Motorola Moto G 5G vs Xiaomi Redmi Note 9T - Detailed Phone Comparison

Detailed Comparison

Specification

General

Launch Date December 7, 2020 January 18, 2021
Release Year 2020 2021

Physical

Volume 125.14 cm³ 113.39 cm³
Screen Size to Weight Ratio 3.16 "/g 3.28 "/g
Weight 212 g 199 g
Height 166.1 mm 161.2 mm
Width 76.1 mm 77.3 mm
Thickness 9.9 mm 9.1 mm
Foldable Design No No
Available Colors
  • Frosted Silver
  • Volcanic Gray
  • Nightfall Black
  • Daybreak Purple

Display

Screen Size 6.7 " 6.53 "
Resolution 1080 x 2400 1080 x 2340
Aspect Ratio 20:9 19.5:9
Screen-to-Body Ratio 85.7 % 84 %
Pixel Density 393 PPI 395 PPI
Refresh Rate N/A N/A
Typical Brightness N/A 450 nits
HBM Brightness N/A N/A
Peak Brightness N/A N/A

Hardware

Battery Capacity per Screen Area 111.38 mAh/in² 117.26 mAh/in²
Battery Density 39.96 mAh/cm³ 44.09 mAh/cm³
Battery Capacity 5000 mAh 5000 mAh
NFC Support Yes Yes
Chipset Qualcomm SM7225 Snapdragon 750G 5G (8 nm) Mediatek Dimensity 800U (7 nm)
CPU Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Kryo 570 & 6x1.8 GHz Kryo 570) Octa-core (2x2.4 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55)
GPU Adreno 619 Mali-G57 MC3

Connectivity

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

Software

Operating System Android Android
Initial OS Version 10 10
Maximum OS Version

Comparison Summary

1. Specifications Comparison

FeatureMotorola Moto G 5GXiaomi Redmi Note 9TPractical Impact
Design
Dimensions166.1 x 76.1 x 9.9 mm161.2 x 77.3 x 9.1 mmMoto G 5G is taller and thicker; Redmi Note 9T is wider. Moto G 5G might feel bulkier in hand and pocket.
Weight212g199gRedmi Note 9T is slightly lighter, offering better comfort during extended use.
Display
Size6.7"6.53"Moto G 5G provides a larger viewing area for media and gaming.
Resolution1080x24001080x2340Both are very similar; slight difference in pixel count is negligible in daily usage.
Pixel Density393 PPI395 PPIEssentially the same; both provide sharp displays.
TechnologyIPS LCDIPS LCDIdentical display technology; color reproduction and viewing angles will be similar.
Refresh Rate60Hz60HzStandard refresh rate, suitable for typical usage but no high refresh rate for smoother scrolling.
Brightness0 nits0 nitsBoth have the same 0 nits peak brightness; This value is likely missing and not 0, both will likely perform comparably in brightness.
Performance
ChipsetSnapdragon 750G (8 nm)Dimensity 800U (7 nm)Moto G 5G has a slightly higher benchmark score. Real-world performance will be comparable for most users.
AnTuTu Score390,000343,150Moto G 5G benchmarks show slightly better performance, possibly smoother handling of intensive tasks
GPUAdreno 619Mali-G57 MC3Both handle everyday apps, media and gaming. Adreno 619 might be slightly better for graphical tasks, but both are mid range.
Battery
Capacity5000mAh5000mAhSimilar battery life; both should easily last a full day with average usage.
Charging20W fast charging, Li-Ion18W fast charging, Li-PolymerMoto G 5G charges slightly faster. Battery tech difference may slightly impact lifespan over time.
FeaturesNon-removableNon-removable, 22.5W charger inboxRedmi Note 9T includes a faster charger in the box.
Camera
Main Camera48MP, f/1.7, 0.80µm48MP, f/1.79, 1/2", 0.80µmMoto G 5G has a slightly wider aperture for potentially better low-light performance.
Selfie Camera16MP, f/2.2, 1.00µm13MP, f/2.25, 1/3.1", 1.12µmMoto G 5G has higher resolution; Redmi Note 9T has slightly larger pixel size. Both should be adequate for selfies.
Wide Angle Lens8MP, f/2.2, 1.12µmNoneMoto G 5G includes a dedicated wide angle lens for versatile photography.
Portrait LensNone2MP, f/2.4, 1/5", 1.75µmRedmi Note 9T has a dedicated depth sensor for portrait mode photos.
Macro Lens2MP, f/2.4, 1.75µm2MP, f/2.4, 1/5", 1.75µmBoth have identical macro cameras for close-up shots.
Video4K@30fps with EIS, 1080p@60fps4K@30fps, 1080p@60fpsBoth offer similar video quality; minor differences in slow-motion capabilities.
Camera FeaturesPDAF, LAF, RAW, Night ModeManual FocusMoto G 5G offers more advanced autofocus, low light options and RAW capture, Redmi Note 9T offers manual focus for advanced users.
Software
OSAndroid 10Android 10Both devices run Android 10, however it is unknown if any device received an update.
Connectivity
WiFi802.11ac, Dual band802.11ac, Dual bandBoth support similar WiFi standards for fast and stable connections.
Bluetooth5.1 LE, A2DP, EDR5.1 LE, A2DP, LDAC, AACRedmi Note 9T has better audio codec support for better wireless audio quality.
GPSGPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, SUPL, GalileoGPS, A-GPS, Galileo, GLONASS (L1)Both offer accurate positioning; Moto G 5G supports additional GPS technologies.
SIMDual SIM, Nano SIMDual SIM, Nano SIMIdentical SIM support for users with multiple phone numbers.
Storage
Internal64/128GB64/128GBBoth offer the same storage options, meeting common needs.
RAM4/6GB4GBMoto G 5G has optional 6GB RAM for smoother multitasking.
ExpandableNoNoNeither phone allows for expandable storage.
Audio
Quality2 microphonesHi-Res Audio, Stereo SpeakersRedmi Note 9T offers better audio output with stereo speakers and high-res audio support.
Security
Featuresrear-mounted fingerprint sensorside-mounted fingerprint sensorSide-mounted sensors are considered more convenient and quicker to access than rear-mounted.
Build
Screen ProtectionUnknownCorning Gorilla Glass 5Xiaomi Redmi Note 9T features better screen protection against accidental scratches or impacts.
Sensors
SensorsAccelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, ProximityAccelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Ultrasonic proximity virtualBoth feature similar sets of sensor, however both devices include their own unique proximity sensor.

