The Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 Pro and Realme 7 Pro represent a sweet spot in the smartphone market, offering compelling features at accessible price points. Both leverage the Qualcomm Snapdragon 720G, but diverge significantly in charging technology and display characteristics, making the choice less straightforward than it appears. This comparison dissects these differences to determine which device best suits your needs.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Realme 7 Pro emerges as the superior choice. Its significantly faster 65W charging – achieving 100% in just 34 minutes – dramatically improves usability compared to the Redmi Note 9 Pro’s 30W charging. While battery endurance is slightly lower, the convenience of rapid replenishment outweighs this minor trade-off.
| 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 - International |
| 4G bands | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 - International |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | - | 1, 3, 5, 8, 38, 40, 41 - Asia |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2020, April 30 | 2020, September 03. Released 2020, September 14 |
| Status | Available. Released 2020, May 05 | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 5), glass back (Gorilla Glass 5), plastic frame | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 3+), plastic frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 165.8 x 76.7 x 8.8 mm (6.53 x 3.02 x 0.35 in) | 160.9 x 74.3 x 8.7 mm (6.33 x 2.93 x 0.34 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 209 g (7.37 oz) | 182 g (6.42 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 (~411 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.67 inches, 107.4 cm2 (~84.5% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.4 inches, 98.9 cm2 (~82.7% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | Super AMOLED |
| | - | Always-on display |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.3 GHz Kryo 465 Gold & 6x1.8 GHz Kryo 465 Silver) | Octa-core (2x2.3 GHz Kryo 465 Gold & 6x1.8 GHz Kryo 465 Silver) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM7125 Snapdragon 720G (8 nm) | Qualcomm SM7125 Snapdragon 720G (8 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 618 | Adreno 618 |
| OS | Android 10, MIUI 11 | Android 10, upgradable to Android 12, Realme UI 3.0 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM | 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM |
| | UFS 2.1 | 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/2.3, 119˚, 16mm (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, panorama |
| Single | 16 MP, f/2.5, (wide), 1/3.06", 1.0µm | 32 MP, f/2.5, 24mm (wide), 1/2.8", 0.8µm |
| Video | 1080p@30/120fps | 1080p@30/120fps, gyro-EIS |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| | - | 24-bit/192kHz audio |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.1, A2DP, LE |
| Infrared port | Yes | - |
| NFC | Yes | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, BDS, NavIC |
| Radio | FM radio, recording | No |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG | 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 |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 30W wired | 65W wired, 50% in 12 min, 100% in 34 min |
| Type | Li-Po 5020 mAh | 4500 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Tropical Green, Glacier White, Interstellar Gray | Mirror Blue, Mirror Silver |
| Models | M2003J6B2G | RMX2170 |
| Price | € 136.00 / £ 164.28 | About 190 EUR |
| SAR | 0.87 W/kg (head) 0.71 W/kg (body) | 0.73 W/kg (head) 0.52 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | 0.66 W/kg (head) 1.02 W/kg (body) | - |
| Pricing |
|---|
| 128GB 8GB RAM | - | Rp 3,498,000 |
| Tests |
|---|
| Battery life | Endurance rating 123h |
Endurance rating 113h
|
| Camera |
Photo / Video |
Photo / Video |
| Display |
Contrast ratio: 1285:1 (nominal) |
Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal) |
| Loudspeaker |
-28.6 LUFS (Average) |
-24.8 LUFS (Very good)
|
| Performance |
AnTuTu: 279625 (v8)
GeekBench: 1785 (v5.1)
GFXBench: 15fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) |
AnTuTu: 278414(v8)
GeekBench: 1811 (v5.1)
GFXBench: 14fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) |
Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 Pro
- Longer battery endurance (123h)
- Potentially lower price (depending on market)
- Established Xiaomi ecosystem
- Slower charging speed (30W)
- Display brightness likely lower than Realme 7 Pro
- Camera details are lacking
Realme 7 Pro
- Significantly faster charging (65W)
- Brighter display (585 nits)
- More convenient for power users
- Slightly lower battery endurance (113h)
- Potentially higher price (depending on market)
- Camera details are lacking
Display Comparison
The Realme 7 Pro boasts a notably brighter display, reaching a measured 585 nits peak brightness, compared to the Redmi Note 9 Pro’s unspecified peak brightness but a contrast ratio of 1285:1. This brightness advantage translates to better visibility in direct sunlight. While the Redmi Note 9 Pro’s contrast ratio is defined, the Realme 7 Pro lists an 'Infinite' contrast ratio, a common marketing term that doesn't necessarily indicate superior visual quality. Both displays likely utilize IPS LCD technology, common in this price bracket, and lack the advanced features like variable refresh rates found in higher-end devices.
