioritize a balanced feature set over absolute peak performance. The Redmi is ideal for everyday tasks and moderate gaming.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the vivo Y500 (China) compatible with international 5G bands?
As a China-market device, the vivo Y500’s 5G band support may be limited outside of China. It’s crucial to verify compatibility with your carrier’s 5G network before purchasing. The Redmi Note 9 Pro 5G generally offers broader 5G band support.
❓ Will the Snapdragon 750G in the Redmi Note 9 Pro 5G struggle with demanding games like Genshin Impact?
The Snapdragon 750G can run Genshin Impact, but you’ll likely need to lower graphics settings to achieve a smooth frame rate. The Dimensity 7300 in the vivo Y500 offers significantly more headroom for gaming at higher settings due to its more powerful GPU and CPU.
❓ How much faster is the 90W charging on the vivo Y500 compared to the 33W charging on the Redmi Note 9 Pro 5G in real-world use?
The 90W charging on the vivo Y500 can potentially charge a phone from 0% to 100% in under 30 minutes, while the Redmi Note 9 Pro 5G takes approximately 58 minutes. This difference is substantial and offers a significant convenience factor for users who frequently need to top up their battery quickly.
