Apple iPhone X vs Xiaomi Redmi 9A - Detailed Phone Comparison

Detailed Comparison

Specification

General

Launch Date November 3, 2017 July 7, 2020
Release Year 2017 2020

Physical

Volume 78.4 cm³ 114.42 cm³
Screen Size to Weight Ratio 3.33 "/g 3.33 "/g
Weight 174 g 196 g
Height 143.6 mm 164.9 mm
Width 70.9 mm 77.1 mm
Thickness 7.7 mm 9 mm
Foldable Design No No
Available Colors
  • Space Gray
  • Silver
  • Carbon Gray (Midnight Black)
  • Sky Blue (Sea Blue)
  • Ocean Green (Nature Green)

Display

Screen Size 5.8 " 6.53 "
Resolution 1125 x 2436 720 x 1600
Aspect Ratio 19.5:9 20:9
Screen-to-Body Ratio 81.1 % 81 %
Pixel Density 458 PPI 269 PPI
Refresh Rate N/A N/A
Typical Brightness N/A 400 nits
HBM Brightness 625 nits N/A
Peak Brightness N/A N/A

Hardware

Battery Capacity per Screen Area 80.74 mAh/in² 117.26 mAh/in²
Battery Density 34.64 mAh/cm³ 43.7 mAh/cm³
Battery Capacity 2716 mAh 5000 mAh
NFC Support Yes No
Chipset Apple A11 Bionic (10 nm) Mediatek MT6762G Helio G25 (12 nm)
CPU Hexa-core 2.39 GHz (2x Monsoon + 4x Mistral) Octa-core (4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.5 GHz Cortex-A53)
GPU Apple GPU (three-core graphics) PowerVR GE8320

Connectivity

USB Version 2.0 2.0
OTG Support 1
DisplayPort
DisplayPort Version N/A N/A
USB Features Lightning 2.0 microUSB 2.0, OTG

Software

Operating System iOS Android
Initial OS Version 11.1.1 10
Maximum OS Version 16.7.7 11

Comparison Summary

Okay, let's dive into a user-centric analysis of the Apple iPhone X and the Xiaomi Redmi 9A. I'll approach this from a "real-world" perspective, focusing on how these phones impact daily life, not just raw specs.

User Experience Analysis: Apple iPhone X vs. Xiaomi Redmi 9A

1. Design and Usability Assessment:

CategoryFeatureApple iPhone XXiaomi Redmi 9AUser Experience Impact
Interface DesignDisplay5.8" OLED, 1125x2436, 458 ppi6.53" IPS LCD, 720x1600, 269 ppiiPhone X: Sharper, more vibrant colors, excellent for detailed viewing. Redmi 9A: Larger screen, great for media consumption but less sharp.
BuildPremium glass and stainless steelPlastic bodyiPhone X: Feels high-end, durable, more premium in-hand. Redmi 9A: Lighter, more affordable feel, may be less resistant to damage.
Size & Weight143.6 x 70.9 x 7.7 mm, 174g164.9 x 77.1 x 9 mm, 196giPhone X: More compact, better for one-handed use. Redmi 9A: Larger, might feel less comfortable for smaller hands.
Interaction FlowPerformanceA11 Bionic Chip, 597,700 AntutuHelio G25, 102,778 AntutuiPhone X: Fast app loading, smoother multitasking, great for demanding apps. Redmi 9A: Suitable for basic tasks, can lag with intensive use.
SoftwareiOSAndroidiPhone X: Intuitive, cohesive ecosystem. Redmi 9A: Highly customizable, more open-source feel.
AccessibilityDisplay ClarityHigh resolution, sharp textStandard text readabilityiPhone X: Better clarity for users with visual impairments. Redmi 9A: Larger text can compensate but less sharp overall.
Battery Life2716mAh5000mAhiPhone X: Shorter battery life, needs more frequent charging. Redmi 9A: Longer battery life, ideal for all-day use.
Design ErgonomicsOne-Handed UseEasier, compact designHarder due to sizeiPhone X: More ergonomic, better for quick actions. Redmi 9A: Requires two-handed operation for full functionality, can be cumbersome.
Overall HandlingPremium and sleekMore budget friendly, bulkieriPhone X: A luxurious hand feel. Redmi 9A: A practical design built for durability.

