Smartphone Comparison: Xiaomi Redmi Note 9T vs. Motorola Edge (2022)
1. Specifications Comparison
Here's a detailed comparison of the Xiaomi Redmi Note 9T and Motorola Edge (2022), focusing on practical implications:
Design
| Feature | Xiaomi Redmi Note 9T | Motorola Edge (2022) | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 161.2 × 77.3 × 9.1 mm | 160.9 × 74.2 × 8 mm | Redmi Note 9T is slightly larger & bulkier, potentially less comfortable for single-hand use. |
| Weight | 199g | 170g | Motorola Edge is noticeably lighter, making it more comfortable for long usage sessions and carrying in pockets. |
Display
| Feature | Xiaomi Redmi Note 9T | Motorola Edge (2022) | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 6.53" | 6.6" | Negligible difference; both provide ample screen real estate. |
| Resolution | 1080x2340 | 1080x2400 | Very similar sharpness; both offer a good visual experience for most daily tasks and media consumption. |
| PPI | 395 | 399 | Virtually identical pixel density; both are sharp enough for comfortable viewing. |
| Technology | IPS LCD | OLED | Motorola Edge has superior colors, deeper blacks, better contrast, and wider viewing angles. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 144Hz | Motorola Edge provides much smoother scrolling, animations, and gaming experience. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Both phones have identical peak brightness at 0 nits. This likely means the information is not available rather than both devices having no brightness. |
Performance
| Feature | Xiaomi Redmi Note 9T | Motorola Edge (2022) | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Mediatek Dimensity 800U (7 nm) | MediaTek Dimensity 1050 (6 nm) | Motorola Edge provides notably faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and better performance in demanding tasks like gaming. |
| AnTuTu Score | 343,150 | 522,375 | Motorola Edge is significantly more powerful, resulting in a snappier and more responsive user experience. |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MC3 (ARM Mali-G57 MC3) | Arm Mali-G610 MC3 (ARM Mali-G610 MC3) | Motorola Edge offers better graphics performance for gaming and graphic-intensive applications. |
Camera
| Feature | Xiaomi Redmi Note 9T | Motorola Edge (2022) | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main Camera | 48MP, f/1.79, 1/2", 0.8µm, Samsung S5KGM2 | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/1.55", 1.0µm, Omnivision OV50A | Motorola Edge captures more detailed images and performs better in low-light thanks to a larger sensor and bigger pixels. |
| Selfie Camera | 13MP, f/2.25, 1/3.1", 1.12µm, Samsung S5K3L6 | 32MP, f/2.45, 0.7µm | Motorola Edge takes higher resolution selfies with more detail but might perform worse in low light due to the smaller pixel size. |
| Wide Angle Lens | Not present | 13MP, f/1.5, 1.12µm | Motorola Edge can capture wider shots, useful for group photos and landscapes. |
| Portrait Mode (Depth) | 2MP, f/2.4, 1/5", 1.75µm, Hynix HI-259 | Not present | Xiaomi Redmi Note 9T has a dedicated depth sensor to improve bokeh effect in portrait mode. The edge likely uses software for this feature. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP, f/2.4, 1/5", 1.75µm, Hynix HI-259 | 20MP, f/2.4, 1/2.83", 0.9µm, Omnivision OV24B1Q | Motorola Edge captures much higher-resolution macro shots with more detail. |
| Video Recording | Up to 4K@30fps; No EIS | Up to 4K@30fps, EIS | Motorola Edge has video stabilization (EIS) for smoother footage. |
| 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 | Digital zoom, Triple camera, Digital image stabilization, Optical Stabilization (OIS), Autofocus, Touch focus, Phase detection autofocus (PDAF), Continuous shooting, Geotagging, Panorama, HDR, Face detection, White balance settings, ISO settings, Exposure compensation, Scene mode, Self-timer | Motorola Edge has OIS (Optical Image Stabilization) and Phase Detection Autofocus, which helps in better low-light and focus performance. Xiaomi Redmi Note 9T has Manual Focus and 4K Video. |
Battery
| Feature | Xiaomi Redmi Note 9T | Motorola Edge (2022) | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both offer similar battery life, generally lasting a full day with moderate use. |
| Charging | 18W fast charging | 30W fast charging | Motorola Edge charges significantly faster, reducing downtime. |
| Battery Features | Non-removable, 22.5W charger inbox | Reverse charging, Non-removable, 15W wireless charging, 5W reverse charging | Motorola Edge offers more versatile charging capabilities, including wireless and reverse charging. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Xiaomi Redmi Note 9T Advantages:
- Wider aperture on the main camera: The f/1.79 aperture on the main camera lets more light in than the f/1.8 on the Motorola Edge (2022), potentially offering better low-light performance, though sensor size and pixel size are also critical factors.
