Xiaomi just released a follow-up to its most popular midrange line of smartphones with the new Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 Pro and Note 9 Pro Max.
As you see, the branding changed a little bit, but we still expect to see a vanilla Redmi Note 9 to come out soon. In the meantime, we’ll be talking about the Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 Pro and Note 9 Pro Max.
The Max model is new to the series, which is why we are curious to see what it offers to the table and how different it is to the Pro variant.
So, without further ado, let’s start our Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 Pro vs Note 9 Pro Max specs comparison to see the difference between the two.
| Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 Pro | Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 Pro Max | |
| Operating System | Android 10 MIUI 11 | Android 10 MIUI 11 |
| SIM | Dual SIM Dual standby | Dual SIM Dual standby |
| Display | 6.67-inch FHD+ IPS 2400 x 1080 pixel resolution ~394ppi Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | 6.67-inch FHD+ IPS 2400 x 1080 pixel resolution ~394ppi Corning Gorilla Glass 5 |
| Processor | 2.3GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon 720G octa-core | 2.3GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon 720G octa-core |
| RAM | 4GB/6GB | 6GB/8GB |
| GPU | Adreno 618 | Adreno 618 |
| Storage | 64GB/128GB UFS 2.1 expandable via microSD up to 512GB | 64GB/128GB UFS 2.1 expandable via microSD up to 512GB |
| Front camera | 16-megapixel Punch-hole | 32-megapixel Punch-hole |
| Rear Camera | 64-megapixel (Global) 48-megapixel (India) 8-megapixel (ultra-wide, f/2.2) 5-megapixel (macro) 2-megapixel (depth sensor) PDAF LED flash Ultra Nightscape mode AI Scene Detection 4K video recording 960fps@720p slow-mo | 64-megapixel (f/1.8) 8-megapixel (ultra-wide, f/2.2) 5-megapixel (macro) 2-megapixel (depth sensor) PDAF LED flash Ultra Nightscape mode AI Scene Detection 4K video recording 960fps@720p slow-mo |
| Audio | Headphone jack Single loudspeaker | Headphone jack Single loudspeaker |
| Security | Side-mounted fingerprint scanner | Side-mounted fingerprint scanner |
| Connectivity | 4G LTE, VoLTE WiFi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, 2×2 MIMO Bluetooth 5.0 GPS, A-GPS, Galileo, GLONASS, BDS, NavIC USB Type-C | 4G LTE, VoLTE WiFi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, 2×2 MIMO Bluetooth 5.0 GPS, A-GPS, Galileo, GLONASS, BDS, NavIC USB Type-C |
| Others | P2i splash proof | P2i water and dust resistant |
| Dimensions | 165.75 x 76.68 x 8.8mm | 165.75 x 76.68 x 8.8mm |
| Weight | 209g | 209g |
| Colors | Aurora Blue Glacier White Interstellar Black | Aurora Blue Glacier White Interstellar Black |
| Battery | 5,020mAh India: 18W fast charging Global: 30W fast charging | 5,020mAh 33W fast charging |
| Price | 4GB/64GB: INR12,999 (~Php8,900) 6GB/128GB: INR15,999 (~Php11,000) | 6GB/64GB: INR14,999 (~Php10,400) 6GB/128GB: INR16,999 (~Php11,700) 8GB/128GB: INR18,999 (~Php13,100) |
As you just saw, the Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 Pro and the Note 9 Pro Max are pretty much the same device — at least when you look at the important parts.
The most notable similarities, and probably also controversial, is the processor. They come with the latest Qualcomm Snapdragon 720G processor, just like the Realme 6 Pro.
Being the newer processor, and built under the 8nm process, the Snapdragon 720G is said to come with better thermals and lower power consumption, than the Helio G90T of the Redmi Note 8 Pro.
Although, it seems like the latter was favored more by a lot of benchmark apps. I guess we’ll just have to wait and see until we can test the Snapdragon 720G extensively.
Another similarity that the two have is their 6.67-inch FHD+ IPS screens. It would have been nice to see a fast 90Hz refresh rate on this thing, just like what the Realme 6 series have.
Lastly, the two share the same 5,020mAh battery and P2i water and dust resistance.
As what you just saw, the Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 Pro series share the same key features. So if you want a dependable smartphone that’s great for gaming and handling day-to-day tasks, then either of the two will serve you just the same.
Still, the question remains: what is the difference between the two?
The main one is on the cameras. The Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 Pro has a 16-megapixel selfie camera, while the Note 9 Pro Max comes with a 32-megapixel main shooter.
We also have Max’s primary camera on the back, which jumped to 64-megapixel from the 48-megapixel of the Note 9 Pro. Albeit the 8-megapixel ultra-wide, 5-megapixel macro, and 2-megapixel depth sensor were untouched. Update: The Redmi Note 9 Pro do come with 64-megapixel main camera.
Xiaomi also upped the charging speeds to 33W (from 18W). Plus, the addition of an 8GB RAM model. Update: the Global version of the Note 9 Pro do come with 30W fast charging.
Related
Bottomline is, if all you want is a reliable and all-rounder smartphone that doesn’t break the bank, settling with the Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 Pro might be enough for you.
But if you care too much about camera quality, charging speeds, and more RAM capacity, then spending a bit more on the Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 Pro Max should serve you better.