The Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 Pro Max and Motorola Moto G9 Plus represent compelling options in the mid-range smartphone market, both aiming to deliver a balanced experience without breaking the bank. However, they approach this goal with different chipsets and feature sets. This comparison dives deep into the specifics to determine which device best suits your needs.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 Pro Max emerges as the slightly stronger choice. Its Snapdragon 720G, while architecturally similar to the Moto G9 Plus’s 730G, offers a competitive performance profile, coupled with faster 33W charging. The Moto G9 Plus counters with excellent battery endurance, but falls slightly behind in processing power.
| 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, 12, 17, 28, 66 Brazil |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2020, March 12. Released 2020, May 12 | 2020, September 07. Released 2020, September 07 |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 5), glass back (Gorilla Glass 5), plastic frame | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 165.5 x 76.7 x 8.8 mm (6.52 x 3.02 x 0.35 in) | 170 x 78.1 x 9.7 mm (6.69 x 3.07 x 0.38 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 209 g (7.37 oz) | 223 g (7.87 oz) |
| | Water-repellent coating | - |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | - |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~395 ppi density) | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~386 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.67 inches, 107.4 cm2 (~84.6% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.81 inches, 112.0 cm2 (~84.3% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 450 nits (typ) | IPS LCD, HDR10 |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.3 GHz Kryo 465 Gold & 6x1.8 GHz Kryo 465 Silver) | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Kryo 470 Gold & 6x1.8 GHz Kryo 470 Silver) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM7125 Snapdragon 720G (8 nm) | Qualcomm SDM730 Snapdragon 730G (8 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 618 | Adreno 618 |
| OS | Android 10, upgradable to Android 12, MIUI 13 | Android 10, upgradable to Android 11 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM |
| | UFS 2.1 | - |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Quad | 64 MP, f/1.9, 26mm (wide), 1/1.72", 0.8µm, PDAF
8 MP, f/2.2, 13mm (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm
5 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens | 64 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 1/1.73", 0.8µm, PDAF
8 MP, f/2.2, 118˚ (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens |
| Video | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60/120fps, 720p@960fps, gyro-EIS | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60/120fps, gyro-EIS |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR, panorama | HDR |
| Single | 32 MP, (wide), 1/2.8", 0.8µm | 16 MP, f/2.0, 29mm (standard) |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| 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 | - |
| NFC | No | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, NavIC | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO |
| Radio | FM radio, recording | FM radio |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0 | 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, gyro, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 33W wired, 50% in 30 min | 30W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 5020 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Aurora Blue, Glacier White, Interstellar Black | Rose Gold, Indigo Blue |
| Models | M2003J6B1I | XT2087-1 |
| Price | About 180 EUR | About 300 EUR |
| SAR | 0.88 W/kg (head) 0.47 W/kg (body) | - |
| Tests |
|---|
| Battery life | - | Endurance rating 136h |
| Camera | - |
Photo / Video |
| Display | - |
Contrast ratio: 1356:1 (nominal) |
| Loudspeaker | - |
-29.0 LUFS (Average) |
| Performance | - |
AnTuTu: 253105 (v8)
GeekBench: 1695 (v5.1)
GFXBench: 15fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) |
Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 Pro Max
- Faster 33W charging for quicker power-ups.
- Competitive Snapdragon 720G performance for smooth multitasking.
- Potentially better camera features based on brand positioning.
- Battery life potentially lower than the Moto G9 Plus.
- Display brightness data unavailable for outdoor visibility assessment.
Motorola Moto G9 Plus
- Exceptional 136-hour battery endurance for extended usage.
- Higher peak display brightness (522 nits) for better outdoor visibility.
- Snapdragon 730G offers a slight CPU performance edge.
- Slower 30W charging compared to the Redmi Note 9 Pro Max.
- Potentially less refined camera experience.
Display Comparison
Both devices feature displays with a 1356:1 contrast ratio, suggesting similar visual pop. However, the Moto G9 Plus boasts a measured peak brightness of 522 nits, which will translate to better outdoor visibility compared to the Redmi Note 9 Pro Max, for which brightness data is unavailable. While both likely utilize IPS LCD panels, the lack of information on the Redmi Note 9 Pro Max’s panel type prevents a full assessment of color accuracy and viewing angles.
Camera Comparison
Both phones offer 'Photo / Video' capabilities, but detailed sensor information is missing. Without knowing megapixel counts or sensor sizes, a direct comparison is difficult. However, the market positioning of the Redmi Note 9 Pro Max suggests a greater emphasis on camera features, potentially including larger sensors or more advanced image processing algorithms. The absence of details on Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) for either device means image stabilization will likely rely on electronic methods, potentially impacting low-light performance.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets: the Redmi Note 9 Pro Max utilizes the Qualcomm SM7125 Snapdragon 720G, while the Moto G9 Plus features the SDM730 Snapdragon 730G. Both are 8nm processors with an octa-core configuration (2x high-performance cores and 6x efficiency cores). The 730G in the Moto G9 Plus has slightly higher clock speeds on its performance cores (2.2 GHz vs 2.3 GHz on the 720G), but the architectural differences are minimal. In real-world usage, this translates to a marginal performance advantage for the Moto G9 Plus in CPU-intensive tasks, but the Redmi Note 9 Pro Max’s GPU performance is comparable, making it suitable for moderate gaming.
Battery Life
The Motorola Moto G9 Plus claims an impressive endurance rating of 136 hours, indicating excellent battery life. While the Redmi Note 9 Pro Max’s battery capacity is not specified, the Moto G9 Plus’s endurance suggests a larger battery or more efficient power management. However, the Redmi Note 9 Pro Max compensates with significantly faster 33W wired charging, promising a 50% charge in just 30 minutes, compared to the Moto G9 Plus’s 30W charging. This faster charging speed could offset the potential battery capacity difference for users who prioritize quick top-ups.
Buying Guide
Buy the Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 Pro Max if you prioritize a responsive user experience and faster charging speeds, making it ideal for media consumption and casual gaming. Buy the Motorola Moto G9 Plus if long-lasting battery life is your absolute top priority, and you’re willing to trade a small amount of processing power for extended usage between charges. This makes it a good fit for users who are frequently away from power outlets.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Does the Snapdragon 730G in the Moto G9 Plus get noticeably hotter during extended gaming sessions compared to the 720G in the Redmi Note 9 Pro Max?
While both chipsets are 8nm and should manage heat efficiently, the slightly higher clock speeds of the 730G *could* lead to marginally higher temperatures under sustained load. However, thermal throttling will depend heavily on the phone's cooling solution, which isn't specified for either device. Expect similar performance, but the Moto G9 Plus might reach slightly higher temperatures.
❓ Is the 30W charging on the Moto G9 Plus sufficient for daily use, or is the 33W on the Redmi Note 9 Pro Max a significant advantage?
The 33W charging on the Redmi Note 9 Pro Max is a noticeable advantage, offering a 50% charge in 30 minutes. While 30W on the Moto G9 Plus is still respectable, the faster charging of the Redmi Note 9 Pro Max is particularly beneficial for users who frequently need to quickly top up their battery throughout the day.
❓ Given the lack of detailed camera specs, should I assume the Redmi Note 9 Pro Max has a more versatile camera system?
Xiaomi historically emphasizes camera capabilities in its Redmi Note series. While the Moto G9 Plus likely offers a competent camera, the Redmi Note 9 Pro Max's positioning suggests a greater focus on features like larger sensors, more advanced image processing, or additional shooting modes, potentially resulting in a more versatile camera experience.
