Both the ZTE Blade 20 Pro 5G and the Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 Pro 5G target the increasingly competitive mid-range 5G market. While both offer 5G connectivity at accessible price points, they diverge in their core hardware choices, particularly in their Qualcomm Snapdragon chipsets and charging capabilities. This comparison dissects these differences to determine which device offers the best value and performance.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing faster charging and potentially longer software support, the Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 Pro 5G is the better choice. Its 33W charging significantly reduces downtime, and Xiaomi’s established software ecosystem provides a more predictable update path. However, the ZTE Blade 20 Pro 5G remains a compelling option for those seeking a slightly more powerful CPU core configuration.
| 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 / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 20, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 |
| 5G bands | 1, 3, 41, 78, 79 SA/NSA | 1, 3, 41, 78, 79 SA/NSA/Sub6 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE, 5G | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / LTE / 5G | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE / 5G |
| | CDMA 800 | CDMA2000 1xEV-DO |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2020, November 30. Released 2021, January 04 | 2020, November 26 |
| Status | Discontinued | Available. Released 2020, December 01 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 5), glass back (Gorilla Glass 5) |
| Dimensions | 159.2 x 73.4 x 7.9 mm (6.27 x 2.89 x 0.31 in) | 165.4 x 76.8 x 9 mm (6.51 x 3.02 x 0.35 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 168 g (5.93 oz) | 215 g (7.58 oz) |
| | - | IP53, dust and splash resistant |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2340 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~398 ppi density) | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~395 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.47 inches, 102.8 cm2 (~87.9% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.67 inches, 107.4 cm2 (~84.6% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | AMOLED | IPS LCD, HDR10, 120Hz, 450 nits (typ) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (1x2.4 GHz Kryo 475 Prime & 1x2.2 GHz Kryo 475 Gold & 6x1.8 GHz Kryo 475 Silver) | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Kryo 570 & 6x1.8 GHz Kryo 570) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM7250 Snapdragon 765G 5G (7 nm) | Qualcomm SM7225 Snapdragon 750G 5G (8 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 620 | Adreno 619 |
| OS | Android 10, MiFavor 10 | Android 10, MIUI 12 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) |
| Internal | 128GB 8GB RAM | 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM |
| | - | UFS 2.2 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, panorama, HDR | Dual-LED dual-tone flash, HDR, panorama |
| Quad | 64 MP, f/1.9, 25mm (wide), 1/1.72", 0.8µm, PDAF
8 MP, f/2.2, 120˚, 16mm (ultrawide)
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens | 108 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 1/1.52", 0.7µm, PDAF
8 MP, f/2.2, 118˚ (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens |
| Video | 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30fps; gyro-EIS | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60fps, gyro-EIS |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR | HDR, panorama |
| Single | 20 MP, f/2.0, (wide), 1/2.8", 1.0µm | 16 MP, f/2.5, (wide), 1/3.06", 1.0µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps, gyro-EIS |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | No | Yes |
| 35mm jack | No | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| | 24-bit/192kHz audio | 24-bit/192kHz audio |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.1, A2DP, LE | 5.1, A2DP, LE |
| Infrared port | - | Yes |
| NFC | Yes | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (G1), BDS (B1I+B2a), GALILEO (E1+E5a), QZSS (L1+L5) |
| Radio | No | Unspecified |
| USB | USB Type-C 3.1 | 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 (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, compass |
| | - | Virtual proximity sensing |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 18W wired, QC4 | 33W wired, 100% in 58 min |
| Type | Li-Ion 4000 mAh | Li-Po 4820 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Blue | Gray, Blue, Red/Mint |
| Models | - | M2007J17C |
| Price | About 350 EUR | About 370 EUR |
ZTE Blade 20 Pro 5G
- Potentially higher single-core CPU performance due to Kryo 475 Prime core.
- Snapdragon 765G may offer slightly more advanced ISP capabilities.
- Competitive 5G connectivity at a mid-range price.
- Slower 18W charging.
- Potentially less frequent software updates compared to Xiaomi.
- Less established brand recognition.
Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 Pro 5G
- Significantly faster 33W charging (100% in 58 minutes).
