Xiaomi Mi 9 Pro vs Mi 9 Pro 5G: A Head-to-Head Comparison

The Xiaomi Mi 9 Pro and Mi 9 Pro 5G were flagship contenders, offering premium features and performance. But with the addition of 5G connectivity in one model, the choice isn't as straightforward. This comprehensive comparison will help you decide which phone best suits your needs.
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🏆 Quick Verdict

The Mi 9 Pro 5G is the clear winner if 5G connectivity is a priority. Otherwise, the standard Mi 9 Pro offers virtually identical performance and features at potentially a lower price point, making it a compelling value proposition for those without 5G needs.

PHONES
Phone Names Xiaomi Mi 9 Pro Xiaomi Mi 9 Pro 5G
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100
4G bands1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 41 - China1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 41 - China
5G bands-41, 78, 79 NSA
SpeedHSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE (7CA) Cat20 2000/150 MbpsHSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE (7CA) Cat20 2000/150 Mbps, 5G (2+ Gbps DL)
TechnologyGSM / CDMA / HSPA / LTEGSM / CDMA / HSPA / LTE / 5G
 CDMA 800 & TD-SCDMACDMA 800 & TD-SCDMA
Launch
Announced2019, September. Released 2019, September2019, September. Released 2019, September
StatusDiscontinuedDiscontinued
Body
BuildGlass front (Gorilla Glass 6), glass back (Gorilla Glass 5), aluminum frame (7000 series)Glass front (Gorilla Glass 6), glass back (Gorilla Glass 5), aluminum frame (7000 series)
Dimensions157.2 x 74.6 x 8.5 mm (6.19 x 2.94 x 0.33 in)157.2 x 74.6 x 8.5 mm (6.19 x 2.94 x 0.33 in)
SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIM
Weight196 g (6.91 oz)196 g (6.91 oz)
Display
ProtectionCorning Gorilla Glass 6Corning Gorilla Glass 6
Resolution1080 x 2340 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~403 ppi density)1080 x 2340 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~403 ppi density)
Size6.39 inches, 100.2 cm2 (~85.5% screen-to-body ratio)6.39 inches, 100.2 cm2 (~85.5% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeSuper AMOLED, HDR10Super AMOLED, HDR10
Platform
CPUOcta-core (1x2.96 GHz Kryo 485 & 3x2.42 GHz Kryo 485 & 4x1.8 GHz Kryo 485)Octa-core (1x2.96 GHz Kryo 485 & 3x2.42 GHz Kryo 485 & 4x1.8 GHz Kryo 485)
ChipsetQualcomm SM8150 Snapdragon 855+ (7 nm)Qualcomm SM8150 Snapdragon 855+ (7 nm)
GPUAdreno 640 (700 MHz)Adreno 640 (700 MHz)
OSAndroid 10, MIUI 11Android 10, MIUI 11
Memory
Card slotNoNo
Internal128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM, 512GB 12GB RAM128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM, 512GB 12GB RAM
 UFS 2.1UFS 3.0
Main Camera
FeaturesLaser AF, Dual-LED flash, HDR, panoramaLaser AF, Dual-LED flash, HDR, panorama
Triple48 MP, f/1.8, 27mm (wide), 1/2.0", 0.8µm, PDAF 12 MP, f/2.2, 54mm (telephoto), 1/3.6", 1.0µm, PDAF, 2x optical zoom 16 MP, f/2.2, 13mm (ultrawide), 1/3.0", 1.0µm, PDAF48 MP, f/1.8, 27mm (wide), 1/2.0", 0.8µm, PDAF 12 MP, f/2.2, 54mm (telephoto), 1/3.6", 1.0µm, PDAF, 2x optical zoom 16 MP, f/2.2, 13mm (ultrawide), 1/3.0", 1.0µm, AF
Video4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/120/240fps, 1080p@960fps4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/120/240fps, 1080p@960fps
Selfie camera
FeaturesHDRHDR
Single20 MP, f/2.0, (wide), 1/3", 0.9µm20 MP, f/2.0, (wide), 1/3", 0.9µm
Video1080p@30fps1080p@30fps
Sound
3.5mm jack NoNo
35mm jackNoNo
Loudspeaker YesYes
Comms
Bluetooth5.0, A2DP, LE, aptX HD5.0, A2DP, LE, aptX HD
Infrared portYesYes
NFCYesYes
PositioningGPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (L1), BDS (B1), GALILEO (E1+E5a)GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (L1), BDS (B1), GALILEO (E1+E5a)
RadioNoNo
USBUSB Type-C 2.0, OTGUSB Type-C 2.0, OTG
WLANWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct, DLNAWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct, DLNA
Features
SensorsFingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compassFingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass
Battery
Charging40W wired, QC4 30W wireless 10W reverse wireless40W wired, QC4 30W wireless 10W reverse wireless
TypeLi-Po 4000 mAh, non-removableLi-Po 4000 mAh, non-removable
Misc
ColorsDream White, Titanium BlackDream White, Titanium Black
PriceAbout 500 EURAbout 600 EUR

Xiaomi Mi 9 Pro

  • Excellent performance
  • Stunning AMOLED display
  • Fast charging (40W)
  • Premium design
  • Competitive price

  • No 5G connectivity
  • No expandable storage

Xiaomi Mi 9 Pro 5G

  • 5G connectivity
  • Excellent performance
  • Stunning AMOLED display
  • Fast charging (40W)
  • Premium design

  • Higher price than Mi 9 Pro
  • No expandable storage

Display Comparison

Both phones feature a stunning 6.67-inch AMOLED display with a 90Hz refresh rate and a Full HD+ resolution. Color accuracy and brightness are excellent on both, offering a vibrant and immersive viewing experience. There's no discernible difference in display quality between the two.

Camera Comparison

Both devices boast a triple-camera system: a 48MP main sensor, a 12MP ultrawide lens, and a 5MP macro lens. Image quality is consistently excellent across all lenses on both phones, with accurate colors and good dynamic range. Low-light performance is also comparable. The Mi 9 Pro 5G might have slightly improved software processing, but the hardware is essentially the same.

Performance

Powered by the same Qualcomm Snapdragon 855+ chipset and 8GB/12GB of RAM, both phones deliver blazing-fast performance. Gaming, multitasking, and demanding applications run smoothly on both devices. The 5G variant might experience slightly better thermal management due to potential design tweaks, but it's unlikely to be noticeable in everyday use.

Battery Life

Both phones are equipped with a 4000mAh battery and support 40W wired and 30W wireless charging. Battery life is generally good, easily lasting a full day with moderate usage. Reverse wireless charging at 10W is also available on both.

Buying Guide

The Xiaomi Mi 9 Pro is ideal for users who prioritize performance and a premium experience without needing 5G. It's a great choice for gamers and power users. The Xiaomi Mi 9 Pro 5G is best for those who want future-proofed connectivity and are in an area with 5G coverage, willing to pay a premium for it.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Is the Mi 9 Pro 5G worth the extra cost?
Only if you need 5G connectivity and live in an area with good 5G coverage. Otherwise, the standard Mi 9 Pro offers similar performance and features at a lower price.
❓ Can I expand the storage on either phone?
No, neither the Mi 9 Pro nor the Mi 9 Pro 5G offer expandable storage via microSD card.