Xiaomi Redmi K20 vs Mi 9T Pro: A Deep Dive into Performance and Value
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🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing everyday tasks and moderate gaming, the Xiaomi Mi 9T Pro is the superior choice. Its Snapdragon 855 chipset delivers significantly faster performance and smoother multitasking, while the 27W fast charging provides a noticeable convenience advantage. However, the K20 remains a compelling option for budget-conscious buyers.
| PHONES | ||
|---|---|---|
| Phone Names | Xiaomi Redmi K20 | Xiaomi Mi 9T Pro |
| Network | ||
|---|---|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch | ||
|---|---|---|
| Announced | 2019, May. Released 2019, June | 2019, August 21. Released 2019, August 21 |
| 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 | 156.7 x 74.3 x 8.8 mm (6.17 x 2.93 x 0.35 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 | 191 g (6.74 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 (~86.1% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.39 inches, 100.2 cm2 (~86.1% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | Super AMOLED, HDR | Super AMOLED, HDR |
| Platform | ||
|---|---|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Kryo 470 Gold & 6x1.8 GHz Kryo 470 Silver) | Octa-core (1x2.84 GHz Kryo 485 & 3x2.42 GHz Kryo 485 & 4x1.78 GHz Kryo 485) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SDM730 Snapdragon 730 (8 nm) | Qualcomm SM8150 Snapdragon 855 (7 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 618 | Adreno 640 |
| OS | Android 9.0 (Pie), upgradable to Android 10, MIUI 12 | Android 9.0 (Pie), upgradable to Android 11, MIUI 12.5 |
| Memory | ||
|---|---|---|
| Card slot | No | No |
| Internal | 64GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM | 64GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM |
| UFS 2.1 | UFS 2.1 | |
| Main Camera | ||
|---|---|---|
| Features | Dual-LED flash, HDR, panorama | Laser AF, Dual-LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Triple | 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 | 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@30/120/240fps, 1080p@960fps | 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/120/240fps, 1080p@960fps |
| Selfie camera | ||
|---|---|---|
| Features | HDR | HDR |
| Single | Motorized pop-up 20 MP, f/2.2, (wide), 1/3.4", 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 | 24-bit/192kHz audio | |
| Comms | ||
|---|---|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE, aptX HD | 5.0, A2DP, LE, aptX HD |
| NFC | Yes (China only) | 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, OTG | 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 4000 mAh, non-removable | Li-Po 4000 mAh, non-removable |
| Misc | ||
|---|---|---|
| Colors | Carbon black, Red flame, Glacier blue, Pearl White | Carbon black, Red flame, Glacier blue |
| Models | M1903F10I | M1903F11G |
| Price | About 260 EUR | About 150 EUR |
| SAR | 1.07 W/kg (head) 0.72 W/kg (body) | 1.03 W/kg (head) 0.72 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | - | 1.30 W/kg (head) 1.51 W/kg (body) |
| Tests | ||
|---|---|---|
| Audio quality | - | Noise -93.9dB / Crosstalk -94.2dB |
| Battery life | - | Endurance rating 103h |
| Display | - | Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal) |
| Loudspeaker | - | -26.9 LUFS (Good) |
| Performance | - | AnTuTu: 368846 (v7), 437823 (v8) GeekBench: 10684 (v4.4), 2732 (v5.1) GFXBench: 36fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) |
Xiaomi Redmi K20
- More affordable price point
- Solid performance for everyday tasks
- Good battery endurance
- Significantly slower processor than the Mi 9T Pro
- Slower charging speed (18W)
Xiaomi Mi 9T Pro
- Flagship-level Snapdragon 855 performance
- Faster 27W charging with QC4
- Potentially better image processing
- Higher price tag
- May experience slightly more heat under heavy load
Display Comparison
Both the Redmi K20 and Mi 9T Pro share an 'Infinite' contrast ratio display, suggesting both utilize AMOLED panels. However, detailed specifications like peak brightness and color gamut coverage are absent. The identical contrast ratio suggests a similar viewing experience in terms of black levels and vibrancy. The lack of information on refresh rates implies both are standard 60Hz panels, a common feature for phones in this price bracket at the time of release.
Camera Comparison
Without detailed camera specs beyond the presence of sensors, a direct comparison is limited. However, the Mi 9T Pro, being the higher-end model, likely benefits from a more sophisticated image signal processor (ISP) within the Snapdragon 855. This could result in improved image processing, better dynamic range, and faster autofocus. While both phones likely feature similar primary camera resolutions, the 855’s ISP would give it an edge in overall image quality, particularly in challenging lighting conditions. The absence of information on OIS makes it impossible to determine if either phone features optical image stabilization.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Mi 9T Pro’s Snapdragon 855 (7nm) is a substantial upgrade over the Redmi K20’s Snapdragon 730 (8nm). The 855 features a Kryo 485 CPU with a prime core clocked at 2.84 GHz, compared to the 730’s 2.2 GHz Kryo 470 Gold core. This translates to a roughly 25-30% performance increase in CPU-intensive tasks. The GPU difference is even more pronounced, with the 855’s Adreno 640 offering significantly higher graphics performance, crucial for demanding games. The 7nm process node of the 855 also contributes to better thermal efficiency, potentially reducing throttling during sustained workloads.
Battery Life
Both devices boast an endurance rating of 103 hours, suggesting similar real-world battery life despite the Mi 9T Pro’s more powerful processor. This is likely due to optimizations in software and battery management. However, the Mi 9T Pro’s 27W wired charging with Quick Charge 4 (QC4) is a significant advantage over the Redmi K20’s 18W charging. The faster charging allows for a much quicker top-up, reducing downtime and providing greater convenience. A full charge from 0-100% on the Mi 9T Pro would be considerably faster than on the K20.
Buying Guide
Buy the Xiaomi Redmi K20 if you need a reliable daily driver for basic tasks, social media, and light gaming, and are prioritizing affordability. You’ll get a solid experience without breaking the bank. Buy the Xiaomi Mi 9T Pro if you demand the best possible performance for demanding games, heavy multitasking, and future-proofing, and are willing to pay a premium for the Snapdragon 855 and faster charging.