Apple iPhone X vs Xiaomi Redmi Note 9S - Detailed Phone Comparison

Detailed Comparison

Specification

General

Launch Date November 3, 2017 April 30, 2020
Release Year 2017 2020

Physical

Volume 78.4 cm³ 111.91 cm³
Screen Size to Weight Ratio 3.33 "/g 3.19 "/g
Weight 174 g 209 g
Height 143.6 mm 165.8 mm
Width 70.9 mm 76.7 mm
Thickness 7.7 mm 8.8 mm
Foldable Design No No
Available Colors
  • Space Gray
  • Silver
  • Aurora Blue
  • Glacier White
  • Interstellar Gray

Display

Screen Size 5.8 " 6.67 "
Resolution 1125 x 2436 1080 x 2400
Aspect Ratio 19.5:9 20:9
Screen-to-Body Ratio 81.1 % 84.5 %
Pixel Density 458 PPI 395 PPI
Refresh Rate N/A N/A
Typical Brightness N/A 450 nits
HBM Brightness 625 nits N/A
Peak Brightness N/A N/A

Hardware

Battery Capacity per Screen Area 80.74 mAh/in² 112.84 mAh/in²
Battery Density 34.64 mAh/cm³ 44.86 mAh/cm³
Battery Capacity 2716 mAh 5020 mAh
NFC Support Yes No
Chipset Apple A11 Bionic (10 nm) Qualcomm SM7125 Snapdragon 720G (8 nm)
CPU Hexa-core 2.39 GHz (2x Monsoon + 4x Mistral) Octa-core (2x2.3 GHz Kryo 465 Gold & 6x1.8 GHz Kryo 465 Silver)
GPU Apple GPU (three-core graphics) Adreno 618

Connectivity

USB Version 2.0 2.0
OTG Support 1
DisplayPort
DisplayPort Version N/A N/A
USB Features Lightning 2.0 USB Type-C 2.0, OTG

Software

Operating System iOS Android
Initial OS Version 11.1.1 10
Maximum OS Version 16.7.7 12

Comparison Summary

Okay, let's dive into a user-centered comparison of the Apple iPhone X and the Xiaomi Redmi Note 9S. Instead of just throwing specs at you, I'm going to tell you a story about how each of these phones might fit into your life.

Design and Usability Assessment

Here’s a breakdown focusing on how each phone feels and works in the real world:

CategoryApple iPhone XXiaomi Redmi Note 9SUser Experience Impact
Interface DesignMinimalist, iconic design, premium feel, smaller overall size.Larger display with a modern look, sturdy build.iPhone X: Ideal for users who value a sleek, compact device. Redmi Note 9S: Suited for those who enjoy a large, immersive screen experience.
Interaction FlowSmooth, iOS gestures, premium interface.Android interface with custom MIUI skin.iPhone X: Offers fluid transitions and intuitive navigation. Redmi Note 9S: Provides a customizable Android experience, slightly more learning curve.
Accessibility FeaturesiOS's robust suite of accessibility options.Android's accessibility suite.Both: Offer good accessibility options for users with diverse needs.
Design ErgonomicsCompact, lightweight, easy to hold and use one-handed.Larger, heavier, may require two hands for use.iPhone X: Better for comfortable, single-handed use. Redmi Note 9S: Larger size can provide better grip, but less convenient to carry around.

Narrative-Driven Feature Exploration

The Story of the "Everyday Explorer"

Let's imagine you're an Everyday Explorer. You love snapping photos of your adventures, from city streets to hiking trails.

Apple iPhone X: The Pocket Photographer

The iPhone X is like a sleek, reliable camera that slips easily into your pocket. Its OLED display makes colors pop, so those sunset shots look incredible right on the screen. The dual 12MP cameras with optical image stabilization mean that even if your hands are a little shaky, you get sharp photos, perfect for sharing on social media. The premium build makes it feel like a professional tool in your hands, a trusty sidekick for all your expeditions.

The story it tells is one of refined simplicity; it's for the user who wants a high-end experience that just works, whether they are capturing a moment or quickly sending a message.

Xiaomi Redmi Note 9S: The Multi-Tool Adventurer

Now, the Redmi Note 9S is more like a versatile multi-tool. The 48MP main camera captures a lot of detail, while the wide-angle lens lets you fit more into each shot – great for capturing those scenic mountain views. With its massive 5020mAh battery, you don't have to worry about it dying on a long hike, and the 18W fast charging is a lifesaver when you need a quick top-up. It's sturdy and dependable, designed for longer days with different photographic demands.

The Redmi is for the user who enjoys the extra options and longer battery life. It tells the story of someone who is prepared for the challenges of the day.

Inclusive Technology Evaluation

The Tech Novice

  • iPhone X: Simpler to use, great for someone new to smartphones, intuitive and fewer software options can be less confusing.
  • Redmi Note 9S: Might take a bit more time to learn the different features of Android/MIUI.

The Power User

  • iPhone X: Fast processing, ideal for intensive apps and gaming, smaller form factor might not be ideal for media consumption.
  • Redmi Note 9S: Larger display for media consumption, excellent battery life, but a less powerful processor might be a concern.

The Budget-Conscious

  • iPhone X: More expensive, might not be ideal for those on a tight budget.
  • Redmi Note 9S: Offers very good features for a more accessible price, great for those looking for value.

Design-Centric Decision Framework

Here's how to choose:

Choose the iPhone X if:

  • You value a sleek, premium experience in a compact size.
  • You appreciate the simplicity and elegance of iOS.
  • You need top-tier performance for apps and games.
  • You prefer a high-quality display and camera setup for quick, reliable results.

Choose the Redmi Note 9S if:

  • You want a large screen experience for media and gaming.
  • You appreciate the versatility and customization of Android.
  • You need a long-lasting battery and fast-charging capabilities.
  • You enjoy experimenting with multiple camera lenses and creative features.

Communication Mission - Closing Thoughts

These phones aren't just collections of specs; they're tools that fit into different lifestyles and user needs. Both offer robust experiences within their design philosophies. By understanding the narrative behind each device, you can make a more informed, user-centered decision about which device works best for you.

Which Would I Choose?

As Sophia, with my user-centered and design-focused approach, I would choose the Xiaomi Redmi Note 9S.

Here's why:

  1. Versatility and Adaptability: The Redmi Note 9S caters to a broader spectrum of needs. Its multiple camera lenses, larger battery, and customization options make it highly adaptable to various user scenarios. It's a "multi-tool" that aligns with my view of technology as being inclusive and useful in many situations.
  2. User Value and Empowerment: The Redmi Note 9S offers excellent value for its price, making advanced technology more accessible. As a communications specialist, I believe in empowering users with technology, and this phone embodies that philosophy. It provides great features without breaking the bank, which is essential for inclusivity.
  3. Design Philosophy: While the iPhone X offers a refined experience, I’m more drawn to the design philosophy behind the Redmi Note 9S, which prioritizes functional flexibility and accessibility. Its design speaks to a user who wants to explore, experiment, and maximize their phone’s capabilities.

While the iPhone X delivers a high-end, streamlined experience, the Redmi Note 9S better reflects the kind of user experience that I advocate for – diverse, versatile, and accessible to more people.

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.