2. Key Differences Analysis

Motorola Moto G 5G Advantages:

  • Slightly Better Performance: The Snapdragon 750G generally provides slightly higher benchmark scores, suggesting smoother performance in demanding tasks like gaming.
  • Versatile Camera System: The inclusion of a wide-angle lens adds flexibility to the photography experience. The main camera has a wider aperture, potentially leading to better low-light shots. It also includes more advanced autofocus and low light modes.
  • Optional 6GB of RAM: Allows for smoother multitasking.
  • More GPS features: supports GLONASS, SUPL and Galileo
  • Slightly faster charging: Supports 20W charging compared to 18W.

Xiaomi Redmi Note 9T Advantages:

  • Better Audio Experience: Stereo speakers and Hi-Res audio support offer superior sound quality, beneficial for media consumption.
  • More Convenient Security: Side-mounted fingerprint sensor is considered more ergonomic and faster to access.
  • Included Faster Charger: Comes with a 22.5W charger in the box, even if the phone itself only supports 18W charging.
  • Better screen protection: Corning Gorilla Glass 5 provides protection against scratches and minor impacts.
  • More Bluetooth codecs: Supports LDAC and AAC for improved wireless audio quality.
  • Includes a portrait mode lens: Offers a dedicated depth sensor for portrait photos.
  • Better proximity sensor: Features ultrasonic proximity sensor for improved reliability
  • Includes manual focus: Provides more options for advanced users.

Significant Trade-offs:

  • The Moto G 5G sacrifices the superior audio output of the Redmi Note 9T, as well as screen protection and a portrait camera.
  • The Redmi Note 9T lacks a dedicated wide-angle camera and the optional 6GB of ram found on the Moto G 5G.
  • The Moto G 5G uses a less convenient rear mounted fingerprint sensor compared to the Redmi Note 9T's side-mounted sensor.

3. User Profiles & Recommendations

Motorola Moto G 5G Ideal User:

  • Budget Gamers: Users who prioritize performance for gaming.
  • Photo Enthusiasts: Users who value a wide angle lens and additional camera features and prefer more flexibility in photography.
  • Multitaskers: Users who frequently switch between apps and would benefit from optional 6GB of RAM.

Xiaomi Redmi Note 9T Ideal User:

  • Multimedia Consumers: Users who watch a lot of videos, listen to music, or enjoy mobile gaming, where audio quality is important.
  • Casual Photographers: Users who prioritize easy, quick photos and prefer a dedicated portrait mode.
  • Users Seeking Convenience: Those who prefer the quick and ergonomic side-mounted fingerprint sensor and included charger.
  • Users who value screen protection: Those who are worried about accidental scratches and impacts.

Use Cases:

  • Moto G 5G: Playing graphically demanding mobile games, capturing wide landscape shots, editing images, running multiple social media apps simultaneously.
  • Redmi Note 9T: Watching movies or streaming videos, listening to music through Bluetooth headphones or speakers, taking casual photos with portrait effects, using the phone with more screen protection.

Price-to-Value:

  • Both phones are in a similar price range for mid-range smartphones.
  • The Moto G 5G might offer slightly more raw power, while the Redmi Note 9T focuses on enhanced audio, protection and convenient features.

4. Decision Framework

Key Questions for Buyers:

  1. What is your primary phone use case? (Gaming, Media Consumption, Photography, Everyday use)
  2. Do you prioritize camera versatility or audio quality?
  3. Is a faster charger and screen protection a priority for you?

Scenario-Based Recommendations:

  • If you're a gamer or multitasker: Choose the Motorola Moto G 5G for its slightly better performance and optional 6GB of RAM.
  • If you're a media consumer and value good audio: Choose the Xiaomi Redmi Note 9T for its stereo speakers and Hi-Res audio, along with the convenience of the side-mounted fingerprint sensor.
  • If you're a general user who values convenience and basic camera needs: The Xiaomi Redmi Note 9T will suit your needs.
  • If you want a device that is more flexible in terms of photography and more powerful: The Motorola Moto G 5G is a better option

My Choice

If I were choosing between these two phones, I would pick the Xiaomi Redmi Note 9T. Although the Motorola Moto G 5G provides slightly better performance and a more versatile camera setup, I place higher value on the features offered by the Redmi Note 9T such as better screen protection, the convenient side-mounted fingerprint sensor, better audio, the included 22.5W charger, and the portrait lens. These features enhance the everyday user experience and provide better value for my personal use case which involves a balance between content consumption and communication. The slightly lower benchmark performance will not significantly impact my experience.

Emily Harper
Emily Harper

Technology Insights Specialist

Dedicated technology writer specializing in mobile device analysis and technology communication. Expert at translating complex smartphone features into clear, actionable insights for diverse audiences.

Key Strengths:

  • Mobile technology analysis
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Bridging technical complexity with engaging, accessible narratives.