The Xiaomi Redmi 10X 4G and Redmi Note 9 Pro 5G represent distinct approaches to the budget and mid-range smartphone market. The 10X 4G, while older, often appears at aggressive price points, while the Note 9 Pro 5G brings 5G connectivity and a more modern chipset to the table. This comparison dissects the key differences to determine which device delivers the best experience for your needs.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 Pro 5G is the superior choice. Its Snapdragon 750G chipset, built on an 8nm process, offers a noticeable performance uplift and future-proofs with 5G support. While the 10X 4G may be cheaper, the Note 9 Pro 5G’s faster charging and improved efficiency justify the price difference.
| 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, 7, 8, 34, 38, 39, 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 / CDMA / HSPA / LTE | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE / 5G |
| | CDMA 800 & TD-SCDMA | CDMA2000 1xEV-DO |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2020, May 26 | 2020, November 26 |
| Status | Available. Released 2020, May 26 | Available. Released 2020, December 01 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 5), glass back (Gorilla Glass 5) |
| Dimensions | 162.3 x 77.2 x 8.9 mm (6.39 x 3.04 x 0.35 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 | 199 g (7.02 oz) | 215 g (7.58 oz) |
| | Water-repellent coating | IP53, dust and splash resistant |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2340 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~395 ppi density) | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~395 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.53 inches, 104.7 cm2 (~83.5% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.67 inches, 107.4 cm2 (~84.6% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 450 nits (typ) | IPS LCD, HDR10, 120Hz, 450 nits (typ) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Kryo 570 & 6x1.8 GHz Kryo 570) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6769Z Helio G85 (12 nm) | Qualcomm SM7225 Snapdragon 750G 5G (8 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G52 MC2 | Adreno 619 |
| OS | Android 10, MIUI 11 | Android 10, MIUI 12 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) |
| Internal | 128GB 4GB 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 | 48 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 1/2.0", 0.8µm, PDAF
8 MP, f/2.2, 118˚ (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 | Panorama | HDR, panorama |
| Single | 13 MP, f/2.3, (wide), 1/3.1", 1.12µm | 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 | Yes |
| NFC | No | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, BDS | GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (G1), BDS (B1I+B2a), GALILEO (E1+E5a), QZSS (L1+L5) |
| Radio | FM radio; built-in antenna | 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 (rear-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, compass |
| | - | Virtual proximity sensing |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 18W wired, QC3
9W reverse wired | 33W wired, 100% in 58 min |
| Type | Li-Po 5020 mAh | Li-Po 4820 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Blue, Green, White | Gray, Blue, Red/Mint |
| Models | M2003J15SC | M2007J17C |
| Price | About 130 EUR | About 370 EUR |
Xiaomi Redmi 10X 4G
- Potentially lower price point
- 9W reverse wired charging
- Slightly more compact form factor (likely)
- Less powerful Helio G85 chipset
- Slower 18W charging
- No 5G connectivity
Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 Pro 5G
- Faster Snapdragon 750G chipset
- 33W fast charging
- 5G connectivity for future-proofing
- Potentially higher price
- May be slightly larger and heavier
- No reverse wireless charging
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a particularly standout display. While specific panel details (like peak brightness or color gamut coverage) are absent, the core difference lies elsewhere. Both likely utilize IPS LCD panels, common in this price bracket. The focus here isn't display quality, but the underlying performance that drives the user interface and applications.
Camera Comparison
Without detailed camera specs beyond the chipsets, a direct comparison is limited. However, the Snapdragon 750G typically includes a more advanced Image Signal Processor (ISP) than the Helio G85. This ISP handles image processing, noise reduction, and dynamic range. While both phones likely feature similar primary camera resolutions, the Note 9 Pro 5G will likely produce more refined images, particularly in challenging lighting conditions. The absence of OIS information suggests neither phone prioritizes optical image stabilization.
Performance
The performance gap is the most significant differentiator. The Redmi Note 9 Pro 5G’s Qualcomm Snapdragon 750G (8nm) is a clear upgrade over the Redmi 10X 4G’s MediaTek Helio G85 (12nm). The 8nm process node of the Snapdragon 750G translates to better power efficiency and reduced thermal throttling during sustained workloads. The Snapdragon 750G’s Kryo 570 cores, clocked at 2.2 GHz, also offer a slight clock speed advantage over the Helio G85’s 2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 cores. This means faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and a more responsive gaming experience on the Note 9 Pro 5G.
Battery Life
The Redmi Note 9 Pro 5G’s 33W wired charging is a substantial advantage over the Redmi 10X 4G’s 18W charging. Xiaomi claims a 100% charge in 58 minutes for the Note 9 Pro 5G, while the 10X 4G will take considerably longer. While battery capacity isn’t specified, the Snapdragon 750G’s superior efficiency means the Note 9 Pro 5G will likely deliver comparable or better battery life despite potentially having a similar capacity. The 9W reverse wired charging on the 10X 4G is a niche feature, useful for topping up accessories, but doesn't significantly impact the overall value proposition.
Buying Guide
Buy the Xiaomi Redmi 10X 4G if you prioritize absolute lowest cost and don't require 5G connectivity. It's a viable option for basic smartphone tasks and light usage. Buy the Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 Pro 5G if you value performance, 5G access, and faster charging. It’s ideal for users who enjoy mobile gaming, streaming, and want a device 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 high settings with stable frame rates. While it won't match flagship-level performance, it provides a significantly smoother gaming experience than the Helio G85 in the Redmi 10X 4G, especially during prolonged gaming sessions due to its better thermal management.
❓ Is the 5G connectivity on the Redmi Note 9 Pro 5G actually useful if 5G coverage is limited in my area?
Even with limited 5G coverage, the Redmi Note 9 Pro 5G’s 5G modem offers future-proofing. The phone will automatically fall back to 4G LTE when 5G isn't available. Furthermore, the 5G modem often provides improved 4G LTE performance in areas with congested networks.
❓ How much faster is the charging on the Redmi Note 9 Pro 5G compared to the Redmi 10X 4G in real-world use?
The Redmi Note 9 Pro 5G’s 33W charging can fully charge the device in approximately 58 minutes. The Redmi 10X 4G’s 18W charging will likely take well over 2 hours to achieve a full charge, making the Note 9 Pro 5G significantly more convenient for users who frequently need to top up their battery.
