Smartphone Comparison: Xiaomi Redmi Note 9T vs. Huawei nova Y90
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Xiaomi Redmi Note 9T | Huawei nova Y90 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 161.2 × 77.3 × 9.1 mm | 163.3 × 74.7 × 8.4 mm | The Redmi Note 9T is wider and thicker, potentially feeling bulkier in hand. The nova Y90 is taller but slimmer. |
| Weight | 199g | 195g | Negligible difference; both feel similar in weight. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.53" | 6.7" | The nova Y90 has a slightly larger screen, offering a more immersive viewing experience. |
| Resolution | 1080x2340 | 1080x2388 | Both have very similar resolutions leading to comparable sharpness in daily usage. |
| PPI | 395 | 391 | Virtually identical pixel density; both displays will appear equally sharp. |
| Technology | IPS LCD | IPS LCD | Both offer similar color reproduction and viewing angles typical of IPS LCDs. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 90Hz | The nova Y90 will offer slightly smoother scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Peak brightness is identical, but the actual performance in bright daylight is not known as values are 0. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Mediatek Dimensity 800U (7 nm) | Qualcomm SM6225 Snapdragon 680 4G (6 nm) | The Redmi Note 9T’s chipset offers noticeably better performance for demanding tasks, gaming and faster app loading |
| AnTuTu Score | 343,150 | 249,000 | The Redmi Note 9T has significantly higher benchmark score, indicating smoother performance in daily tasks and gaming. |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MC3 | Adreno 610 | The Redmi Note 9T's GPU is more powerful, providing better graphics rendering in games. |
| Camera | |||
| Rear Main Camera | 48MP, f/1.79 | 50MP, f/1.8 | The nova Y90's slightly higher resolution might provide slightly more detailed photos, while the Redmi Note 9T's wider aperture may result in slightly better low-light performance. |
| Front Selfie Camera | 13MP, f/2.25 | 8MP, f/2.0 | The Redmi Note 9T has a higher resolution selfie camera, potentially resulting in better quality selfies, while nova Y90 has a wider aperture which could be better in low light. |
| Rear Cameras | 2MP Depth, 2MP Macro | 2MP Secondary, 2MP Tertiary | The Redmi Note 9T offers depth and macro lenses for specific shooting scenarios, while the nova Y90 uses two 2MP cameras of unknown purposes. |
| Video Recording | 4K@30fps, 1080p@60fps | 1080p@30fps | The Redmi Note 9T can record higher resolution videos at a higher frame rate offering better video quality |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both should have similar battery life for general daily usage. |
| Charging | 18W fast charging | 40W fast charging | The nova Y90 charges significantly faster, reducing waiting time. |
| Features | 22.5W charger inbox | Non-removable | Redmi Note 9T charger has 22.5W max output. |
| Software & Connectivity | |||
| OS | Android 10 | Unknown | Redmi Note 9T runs Android 10 while the Huawei Nova Y90's OS is not specified |
| Wi-Fi | 802.11ac | 802.11ac | Both have similar Wi-Fi performance, supporting standard connections. |
| Bluetooth | 5.1 | 5.0 | The Redmi Note 9T uses a newer version of Bluetooth with better audio support. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, Galileo, GLONASS (L1) | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo | Huawei nova Y90 supports more satellite systems, potentially offering better location accuracy |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 64 GB or 128 GB | 128 GB | The nova Y90 only comes in a 128GB version, the Redmi Note 9T is also available with 64GB. |
| RAM | 4 GB | 4 GB, 6 GB or 8 GB | The nova Y90 offers more RAM in some configurations, improving multitasking capabilities. |
| Expandable | No | No | Both phones lack expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | Basic audio features | The Redmi Note 9T offers higher quality audio playback and better sound separation thanks to its stereo speakers. |
| Security | |||
| Fingerprint | side-mounted | side-mounted | Both offer fast, convenient access using fingerprint sensors. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | Unknown | The Redmi Note 9T has better protection against scratches and minor damages. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Biometric: Fingerprint; Motion: Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope; Proximity: Ultrasonic proximity virtual | Biometric: Fingerprint; Motion: Accelerometer, Compass; Proximity: Ultrasonic proximity virtual | Redmi Note 9T has a Gyroscope for improved motion tracking which is especially useful for gaming. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Xiaomi Redmi Note 9T Advantages:
- Superior Performance: The Dimensity 800U chipset and Mali-G57 MC3 GPU provide significantly better performance, especially for gaming and demanding apps.