- More power-efficient Snapdragon 750G chipset.
- Xiaomi’s established software ecosystem and potential for longer support.
- Slightly lower single-core CPU performance compared to the 765G.
- ISP performance may be slightly limited by the 8nm process.
- MIUI can be resource-intensive.
Display Comparison
Neither device’s display specifications are provided, so a direct comparison is limited. However, given the price bracket, both likely utilize IPS LCD panels. The Redmi Note 9 Pro 5G, benefiting from Xiaomi’s broader market presence, may have a slightly more refined display calibration. The absence of details like refresh rate or HDR support suggests both are targeting cost-effectiveness over premium display features.
Camera Comparison
Without detailed camera specifications, a definitive comparison is difficult. However, the chipset differences suggest the image signal processor (ISP) in the Snapdragon 765G might offer slightly more advanced image processing capabilities. The larger process node of the 750G could potentially limit ISP performance. Both phones likely feature a multi-camera setup, but the quality will heavily depend on the sensor sizes and lens apertures, which are currently unknown. We can assume both will offer standard features like HDR and night mode.
Performance
The core of the difference lies in the chipsets. The ZTE Blade 20 Pro 5G features the Qualcomm SM7250 Snapdragon 765G (7nm), while the Redmi Note 9 Pro 5G uses the SM7225 Snapdragon 750G (8nm). The 8nm process of the 750G generally translates to better power efficiency, potentially leading to longer battery life under similar workloads. However, the 765G’s CPU configuration – a 1x2.4 GHz Kryo 475 Prime core alongside a 1x2.2 GHz Kryo 475 Gold and 6x1.8 GHz Kryo 475 Silver – suggests a slight advantage in single-core performance compared to the 750G’s 2x2.2 GHz Kryo 570 and 6x1.8 GHz Kryo 570. This difference would be most noticeable in tasks that aren’t heavily multi-threaded. Both utilize an Adreno 620 GPU, so graphical performance should be comparable.
Battery Life
The Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 Pro 5G’s 33W wired charging is a clear advantage over the ZTE Blade 20 Pro 5G’s 18W charging. The Redmi Note 9 Pro 5G boasts a full charge in 58 minutes, significantly reducing downtime. While battery capacity isn’t specified for either device, the more efficient Snapdragon 750G in the Redmi Note 9 Pro 5G could offset a potentially smaller battery size, resulting in comparable real-world battery life. The faster charging speed, however, remains a key differentiator.
Buying Guide
Buy the ZTE Blade 20 Pro 5G if you prioritize raw CPU performance for demanding tasks and are comfortable with potentially less frequent software updates. Its Snapdragon 765G, with its Kryo 475 Prime core, offers a slight edge in single-core workloads. Buy the Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 Pro 5G if you value fast charging, a more established brand reputation, and a potentially longer software support lifecycle. The 33W charging is a significant convenience, and Xiaomi’s MIUI offers a feature-rich experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Snapdragon 750G in the Redmi Note 9 Pro 5G struggle with graphically intensive games like PUBG or Call of Duty?
The Snapdragon 750G, paired with the Adreno 620 GPU, is capable of running PUBG and Call of Duty Mobile at medium to high settings with stable frame rates. While it won't match the performance of flagship chipsets, it provides a smooth gaming experience for most users. Optimizing in-game settings will be key to maximizing performance and minimizing heat.
❓ How does the 8nm process of the Snapdragon 750G impact real-world battery life compared to the 7nm Snapdragon 765G?
The 8nm process generally leads to improved power efficiency compared to 7nm. This means the Snapdragon 750G in the Redmi Note 9 Pro 5G will consume less power for the same tasks, potentially resulting in longer battery life. However, software optimization and usage patterns also play a significant role in overall battery performance.
❓ Is the difference in CPU performance between the Snapdragon 765G and 750G noticeable in everyday tasks like browsing and social media?
For typical everyday tasks like browsing, social media, and video streaming, the difference in CPU performance between the two chipsets will be minimal and likely unnoticeable. The Snapdragon 765G’s advantage in single-core performance is more apparent in demanding applications or tasks that heavily rely on a single core.
