Xiaomi offers a range of smartphones catering to different budgets and needs. The Redmi K30S and Redmi Note 9 Pro 5G are two compelling options, but which one delivers the best overall experience? This comprehensive comparison will break down their strengths and weaknesses to help you make an informed decision.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Redmi K30S is the clear winner for performance enthusiasts, boasting a Snapdragon 865. The Note 9 Pro 5G offers a more budget-friendly option with decent 5G connectivity and a respectable camera, but falls short in raw power. Choose the K30S for speed, the Note 9 Pro 5G for value.
| 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 / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 |
| 5G bands | 1, 3, 41, 78, 79 SA/NSA | 1, 3, 41, 78, 79 SA/NSA/Sub6 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE, 5G (2+ Gbps DL) | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE / 5G | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE / 5G |
| | CDMA2000 1xEV-DO | CDMA2000 1xEV-DO |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2020, October 27. Released 2020, November 11 | 2020, November 26 |
| Status | Discontinued | Available. Released 2020, December 01 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 5), glass back (Gorilla Glass 5), aluminum frame | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 5), glass back (Gorilla Glass 5) |
| Dimensions | 165.1 x 76.4 x 9.3 mm (6.5 x 3.01 x 0.37 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 | 216 g (7.62 oz) | 215 g (7.58 oz) |
| | - | IP53, dust and splash resistant |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~395 ppi density) | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~395 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.67 inches, 107.4 cm2 (~85.2% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.67 inches, 107.4 cm2 (~84.6% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 144Hz, HDR10, 500 nits (typ), 650 nits (peak) | IPS LCD, HDR10, 120Hz, 450 nits (typ) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (1x2.84 GHz Cortex-A77 & 3x2.42 GHz Cortex-A77 & 4x1.80 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Kryo 570 & 6x1.8 GHz Kryo 570) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM8250 Snapdragon 865 5G (7 nm+) | Qualcomm SM7225 Snapdragon 750G 5G (8 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 650 | Adreno 619 |
| OS | Android 10, MIUI 12 | Android 10, MIUI 12 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | No | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) |
| Internal | 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM | 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM |
| | UFS 3.1 | UFS 2.2 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | Dual-LED dual-tone flash, HDR, panorama |
| Quad | - | 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 |
| Triple | 64 MP, f/1.9, 26mm (wide), 1/1.73", 0.8µm, PDAF
13 MP, f/2.4, 123˚ (ultrawide), 1.12µm
5 MP (macro), AF | - |
| Video | 8K@24/30fps, 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/120/240/960fps; gyro-EIS | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60fps, gyro-EIS |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR | HDR, panorama |
| Single | 20 MP, f/2.2, 27mm (wide), 1/3.4", 0.8µm | 16 MP, f/2.5, (wide), 1/3.06", 1.0µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps, 720p@120fps | 1080p@30fps, gyro-EIS |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | No | Yes |
| 35mm jack | No | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with stereo speakers | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| | 24-bit/192kHz audio | 24-bit/192kHz audio |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.1, A2DP, LE | 5.1, A2DP, LE |
| Infrared port | Yes | Yes |
| NFC | Yes | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (G1), BDS (B1I+B2a), GALILEO (E1+E5a), QZSS (L1+L5), NavIC | GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (G1), BDS (B1I+B2a), GALILEO (E1+E5a), QZSS (L1+L5) |
| Radio | No | Unspecified |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG | USB Type-C 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, compass |
| | - | Virtual proximity sensing |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 33W wired, PD3.0, QC4 | 33W wired, 100% in 58 min |
| Type | Li-Po 5000 mAh | Li-Po 4820 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Cosmic Black, Lunar Silver | Gray, Blue, Red/Mint |
| Models | M2007J3SC | M2007J17C |
| Price | About 330 EUR | About 370 EUR |
Xiaomi Redmi K30S
- Superior Performance (Snapdragon 865)
- Vibrant AMOLED Display (120Hz)
- Faster Charging
- Excellent Gaming Experience
- Potentially Higher Price
- No Headphone Jack (typically)
Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 Pro 5G
- More Affordable
- Decent 5G Connectivity
- Respectable Camera
- Headphone Jack
- Slower Performance (Snapdragon 750G)
- IPS LCD Display
- Less Powerful Processor
Display Comparison
The Redmi K30S features a 6.67-inch AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate, offering vibrant colors and smooth scrolling. The Note 9 Pro 5G has a 6.67-inch IPS LCD display with a 120Hz refresh rate, providing good visuals but lacking the contrast and color accuracy of the AMOLED panel. The K30S wins here.
Camera Comparison
Both phones offer versatile camera setups. The Redmi K30S typically features a 64MP main sensor, an 8MP ultrawide, and a 5MP macro lens. The Note 9 Pro 5G also has a 64MP main sensor, an 8MP ultrawide, a 2MP macro, and a 2MP depth sensor. Image quality is generally comparable, but the K30S's faster processor can contribute to slightly better image processing. The Note 9 Pro 5G's video recording capabilities are slightly better.
Performance
The Snapdragon 865 in the Redmi K30S provides significantly faster processing speeds and better graphics performance compared to the Snapdragon 750G in the Note 9 Pro 5G. Expect smoother multitasking, faster app loading times, and a superior gaming experience on the K30S.
Battery Life
Both phones have a 4700mAh battery. The Redmi K30S supports 33W fast charging, while the Note 9 Pro 5G also supports 33W fast charging and claims a 100% charge in 58 minutes. Battery life is similar in real-world usage, offering a full day of moderate use.
Buying Guide
The Xiaomi Redmi K30S is ideal for gamers, power users, and anyone prioritizing performance. If you're on a tighter budget and primarily need a reliable 5G phone for everyday tasks and occasional photography, the Redmi Note 9 Pro 5G is a solid choice.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Redmi K30S worth the extra money?
If performance is your top priority, the K30S's Snapdragon 865 makes it worth the investment. However, if you're on a budget, the Note 9 Pro 5G offers a good balance of features and price.
❓ Which phone has better 5G connectivity?
Both phones support 5G, but the Note 9 Pro 5G's Snapdragon 750G is optimized for 5G efficiency, potentially offering slightly better battery life while using 5G.
