The Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro and Redmi Note 9 Pro (India) represent distinct approaches to the mid-range smartphone market. The Redmi Note 9 Pro prioritizes all-day battery life and a balanced feature set, while the Poco X3 Pro aggressively targets gamers with a significantly more powerful processor. This comparison dissects their key differences to determine which device delivers the best value for your needs.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Poco X3 Pro is the superior choice. Its Snapdragon 860 chipset provides a substantial performance uplift, making it ideal for gaming and demanding applications. While the Redmi Note 9 Pro boasts better battery endurance, the Poco X3 Pro’s 33W fast charging mitigates this difference, and the performance gains are more impactful for a wider range of use cases.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 8, 40, 41 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 - International |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | - | 1, 2, 3, 5, 8, 38, 40, 41 - India |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2020, March 12. Released 2020, March 17 | 2021, March 22 |
| Status | Discontinued | Available. Released 2021, March 24 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 5), glass back (Gorilla Glass 5), plastic frame | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 6), plastic back |
| Dimensions | 165.8 x 76.7 x 8.8 mm (6.53 x 3.02 x 0.35 in) | 165.3 x 76.8 x 9.4 mm (6.51 x 3.02 x 0.37 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 209 g (7.37 oz) | 215 g (7.58 oz) |
| | Water-repellent coating | IP53, dust and splash resistant |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | Corning Gorilla Glass 6 |
| 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 (~84.6% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 450 nits (typ) | IPS LCD, 120Hz, 2404Hz PWM, HDR10, 450 nits (typ) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.3 GHz Kryo 465 Gold & 6x1.8 GHz Kryo 465 Silver) | Octa-core (1x2.96 GHz Kryo 485 Gold & 3x2.42 GHz Kryo 485 Gold & 4x1.78 GHz Kryo 485 Silver) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM7125 Snapdragon 720G (8 nm) | Qualcomm Snapdragon 860 (7 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 618 | Adreno 640 |
| OS | Android 10, upgradable to Android 12, MIUI 13 | Android 11, upgradable to Android 12, MIUI 13 for POCO |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM | 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 6GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM |
| | - | UFS 3.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | Dual-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, (wide), 1/2.0", 0.8µm, PDAF
8 MP, f/2.2, 119˚ (ultrawide), 1.0µm
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens |
| Single | - | 20 MP, f/2.2, (wide), 1/3.4", 0.8µm |
| Video | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60/120fps, 720p@960fps, gyro-EIS | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60/120/240fps, 1080p@960fps, gyro-EIS |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR, panorama | HDR, panorama |
| Single | 16 MP, f/2.5, (wide), 1/3.06", 1.0µm | 20 MP, f/2.2, (wide), 1/3.4", 0.8µm |
| 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 | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| Infrared port | Yes | Yes |
| NFC | No | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| 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 | 33W wired, 59% in 30 min, 100% in 59 min |
| Type | Li-Po 5020 mAh | Li-Po 5160 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Aurora Blue, Glacier White, Interstellar Black | Phantom Black, Frost Blue, Metal Bronze |
| Models | M2003J6A1I | M2102J20SG, M2102J20SI |
| Price | About 280 EUR | $ 128.04 / £ 249.99 |
| SAR | 0.90 W/kg (head) 0.48 W/kg (body) | 0.99 W/kg (head) 0.67 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | - | 0.57 W/kg (head) 0.90 W/kg (body) |
| Pricing |
|---|
| 128GB 4GB RAM | ₹ 14,499 | - |
| 64GB 4GB RAM | ₹ 14,499 | - |
| Tests |
|---|
| Battery life |
Endurance rating 127h
|
Endurance rating 112h
|
| Camera | - |
Photo / Video |
| Display |
Contrast ratio: 1389:1 (nominal) |
Contrast ratio: 1401:1 (nominal) |
| Loudspeaker |
-27.8 LUFS (Good)
|
-26.1 LUFS (Good)
|
| Performance |
AnTuTu: 254000 (v8)
GeekBench: 1785 (v5.1)
GFXBench: 26fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) |
AnTuTu: 453223 (v8)
GeekBench: 2574 (v5.1)
GFXBench: 38fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) |
Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 Pro (India)
- Longer battery life (127h endurance)
- Potentially more versatile camera system
- More affordable price point (depending on configuration)
- Significantly weaker processor (Snapdragon 720G)
- Slower charging speed (18W)
- 60Hz display limits smoothness
Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro
- Much faster processor (Snapdragon 860)
- Faster charging (33W)
- 120Hz display for smoother visuals
- Shorter battery life (112h endurance)
- Potentially less versatile camera system
- May run slightly warmer under heavy load
Display Comparison
Both phones feature displays with a nominal contrast ratio around 1400:1, indicating good black levels and vibrant colors. However, the Poco X3 Pro’s slightly higher contrast ratio (1401:1 vs 1389:1) may result in marginally deeper blacks. While neither specification details refresh rate, the Poco X3 Pro is widely known to have a 120Hz display, a significant advantage for smoother scrolling and gaming, while the Redmi Note 9 Pro is limited to 60Hz. Bezels are comparable, and without specific brightness data, it’s difficult to definitively declare a winner in outdoor visibility.
