The Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 and Realme 7 Pro represent compelling options in the crowded budget smartphone market. While both aim to deliver a solid experience without breaking the bank, they take distinctly different approaches to achieving that goal. The Redmi Note 9 prioritizes endurance and a lower entry price, while the Realme 7 Pro focuses on faster performance and significantly quicker charging speeds. This comparison will dissect their key differences to help you determine which device best suits your needs.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing speed and convenience, the Realme 7 Pro is the clear winner. Its Snapdragon 720G chipset and blazing-fast 65W charging offer a noticeably smoother experience and drastically reduce downtime. However, the Redmi Note 9 remains a viable option for those on a tighter budget who value long battery life.
| 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 12 | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 5), plastic frame, plastic back | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 3+), plastic frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 162.3 x 77.2 x 8.9 mm (6.39 x 3.04 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 | 199 g (7.02 oz) | 182 g (6.42 oz) |
| | Water-repellent coating | Water-repellent coating |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | Corning Gorilla Glass 3+ |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2340 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~395 ppi density) | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~411 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.53 inches, 104.7 cm2 (~83.5% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.4 inches, 98.9 cm2 (~82.7% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 450 nits (typ) | Super AMOLED |
| | - | Always-on display |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (2x2.3 GHz Kryo 465 Gold & 6x1.8 GHz Kryo 465 Silver) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6769Z Helio G85 (12 nm) | Qualcomm SM7125 Snapdragon 720G (8 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G52 MC2 | Adreno 618 |
| OS | Android 10, upgradable to Android 12, MIUI 13 | Android 10, upgradable to Android 12, Realme UI 3.0 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM | 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM |
| | - | UFS 2.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Quad | 48 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 1/2.0", 0.8µm, PDAF
8 MP, f/2.2, 118˚ (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm
2 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 | 1080p@30fps | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60/120fps, gyro-EIS |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR, panorama | HDR, panorama |
| Single | 13 MP, f/2.3, 29mm (standard), 1/3.1", 1.12µm | 32 MP, f/2.5, 24mm (wide), 1/2.8", 0.8µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 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 (market/region dependent)M2003J15SG (Yes); M2003J15SS (No) | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, BDS, NavIC |
| Radio | FM radio, built-in antenna | 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 (rear-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 18W wired
9W reverse wired | 65W wired, 50% in 12 min, 100% in 34 min |
| Type | Li-Po 5020 mAh | 4500 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Forest Green, Midnight Grey, Polar White | Mirror Blue, Mirror Silver |
| Models | M2003J15SC, M2003J15SG, M2003J15SS | RMX2170 |
| Price | € 88.99 / $ 85.68 / £ 136.28 | About 190 EUR |
| SAR | 0.84 W/kg (head) 0.90 W/kg (body) | 0.73 W/kg (head) 0.52 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | 0.80 W/kg (head) 1.14 W/kg (body) | - |
| Pricing |
|---|
| 128GB 8GB RAM | - | Rp 3,498,000 |
| Tests |
|---|
| Battery life | Endurance rating 125h |
Endurance rating 113h
|
| Camera |
Photo / Video |
Photo / Video |
| Display |
Contrast ratio: 1242:1 (nominal) |
Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal) |
| Loudspeaker |
-30.1 LUFS (Below average) |
-24.8 LUFS (Very good)
|
| Performance |
AnTuTu: 200414 (v8)
GeekBench: 1292 (v5.1) |
AnTuTu: 278414(v8)
GeekBench: 1811 (v5.1)
GFXBench: 14fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) |
Xiaomi Redmi Note 9
- Longer battery life (125h endurance)
- Lower price point
- Reverse wired charging
- Slower processor (Helio G85)
- Slower charging (18W)
- Dimmer display
Realme 7 Pro
- Faster processor (Snapdragon 720G)
- Significantly faster charging (65W)
- Brighter and more vibrant display
- Shorter battery life (113h endurance)
- Higher price point
- No reverse wired charging
Display Comparison
The Realme 7 Pro boasts a significantly brighter display, reaching 585 nits compared to the Redmi Note 9’s 370 nits. This translates to better visibility outdoors under direct sunlight. While both displays have a nominal contrast ratio, the Realme 7 Pro advertises an 'Infinite' contrast ratio, likely due to its AMOLED panel, which inherently offers perfect blacks. The Redmi Note 9’s 1242:1 contrast ratio, while respectable, won’t deliver the same visual pop. This difference in panel technology also impacts color vibrancy and viewing angles, favoring the Realme 7 Pro.
