Smartphone Comparison: Xiaomi Redmi Note 9T vs. Asus ROG Phone 5
1. Specifications Comparison
Design
| Feature | Xiaomi Redmi Note 9T | Asus ROG Phone 5 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Launch Date | 2021-01-18 | 2021-04-26 | Asus is newer by approximately 3 months; potentially better long-term software support. |
| Dimensions | 161.2 x 77.3 x 9.1 mm | 172.8 x 77.3 x 10.3 mm | Asus is taller and thicker, making it less pocketable but potentially offering more space for internals, while Xiaomi is slightly more compact and thinner. |
| Weight | 199g | 238g | Xiaomi is significantly lighter, making it more comfortable for extended use. Asus has a heavier feel, often associated with high-end build quality. |
| Build Material | Not Specified | Not Specified | The impact on durability and feel is unknown without this specification. |
Display
| Feature | Xiaomi Redmi Note 9T | Asus ROG Phone 5 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 6.53" | 6.78" | Asus offers a slightly larger screen for more immersive viewing. |
| Resolution | 1080x2340 | 1080x2448 | Both have similar FHD+ resolutions; real-world difference is minimal in sharpness. |
| PPI | 395 | 395 | Identical pixel density means both displays will have the same apparent sharpness for typical viewing distances. |
| Technology | IPS LCD | AMOLED | Asus's AMOLED display has superior contrast, deeper blacks, and more vibrant colors, resulting in a richer visual experience, especially for media consumption. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 144Hz | Asus provides significantly smoother scrolling, animations, and gaming experience due to the higher refresh rate. Xiaomi has a more basic visual smoothness. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Unable to determine brightness capabilities based on provided data. |
Performance
| Feature | Xiaomi Redmi Note 9T | Asus ROG Phone 5 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Mediatek Dimensity 800U (7 nm) | Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 5G (5 nm) | Asus's Snapdragon 888 offers significantly better performance for demanding apps and gaming, while the Dimensity 800U is more for everyday tasks. |
| AnTuTu Score | 343,150 | 883,000 | Asus provides much faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and superior gaming performance. Xiaomi has noticeably lower performance than Asus. |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MC3 | Adreno 660 | Asus has a significantly more powerful GPU for graphically intensive tasks like gaming. Xiaomi has significantly lower graphics performance than Asus. |
Battery
| Feature | Xiaomi Redmi Note 9T | Asus ROG Phone 5 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 6000mAh | Asus offers a larger battery, potentially providing longer usage time between charges. |
| Charging | 18W fast charging | 65W fast charging | Asus charges much faster, minimizing downtime waiting for the battery to replenish. Xiaomi will take significantly longer to charge. |
| Battery Features | Non-removable, 22.5W charger inbox | Bypass Charging, Reverse charging, Non-removable | Asus provides features like bypass charging (powering the phone directly without charging the battery), and reverse charging to power other devices. Xiaomi has a standard charger inbox. |
Camera
| Feature | Xiaomi Redmi Note 9T | Asus ROG Phone 5 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main Camera | 48MP, f/1.79, 1/2" sensor, 0.80µm | 64MP, f/1.8, 1/1.7" sensor, 0.80µm | Asus has a higher resolution sensor and larger sensor size, potentially capturing more detail and better low-light images. Aperture differences are minor. |
| Selfie Camera | 13MP, f/2.25, 1/3.1" sensor, 1.12µm | 24MP, f/2.45, 1/2.8" sensor, 0.90µm | Asus has a higher-resolution selfie camera with a larger sensor for more detailed selfies. Xiaomi has a wider aperture for slightly better low light but smaller sensor. |
| Wide Angle | Not Available | 13MP, f/2.5 | Asus offers a wide-angle lens for more versatile photography. Xiaomi does not have a wide-angle option. |
| Portrait (depth) | 2MP, f/2.4, 1/5" sensor, 1.75µm | Not Available | Xiaomi has a dedicated depth sensor to improve portrait-mode effects; Asus does not provide a similar feature. |
| Macro | 2MP, f/2.4, 1/5" sensor, 1.75µm | 5MP, f/2.0 | Asus has a higher-resolution macro camera with wider aperture. |
| Video | Up to 4K@30fps | Up to 8K@30fps, 4K@120fps, 720p@480fps with EIS | Asus offers a wide variety of recording options with higher resolutions and frame rates, allowing for higher quality videos. Enhanced features such as EIS is present for a wider range of recording options. |
| Camera Features | 4K Video, Digital zoom, Triple camera, Digital image stabilization, Autofocus, Touch focus, Manual focus, Continuous shooting, Geotagging, Panorama, HDR, Face detection, White balance settings, ISO settings, Exposure compensation, Scene mode, Self-timer | 4K Video, 8K Video, Digital zoom, Optical zoom, Triple camera, Digital image stabilization, Autofocus, Touch focus, Manual focus, Phase detection autofocus (PDAF), Continuous shooting, Geotagging, Panorama, HDR, Face detection, White balance settings, ISO settings, Exposure compensation, Scene mode, Self-timer, Night Mode | Asus offers additional features such as 8K Video, Optical zoom, Phase detection autofocus (PDAF), and Night Mode; providing more advanced camera capabilities. |
Software, Connectivity, Storage, Audio, and Security
| Feature | Xiaomi Redmi Note 9T | Asus ROG Phone 5 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| OS | Android 10 | Android 11 (upgradable to 12) | Asus has newer version of Android and future software updates. Xiaomi is using an outdated version of Android |
| Wi-Fi | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac, Dual band | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac/ad/ax, Dual band, Wi-Fi MiMO | Asus supports newer Wi-Fi 6 standard for faster speeds and better network performance. Xiaomi has older Wi-Fi standard. |
| Bluetooth | 5.1 (LE, LDAC, AAC) | 5.2 (A2DP, AVRCP, EDR, GAP, HSP, MAP, OPP, PBAP, APT-x, LDAC) | Asus has a more advanced Bluetooth version for improved connectivity with audio devices. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, Galileo, GLONASS (L1) | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, GPS (L1+L5), BeiDou (B1), Galileo (E1+E5a), BeiDou (B2), NavIC System, QZSS (L1 + L5) | Asus has more advanced GPS features offering better accuracy and connectivity. |