- Enhanced Audio: Hi-Res Audio and stereo speakers deliver better sound quality for media consumption.
- Better Video Recording: Capable of recording 4K video, while the nova Y90 is limited to 1080p.
- Additional Camera Features: Includes macro and depth cameras.
- Screen Protection: Corning Gorilla Glass 5 offers better protection.
- Better Motion Tracking: Gyroscope offers superior motion tracking
- Better Bluetooth Audio: It supports LDAC and AAC codecs.
Huawei nova Y90 Advantages:
- Faster Charging: The 40W fast charging significantly reduces battery charging time.
- Higher RAM: Available with up to 8GB RAM improving multitasking.
- Better GPS: Supports more satellite systems leading to improved location accuracy
- Slightly Larger Display: The 6.7" display provides a slightly more immersive viewing experience.
- Higher Refresh Rate: Smoother scrolling and animations due to the 90Hz display.
- Potentially Better Low Light Selfies: Wider aperture on front camera.
Significant Trade-offs:
- Performance vs. Charging Speed: The Redmi Note 9T offers superior performance but slower charging, while the nova Y90 has faster charging but lower overall performance.
- Software Differences: The Android OS of the nova Y90 is unspecified which could impact functionality and user experience compared to the Redmi's Android 10.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Xiaomi Redmi Note 9T is ideal for:
- Gamers: The more powerful chipset and GPU deliver a better gaming experience.
- Multimedia Consumers: Hi-Res audio, stereo speakers, and 4K video recording make it great for watching videos and listening to music.
- Users who prioritize performance: For those who require a device to handle demanding apps and multitasking with ease.
- Budget-conscious users who want good screen protection.
Huawei nova Y90 is ideal for:
- Users who prioritize fast charging: Those who need to quickly top up their phone on the go.
- Users who want larger display: Those who like to view photos, videos on a large immersive display.
- Users who enjoy smooth scrolling: Those who would like a smoother UI with the 90Hz display.
- Users who require great satellite based navigation: Those who often rely on GPS navigation.
- Users who enjoy high RAM for multitasking: Those who prefer to run several applications at the same time.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- Do you prioritize performance or fast charging? If you play games or need a responsive phone, the Redmi Note 9T is better. If you need quick battery top-ups, the nova Y90 is better.
- How important is video recording quality? If you need 4K recording capability, go for the Redmi Note 9T. Otherwise, the nova Y90 is sufficient for basic video needs.
- Is a smooth display and more RAM crucial for your usage? If you want the smoothest UI and more RAM for multitasking, the nova Y90 is a better choice.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Gaming on a Budget - Choose the Redmi Note 9T for its superior gaming performance.
- Scenario 2: All-Day Usage with Fast Charging - Choose the nova Y90 for its significantly faster charging.
- Scenario 3: Media Consumption - The Redmi Note 9T will provide a better experience due to its stereo speakers.
- Scenario 4: On-the-go Navigation - The Huawei Nova Y90 will be a better option thanks to its improved GPS capabilities
My Choice
If I were to choose, I would select the Xiaomi Redmi Note 9T. While the faster charging and smoother display of the Huawei nova Y90 are appealing, the overall performance boost from the Dimensity 800U, the superior audio quality with stereo speakers and hi-res audio, the 4K video recording and the additional features of the camera lenses, and the added protection of the screen make it a more compelling option for my usage. The better motion tracking with the gyroscope is also a nice to have feature. I prefer a phone that handles demanding tasks and multimedia smoothly, and the Redmi Note 9T delivers this more effectively. I would value better performance over faster charging, especially when I am mostly around power outlets. The only downside would be a slightly older operating system but I would happily trade that for better performance.