Camera Comparison
Both devices feature a 'Photo / Video' camera system, but detailed specifications are lacking. Without sensor size, aperture, or image processing details, a direct comparison is difficult. The absence of information suggests neither phone excels in low-light photography or offers advanced computational photography features. The inclusion of a 2MP macro camera on both devices is likely a marketing tactic, as these sensors typically produce low-quality images. Focusing on the main sensor capabilities would be crucial for discerning image quality.
Performance
Both the Redmi Note 9 Pro and Realme 7 Pro are powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 720G (8 nm) chipset, featuring an octa-core CPU configuration with the same Kryo 465 Gold and Silver core arrangement (2x2.3 GHz & 6x1.8 GHz). This means raw processing power will be virtually identical for everyday tasks and most gaming scenarios. The absence of information regarding RAM type (LPDDR4x is likely) and storage speed (UFS 2.1 is probable) suggests these aren’t key differentiators. Thermal performance will likely be similar, relying on the efficiency of the 8nm process node.
Battery Life
The Redmi Note 9 Pro holds a slight edge in theoretical endurance with a rating of 123 hours, compared to the Realme 7 Pro’s 113 hours. However, this advantage is largely offset by the Realme 7 Pro’s significantly faster 65W wired charging. The Realme 7 Pro can reach 50% charge in just 12 minutes and 100% in 34 minutes, a substantial improvement over the Redmi Note 9 Pro’s 30W charging. This difference in charging speed dramatically impacts the user experience, allowing for quick top-ups throughout the day.
Buying Guide
Buy the Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 Pro if you prioritize maximum battery endurance and are comfortable with slower charging speeds. Its 123-hour endurance rating is ideal for users who frequently find themselves away from power outlets. Buy the Realme 7 Pro if you value convenience and speed, particularly in charging. The 65W SuperDart Charge is a game-changer for those who need to quickly top up their phone throughout the day, and the brighter display enhances outdoor visibility.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Does the Snapdragon 720G in either phone struggle with demanding games like PUBG or Call of Duty?
The Snapdragon 720G is a capable mid-range chipset. While it won't deliver flagship-level performance, it can handle PUBG and Call of Duty at medium to high settings with reasonable frame rates. Expect some frame drops during intense action, but the experience should be generally playable. Both phones will perform similarly in gaming due to the identical chipset.
❓ Is the 65W charging on the Realme 7 Pro likely to degrade the battery health faster than the 30W charging on the Redmi Note 9 Pro?
While faster charging *can* theoretically contribute to slightly faster battery degradation over the long term, modern smartphones employ sophisticated charging management systems to mitigate this effect. The Realme 7 Pro’s 65W charging includes safeguards to prevent overcharging and overheating, minimizing potential damage. The convenience of rapid charging likely outweighs the minimal risk of accelerated degradation.
❓ How important is the contrast ratio difference between the two displays in real-world use?
The Realme 7 Pro's 'Infinite' contrast ratio is a marketing term. The Redmi Note 9 Pro's 1285:1 contrast ratio is a more concrete value. In practice, the brighter display of the Realme 7 Pro will have a more noticeable impact on visual clarity, especially outdoors, than the contrast ratio difference alone.
