The Xiaomi Redmi Note series consistently delivers excellent value for money. But with so many iterations, choosing the right model can be tricky. We're pitting the Redmi Note 10 Lite against the Redmi Note 9 to see which phone offers the best overall experience.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Redmi Note 10 Lite generally wins thanks to its more powerful Snapdragon 720G chipset, offering a noticeable performance boost. While the Note 9 boasts impressive battery life, the Note 10 Lite's improved processor and slightly better display make it the more compelling choice for most users.
| 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, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, October 01 | 2020, April 30 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, October 02 | Available. Released 2020, May 12 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 5), glass back (Gorilla Glass 5), plastic frame | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 5), plastic frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 165.8 x 76.7 x 8.8 mm (6.53 x 3.02 x 0.35 in) | 162.3 x 77.2 x 8.9 mm (6.39 x 3.04 x 0.35 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 209 g (7.37 oz) | 199 g (7.02 oz) |
| | Water-repellent coating | Water-repellent coating |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~395 ppi density) | 1080 x 2340 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~395 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.67 inches, 107.4 cm2 (~84.5% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.53 inches, 104.7 cm2 (~83.5% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD, 450 nits (typ) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.3 GHz Kryo 465 Gold & 6x1.8 GHz Kryo 465 Silver) | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM7125 Snapdragon 720G (8 nm) | Mediatek MT6769Z Helio G85 (12 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 618 | Mali-G52 MC2 |
| OS | Android 10, MIUI 11 | Android 10, upgradable to Android 12, MIUI 13 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM, 64GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM | 64GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Quad | 48 MP, f/1.9, 26mm (wide), 0.8µm, PDAF
8 MP, f/2.2, 119˚ (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm
5 MP (macro), AF
Auxiliary lens | 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), AF
Auxiliary lens |
| Single | 16 MP, f/2.5, (wide), 1/3.06", 1.0µm | - |
| Video | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60/120fps, 720p@960fps, gyro-EIS | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR, panorama | HDR, panorama |
| Single | 16 MP, f/2.5, (wide), 1/3.06", 1.0µm | 13 MP, f/2.3, 29mm (standard), 1/3.1", 1.12µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| Infrared port | Yes | Yes |
| NFC | Yes | Yes (market/region dependent)M2003J15SG (Yes); M2003J15SS (No) |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, NavIC | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | FM radio, recording | FM radio, built-in antenna |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0 | 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 (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 18W wired | 18W wired
9W reverse wired |
| Type | Li-Po 5020 mAh | Li-Po 5020 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Aurora Blue, Glacier White, Interstellar Black, Champagne Gold | Forest Green, Midnight Grey, Polar White |
| Models | M2002F4LG | M2003J15SC, M2003J15SG, M2003J15SS |
| Price | About 200 EUR | € 88.99 / $ 85.68 / £ 136.28 |
| SAR | 1.17 W/kg (head) 0.86 W/kg (body) | 0.84 W/kg (head) 0.90 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | 1.01 W/kg (head) 1.39 W/kg (body) | 0.80 W/kg (head) 1.14 W/kg (body) |
| Tests |
|---|
| Battery life | - | Endurance rating 125h |
| Camera | - |
Photo / Video |
| Display | - |
Contrast ratio: 1242:1 (nominal) |
| Loudspeaker | - |
-30.1 LUFS (Below average) |
| Performance | - |
AnTuTu: 200414 (v8)
GeekBench: 1292 (v5.1) |
Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 Lite
- Faster Processor (Snapdragon 720G)
- AMOLED Display
- Slightly Better Camera
- More Responsive
- Slightly Shorter Battery Life than Note 9
- 18W Charging (not the fastest)
Xiaomi Redmi Note 9
- Exceptional Battery Life
- Reliable Camera
- Affordable Price
- Slower Processor (Helio G85)
- IPS LCD Display
- Less Responsive
Display Comparison
The Redmi Note 10 Lite features a 6.43-inch AMOLED display with a 60Hz refresh rate, offering vibrant colors and deep blacks. The Redmi Note 9 has a 6.53-inch IPS LCD display with a 60Hz refresh rate and a high contrast ratio. While both have similar contrast ratios, the AMOLED panel on the Note 10 Lite provides a superior viewing experience.
Camera Comparison
Both phones offer versatile camera setups. The Redmi Note 10 Lite typically has a 64MP main sensor, while the Note 9 also features a 48MP main sensor. Image quality is generally comparable in good lighting conditions, but the Note 10 Lite often produces slightly more detailed and vibrant photos. Low-light performance is also improved on the Note 10 Lite.
Performance
Here's where the Note 10 Lite truly shines. Its Snapdragon 720G chipset is significantly faster than the Note 9's Helio G85. Expect smoother app launches, faster gaming performance, and better overall responsiveness on the Note 10 Lite. The Note 9 is adequate for everyday tasks, but struggles with more demanding applications.
Battery Life
The Redmi Note 9 is renowned for its exceptional battery life, often lasting well over a day on a single charge. The Redmi Note 10 Lite's battery life is still good, but not quite as impressive as the Note 9. Both support 18W fast charging.
Buying Guide
The Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 Lite is ideal for users who prioritize performance, smoother multitasking, and a slightly better display. The Redmi Note 9 is a great option for those on a tighter budget who value exceptional battery life and a reliable camera experience, especially if performance isn't a top priority.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Redmi Note 10 Lite worth the extra money?
If performance and display quality are important to you, then yes. The Snapdragon 720G provides a noticeable upgrade over the Helio G85.
❓ Which phone has better battery life?
The Redmi Note 9 consistently delivers longer battery life than the Redmi Note 10 Lite.