| SIM | Dual SIM (Nano SIM) | Dual SIM (Nano SIM) | Both offer dual SIM capability for using multiple phone numbers. |
| Internal Storage | 64GB/128GB | 128GB/256GB/512GB | Asus provides more storage options for media and app storage. |
| RAM | 4GB | 8GB/12GB/16GB/18GB | Asus has more RAM, resulting in smoother multitasking and faster app switching. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone offers external storage expansion. |
| Audio | Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | DTS/DTS X, Hi-Res Audio, Noise cancellation mic, Stereo Speakers, 4 microphones | Asus has additional advanced audio features such as DTS/DTS X for better sound quality and more clarity during calls and recording. |
| Security | side-mounted fingerprint sensor | basic fingerprint sensor | Xiaomi features a more advanced side-mounted fingerprint sensor. |
| Screen Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | Corning Gorilla Glass 6 | Asus has a slightly better screen protection. |
| Sensors | Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Ultrasonic proximity virtual | Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Proximity | Both feature essential sensors for daily use; Xiaomi features an Ultrasonic proximity virtual while Asus uses a standard proximity sensor. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Xiaomi Redmi Note 9T Advantages
- Lower Price: Typically more budget-friendly.
- Lighter: More comfortable for long-term use.
- Side-Mounted Fingerprint: Slightly more convenient for some users.
Practical Implications: The Redmi Note 9T is an ideal choice for users seeking a functional smartphone at a lower cost. Its lighter weight enhances portability, and the side-mounted fingerprint sensor is easily accessible.
Asus ROG Phone 5 Advantages
- Superior Performance: Much faster processor and graphics for gaming and demanding apps.
- Better Display: AMOLED with higher refresh rate for a more vibrant and smoother visual experience.
- Larger Battery & Faster Charging: Longer battery life and quicker recharge times.
- Advanced Camera Features: Offers higher video recording quality, including 8K, a wide-angle lens, and better night mode capabilities.
- More Storage and RAM: Larger capacity for media and superior multitasking.
- Enhanced Audio: DTS/DTS X, noise cancellation microphone and multiple microphones for better sound quality
- Newer Software: Comes with a more recent version of Android (11, upgradeable to 12)
Practical Implications: The ROG Phone 5 excels as a premium device, catering to power users, gamers, and content creators. The superior performance, display, and camera capabilities make it a flagship-level phone.
Significant Trade-Offs
- Xiaomi: Trades performance and display quality for a lower price and lighter build.
- Asus: Trades cost and a slightly heavier build for superior performance and advanced features.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Xiaomi Redmi Note 9T Ideal User
- Budget-Conscious Users: People who prioritize affordability and essential smartphone functionality.
- Casual Users: Those who use their phone mainly for browsing, social media, and basic communication.
- Users needing a lighter and more portable phone: Individuals who prefer lighter phones and greater portability.
Use Cases:
- Everyday browsing and social media.
- Basic communication (calls, messaging).
- Light multimedia consumption.
Asus ROG Phone 5 Ideal User
- Gamers: Users who demand top-tier gaming performance.
- Power Users: Those who frequently multitask and use resource-intensive apps.
- Content Creators: Users who need high-quality video recording and editing capabilities.
- Multimedia Enthusiasts: Those who value a superior display and audio experience for watching videos and movies.
Use Cases:
- High-end mobile gaming.
- Professional photography and videography.
- Multitasking with demanding applications.
- Immersive multimedia consumption.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers
- What is your budget? The Redmi Note 9T is more affordable, while the ROG Phone 5 is a premium option.
- How important is performance and gaming to you? The ROG Phone 5 offers significantly better performance than the Redmi Note 9T.
- What features are most important? Consider the importance of display quality, camera capabilities, battery, and storage when choosing between the two devices.
Scenario-Based Recommendations
- Scenario 1: Tight Budget, Basic Usage: If you need a functional phone on a tight budget for everyday tasks, the Xiaomi Redmi Note 9T will be adequate, though the performance difference compared to the Asus is extremely large.
- Scenario 2: Gaming and High Performance: If you want a powerful phone with great gaming performance and superior multimedia capabilities, the Asus ROG Phone 5 is the clear choice.
- Scenario 3: Balanced Performance: If you need an all-rounder with better performance than the Redmi and are willing to pay a little more, the Asus Rog Phone 5 offers great features and excellent performance.
My Choice
If I were choosing between these two devices, I would choose the Asus ROG Phone 5. Here's why:
While the Xiaomi Redmi Note 9T is a perfectly acceptable budget phone, the Asus ROG Phone 5 offers a substantial leap in performance, display quality, and camera capabilities. I prioritize performance and display quality for overall enjoyment and productivity. While I do not do any intensive gaming, the overall performance boost across all tasks is a major improvement. The larger battery and fast charging are also extremely useful for long days of use. Additionally, the additional camera features are a plus for when I want to take higher quality photos. The additional audio features are also an improvement, especially for better quality calls and video recording.
Although the Asus is significantly more expensive than the Redmi Note, the enhancements it provides justify the additional expense, particularly in areas such as overall performance, user experience, display, and camera quality. For anyone able to afford the price tag, the ROG Phone 5 is the better choice.
