The Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 4G and Poco X3 GT represent different approaches to the budget and mid-range smartphone market. The Note 9 4G, a more established model, prioritizes affordability, while the X3 GT aims for a performance boost with a more powerful chipset and faster charging. This comparison dissects their key differences to determine which device delivers the best value for your money.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Poco X3 GT is the superior choice. Its Mediatek Dimensity 1100 chipset offers significantly faster performance than the Redmi Note 9 4G’s Snapdragon 662, and the 67W charging is a game-changer. While both phones offer similar battery endurance, the X3 GT’s speed justifies the price difference.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 8, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 18, 19, 26, 28, 38, 40, 41, 42 |
| 5G bands | - | 1, 3, 28, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| | CDMA 800 | - |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2020, November 26 | 2021, July 28 |
| Status | Available. Released 2020, November 26 | Available. Released 2021, August 19 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 3), plastic frame, plastic back | Glass front (Gorilla Glass Victus), plastic back |
| Dimensions | 162.3 x 77.3 x 9.6 mm (6.39 x 3.04 x 0.38 in) | 163.3 x 75.9 x 8.9 mm (6.43 x 2.99 x 0.35 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 198 g (6.98 oz) | 193 g (6.81 oz) |
| | Water-repellent coating | IP53, dust and splash resistant |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2340 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~395 ppi density) | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~399 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.53 inches, 104.7 cm2 (~83.4% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.6 inches, 105.2 cm2 (~84.9% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 400 nits (typ) | IPS LCD, 120Hz, HDR10, 450 nits (typ) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.0 GHz Kryo 260 Gold & 4x1.8 GHz Kryo 260 Silver) | Octa-core (4x2.6 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM6115 Snapdragon 662 (11 nm) | Mediatek Dimensity 1100 (6 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 610 | Mali-G77 MC9 |
| OS | Android 10, upgradable to Android 12, MIUI 14 | Android 11, MIUI 12.5 for POCO |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | No |
| Internal | 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM | 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM |
| | UFS 2.2 | UFS 3.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | Color spectrum sensor, LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | - | 16 MP, f/2.5, (wide), 1/3.06", 1.0µm |
| 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 | 64 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 1/1.97", 0.7µm, PDAF
8 MP, f/2.2, 120˚ (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm
2 MP (macro) |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60/120fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, 27mm (wide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm | 16 MP, f/2.5, (wide), 1/3.06", 1.0µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps, 720p@120fps, 960fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | No |
| 35mm jack | Yes | No |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with stereo speakers | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| | 24-bit/192kHz audio | 24-bit/192kHz audio
Tuned by JBL |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.2, A2DP | 5.2, A2DP, LE |
| Infrared port | Yes | Yes |
| NFC | No | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, QZSS |
| Radio | FM radio | No |
| 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/6, 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 | 67W wired, PD3.0, 100% in 42 min |
| Type | Li-Po 6000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Gray, Green, Blue, Orange | Stargaze Black, Wave Blue, Cloud White |
| Models | M2010J19SC | 21061110AG |
| Price | About 130 EUR | About 150 EUR |
| SAR | - | 1.09 W/kg (head) 1.05 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | - | 0.58 W/kg (head) 0.94 W/kg (body) |
| Tests |
|---|
| Battery life | - |
Endurance rating 110h
|
| Camera | - |
Photo / Video |
| Display | - |
Contrast ratio: 1425:1 (nominal) |
| Loudspeaker | - |
-28.5 LUFS (Average)
|
| Performance | - |
AnTuTu: 506800 (v8) | 578505 (v9)
GeekBench: 2310 (v5.1)
GFXBench: 38fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) |
Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 4G
- Extremely affordable price point
- Reliable for basic smartphone tasks
- Simple and user-friendly interface
- Significantly slower performance
- Slow charging speed (18W)
- Likely inferior camera quality
Xiaomi Poco X3 GT
- Powerful Mediatek Dimensity 1100 chipset
- Ultra-fast 67W charging
- Brighter display for better outdoor visibility
- Higher price compared to Redmi Note 9 4G
- May run slightly warmer under heavy load
- Potentially larger size and weight
Display Comparison
Both phones feature a contrast ratio of 1425:1, suggesting similar visual depth. However, the Poco X3 GT boasts a significantly brighter display at 537 nits compared to an unlisted value for the Redmi Note 9 4G (typically around 400 nits for this class). This higher brightness translates to better visibility outdoors. While neither display is explicitly stated to have high refresh rates, the X3 GT’s superior brightness and potential for smoother visuals (given its target market) make it the more enjoyable viewing experience.
Camera Comparison
Both phones are listed as having Photo/Video capabilities, but specific details are lacking. Given the market positioning, the Poco X3 GT likely features a more sophisticated camera system. While megapixel counts aren’t specified, the X3 GT’s overall focus on performance suggests a more capable image signal processor (ISP) and potentially larger sensor size. The Redmi Note 9 4G likely relies on more basic image processing, suitable for casual photography. The absence of details necessitates caution, but the X3 GT is expected to deliver superior image quality.
Performance
The performance gap between these two devices is substantial. The Poco X3 GT’s Mediatek Dimensity 1100 (6nm) is built on a more advanced process node than the Redmi Note 9 4G’s Snapdragon 662 (11nm). The Dimensity 1100’s octa-core configuration, featuring four Cortex-A78 cores clocked at 2.6 GHz, provides a significant uplift in CPU performance compared to the Snapdragon 662’s Kryo 260 cores. This difference is particularly noticeable in demanding tasks like gaming and video editing. The 6nm process also contributes to better thermal efficiency, reducing the likelihood of performance throttling during extended use.
Battery Life
Both devices achieve an endurance rating of 110 hours, indicating comparable battery life under similar usage conditions. However, the Poco X3 GT’s 67W wired charging is a massive advantage. It can reach 100% charge in just 42 minutes, while the Redmi Note 9 4G’s 18W charging is considerably slower. This difference is crucial for users who need to quickly top up their battery. The X3 GT also offers 2.5W reverse wired charging, a feature absent on the Note 9 4G, allowing it to charge smaller accessories.
Buying Guide
Buy the Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 4G if you need a reliable, extremely affordable smartphone for basic tasks like calling, texting, and light social media use. You’ll appreciate its simplicity and lower price point. Buy the Xiaomi Poco X3 GT if you prioritize gaming, multitasking, and fast charging. The Dimensity 1100 chipset and 67W charging make it ideal for power users who demand more from their phone.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Poco X3 GT’s Dimensity 1100 chipset prone to overheating during prolonged gaming sessions?
While the Dimensity 1100 is a powerful chip, the 6nm process node and Xiaomi’s thermal management solutions in the X3 GT are designed to mitigate overheating. Some throttling may occur during extremely demanding games over extended periods, but it shouldn’t significantly impact the overall gaming experience. The Redmi Note 9 4G’s Snapdragon 662 will likely throttle sooner due to its less efficient 11nm process.
❓ How does the charging speed of the Poco X3 GT compare to other phones in its price range?
The Poco X3 GT’s 67W charging is exceptionally fast for its price range. Most competitors offer 33W or 25W charging, meaning the X3 GT can charge significantly faster – reaching 100% in approximately 42 minutes versus over an hour for many alternatives. This is a major convenience factor for users who are always on the go.
❓ Will the Redmi Note 9 4G struggle with modern mobile games?
Yes, the Redmi Note 9 4G’s Snapdragon 662 is a relatively modest chipset. While it can handle less demanding games, it will likely struggle with graphically intensive titles like PUBG Mobile or Genshin Impact, even at lower settings. Expect noticeable frame drops and potential lag.
