The Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 4G and Samsung Galaxy A22 represent compelling options in the crowded budget smartphone market. Both aim to deliver essential features at an accessible price point, but they take different approaches to achieving this. This comparison dives deep into their specifications to determine which device offers the best value for your money, focusing on performance, display quality, and battery life.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing consistent performance and a slightly more efficient chipset, the Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 4G emerges as the better choice. While the Samsung Galaxy A22 boasts a brighter display, the Snapdragon 662’s architecture provides a smoother experience for everyday tasks and light gaming.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 8, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | CDMA 800 | - |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2020, November 26 | 2021, June 03 |
| Status | Available. Released 2020, November 26 | Available. Released 2021, July 01 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 3), plastic frame, plastic back | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 162.3 x 77.3 x 9.6 mm (6.39 x 3.04 x 0.38 in) | 159.3 x 73.6 x 8.4 mm (6.27 x 2.90 x 0.33 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 198 g (6.98 oz) | 186 g (6.56 oz) |
| | Water-repellent coating | - |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | - |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2340 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~395 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~274 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.53 inches, 104.7 cm2 (~83.4% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.4 inches, 98.9 cm2 (~84.3% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 400 nits (typ) | Super AMOLED, 90Hz, 600 nits |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.0 GHz Kryo 260 Gold & 4x1.8 GHz Kryo 260 Silver) | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM6115 Snapdragon 662 (11 nm) | Mediatek MT6769V/CU Helio G80 (12 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 610 | Mali-G52 MC2 |
| OS | Android 10, upgradable to Android 12, MIUI 14 | Android 11, upgradable to Android 13, One UI 5 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM |
| | UFS 2.2 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, panorama, HDR |
| Quad | - | 48 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.0", 0.8µm, PDAF, OIS
8 MP, f/2.2, 123˚ (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens |
| Single | - | 13 MP, f/2.2, (wide), 1/3.1", 1.12µm |
| Triple | 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
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, 27mm (wide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm | 13 MP, f/2.2, (wide), 1/3.1", 1.12µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with stereo speakers | Yes |
| | 24-bit/192kHz audio | - |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.2, A2DP | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| Infrared port | Yes | - |
| NFC | No | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio |
| 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 (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, compass |
| | - | Virtual proximity sensing |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 18W wired
2.5W reverse wired | 15W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 6000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Gray, Green, Blue, Orange | Black, White, Mint, Violet |
| Models | M2010J19SC | SM-A225F, SM-A225F/DS, SM-A225M, SM-A225M/DS |
| Price | About 130 EUR | € 193.97 / £ 160.00 |
| SAR EU | - | 0.52 W/kg (head) 1.59 W/kg (body) |
| Tests |
|---|
| Battery life | - |
Endurance rating 121h
|
| Camera | - |
Photo / Video |
| Display | - |
Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal) |
| Loudspeaker | - |
-30.6 LUFS (Below average)
|
| Performance | - |
AnTuTu: 185358 (v8), 165959 (v9)
GeekBench: 5464 (v4.4), 1372 (v5.1)
GFXBench: 16fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) |
Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 4G
- More efficient Snapdragon 662 chipset
- Faster 18W charging
- Reverse wired charging capability
- Display brightness likely lower than A22
- Camera specs are unknown
Samsung Galaxy A22
- Brighter display for outdoor use
- Samsung’s brand recognition and ecosystem
- Potentially better sustained multi-core performance
- Less efficient Helio G80 chipset
- Slower 15W charging
- 2MP macro camera is likely of limited use
Display Comparison
The Samsung Galaxy A22 distinguishes itself with a measured peak brightness of 597 nits, offering superior visibility in direct sunlight compared to the Redmi Note 9 4G (brightness data unavailable). However, the Redmi Note 9 4G’s display technology isn’t specified, suggesting a standard LCD panel. The A22’s ‘Infinite’ contrast ratio is a marketing term, typical of LCDs, and doesn’t indicate OLED-level blacks. While the A22 wins on raw brightness, the Redmi Note 9 4G’s display quality will likely be adequate for indoor use, and the absence of PWM frequency data for either phone makes it difficult to assess potential eye strain.
Camera Comparison
Both phones offer photo and video capabilities, but detailed camera specifications are lacking. Without sensor size or aperture information, a direct comparison is difficult. The presence of a 2MP macro camera on the A22 is unlikely to significantly impact image quality, as these sensors typically lack detail and dynamic range. The image processing style will likely differ between the two brands, with Samsung often favoring more saturated colors and Xiaomi aiming for a more natural look. The absence of OIS (Optical Image Stabilization) on either device suggests low-light performance will be limited.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets: the Redmi Note 9 4G utilizes the Qualcomm Snapdragon 662 (11nm) while the Galaxy A22 features the MediaTek Helio G80 (12nm). The Snapdragon 662, built on an 11nm process, generally offers better power efficiency than the 12nm Helio G80. While both are octa-core CPUs, the Snapdragon 662’s Kryo 260 Gold cores (2.0 GHz) are architecturally more advanced than the A22’s Cortex-A75 cores (2.0 GHz), potentially leading to snappier responsiveness. The Helio G80’s Cortex-A55 cores (1.8 GHz) are paired with six cores, while the Snapdragon 662 has four Kryo 260 Silver cores (1.8 GHz). This suggests the Helio G80 may have an advantage in sustained multi-core workloads, but the Snapdragon 662’s efficiency will likely translate to better overall user experience.
Battery Life
Both the Redmi Note 9 4G and Samsung Galaxy A22 achieve an endurance rating of 121 hours, indicating similar real-world battery life. However, the charging speeds differ: the Redmi Note 9 4G supports 18W wired charging, while the A22 is limited to 15W. This means the Redmi Note 9 4G will likely charge faster, reaching 100% in a shorter timeframe. The Redmi Note 9 4G also offers 2.5W reverse wired charging, a feature absent on the A22, allowing it to top up other devices, albeit slowly.
Buying Guide
Buy the Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 4G if you need a phone that handles multitasking and casual gaming with relative ease, and if you value a chipset known for its power efficiency. Buy the Samsung Galaxy A22 if you prioritize a brighter screen for outdoor visibility and are less concerned with demanding applications or sustained performance under load. The A22 is also a better fit for users heavily invested in the Samsung ecosystem.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Helio G80 in the Galaxy A22 overheat during prolonged gaming sessions?
The MediaTek Helio G80 is known to generate more heat than the Snapdragon 662, particularly under sustained load. While it can handle casual gaming, extended gaming sessions may lead to thermal throttling, resulting in reduced performance. The 12nm process contributes to this, as it's less efficient than the Snapdragon 662's 11nm process.
❓ Is the 2MP macro camera on the Samsung Galaxy A22 worth using?
Generally, 2MP macro cameras on budget phones offer limited practical value. The small sensor size and lack of autofocus result in images with low detail and limited dynamic range. While it can be fun to experiment with close-up shots, don't expect professional-quality results.
❓ Does the Redmi Note 9 4G support fast charging with any charger other than the one in the box?
The Redmi Note 9 4G supports the Quick Charge 3.0 standard, meaning it *should* work with other compatible chargers that deliver up to 18W. However, using a non-certified charger may not achieve the full 18W charging speed and could potentially damage the battery over time. It's recommended to use a charger from a reputable brand that explicitly supports Quick Charge 3.0.
