The Xiaomi Redmi Note series consistently delivers excellent value for money. The Note 10 Lite and Note 9S are both strong contenders in the mid-range market, offering impressive features at accessible prices. But which one is right for you? Let's dive into a comprehensive comparison.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Redmi Note 10 Lite offers a slightly more modern design and potentially better software support. However, the Note 9S boasts exceptional battery life and a very impressive display. It's a close call, but the Note 9S's endurance gives it a slight edge for many 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 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, October 01 | 2020, March 23. Released 2020, April 30 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, October 02 | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 5), glass back (Gorilla Glass 5), plastic frame | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 5), glass back (Gorilla Glass 5), plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 165.8 x 76.7 x 8.8 mm (6.53 x 3.02 x 0.35 in) | 165.8 x 76.7 x 8.8 mm (6.53 x 3.02 x 0.35 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 209 g (7.37 oz) | 209 g (7.37 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 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~395 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.67 inches, 107.4 cm2 (~84.5% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.67 inches, 107.4 cm2 (~84.5% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD, HDR10, 450 nits (typ) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.3 GHz Kryo 465 Gold & 6x1.8 GHz Kryo 465 Silver) | Octa-core (2x2.3 GHz Kryo 465 Gold & 6x1.8 GHz Kryo 465 Silver) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM7125 Snapdragon 720G (8 nm) | Qualcomm SM7125 Snapdragon 720G (8 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 618 | Adreno 618 |
| OS | Android 10, MIUI 11 | Android 10, upgradable to Android 12, MIUI 14 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM, 64GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM, 64GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM |
| | - | UFS 2.1 |
| 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, 119˚ (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm
5 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 | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60/120fps, 720p@960fps, gyro-EIS |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR, panorama | HDR, panorama |
| Single | 16 MP, f/2.5, (wide), 1/3.06", 1.0µm | 16 MP, f/2.5, (wide), 1/3.06" 1.0µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30/120fps |
| 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 | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, NavIC | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | FM radio, recording | FM radio, recording |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0 | 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 (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 18W wired | 18W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 5020 mAh | Li-Po 5020 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Aurora Blue, Glacier White, Interstellar Black, Champagne Gold | Aurora Blue, Glacier White, Interstellar Gray |
| Models | M2002F4LG | M2003J6A1G |
| Price | About 200 EUR | About 110 EUR |
| SAR | 1.17 W/kg (head) 0.86 W/kg (body) | 0.96 W/kg (head) 0.40 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | 1.01 W/kg (head) 1.39 W/kg (body) | 0.72 W/kg (head) 0.98 W/kg (body) |
| Tests |
|---|
| Battery life | - | Endurance rating 127h |
| Camera | - |
Photo / Video |
| Display | - |
Contrast ratio: 1389:1 (nominal) |
| Loudspeaker | - |
-27.8 LUFS (Good) |
| Performance | - |
AnTuTu: 254000 (v8)
GeekBench: 1785 (v5.1)
GFXBench: 15fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) |
Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 Lite
- Potentially newer software updates
- Slightly more modern design
- Potentially better color accuracy on display
- Higher resolution main camera sensor
- Battery life may be slightly shorter than Note 9S
- Performance difference is minimal compared to Note 9S
Xiaomi Redmi Note 9S
- Exceptional battery life (127h endurance rating)
- Excellent display contrast ratio
- Competitive price
- Proven reliability
- Slightly older design
- Potentially fewer software updates in the future
- Lower resolution main camera sensor
Display Comparison
Both phones feature a 6.43-inch Super AMOLED display with a 1389:1 contrast ratio. The Note 9S measures a peak brightness of 575 nits, which is impressive. The Note 10 Lite likely has slightly improved color accuracy and potentially a more responsive touch experience, though this is difficult to quantify without direct testing. The Note 9S's contrast ratio is excellent, providing deep blacks and vibrant colors.
Camera Comparison
The Note 10 Lite typically features a quad-camera setup with a 64MP main sensor, an 8MP ultrawide, a 5MP macro, and a 2MP depth sensor. The Note 9S also has a quad-camera setup with a 48MP main sensor, an 8MP ultrawide, a 5MP macro, and a 2MP depth sensor. While megapixels aren't everything, the Note 10 Lite's higher resolution main sensor *could* result in slightly more detailed photos in good lighting conditions. Both phones offer decent video recording capabilities.
Performance
Both devices are powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 720G chipset, ensuring similar performance for everyday tasks and moderate gaming. The Note 10 Lite might benefit from slightly newer software optimization, potentially leading to marginally smoother performance in some scenarios. However, for most users, the performance difference will be negligible.
Battery Life
The Note 9S shines in this category. It boasts an endurance rating of 127 hours, indicating exceptional battery life. The Note 10 Lite's battery capacity is likely similar (around 5200mAh), but the software optimization and other factors might result in slightly shorter battery life compared to the Note 9S.
Buying Guide
The Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 Lite is ideal for users prioritizing a more contemporary design, potentially faster software updates, and a slightly improved overall experience. The Xiaomi Redmi Note 9S is perfect for those who demand exceptional battery life and a vibrant display, and are comfortable with a slightly older design.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Redmi Note 10 Lite worth the upgrade from the Note 9S?
It depends on your priorities. If you value battery life above all else, the Note 9S is still a fantastic choice. If you want a slightly more modern design and potentially better software support, the Note 10 Lite is a worthwhile upgrade.
❓ Which phone has better gaming performance?
Both phones use the Snapdragon 720G, so gaming performance will be very similar. Neither is a powerhouse, but both can handle most mobile games at medium settings.
