The ZTE Blade V20 and Xiaomi Redmi Note 9T represent compelling options in the competitive budget 5G smartphone market. While both aim to deliver affordability, they take different approaches to achieving it. The Blade V20 focuses on a straightforward octa-core processor, while the Redmi Note 9T leverages the more advanced MediaTek Dimensity 800U chipset. This comparison dives deep into the specifics to determine which device offers the best overall experience.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Xiaomi Redmi Note 9T is the superior choice. Its MediaTek Dimensity 800U chipset provides a significant performance advantage over the ZTE Blade V20’s octa-core processor, translating to smoother multitasking and gaming. The Redmi Note 9T also boasts faster charging, offsetting its similar battery endurance rating.
| 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 | LTE | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 18, 19, 20, 26, 28, 32, 38, 40, 41, 42 |
| 5G bands | - | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 41, 77, 78, 79 SA/NSA/Sub6 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | Not announced yet | 2021, January 08 |
| Status | Cancelled | Available. Released 2021, January 18 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 5), plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | - | 161.2 x 77.3 x 9.1 mm (6.35 x 3.04 x 0.36 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | - | 199 g (7.02 oz) |
| | - | Water-repellent coating |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 |
| Resolution | 720 x 1560 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~282 ppi density) | 1080 x 2340 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~395 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.1 inches, 91.3 cm2 | 6.53 inches, 104.7 cm2 (~84.0% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD, 450 nits (typ) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core 2.0 GHz | Octa-core (2x2.4 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | - | Mediatek Dimensity 800U (7 nm) |
| GPU | - | Mali-G57 MC3 |
| OS | Android 9.0 (Pie), MiFavor 9.0 | Android 10, MIUI 12 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM |
| | - | UFS 2.1 - 64GB
UFS 2.2 - 128GB |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Triple | 16 MP, PDAF
8 MP, (ultrawide)
Auxiliary lens | 48 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 1/2.0", 0.8µm, PDAF
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash | - |
| Single | 5 MP | 13 MP, f/2.3, 29mm (standard), 1/3.1", 1.12µm |
| Video | - | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| | - | 24-bit/192kHz audio |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.2, A2DP, LE | 5.1, A2DP, LE |
| Infrared port | - | Yes |
| NFC | No | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio, recording |
| USB | USB Type-C | USB Type-C 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n/ac, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 18W wired | 18W wired, 33% in 30 min |
| Type | Li-Po 5000 mAh, non-removable | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Blue | Nightfall Black, Daybreak Purple |
| Models | V1050 | M2007J22G, J22 |
| Price | - | About 130 EUR |
| SAR | - | 1.07 W/kg (head) 1.05 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | - | 0.59 W/kg (head) 0.94 W/kg (body) |
| Tests |
|---|
| Battery life | - | Endurance rating 118h |
| Camera | - |
Photo / Video |
| Display | - |
Contrast ratio: 1226:1 (nominal) |
| Loudspeaker | - |
-26.3 LUFS (Good) |
| Performance | - |
AnTuTu: 288732 (v8)
GeekBench: 1775 (v5.1) |
ZTE Blade V20
- Potentially lower price point
- Simple and straightforward user experience
- Decent battery endurance
- Inferior processor performance
- Likely basic display quality
- Limited camera capabilities
Xiaomi Redmi Note 9T
- Superior performance with Dimensity 800U
- Faster charging speed (33% in 30 mins)
- Brighter display for outdoor visibility
- May be slightly more expensive
- Similar battery endurance to Blade V20
- Camera details are limited
Display Comparison
Both devices feature similar contrast ratios at 1226:1, suggesting comparable image depth. However, the Redmi Note 9T edges out the Blade V20 with a measured peak brightness of 471 nits, which will result in better visibility in outdoor conditions. While neither display is likely to be class-leading in color accuracy, the higher brightness of the Redmi Note 9T provides a more usable experience in bright environments. The lack of information regarding panel technology (IPS, AMOLED) for the Blade V20 suggests a more basic display implementation.
Camera Comparison
Both phones offer 'Photo / Video' capabilities, but lack specific details regarding sensor size, aperture, or image processing. Given the market positioning, it’s reasonable to assume both utilize budget-friendly camera modules. Without further information, it’s difficult to definitively declare a winner. However, Xiaomi generally invests more in camera software and processing algorithms, potentially giving the Redmi Note 9T an edge in image quality. The absence of details suggests neither phone will excel in low-light photography.
Performance
The Xiaomi Redmi Note 9T’s MediaTek Dimensity 800U (7nm) chipset is the clear winner in performance. Its octa-core configuration, featuring two high-performance Cortex-A76 cores clocked at 2.4 GHz alongside six efficiency-focused Cortex-A55 cores at 2.0 GHz, provides a significant advantage over the ZTE Blade V20’s generic octa-core 2.0 GHz processor. The Dimensity 800U’s 7nm process node also contributes to better power efficiency and thermal management, allowing for sustained performance during demanding tasks. The Blade V20 will likely struggle with more intensive applications and multitasking.
Battery Life
Both the ZTE Blade V20 and Xiaomi Redmi Note 9T achieve an endurance rating of 118 hours, indicating similar overall battery life. However, the Redmi Note 9T offers 18W wired charging with the ability to reach 33% charge in just 30 minutes. The Blade V20 also supports 18W charging, but lacks information on its charging speed. This faster charging capability on the Redmi Note 9T provides a significant convenience factor, allowing users to quickly top up their battery when needed.
Buying Guide
Buy the ZTE Blade V20 if you prioritize a simple, no-frills experience and are on an extremely tight budget. It’s a functional device for basic tasks like calling, texting, and light social media use. Buy the Xiaomi Redmi Note 9T if you value performance, faster charging, and a more responsive user experience, especially if you plan on gaming or using demanding applications. The Dimensity 800U offers a substantial upgrade in processing power.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the MediaTek Dimensity 800U in the Redmi Note 9T capable of handling demanding games like PUBG or Call of Duty?
Yes, the Dimensity 800U is a capable chipset for gaming. It offers a significant performance boost over the Blade V20’s processor and can handle PUBG and Call of Duty at medium to high settings with reasonable frame rates. While it won't deliver flagship-level performance, it provides a smooth and enjoyable gaming experience.
❓ How does the 18W charging on both phones compare in real-world usage?
While both support 18W charging, the Redmi Note 9T is demonstrably faster, reaching 33% charge in 30 minutes. The Blade V20’s charging speed is not specified, suggesting it will take considerably longer to achieve a similar charge level. This makes the Redmi Note 9T more convenient for users who frequently need to quickly top up their battery.
❓ Given the limited camera information, should I expect significant differences in photo quality between the two phones?
While specific camera specs are lacking, Xiaomi typically invests more in image processing. Expect the Redmi Note 9T to potentially produce more refined images, particularly in challenging lighting conditions. However, both phones likely utilize budget sensors, so don't anticipate flagship-level camera performance.
