The Xiaomi Mi CC9 and Redmi K20 Pro Premium represent distinct approaches within Xiaomi’s product lineup. The CC9 prioritized a more accessible price point and a focus on selfie capabilities, while the K20 Pro Premium aimed for near-flagship performance without the top-tier price tag. This comparison dissects the core differences, primarily centered around their chipsets, to determine which device best suits your needs.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing smooth performance and future-proofing, the Redmi K20 Pro Premium is the clear winner. Its Snapdragon 855+ offers a substantial performance leap over the Mi CC9’s Snapdragon 710, justifying the price difference for demanding tasks like gaming and video editing. However, the Mi CC9 remains a viable option for casual users on a tighter budget.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 8, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / LTE | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / LTE |
| | CDMA 800 & TD-SCDMA | CDMA 800 & TD-SCDMA |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2019, July. Released 2019, July | 2019, September. Released 2019, September |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 5), glass back (Gorilla Glass 5), aluminum frame | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 5), glass back (Gorilla Glass 5), aluminum frame |
| Dimensions | 156.8 x 74.5 x 8.7 mm (6.17 x 2.93 x 0.34 in) | 156.7 x 74.3 x 8.8 mm (6.17 x 2.93 x 0.35 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 179 g (6.31 oz) | 191 g (6.74 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2340 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~403 ppi density) | 1080 x 2340 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~403 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.39 inches, 100.2 cm2 (~85.8% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.39 inches, 100.2 cm2 (~86.1% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | Super AMOLED, HDR, 430 nits (typ) | Super AMOLED, HDR10 |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Kryo 360 Gold & 6x1.7 GHz Kryo 360 Silver) | Octa-core (1x2.96 GHz Kryo 485 & 3x2.42 GHz Kryo 485 & 4x1.8 GHz Kryo 485) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SDM710 Snapdragon 710 (10 nm) | Qualcomm SM8150 Snapdragon 855+ (7 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 616 | Adreno 640 (700 MHz) |
| OS | Android 9.0 (Pie), upgradable to Android 10, MIUI 11 | Android 10, MIUI 11 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) | No |
| Internal | 64GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM | 128GB 8GB RAM, 512GB 8GB RAM, 512GB 12GB RAM |
| | UFS 2.1 | UFS 2.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | Laser AF, Dual-LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Triple | 48 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.0", 0.8µm, PDAF
8 MP, (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm
Auxiliary lens | 48 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 1/2.0", 0.8µm, PDAF
8 MP, f/2.4, 53mm (telephoto), 1/4.0", 1.12µm, PDAF, 2x optical zoom
13 MP, f/2.4, 12mm (ultrawide), 1/3.1", 1.12µm |
| Video | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60/120fps, 720p@960fps | 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/120/240fps, 1080p@960fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR | HDR |
| Single | 32 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide), 1/2.8", 0.8µm | Motorized pop-up 20 MP, f/2.2, (wide), 1/3.4", 0.8µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| | - | 24-bit/192kHz audio
|
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE, aptX HD | 5.0, A2DP, LE, aptX HD |
| Infrared port | Yes | - |
| NFC | Yes | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (G1), BDS (B1), GALILEO (E1+E5a) |
| Radio | FM radio | Yes |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0 | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG |
| 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 (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 18W wired | 27W wired, QC4 |
| Type | Li-Po 4030 mAh, non-removable | Li-Po 4000 mAh, non-removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Blue, White | Carbon black, Flame red, Glacier blue, Summer Honey, Pearl White |
| Price | About 260 EUR | About 450 EUR |
Xiaomi Mi CC9
- More affordable price point
- Potentially more compact design
- Decent battery life for light usage
- Significantly weaker performance
- Slower charging speeds
- Less future-proof
Xiaomi Redmi K20 Pro Premium
- Superior performance with Snapdragon 855+
- Faster 27W charging with QC4
- Better thermal management
- Higher price tag
- Potentially larger and heavier
- May experience some throttling under extreme load
Display Comparison
While both devices likely feature LCD panels (based on market positioning), the specifics aren't provided. The focus here is on the internal hardware driving the experience. The chipset's GPU will dictate the smoothness of scrolling and animations, and the K20 Pro Premium's 855+ will deliver a noticeably more fluid experience. The lack of high refresh rate information means we can't compare that aspect, but the GPU power difference is significant.
Camera Comparison
Without detailed camera specs, we can only infer. The K20 Pro Premium, being positioned as a premium device, likely features a more capable main sensor and potentially better image processing algorithms. While both phones likely have multiple rear cameras, the 855+’s image signal processor (ISP) will offer faster processing speeds and potentially better dynamic range and low-light performance. The Mi CC9 likely focuses on selfie camera quality, a common trend in the CC series, but the overall camera system is expected to be less versatile than the K20 Pro Premium.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Redmi K20 Pro Premium’s Snapdragon 855+ (7nm) is a substantial upgrade over the Mi CC9’s Snapdragon 710 (10nm). The 855+ features a Kryo 485 core clocked at 2.96 GHz, compared to the 710’s Kryo 360 Gold at 2.2 GHz. This translates to approximately a 25-30% performance increase in CPU-intensive tasks and a 40-50% boost in GPU performance. The 7nm process node of the 855+ also contributes to better thermal efficiency, reducing the likelihood of throttling during prolonged gaming sessions. The Mi CC9 is adequate for everyday tasks, but will struggle with graphically demanding games or heavy multitasking.
Battery Life
The Redmi K20 Pro Premium’s 27W wired charging with Quick Charge 4 (QC4) is a significant advantage over the Mi CC9’s 18W charging. This means the K20 Pro Premium can charge from 0-100% considerably faster, reducing downtime. While battery capacity isn’t specified, the more powerful chipset in the K20 Pro Premium will likely consume more power, but the faster charging mitigates this concern. The Mi CC9 will offer acceptable battery life for moderate users, but the K20 Pro Premium provides a more convenient charging experience.
Buying Guide
Buy the Xiaomi Mi CC9 if you need a capable daily driver for basic tasks like social media, browsing, and light photography, and prioritize affordability. You’ll appreciate its compact form factor and decent battery life for everyday use. Buy the Xiaomi Redmi K20 Pro Premium if you prefer a phone that can handle demanding games, intensive multitasking, and benefit from faster charging speeds, and are willing to spend a bit more for a significantly improved user experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Snapdragon 710 in the Mi CC9 struggle with demanding games like PUBG or Genshin Impact?
Yes, the Snapdragon 710 is likely to struggle with graphically intensive games like PUBG or Genshin Impact, even at medium settings. Expect noticeable frame drops and potential stuttering. The K20 Pro Premium’s Snapdragon 855+ is far better equipped to handle these titles smoothly.
❓ Does the Redmi K20 Pro Premium overheat during extended gaming sessions?
While the Snapdragon 855+ is a powerful chip, it can generate heat under sustained load. However, the 7nm process node and Xiaomi’s thermal management solutions should prevent severe overheating. Some throttling is possible, but it’s less likely to be as significant as with older 10nm chips.
❓ Is the difference in charging speed between 18W and 27W really noticeable in everyday use?
Absolutely. 27W charging with Quick Charge 4 can add a significant amount of battery life in a short period. You'll go from near-empty to a usable charge much faster with the K20 Pro Premium, making it more convenient for users who are always on the go.
