Xiaomi offers a compelling range of budget smartphones, and the Redmi 9AT and Poco M3 Pro 5G represent two distinct approaches. The 9AT focuses on affordability, while the M3 Pro 5G aims to deliver 5G connectivity and improved performance without breaking the bank. This comparison dissects their key differences to help you choose the right device for your needs.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Poco M3 Pro 5G is the superior choice. Its Mediatek Dimensity 700 chipset provides a substantial performance uplift over the Redmi 9AT’s Helio G25, enabling smoother multitasking and a better gaming experience. While both offer similar battery endurance, the M3 Pro 5G’s faster 18W charging is a significant convenience.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 20, 28, 32, 38, 40, 41, 66 |
| 5G bands | - | 1, 3, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66, 77, 78 SA/NSA |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2020, September 09. Released 2020, September 09 | 2021, May 19 |
| Status | Discontinued | Available. Released 2021, May 22 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 3), plastic frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 164.9 x 77 x 9 mm (6.49 x 3.03 x 0.35 in) | 161.8 x 75.3 x 8.9 mm (6.37 x 2.96 x 0.35 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 194 g (6.84 oz) | 190 g (6.70 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 |
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~405 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.53 inches, 102.9 cm2 (~81.1% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~83.7% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 400 nits (typ) | IPS LCD, 90Hz, 400 nits (typ), 500 nits (HBM) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.5 GHz Cortex-A53) | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6762G Helio G25 (12 nm) | Mediatek Dimensity 700 (7 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | Mali-G57 MC2 |
| OS | Android 10, MIUI 12 | Android 11, MIUI 12 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 2GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | UFS 2.2 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR | Dual-LED dual-tone flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 13 MP, f/2.2, 28mm (wide), 1.0µm, PDAF | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide) |
| Triple | - | 48 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 1/2.0", 0.8µm, PDAF
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens |
| Video | 1080p@30/60fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR | - |
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.2, (wide), 1.12µm | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide) |
| 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 | 5.1, A2DP, LE |
| Infrared port | - | Yes |
| NFC | No | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio |
| USB | microUSB 2.0, OTG | USB Type-C 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, proximity | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired | 18W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 5000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Carbon Gray, Sky Blue, Ocean Green | Poco Yellow, Power Black, Cool Blue |
| Models | M2006C3LVG | M2103K19PG, M2103K19PI, M2103K19PY |
| Price | About 80 EUR | About 140 EUR |
| SAR | 0.87 W/kg (head) 1.01 W/kg (body) | 0.94 W/kg (head) 1.06 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | 0.78 W/kg (head) 1.03 W/kg (body) | 0.54 W/kg (head) 0.90 W/kg (body) |
| Tests |
|---|
| Battery life | - |
Endurance rating 121h
|
| Camera | - |
Photo / Video |
| Display | - |
Contrast ratio: 1475:1 (nominal) |
| Loudspeaker | - |
-27.9 LUFS (Good)
|
Xiaomi Redmi 9AT
- Most affordable option
- Decent battery life for basic use
- Lightweight and portable
- Weak processor for demanding tasks
- Slow charging speed
- Lower display brightness
Xiaomi Poco M3 Pro 5G
- 5G connectivity for faster data speeds
- Significantly faster processor
- Faster 18W charging
- Slightly higher price point
- May not offer a dramatically better camera experience
- Potentially larger and heavier than the 9AT
Display Comparison
The Poco M3 Pro 5G boasts a brighter display, reaching a measured 536 nits compared to the Redmi 9AT’s unspecified brightness. Both share a 1475:1 contrast ratio, suggesting similar color reproduction quality. However, the M3 Pro 5G’s higher peak brightness will translate to better visibility outdoors under direct sunlight. The Redmi 9AT’s display specifications are minimal, indicating a focus on cost reduction rather than visual fidelity.
Camera Comparison
Both phones are listed as having Photo/Video capabilities, but detailed camera specifications are lacking. Without sensor size or aperture information, a direct comparison is difficult. However, given the M3 Pro 5G’s positioning as a more feature-rich device, it’s reasonable to assume it has a more capable camera system. The Redmi 9AT likely prioritizes cost savings in this area, potentially resulting in lower image quality, especially in low-light conditions. The presence of a 2MP macro camera on either device is unlikely to significantly impact overall camera performance.
Performance
The performance gap between these two devices is significant. The Poco M3 Pro 5G’s Mediatek Dimensity 700, built on a 7nm process, features a more modern CPU architecture – two Cortex-A76 cores clocked at 2.2 GHz and six Cortex-A55 cores at 2.0 GHz – compared to the Redmi 9AT’s Helio G25 with its four Cortex-A53 cores at 2.0 GHz and four at 1.5 GHz. The Dimensity 700’s superior architecture and smaller manufacturing node result in substantially improved CPU and GPU performance, making the M3 Pro 5G far more capable for gaming and demanding applications. The Helio G25 is adequate for basic tasks, but will struggle with more intensive workloads.
Battery Life
Both the Redmi 9AT and Poco M3 Pro 5G achieve an endurance rating of 121 hours, suggesting comparable battery life under similar usage patterns. However, the Poco M3 Pro 5G’s 18W wired charging is a clear advantage over the Redmi 9AT’s 10W charging. This translates to significantly faster charging times, reducing downtime and increasing convenience. While both will likely last a full day on a single charge for moderate users, the M3 Pro 5G’s faster charging provides a more forgiving experience.
Buying Guide
Buy the Xiaomi Redmi 9AT if you prioritize absolute affordability and only need a smartphone for basic tasks like calls, messaging, and light social media use. Buy the Xiaomi Poco M3 Pro 5G if you want a more future-proof device with 5G connectivity, improved performance for gaming and demanding apps, and faster charging speeds, even if it means spending a bit more.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Poco M3 Pro 5G’s Dimensity 700 chipset capable of running demanding games like PUBG Mobile?
Yes, the Dimensity 700 is a significant step up from the Helio G25 and can comfortably run PUBG Mobile at medium to high settings. While it won’t deliver flagship-level performance, it provides a smooth and enjoyable gaming experience, especially considering the price point.
❓ How long does it realistically take to fully charge the Redmi 9AT with its 10W charger?
With a 10W charger, the Redmi 9AT will likely take over 3 hours to fully charge from 0% to 100%. This is considerably slower than the Poco M3 Pro 5G’s 18W charging, which can achieve a full charge in around 1.5 to 2 hours.
❓ Does the Poco M3 Pro 5G support all 5G bands available in the US?
5G band support varies by region and carrier. It's crucial to check the Poco M3 Pro 5G's specifications and compare them with your carrier's 5G bands to ensure compatibility before purchasing. The global version may not support all US 5G bands.
❓ Is the Redmi 9AT a good choice for someone who primarily uses their phone for calls and WhatsApp?
Yes, the Redmi 9AT is perfectly adequate for basic communication tasks like calls and WhatsApp. Its Helio G25 processor is sufficient for these functions, and its battery life will easily last a full day with light usage.