- Side-mounted fingerprint sensor: Some users prefer this location for ergonomics and ease of access.
- Hi-Res Audio: This provides a higher quality audio experience for audiophiles.
- Lower cost: The Redmi Note 9T is likely to be more budget-friendly.
- Gorilla Glass 5: Offers slightly better screen protection compared to Gorilla Glass 3.
Motorola Edge (2022) Advantages:
- Superior Display: The OLED panel with a 144Hz refresh rate offers a significantly better visual experience with vibrant colors and smoother animations.
- Significantly better performance: The MediaTek Dimensity 1050 chipset provides substantially more processing power, making the phone faster and smoother for all tasks.
- Better main camera: Larger sensor size and pixel size lead to better image quality, especially in low light.
- Higher resolution selfie camera: Takes more detailed selfies.
- Additional Wide Angle and Macro Lens: More versatile camera system overall.
- Faster Charging: 30W charging is significantly faster than the Redmi Note 9T's 18W.
- Wireless and Reverse charging: Adds convenience and flexibility.
- Newer Android version: Ships with Android 12 with guaranteed upgrade to Android 13.
- eSIM support: Offers more flexibility with carrier options.
- Better Audio features: Dolby Atmos, Noise cancellation microphone, 3 microphones lead to an immersive sound experience.
- Better connectivity: WiFi 6 support ensures faster WiFi speeds
Trade-offs:
- Motorola Edge (2022): Priced higher than the Xiaomi Redmi Note 9T, could be a deal breaker for some buyers.
- Xiaomi Redmi Note 9T: Significantly less powerful and a lower refresh rate, it may feel sluggish in comparison to the Motorola Edge.
- Xiaomi Redmi Note 9T: Has an older Android version.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Xiaomi Redmi Note 9T - Ideal For:
- Budget-conscious users: Those who prioritize affordability and essential features over top-tier performance.
- Users who prefer the side-mounted fingerprint sensor: Some find it more accessible and convenient.
- Users who prioritize Hi-Res audio: Those who want the highest quality audio through wired headphones.
- Basic daily usage: Suitable for casual browsing, social media, and basic tasks.
Motorola Edge (2022) - Ideal For:
- Users who prioritize display quality: Gamers and media consumers will appreciate the OLED 144Hz display.
- Performance-focused users: Those who need a fast and smooth phone for gaming, multitasking, and demanding applications.
- Mobile photographers: Those who value a versatile camera system with good image quality, macro capabilities, and wide-angle lens.
- Users who want faster charging and wireless capabilities: Those who want more convenient and flexible charging options.
- Users who want more future proof devices: Newer Android versions, better connectivity and performance will help the device last longer.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- What is my budget? The Redmi Note 9T is significantly cheaper than the Motorola Edge.
- How important is performance? The Motorola Edge is significantly faster and smoother than the Redmi Note 9T.
- How important is the display? The OLED 144Hz display on the Motorola Edge is superior to the LCD 60Hz panel on the Redmi Note 9T.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
Scenario 1: Tight budget: If the budget is a major constraint, the Redmi Note 9T is the more sensible option, offering essential features at a lower price.
Scenario 2: Performance and Display are key: If performance, a vibrant display, and a smoother experience are priorities, the Motorola Edge is the better choice, despite the higher price.
Scenario 3: Camera Versatility: The Motorola Edge has better main, selfie and macro cameras alongside a wide angle lens, making it the better choice for capturing versatile pictures and videos.
Scenario 4: Battery and Convenience: The Motorola Edge offers fast charging, wireless charging and reverse charging which may be more appealing to those wanting convenience and versatility.
My Choice
Based on the comparison and my personal preferences, I would choose the Motorola Edge (2022).
Why?
While the Xiaomi Redmi Note 9T is a more affordable option, the Motorola Edge (2022) offers a significantly better overall user experience due to its superior display, performance, camera versatility, faster charging, and additional features like wireless and reverse charging.
For me, the improved performance is critical for a smooth daily experience, and the OLED 144Hz display is a massive upgrade for media consumption and gaming. The camera enhancements, particularly the better main camera and additional wide-angle lens, offer more flexibility for photography. The convenience of faster charging and wireless capabilities are important for my lifestyle.
Although the Redmi Note 9T has a side-mounted fingerprint sensor and Hi-Res audio which I would appreciate, these are not as impactful as the overall user experience offered by the Motorola Edge (2022). The price difference is substantial, but I believe the upgrades and the experience offered by Motorola make it a better option for me.
In short, I am willing to pay extra for the substantially better display, much better performance and added versatility that the Motorola Edge provides.