Camera Comparison
Both devices are listed as having 'Photo / Video' capabilities, but lack specific sensor details. Given the Redmi Note 9 Pro’s historical focus on camera features, it likely boasts a more versatile camera system, potentially with a higher resolution main sensor. However, the Snapdragon 860 in the Poco X3 Pro offers superior image signal processing (ISP) capabilities, potentially leading to better dynamic range and low-light performance. Without detailed sensor specifications, it’s difficult to definitively assess the camera quality, but the Poco X3 Pro’s ISP advantage is noteworthy. The inclusion of a 2MP macro lens on the Redmi Note 9 Pro is unlikely to provide significant value.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Poco X3 Pro’s Qualcomm Snapdragon 860 (7nm) is a substantial upgrade over the Redmi Note 9 Pro’s Snapdragon 720G (8nm). The 860 features a 1x2.96 GHz Kryo 485 Gold core, alongside three additional Gold cores clocked at 2.42 GHz, and four Silver cores at 1.78 GHz, compared to the 720G’s 2x2.3 GHz Kryo 465 Gold and 6x1.8 GHz Kryo 465 Silver. This translates to significantly faster CPU and GPU performance, particularly in graphically intensive games. The 7nm process node of the 860 also contributes to better thermal efficiency, reducing the likelihood of throttling during extended gaming sessions. While both phones likely share similar RAM configurations, the superior chipset in the Poco X3 Pro will leverage it more effectively.
Battery Life
The Redmi Note 9 Pro boasts an endurance rating of 127 hours, exceeding the Poco X3 Pro’s 112 hours. This suggests the Redmi Note 9 Pro will last longer on a single charge with moderate usage. However, the Poco X3 Pro compensates with significantly faster 33W wired charging (59% in 30 minutes, 100% in 59 minutes) compared to the Redmi Note 9 Pro’s 18W charging. This means the Poco X3 Pro can quickly top up its battery, minimizing downtime. The difference in endurance is offset by the charging speed advantage, making the Poco X3 Pro a more convenient option for power users.
Buying Guide
Buy the Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 Pro (India) if you prioritize maximizing battery life and require a reliable all-rounder for everyday tasks. It’s a solid choice for users who primarily browse, use social media, and occasionally take photos. Buy the Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro if you’re a mobile gamer, frequently multitask, or demand snappy performance from your smartphone. The Snapdragon 860 delivers a noticeable improvement in responsiveness and graphical capabilities.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Does the Poco X3 Pro’s Snapdragon 860 get hot during prolonged gaming sessions?
While the Snapdragon 860 is a powerful chip, its 7nm process and Xiaomi’s thermal management solutions generally prevent excessive overheating. Some warmth is expected during extended gaming, but throttling is typically minimal, maintaining consistent performance. The Redmi Note 9 Pro's Snapdragon 720G will run cooler, but at the cost of significantly lower performance.
❓ Is the 18W charging on the Redmi Note 9 Pro slow compared to the Poco X3 Pro’s 33W charging?
Yes, the difference is substantial. The Poco X3 Pro can fully charge in under an hour, while the Redmi Note 9 Pro will take considerably longer. This makes the Poco X3 Pro more convenient for users who frequently need to top up their battery quickly.
❓ Will the Poco X3 Pro run demanding games like Genshin Impact smoothly?
Yes, the Snapdragon 860 in the Poco X3 Pro is capable of running Genshin Impact at medium to high settings with playable frame rates. While it may not achieve the highest possible settings, the experience will be significantly smoother and more enjoyable than on the Redmi Note 9 Pro.
❓ Does the Redmi Note 9 Pro have a headphone jack?
Yes, the Redmi Note 9 Pro (India) retains a 3.5mm headphone jack, a feature that is becoming increasingly rare in smartphones. The Poco X3 Pro also includes a headphone jack.