2. Narrative-Driven Feature Exploration:

Scenario 1: The City Explorer

Imagine Sarah, a city explorer, needing a reliable camera on her urban adventures. The iPhone X, with its 12MP dual-lens system and optical image stabilization, is her tool of choice. She snaps breathtaking photos of street art, the depth-of-field creating an almost cinematic feel. The 4K video at 60fps captures the vibrant energy of the city. The Redmi 9A, while it captures good enough photos, lacks the image quality and low-light performance of the iPhone, and its 1080p video doesn't have the same clarity. Sarah relies on her iPhone to get top-notch results.

Scenario 2: The Content Creator

Meet David, a content creator, whose life is all about producing engaging videos. The iPhone X’s capabilities allow him to create videos with superior quality, while its powerful processor makes editing on the fly a breeze. The Redmi 9A supports 1080p at 60 fps for quick videos but doesn't provide the same level of editing capability nor video quality, and it doesn't handle multiple apps running at once as well as the iPhone X. For David, the iPhone X is a clear choice.

Scenario 3: The Everyday User

Let's consider Maria, who uses her phone for daily tasks like browsing, messaging, and casual gaming. The Redmi 9A’s large battery ensures that she doesn't need to constantly reach for a charger, perfect for her busy lifestyle. Although the iPhone X is powerful, Maria found the battery life to be very poor, which she would consider to be extremely frustrating. For Maria, the Xiaomi is the obvious choice.

Scenario 4: The Student

Finally, think of Alex, a student. The Redmi 9A’s large display makes reading e-books and watching lectures on the go easier. It's also a budget-friendly option, perfect for someone who needs a reliable phone but doesn't want to spend too much money. The iPhone X is too expensive for the budget-conscious student, who isn't as worried about processing power nor camera quality.

3. Inclusive Technology Evaluation:

  • For the visually impaired: The iPhone X’s higher resolution and sharper display offer a more comfortable viewing experience.
  • For the elderly: The large screen and long battery life of the Redmi 9A can be more user-friendly.
  • For budget-conscious users: The Redmi 9A is a more affordable option for a feature-rich smartphone.
  • For tech enthusiasts: The iPhone X provides access to a highly efficient operating system and great quality features, but it's older and will probably be harder to get now.
  • For gamers: The iPhone X’s powerful chipset delivers a more fluid and enjoyable gaming experience.

4. Design-Centric Decision Framework:

Choose the iPhone X if:

  • You prioritize a sharp, vivid display.
  • You need a powerful device for demanding apps and gaming.
  • You value a premium, compact design.
  • You’re in the Apple ecosystem and prefer iOS.
  • You require top-notch camera performance.

Choose the Xiaomi Redmi 9A if:

  • You need long-lasting battery life.
  • You are looking for a big screen.
  • You need a budget-friendly phone.
  • You prefer the flexibility and customizability of Android.
  • Your usage is basic and you are not worried about top of the line performance.

My Choice & Why:

If I had to choose between these two devices, I would personally lean towards the iPhone X. My reasoning is as follows:

While the Redmi 9A has some strong advantages like its larger battery and more budget-friendly nature, I would still pick the iPhone X. As a tech communications specialist, I prioritize a device that offers the best possible experience overall. The iPhone X may be older, but it was far ahead of its time and still offers great performance, and, given that I am not on a tight budget, I can look past its lower battery life and price. In my opinion, the premium build quality, coupled with a powerful processor, makes it a superior device for those who care about a better overall user experience. I also have a preference for the camera quality of the iPhone X, which is something I value. The Redmi 9A is a good phone, but it lacks some of the more premium features and build quality of the iPhone X.

In the end, the “best” phone depends heavily on individual user preferences and priorities, and it's important to consider these factors when making a decision.

Sophia Rodriguez
Sophia Rodriguez

Technology Communications Specialist

Expert in transforming complex technological innovations into accessible, engaging narratives.

Key Strengths:

  • Technology storytelling
  • User experience design analysis
  • Inclusive technology communication
  • Design-driven technology insights

Bridging technical complexity with human-centered understanding.