The Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 was a mainstay of the budget smartphone market, offering a compelling blend of features and affordability. The Redmi Note 9T arrives as its successor, aiming to build upon that foundation with a more powerful chipset and incremental improvements. This comparison dissects the key differences to help you determine which device best suits your needs.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Xiaomi Redmi Note 9T is the superior choice. Its Mediatek Dimensity 800U chipset delivers significantly improved performance, particularly in gaming and demanding applications, while also offering 5G connectivity. The slightly improved battery endurance and brighter display further solidify its position as the better all-around device.
| 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, 38, 40 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 18, 19, 20, 26, 28, 32, 38, 40, 41, 42 |
| 5G bands | - | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 41, 77, 78, 79 SA/NSA/Sub6 |
| Speed | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE (4CA) Cat12 600/50 Mbps | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2019, August 29. Released 2019, October 16 | 2021, January 08 |
| Status | Discontinued | Available. Released 2021, January 18 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 5), glass back (Gorilla Glass 5), plastic frame | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 5), plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 158.3 x 75.3 x 8.4 mm (6.23 x 2.96 x 0.33 in) | 161.2 x 77.3 x 9.1 mm (6.35 x 3.04 x 0.36 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 190 (6.70 oz) | 199 g (7.02 oz) |
| | - | Water-repellent coating |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2340 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~409 ppi density) | 1080 x 2340 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~395 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.3 inches, 97.4 cm2 (~81.7% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.53 inches, 104.7 cm2 (~84.0% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD, 450 nits (typ) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.0 GHz Kryo 260 Gold & 4x1.8 GHz Kryo 260 Silver) | Octa-core (2x2.4 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SDM665 Snapdragon 665 (11 nm) | Mediatek Dimensity 800U (7 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 610 | Mali-G57 MC3 |
| OS | Android 9.0 (Pie), upgradable to Android 11, MIUI 12.5 | Android 10, MIUI 12 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM, 64GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM |
| | - | UFS 2.1 - 64GB
UFS 2.2 - 128GB |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Quad | 48 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 1/2.0", 0.8µm, PDAF
8 MP, f/2.2, 120˚ (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Triple | - | 48 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 1/2.0", 0.8µm, PDAF
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens |
| Video | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60/120fps; gyro-EIS | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR, panorama | - |
| Single | 13 MP, f/2.0, (wide), 1/3.1", 1.12µm | 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, with stereo speakers |
| | - | 24-bit/192kHz audio |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.2, A2DP, LE | 5.1, A2DP, LE |
| Infrared port | Yes | Yes |
| NFC | No | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio, recording |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG | 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 (rear-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 18W wired | 18W wired, 33% in 30 min |
| Type | Li-Po 4000 mAh, non-removable | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Neptune Blue, Moonlight White, Space Black, Nebula Purple, Cosmic Purple | Nightfall Black, Daybreak Purple |
| Models | M1908C3JH, M1908C3JG, M1908C3JI | M2007J22G, J22 |
| Price | About 220 EUR | About 130 EUR |
| SAR | 0.26 W/kg (head) 1.00 W/kg (body) | 1.07 W/kg (head) 1.05 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | 0.19 W/kg (head) 1.09 W/kg (body) | 0.59 W/kg (head) 0.94 W/kg (body) |
| Tests |
|---|
| Audio quality |
Noise -94.0dB / Crosstalk -93.3dB | - |
| Battery life |
Endurance rating 108h
| Endurance rating 118h |
| Camera |
Photo / Video |
Photo / Video |
| Display |
Contrast ratio: 1521:1 (nominal) |
Contrast ratio: 1226:1 (nominal) |
| Loudspeaker |
Voice 78dB / Noise 72dB / Ring 81dB
|
-26.3 LUFS (Good) |
| Performance |
AnTuTu: 141915 (v7), 161572 (v8)
GeekBench: 5590 (v4.4), 1339 (v5.1)
GFXBench: 5.9fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) |
AnTuTu: 288732 (v8)
GeekBench: 1775 (v5.1) |
Xiaomi Redmi Note 8
- Proven reliability and established user base
- Lower price point (likely)
- Solid battery life for basic usage
- Significantly slower processor
- Less efficient chipset
- Outdated display technology
Xiaomi Redmi Note 9T
- Much faster processor (Dimensity 800U)
- Improved battery endurance and faster partial charging
- Brighter and more vibrant display
- 5G connectivity
- Potentially higher price
- May experience more software bloat (typical Xiaomi)
- No significant camera improvements detailed
Display Comparison
The Redmi Note 9T boasts a brighter display, reaching 471 nits compared to the Note 8’s unspecified peak brightness, making it more visible outdoors. While both displays have a nominal contrast ratio around 1500:1 (1226:1 for the 9T), the increased brightness of the 9T provides a more vibrant and engaging viewing experience. The Note 8’s display, while adequate, feels dated in comparison. Neither phone specifies refresh rates beyond standard 60Hz.
