The Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 Pro Max and Samsung Galaxy M51 represent compelling options in the mid-range smartphone market, but cater to slightly different priorities. The Redmi Note 9 Pro Max focuses on a balanced experience with fast charging, while the Galaxy M51 prioritizes exceptional battery endurance. This comparison dissects their key differences to determine which device best suits your needs.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Samsung Galaxy M51 emerges as the stronger choice. While the Redmi Note 9 Pro Max boasts faster 33W charging, the M51’s impressive endurance rating of 156 hours and brighter 677 nit display provide a more consistently reliable experience, especially for power users and those prioritizing longevity.
| 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, 20, 26, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE (2CA) Cat6 400/50 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2020, March 12. Released 2020, May 12 | 2020, August 31. Released 2020, September 11 |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 5), glass back (Gorilla Glass 5), plastic frame | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 3+), plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 165.5 x 76.7 x 8.8 mm (6.52 x 3.02 x 0.35 in) | 163.9 x 76.3 x 9.5 mm (6.45 x 3.00 x 0.37 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 209 g (7.37 oz) | 213 g (7.51 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 (~86.7% 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 (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 12, One UI 4.1 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM | 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM |
| | 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), 1/1.73", 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@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR, panorama | HDR |
| Single | 32 MP, (wide), 1/2.8", 0.8µm | 32 MP, f/2.0, 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 | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, NavIC | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | FM radio, recording | FM radio, RDS |
| 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 | 33W wired, 50% in 30 min | 25W wired, 100% in 115 min
Reverse wired |
| Type | Li-Po 5020 mAh | Li-Po 7000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Aurora Blue, Glacier White, Interstellar Black | Celestial Black, Electric Blue, White |
| Models | M2003J6B1I | SM-M515F, SM-M515F/DSN |
| Price | About 180 EUR | About 470 EUR |
| SAR | 0.88 W/kg (head) 0.47 W/kg (body) | 1.38 W/kg (head) |
| SAR EU | - | 0.61 W/kg (head) 1.45 W/kg (body) |
| Tests |
|---|
| Battery life | - | Endurance rating 156h |
| Camera | - |
Photo / Video |
| Display | - |
Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal) |
| Loudspeaker | - |
-28.5 LUFS (Average) |
| Performance | - |
AnTuTu: 266620 (v8)
GeekBench: 1774 (v5.1)
GFXBench: 15fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) |
Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 Pro Max
- Faster 33W charging for quicker top-ups
- Potentially lower price point (depending on market)
- Snapdragon 720G offers solid mid-range performance
- Lacks published battery endurance rating
- Display brightness likely lower than the M51
- Missing details on camera sensor specifications
Samsung Galaxy M51
- Exceptional 156-hour battery endurance
- Brighter 677 nit display for outdoor visibility
- Reverse wired charging for added versatility
- Slower 25W charging compared to the Redmi Note 9 Pro Max
- Snapdragon 730G performance gain is incremental
- Larger size and weight due to large battery
Display Comparison
The Samsung Galaxy M51 boasts a significantly brighter display, reaching a measured 677 nits, compared to an unspecified brightness for the Redmi Note 9 Pro Max. This translates to superior visibility outdoors under direct sunlight. While both displays feature an 'infinite' contrast ratio (typical for AMOLED/Super AMOLED panels), the M51’s higher peak brightness is a tangible advantage. The Redmi Note 9 Pro Max’s display specifications are less detailed, suggesting a potentially less vibrant or visible experience in bright conditions.
Camera Comparison
Both phones offer a 'Photo / Video' camera experience, but detailed sensor information is lacking. Without specifics on sensor size, aperture, or OIS, a direct comparison is difficult. However, the market positioning of both devices suggests a focus on versatility rather than flagship-level image quality. The absence of details regarding the Redmi Note 9 Pro Max’s camera system raises concerns about potential compromises in low-light performance or dynamic range compared to the M51, assuming similar sensor configurations.
Performance
Both devices utilize Qualcomm Snapdragon 7-series chipsets fabricated on an 8nm process, but the Galaxy M51’s Snapdragon 730G offers a slight edge in CPU and GPU performance over the Redmi Note 9 Pro Max’s Snapdragon 720G. The 730G features Kryo 470 cores clocked at 2.2 GHz, compared to the 720G’s 2.3 GHz Kryo 465 cores. While the 720G has a slightly higher clock speed, the architectural improvements in the 730G’s cores generally result in better sustained performance. Both phones are capable of handling everyday tasks and moderate gaming, but the M51 is better equipped for demanding applications.
Battery Life
The Samsung Galaxy M51’s standout feature is its exceptional battery life, achieving an endurance rating of 156 hours. This is a significant advantage over the Redmi Note 9 Pro Max, which lacks a published endurance rating. While the Redmi Note 9 Pro Max compensates with 33W wired charging (50% in 30 minutes), the M51’s 25W charging (100% in 115 minutes) is slower. However, the M51 also offers reverse wired charging, a feature absent on the Redmi Note 9 Pro Max, allowing it to function as a power bank for other devices.
Buying Guide
Buy the Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 Pro Max if you frequently find yourself needing a quick battery top-up and value the convenience of 33W fast charging. It’s ideal for users who don’t mind charging more often in exchange for faster replenishment. Buy the Samsung Galaxy M51 if you prioritize all-day (and beyond) battery life and a brighter, more visible display, making it perfect for travelers, heavy media consumers, and those who dislike battery anxiety.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Does the Snapdragon 730G in the Galaxy M51 get noticeably hotter during extended gaming sessions compared to the Snapdragon 720G in the Redmi Note 9 Pro Max?
While both chipsets are 8nm, the Snapdragon 730G's slightly higher performance ceiling *could* lead to more heat generation under sustained load. However, Samsung's thermal management implementation in the M51 is a crucial factor. Without thermal testing data, it's difficult to definitively say which phone throttles more aggressively, but the M51's larger chassis might offer better passive cooling.
❓ Is the 25W charging on the Galaxy M51 a significant drawback compared to the Redmi Note 9 Pro Max's 33W charging, considering the M51's larger battery?
While 33W is faster, the Galaxy M51's massive battery capacity means the slower 25W charging doesn't feel as limiting. The 115-minute full charge time is still reasonable, and the extended battery life minimizes the need for frequent top-ups. The trade-off is worthwhile for users prioritizing longevity over speed.
❓ How does the lack of detailed camera specifications on the Redmi Note 9 Pro Max impact its image quality compared to the Galaxy M51?
The absence of sensor size, aperture, and OIS details for the Redmi Note 9 Pro Max raises concerns. Generally, larger sensors and wider apertures perform better in low light. Without these specifications, it's reasonable to assume the Galaxy M51, assuming a comparable sensor, may offer superior image quality, particularly in challenging lighting conditions.
