The Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 Pro and Motorola Moto G9 Plus represent compelling options in the crowded mid-range smartphone market. Both devices aim to deliver a balanced experience, but they achieve this through different approaches to chipset selection and display technology. This comparison dives deep into the specifics to determine which phone best suits your needs.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Motorola Moto G9 Plus edges out the Redmi Note 9 Pro. Its slightly more efficient Snapdragon 730G and superior display contrast, coupled with a longer endurance rating, provide a smoother and more visually pleasing experience. However, the Redmi Note 9 Pro remains a strong contender, particularly for those prioritizing fast charging.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 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, April 30 | 2020, September 07. Released 2020, September 07 |
| Status | Available. Released 2020, May 05 | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 5), glass back (Gorilla Glass 5), plastic frame | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 165.8 x 76.7 x 8.8 mm (6.53 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) |
| 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 (~84.5% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.81 inches, 112.0 cm2 (~84.3% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | 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, MIUI 11 | Android 10, upgradable to Android 11 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 4GB 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, 119˚ (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm
5 MP (macro), AF
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 | 16 MP, f/2.5, (wide), 1/3.06", 1.0µm | 16 MP, f/2.0, 29mm (standard) |
| Video | 1080p@30/120fps | 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 | Yes | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO |
| Radio | FM radio, recording | FM radio |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG | 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 | 30W wired | 30W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 5020 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Tropical Green, Glacier White, Interstellar Gray | Rose Gold, Indigo Blue |
| Models | M2003J6B2G | XT2087-1 |
| Price | € 136.00 / £ 164.28 | About 300 EUR |
| SAR | 0.87 W/kg (head) 0.71 W/kg (body) | - |
| SAR EU | 0.66 W/kg (head) 1.02 W/kg (body) | - |
| Tests |
|---|
| Battery life | Endurance rating 123h | Endurance rating 136h |
| Camera |
Photo / Video |
Photo / Video |
| Display |
Contrast ratio: 1285:1 (nominal) |
Contrast ratio: 1356:1 (nominal) |
| Loudspeaker |
-28.6 LUFS (Average) |
-29.0 LUFS (Average) |
| Performance |
AnTuTu: 279625 (v8)
GeekBench: 1785 (v5.1)
GFXBench: 15fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) |
AnTuTu: 253105 (v8)
GeekBench: 1695 (v5.1)
GFXBench: 15fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) |
Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 Pro
- Faster peak charging speed (30W)
- Potentially lower price point (depending on region)
- Widely available software support
- Slightly less powerful chipset (Snapdragon 720G)
- Lower display contrast ratio
- Shorter battery endurance
Motorola Moto G9 Plus
- More powerful chipset (Snapdragon 730G)
- Higher display contrast ratio for better visuals
- Longer battery endurance (136h rating)
- May be slightly more expensive
- Software updates may be less frequent
- Similar camera specs to Redmi Note 9 Pro
Display Comparison
The Motorola Moto G9 Plus boasts a contrast ratio of 1356:1 and a measured peak brightness of 522 nits, offering a noticeably more vibrant and visible image compared to the Redmi Note 9 Pro’s 1285:1 contrast ratio. While both utilize LCD panels, the G9 Plus’s higher contrast translates to deeper blacks and more punchy colors. The Redmi Note 9 Pro lacks published brightness data, suggesting it may fall behind in outdoor visibility. Both devices likely share similar resolutions and pixel densities, making contrast the key differentiator.
Camera Comparison
Both devices feature a 'Photo / Video' camera setup, but detailed sensor information is absent. Without specifics on sensor size, aperture, or image stabilization, a direct comparison is difficult. However, the chipset difference suggests the Moto G9 Plus’s image signal processor (ISP) may offer slightly better noise reduction and dynamic range. The absence of details on secondary cameras (ultra-wide, macro) makes it difficult to assess overall camera versatility. Focusing on the primary sensor is crucial, as the quality of the main lens will dictate the majority of user experience.
Performance
Both phones utilize Qualcomm’s 8nm process, but the Motorola Moto G9 Plus features the Snapdragon 730G, a step up from the Redmi Note 9 Pro’s Snapdragon 720G. The 730G’s Kryo 470 Gold cores run at 2.2 GHz, slightly slower than the 720G’s 2.3 GHz, but the 730G’s architecture offers improved sustained performance and efficiency. This means the Moto G9 Plus is likely to exhibit less thermal throttling during extended gaming sessions or demanding applications. While both CPUs have a 2+6 core configuration, the 730G’s overall architecture provides a performance advantage.
Battery Life
The Motorola Moto G9 Plus claims an endurance rating of 136 hours, exceeding the Redmi Note 9 Pro’s 123 hours. This suggests the G9 Plus’s Snapdragon 730G is more power-efficient, or its battery optimization is superior. Both phones support 30W wired charging, promising relatively quick recharge times. However, the G9 Plus’s longer endurance means users may rely less on frequent charging, making it ideal for those who prioritize all-day battery life.
Buying Guide
Buy the Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 Pro if you prioritize rapid 30W charging and are frequently on the move, needing quick top-ups. Buy the Motorola Moto G9 Plus if you value longer battery life, a more vibrant display with better contrast, and a slightly more powerful chipset for sustained performance during demanding tasks.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Snapdragon 730G in the Moto G9 Plus handle demanding games like PUBG or Call of Duty smoothly?
Yes, the Snapdragon 730G is capable of running PUBG and Call of Duty at medium to high settings with stable frame rates. Its improved architecture over the 720G in the Redmi Note 9 Pro provides better sustained performance, reducing the likelihood of frame drops during extended gaming sessions.
❓ How significant is the difference in battery life between the two phones in real-world usage?
The Moto G9 Plus’s 136-hour endurance rating suggests it will likely last a full day with moderate usage, while the Redmi Note 9 Pro might require a top-up if you’re a heavy user. Expect roughly an extra 2-3 hours of screen-on time with the Moto G9 Plus.
❓ Does either phone support 4K video recording?
Neither Xiaomi nor Motorola explicitly advertise 4K video recording for these models. Both are likely limited to 1080p recording, which is standard for this price segment.
❓ Is the 30W charging on both phones equally effective?
While both support 30W charging, the Moto G9 Plus's larger battery (implied by the longer endurance) will take slightly longer to fully charge compared to the Redmi Note 9 Pro. However, both offer significantly faster charging than phones with 15W or 18W charging.