Camera Comparison
Both phones feature a 'Photo / Video' camera setup, but detailed sensor information is lacking. Without specifics on sensor size, aperture, or image processing algorithms, a direct comparison is difficult. However, the more powerful ISP (Image Signal Processor) within the Dimensity 800U of the Note 9T likely enables better image processing, potentially resulting in improved dynamic range and low-light performance. The presence of 5G also suggests a more modern camera pipeline. The lack of detail regarding camera specs makes it difficult to definitively declare a winner, but the 9T has the architectural advantage.
Performance
The most significant difference lies in the chipset. The Redmi Note 9T’s Mediatek Dimensity 800U, built on a 7nm process, represents a substantial leap over the Redmi Note 8’s Qualcomm Snapdragon 665 (11nm). The Dimensity 800U’s octa-core configuration, featuring 2x2.4 GHz Cortex-A76 and 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55 cores, provides significantly faster CPU and GPU performance. This translates to smoother multitasking, quicker app loading times, and a more enjoyable gaming experience. The Snapdragon 665, while capable for everyday tasks, will struggle with graphically intensive games and demanding applications. The 7nm process of the Dimensity 800U also contributes to better thermal efficiency, potentially reducing throttling during prolonged use.
Battery Life
The Redmi Note 9T edges out the Note 8 in battery endurance, achieving 118 hours versus 108 hours. This 9.3% improvement, despite both phones featuring 18W wired charging, suggests the more efficient Dimensity 800U chipset plays a key role. The Note 9T also boasts a 33% charge in 30 minutes, a feature absent from the Note 8’s specifications. While both offer similar charging speeds, the 9T’s improved efficiency and faster partial charging provide a more convenient user experience.
Buying Guide
Buy the Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 if you prioritize a proven track record of reliability and are on an extremely tight budget, accepting compromises in performance and future-proofing. Buy the Xiaomi Redmi Note 9T if you value faster processing speeds, 5G connectivity, and a brighter, more usable display, even if it means a slightly higher initial investment.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Does the Mediatek Dimensity 800U in the Redmi Note 9T get hot during extended gaming sessions?
The Dimensity 800U is built on a 7nm process, which generally leads to better thermal efficiency compared to the 11nm Snapdragon 665 in the Note 8. While some heat is inevitable during prolonged gaming, the 9T is less likely to experience significant throttling, maintaining higher frame rates for longer periods. However, sustained peak performance will still generate heat.
❓ Is the 5G connectivity on the Redmi Note 9T useful if I don't have 5G coverage in my area?
Even without immediate 5G access, the Redmi Note 9T’s 5G modem offers future-proofing. The phone will still connect to 4G networks, and the more advanced modem technology can sometimes provide slightly improved 4G performance. It also ensures the device remains relevant as 5G infrastructure expands.
❓ How does the camera performance differ between the Redmi Note 8 and 9T in low-light conditions?
While specific camera specs are limited, the Redmi Note 9T likely performs better in low light due to the more advanced ISP (Image Signal Processor) within the Dimensity 800U chipset. This allows for better noise reduction and improved detail retention in challenging lighting scenarios. However, without detailed sensor information, this remains an educated assumption.
