The Redmi Note 9 Pro Max and Realme X7 Pro Ultra represent distinct approaches to the mid-range smartphone market. The Redmi focuses on a balanced feature set and established brand recognition, while the Realme aggressively pushes performance with a more powerful chipset and faster charging. This comparison dissects their key differences to help you choose the right device.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For users prioritizing raw performance and rapid charging, the Realme X7 Pro Ultra is the clear winner. Its Dimensity 1000+ chipset offers a significant uplift over the Snapdragon 720G in the Redmi Note 9 Pro Max. However, the Redmi remains a compelling option for those seeking a reliable all-rounder at a potentially lower price point.
| 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, 18, 19, 26, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 |
| 5G bands | - | 1, 3, 41, 77, 78, 79 SA/NSA |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE / 5G |
| | - | CDMA2000 1xEV-DO |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2020, March 12. Released 2020, May 12 | 2021, April 02 |
| Status | Discontinued | Available. Released 2021, April 02 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 5), glass back (Gorilla Glass 5), plastic frame | - |
| Dimensions | 165.5 x 76.7 x 8.8 mm (6.52 x 3.02 x 0.35 in) | 159.9 x 73.4 x 7.8 mm (6.30 x 2.89 x 0.31 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 209 g (7.37 oz) | 170 g (6.00 oz) |
| | Water-repellent coating | - |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~395 ppi density) | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~402 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.67 inches, 107.4 cm2 (~84.6% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.55 inches, 103.6 cm2 (~88.3% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 450 nits (typ) | Super AMOLED, 90Hz, 1200 nits (peak) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.3 GHz Kryo 465 Gold & 6x1.8 GHz Kryo 465 Silver) | Octa-core (4x2.6 GHz Cortex-A77 & 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM7125 Snapdragon 720G (8 nm) | Mediatek Dimensity 1000+ (7 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 618 | Mali-G77 MC9 |
| OS | Android 10, upgradable to Android 12, MIUI 13 | Android 11, Realme UI 2.0 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | No |
| Internal | 64GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM | 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB 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 | - |
| Single | - | 32 MP, f/2.5, 26mm (wide), 1/2.8", 0.8µm |
| Triple | - | 64 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 1/2.0", 0.7µm, PDAF
8 MP, f/2.3, 119˚, 16mm (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm
2 MP (macro) |
| Video | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60/120fps, 720p@960fps, gyro-EIS | 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60fps, gyro-EIS |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR, panorama | HDR |
| Single | 32 MP, (wide), 1/2.8", 0.8µm | 32 MP, f/2.5, 26mm (wide), 1/2.8", 0.8µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | No |
| 35mm jack | Yes | No |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| | - | 24-bit/192kHz audio |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.1, A2DP, LE |
| Infrared port | Yes | - |
| NFC | No | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, NavIC | GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO, QZSS |
| Radio | FM radio, recording | No |
| 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/6, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 33W wired, 50% in 30 min | 65W wired, 100% in 35 min |
| Type | Li-Po 5020 mAh | 4500 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Aurora Blue, Glacier White, Interstellar Black | Black, Aurora |
| Models | M2003J6B1I | RMX3115 |
| Price | About 180 EUR | About 310 EUR |
| SAR | 0.88 W/kg (head) 0.47 W/kg (body) | - |
Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 Pro Max
- Potentially lower price point
- Reliable Qualcomm chipset
- Established brand reputation
- Slower charging speeds
- Less powerful processor
- May struggle with demanding games
Realme X7 Pro Ultra
- Significantly faster charging (65W)
- More powerful Dimensity 1000+ chipset
- Superior gaming performance
- Potentially higher price
- Mediatek chipset may have less software support
- Power efficiency needs to be verified
Display Comparison
While both devices likely feature LCD panels (based on market segment), the specifics are missing. The Realme X7 Pro Ultra benefits from the more powerful chipset allowing for potentially smoother animations and faster refresh rates if implemented. The Redmi Note 9 Pro Max's display performance will be adequate for everyday use, but likely won't match the responsiveness of the Realme. Color accuracy and peak brightness are unknown, but the Realme's processing power could allow for more sophisticated display calibration.
Camera Comparison
Without detailed sensor information, a direct comparison is difficult. However, the Realme X7 Pro Ultra’s processing power allows for more sophisticated image processing algorithms, potentially resulting in better dynamic range and noise reduction. The Redmi Note 9 Pro Max likely relies on Qualcomm’s ISP, which is competent but less advanced than what the Dimensity 1000+ can support. The absence of OIS information for both devices suggests a reliance on software stabilization, where the Realme’s faster processor could provide a smoother experience. The usefulness of any 2MP macro lenses on either device is questionable, offering limited practical benefit.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Realme X7 Pro Ultra’s Mediatek Dimensity 1000+ (7nm) significantly outperforms the Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 Pro Max’s Qualcomm Snapdragon 720G (8nm). The Dimensity 1000+ boasts a more modern CPU architecture – Cortex-A77 cores clocked at 2.6GHz versus the Kryo 465 Gold cores at 2.3GHz in the Snapdragon. This translates to faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and a more enjoyable gaming experience. The 7nm process node of the Dimensity 1000+ also contributes to better power efficiency, potentially mitigating the performance advantage in sustained workloads. The Snapdragon 720G is still capable, but will struggle with graphically intensive titles at higher settings.
Battery Life
The Realme X7 Pro Ultra’s 65W wired charging is a game-changer, achieving a full charge in just 35 minutes. The Redmi Note 9 Pro Max’s 33W charging, while respectable, takes considerably longer. While battery capacity isn't specified, the Dimensity 1000+'s 7nm process and potentially more efficient display technology could offset any capacity difference, resulting in comparable real-world battery life despite the faster charging of the Realme.
Buying Guide
Buy the Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 Pro Max if you need a dependable daily driver with a good camera system and aren't heavily invested in demanding mobile gaming. Buy the Realme X7 Pro Ultra if you prioritize smooth performance in games, require the fastest possible charging speeds, and want a phone that feels more future-proof thanks to its superior processing power.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Does the Dimensity 1000+ in the Realme X7 Pro Ultra get noticeably hot during extended gaming sessions?
While the Dimensity 1000+ is a powerful chip, its 7nm process node and the Realme's cooling system should prevent excessive overheating. However, sustained gaming at maximum settings will inevitably generate heat. Expect some thermal throttling, but it shouldn't be severe enough to ruin the experience.
❓ Is the Snapdragon 720G in the Redmi Note 9 Pro Max sufficient for playing PUBG Mobile at 60fps?
The Snapdragon 720G can handle PUBG Mobile at 60fps, but you may need to lower the graphics settings to medium or low to maintain a stable frame rate. The experience won't be as smooth or visually impressive as on the Realme X7 Pro Ultra.
❓ How does the 65W charging on the Realme X7 Pro Ultra affect battery health over the long term?
Modern smartphones employ sophisticated charging algorithms to minimize battery degradation. While 65W charging is fast, it doesn't necessarily harm battery health more than slower charging methods. Realme likely implements safeguards to prevent overcharging and excessive heat buildup.
❓ Are there significant differences in software updates and support between Xiaomi and Realme?
Historically, Xiaomi has offered more frequent software updates for its Redmi series. However, Realme has been improving its software support in recent years. Both brands utilize Android-based operating systems with custom skins, and the long-term update commitment can vary.