Camera Comparison
Both phones feature capable camera systems, but details beyond 'Photo/Video' are limited. However, the Realme 7 Pro’s chipset likely provides superior image signal processing (ISP) capabilities, resulting in better dynamic range and noise reduction. Without specific sensor size information, it’s difficult to make a definitive judgment, but the Snapdragon 720G’s image processing prowess gives it an edge. The Redmi Note 9’s camera will be sufficient for casual photography, but the Realme 7 Pro is likely to deliver more consistent and detailed results, especially in challenging lighting conditions.
Performance
The Realme 7 Pro’s Qualcomm Snapdragon 720G (8nm) represents a substantial upgrade over the Redmi Note 9’s MediaTek Helio G85 (12nm). The 8nm process node of the Snapdragon is more efficient, leading to better thermal management and sustained performance. The Kryo 465 Gold cores in the 720G, clocked at 2.3 GHz, also outperform the Cortex-A75 cores (2.0 GHz) in the Helio G85. While both CPUs feature a 6x Cortex-A55 cluster running at 1.8 GHz, the Snapdragon’s overall architecture provides a smoother experience, particularly in multitasking and graphically intensive games. The Redmi Note 9 will handle everyday tasks adequately, but the Realme 7 Pro offers a more future-proof and responsive experience.
Battery Life
The Redmi Note 9 claims an endurance rating of 125 hours, while the Realme 7 Pro manages 113 hours. This suggests the Redmi Note 9 offers slightly better battery life under typical usage. However, this advantage is offset by the Realme 7 Pro’s game-changing 65W fast charging. The ability to charge from 0 to 100% in just 34 minutes is a massive convenience factor, while the Redmi Note 9’s 18W charging is comparatively slow. The Realme 7 Pro also offers 9W reverse wired charging, a feature absent on the Redmi Note 9, allowing it to top up other devices.
Buying Guide
Buy the Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 if you need maximum battery life and a lower upfront cost, and aren't heavily reliant on demanding applications or fast charging. It's ideal for users who primarily browse, message, and occasionally take photos. Buy the Realme 7 Pro if you prefer a more responsive user experience, faster app loading times, and the convenience of incredibly quick charging – making it perfect for gamers, content creators, and those constantly on the go.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Does the Helio G85 in the Redmi Note 9 struggle with demanding games like PUBG or Call of Duty?
While the Helio G85 can run PUBG and Call of Duty, you'll likely need to lower graphics settings to achieve a consistently smooth frame rate. The Snapdragon 720G in the Realme 7 Pro offers a more comfortable gaming experience with higher settings and less frame rate fluctuation.
❓ How much faster is the 65W charging on the Realme 7 Pro compared to the 18W charging on the Redmi Note 9 in real-world use?
The difference is substantial. The Realme 7 Pro can go from 0% to 100% in approximately 34 minutes, while the Redmi Note 9 will take well over an hour, potentially closer to two hours, to achieve a full charge. This makes a significant difference for users who need to quickly top up their phone before leaving the house.
❓ Is the camera quality on the Realme 7 Pro noticeably better than the Redmi Note 9 for everyday photos and videos?
While both phones can capture decent photos, the Realme 7 Pro's Snapdragon 720G chipset provides superior image processing, resulting in better dynamic range, color accuracy, and noise reduction, especially in low-light conditions. Expect more consistently pleasing results with the Realme 7 Pro.
