The vivo Y51 (2020) and Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 Pro 5G represent distinct approaches to the budget and mid-range smartphone market. The Y51, released in September 2020, aimed for affordability with a reliable Qualcomm Snapdragon 665. The Redmi Note 9 Pro 5G, arriving later, brought 5G connectivity and a more powerful Snapdragon 750G to the table, but at a slightly higher price point. This comparison dissects the key differences to help you determine which device best suits your needs.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 Pro 5G is the superior choice. Its Snapdragon 750G offers significantly better performance, especially in demanding tasks and 5G scenarios, and the 33W fast charging is a game-changer. While the Y51 remains a viable option for basic use, the Redmi Note 9 Pro 5G provides a more future-proof and enjoyable experience.
| 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, 40 | 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, September 15. Released 2020, September 19 | 2020, November 26 |
| Status | Discontinued | Available. Released 2020, December 01 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | 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 | 186.7 g (6.60 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 | Super 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 4GB 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 | 48 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.0", 0.8µm, PDAF
8 MP, f/2.2, 120˚, (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, gyro-EIS | 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 | No | 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 | Mystic Black, Jazzy Blue, Dreamy White | Gray, Blue, Red/Mint |
| Models | - | M2007J17C |
| Price | About 180 EUR | About 370 EUR |
vivo Y51 (2020, September)
- More affordable price point
- Reliable Qualcomm Snapdragon 665 for basic tasks
- Simple and straightforward user experience
- Significantly slower performance compared to the Redmi
- Slower 18W charging
- Lacks 5G connectivity
Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 Pro 5G
- Faster Snapdragon 750G processor
- 33W fast charging (100% in 58 minutes)
- 5G connectivity for future-proofed data speeds
- Slightly higher price than the vivo Y51
- May experience some thermal throttling under heavy load
- Software experience can be more feature-rich, potentially leading to bloatware
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a particularly standout display. While specific display specs (resolution, panel type) are not provided for the Y51, its market positioning suggests an LCD panel. The Redmi Note 9 Pro 5G also likely features an LCD, common in this price bracket. The key difference lies in processing power impacting UI smoothness. The Redmi's more powerful chipset will translate to a more fluid experience when scrolling and navigating the interface, even if the panels themselves are similar in quality.
Camera Comparison
Without detailed camera specs beyond the chipsets, a direct comparison is limited. However, the Snapdragon 750G includes a more advanced Image Signal Processor (ISP) capable of handling higher-resolution sensors and more complex image processing algorithms. This suggests the Redmi Note 9 Pro 5G will likely produce better-quality photos, particularly in challenging lighting conditions. The Y51’s ISP, while adequate for basic photography, will struggle to match the Redmi’s capabilities. We can assume both phones include standard features like HDR and portrait modes, but the Redmi will likely offer more refined results.
Performance
The performance gap is the most significant differentiator. The Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 Pro 5G’s Snapdragon 750G (8nm) is a substantial upgrade over the vivo Y51’s Snapdragon 665 (11nm). The 750G features newer Kryo 570 cores with a 2x2.2 GHz prime core configuration, compared to the Y51’s 4x2.0 GHz Kryo 260 Gold cores. This translates to roughly a 30-40% performance increase in CPU-intensive tasks and a more noticeable improvement in GPU performance, making the Redmi Note 9 Pro 5G better suited for gaming and multitasking. The 8nm process also contributes to better thermal efficiency, reducing throttling under sustained load.
Battery Life
The Redmi Note 9 Pro 5G’s 33W wired charging is a clear advantage. Achieving a 100% charge in just 58 minutes significantly reduces downtime compared to the Y51’s 18W charging. While battery capacity isn’t specified for either device, the faster charging of the Redmi effectively mitigates any potential capacity difference. Users who frequently top up their phones or need a quick boost before heading out will greatly appreciate the Redmi’s charging speed.
Buying Guide
Buy the vivo Y51 (2020, September) if you prioritize extreme affordability and only need a phone for basic communication, light social media, and occasional web browsing. Buy the Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 Pro 5G if you value performance, 5G connectivity, faster charging, and a more responsive user experience, even if it means spending a bit more.
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 deliver the absolute highest performance, it provides a significantly smoother gaming experience compared to the Snapdragon 665 in the vivo Y51, which may struggle with consistent performance even at lower settings.
❓ How much faster is the 33W charging on the Redmi Note 9 Pro 5G compared to the 18W charging on the vivo Y51 in real-world use?
The Redmi Note 9 Pro 5G’s 33W charging can realistically cut charging time by 30-40% compared to the Y51’s 18W charging. While the Y51 might take over 2 hours for a full charge, the Redmi Note 9 Pro 5G achieves 100% in around 58 minutes, making it much more convenient for users who need a quick power boost.
❓ Does the Redmi Note 9 Pro 5G's 5G connectivity actually make a difference in everyday use?
Currently, the benefits of 5G are limited by network availability. However, if you live in an area with 5G coverage, you'll experience significantly faster download and upload speeds, especially for data-intensive tasks like streaming video or downloading large files. The Redmi Note 9 Pro 5G is future-proofed for wider 5G adoption, while the Y51 lacks this capability.
