The Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 Pro Max and Samsung Galaxy A71 5G UW represent compelling options in the mid-range smartphone market, but cater to slightly different priorities. The Redmi Note 9 Pro Max focuses on delivering strong core performance and fast charging at an aggressive price point, while the Galaxy A71 5G UW adds 5G connectivity and Samsung’s software experience to the mix. This comparison dissects their key differences to help you choose the right device.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing raw performance and charging speed, the Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 Pro Max emerges as the winner. Its Snapdragon 720G, coupled with 33W charging, offers a smoother experience and quicker top-ups than the Galaxy A71 5G UW’s Snapdragon 765G and 25W charging, despite the latter’s 5G capability.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 8, 40, 41 | 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 12, 13, 20, 28, 66 |
| 5G bands | - | 260, 261 SA/NSA/mmWave |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2020, March 12. Released 2020, May 12 | 2020, July 07 |
| Status | Discontinued | Available. Released 2020, July 16 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 5), glass back (Gorilla Glass 5), plastic frame | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 3), plastic back, aluminum frame |
| Dimensions | 165.5 x 76.7 x 8.8 mm (6.52 x 3.02 x 0.35 in) | 162.8 x 75.7 x 8.4 mm (6.41 x 2.98 x 0.33 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM (pre-installed) |
| Weight | 209 g (7.37 oz) | 188 g (6.63 oz) |
| | Water-repellent coating | - |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~395 ppi density) | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~393 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.67 inches, 107.4 cm2 (~84.6% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.7 inches, 108.4 cm2 (~87.9% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 450 nits (typ) | Super AMOLED Plus |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.3 GHz Kryo 465 Gold & 6x1.8 GHz Kryo 465 Silver) | Octa-core (1x2.4 GHz Kryo 475 Prime & 1x2.2 GHz Kryo 475 Gold & 6x1.8 GHz Kryo 475 Silver) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM7125 Snapdragon 720G (8 nm) | Qualcomm SM7250 Snapdragon 765G 5G (7 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 618 | Adreno 620 |
| OS | Android 10, upgradable to Android 12, MIUI 13 | Android 10, One UI 2.1 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM | 128GB 8GB RAM |
| | UFS 2.1 | UFS 2.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, panorama, HDR |
| 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), 1/1.72", 0.8µm, PDAF
12 MP, f/2.2, 123˚ (ultrawide)
5 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens |
| Video | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60/120fps, 720p@960fps, gyro-EIS | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/240fps, 1080p@960fps; gyro-EIS |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR, panorama | HDR |
| Single | 32 MP, (wide), 1/2.8", 0.8µm | 32 MP, f/2.2, 26mm (wide), 1/2.8", 0.8µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 4K@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 | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, NavIC | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | FM radio, recording | No |
| 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 (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| | - | ANT+ |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 33W wired, 50% in 30 min | 25W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 5020 mAh | Li-Po 4500 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Aurora Blue, Glacier White, Interstellar Black | Prism Bricks Black |
| Models | M2003J6B1I | SM-A716V |
| Price | About 180 EUR | - |
| SAR | 0.88 W/kg (head) 0.47 W/kg (body) | 0.50 W/kg (head) 0.78 W/kg (body) |
Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 Pro Max
- Faster 33W charging for quicker top-ups
- Potentially better thermal management due to 8nm process
- More aggressive pricing for comparable performance
- Lacks 5G connectivity
- Software experience may not appeal to all users
Samsung Galaxy A71 5G UW
- 5G connectivity for future-proofing
- Samsung’s One UI software experience
- Potentially better image processing with Snapdragon 765G ISP
- Slower 25W charging
- Snapdragon 765G may throttle more under sustained load
- Generally higher price point
Display Comparison
While both devices likely feature LCD panels (data not provided), the core difference lies in their chipsets. The display quality is likely similar, but the Snapdragon 765G in the A71 5G UW may offer slightly better image processing capabilities for video playback. However, without specific display specs like resolution and peak brightness, a definitive comparison is difficult. The A71 5G UW’s 5G modem will also impact display-on battery life when connected to 5G networks.
Camera Comparison
Without detailed camera sensor information, a precise comparison is challenging. However, the Snapdragon 765G’s ISP (Image Signal Processor) in the A71 5G UW is likely more advanced, potentially leading to better image processing, especially in low-light conditions. The A71 5G UW’s 5G connectivity could also facilitate faster cloud-based photo backups. The Redmi Note 9 Pro Max’s strength likely lies in its price-to-performance ratio, offering a capable camera system for its segment, but potentially lacking the refinement of Samsung’s image processing algorithms.
Performance
The Samsung Galaxy A71 5G UW’s Snapdragon 765G (7nm) holds a theoretical advantage over the Redmi Note 9 Pro Max’s Snapdragon 720G (8nm) due to the smaller fabrication process. The 7nm node generally translates to improved power efficiency and potentially higher sustained performance. The A71 5G UW’s CPU configuration, with a Kryo 475 Prime core, suggests a slight edge in single-core performance, beneficial for app launch speeds. However, the Redmi Note 9 Pro Max’s optimized software and potentially more aggressive thermal management could close the gap in real-world usage. The 765G also includes an integrated 5G modem, a feature absent in the 720G.
Battery Life
The Redmi Note 9 Pro Max’s 33W wired charging is a significant advantage over the Galaxy A71 5G UW’s 25W charging. This translates to a faster 0-100% charge time, with Xiaomi claiming 50% charge in 30 minutes. While battery capacity isn’t specified, the faster charging speed mitigates any potential disadvantage from a slightly smaller battery. The A71 5G UW’s 5G modem will consume more power when actively connected to 5G networks, potentially impacting overall battery life.
Buying Guide
Buy the Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 Pro Max if you need a phone that excels in everyday tasks, offers a responsive gaming experience, and prioritizes fast charging. It’s ideal for users who frequently consume media and demand long-lasting battery life. Buy the Samsung Galaxy A71 5G UW if you prioritize 5G connectivity for future-proofing and prefer Samsung’s One UI software experience, even if it means sacrificing some performance and charging speed.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Snapdragon 765G in the Galaxy A71 5G UW overheat during extended gaming sessions?
The Snapdragon 765G is a capable chip, but its 7nm process isn't as efficient as newer generations. Prolonged gaming at high settings could lead to thermal throttling, reducing performance. The Redmi Note 9 Pro Max’s 8nm Snapdragon 720G might manage heat slightly better, but both phones are mid-range devices and aren't designed for extreme gaming.
❓ Is the 5G connectivity on the Galaxy A71 5G UW worth the extra cost if 5G coverage is limited in my area?
If 5G coverage is sparse, the benefit of the A71 5G UW’s 5G modem is minimal. You’ll primarily be using 4G LTE, where the performance difference between the two phones will be less noticeable. In this scenario, the Redmi Note 9 Pro Max’s lower price and faster charging become more compelling advantages.
❓ How does the software experience differ between Xiaomi’s MIUI and Samsung’s One UI?
Samsung’s One UI is generally considered more polished and user-friendly, with a cleaner interface and a wider range of features. Xiaomi’s MIUI is highly customizable but can be more cluttered and include pre-installed bloatware. Preference is subjective, but One UI is often favored by users seeking a streamlined experience.
