Smartphone Comparison: Xiaomi Redmi Note 9T vs. Nothing Phone (1)
1. Specifications Comparison
Design
| Feature | Xiaomi Redmi Note 9T | Nothing Phone (1) | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 161.2 x 77.3 x 9.1 mm | 159.2 x 75.8 x 8.3 mm | Redmi Note 9T is slightly larger and thicker, potentially less comfortable for one-handed use. Nothing Phone (1) is more compact and pocketable. |
| Weight | 199g | 193.5g | Nothing Phone (1) is slightly lighter, which may be more comfortable for extended periods. |
| Build | Standard | Standard | Both are standard smartphones; no notable differences in form factor. |
Display
| Feature | Xiaomi Redmi Note 9T | Nothing Phone (1) | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 6.53" | 6.55" | Virtually identical screen sizes, negligible difference in use. |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2340 | 1080 x 2400 | Similar sharpness, slight difference is hardly noticeable in everyday use. |
| PPI | 395 | 402 | Essentially the same pixel density, both offer sharp visuals. |
| Technology | IPS LCD | OLED | OLED provides deeper blacks, higher contrast, and more vibrant colors, a significantly better viewing experience. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 120Hz | Nothing Phone (1) offers smoother scrolling and animations, making the phone feel more responsive. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 1200 nits | Nothing Phone (1) has dramatically better visibility in bright sunlight due to higher brightness output. |
Performance
| Feature | Xiaomi Redmi Note 9T | Nothing Phone (1) | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Mediatek Dimensity 800U (7 nm) | Qualcomm Snapdragon 778G+ 5G (6 nm) | Snapdragon 778G+ offers significantly faster performance in demanding apps and games. |
| AnTuTu Score | 343,150 | 624,253 | Nothing Phone (1) is substantially faster, leading to better overall responsiveness and gaming performance. |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MC3 | Adreno 642L | Adreno 642L is generally superior in graphics performance, allowing for better gaming and visual fidelity. |
Camera
| Feature | Xiaomi Redmi Note 9T | Nothing Phone (1) | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rear Main Camera | 48MP, f/1.79, 1/2", Samsung S5KGM2 | 50MP, f/1.88, 1/1.56", Sony IMX766 | Nothing Phone (1)'s larger sensor and better sensor model usually results in better image quality, especially in low-light, despite the slightly smaller aperture. |
| Selfie Camera | 13MP, f/2.25, 1/3.1", Samsung S5K3L6 | 16MP, f/2.2, 1/3.13", Sony IMX471 Exmor RS | Nothing Phone (1) has a slightly better selfie camera with a wider aperture, slightly improved image quality compared to Redmi Note 9T. |
| Portrait Mode (Depth) Camera | 2MP, f/2.4, 1/5", Hynix HI-259 | None | Redmi Note 9T has a dedicated depth sensor to help with portrait mode, but the impact on real life is arguable. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP, f/2.4, 1/5", Hynix HI-259 | None | Redmi Note 9T offers a dedicated macro camera for close-up shots, but image quality might not be great. |
| Wide Angle + Macro | None | 50MP, f/2.2, 1/2.76", Samsung S5KJN1 | Nothing Phone (1) offers ultrawide and macro in one lens, more versatile compared to the dedicated macro on Redmi Note 9T. |
| Video Recording | Up to 4K@30fps | Up to 4K@30fps with HDR, EIS | Nothing Phone (1) offers HDR video recording and EIS for more stable and better video, an advantage over the Redmi Note 9T. |
| Camera Features | Triple camera, Digital stabilization | Dual camera, Optical image stabilization, Ultra stable video, RAW, Night Mode | Nothing Phone (1) provides superior image stabilization, Night mode for low light photography, and RAW capture for better post-processing. |
Battery
| Feature | Xiaomi Redmi Note 9T | Nothing Phone (1) | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 5000 mAh | 4500 mAh | Redmi Note 9T has a larger battery, potentially offering longer battery life. |
| Charging | 18W Fast Charging, Li-Polymer | 33W Fast Charging, Li-Ion | Nothing Phone (1) charges significantly faster, reducing charging times. |
| Features | 22.5W Charger inbox | Reverse charging, Wireless charging (15W), Reverse wireless charging (5W), No charger in the box. | Nothing Phone (1) offers more versatile charging options, including wireless and reverse charging, but no included charger. |
Other
| Feature | Xiaomi Redmi Note 9T | Nothing Phone (1) | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| OS | Android 10 | Android 12, upgradable to 15 | Nothing Phone (1) has a newer OS and will receive updates, meaning newer features and better security |
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) | Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax), MIMO | Nothing Phone (1) offers faster, more reliable Wi-Fi, particularly in busy network environments. |
| Bluetooth | 5.1 LE | 5.2 LE, APT-x, SBC | Nothing Phone (1) has a newer Bluetooth version with support for more codecs that can improve sound quality. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, Galileo, GLONASS (L1) | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo, GPS (L1+L5), Galileo (E1+E5a), NavIC System | Nothing Phone (1) has more satellite support for better location accuracy |
| Storage | 64/128 GB, No expandable | 128/256 GB, No expandable | Nothing Phone (1) has more storage options, beneficial for users who store a lot of media or apps. |
| RAM | 4GB | 8/12GB | Nothing Phone (1) has more RAM, leading to better multitasking and app performance. |
| Audio | Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | Stereo Speakers, 3 microphones | Both have stereo speakers, with Nothing Phone (1) having 3 microphones for improved audio recording and Xiaomi Note 9T having Hi-Res Audio |
| Security | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Basic fingerprint sensor | Both provide fingerprint security; Xiaomi's is side mounted. |
| Build Quality | Gorilla Glass 5 | Gorilla Glass 5 | Both offer similar levels of screen protection. |
| Sensors | Biometric: Fingerprint; Motion: Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope; Proximity: Ultrasonic proximity virtual | Biometric: Fingerprint; Proximity: Proximity; Motion: Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, RGB | Nothing Phone (1) has an additional proximity sensor. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Xiaomi Redmi Note 9T Advantages:
- Larger Battery: Offers longer battery life.
- Included Charger: Comes with a 22.5W charger in the box.
- Hi-Res Audio: Support for high-resolution audio playback.
- Slightly More Advanced Fingerprint Sensor Placement: Side mounted for easier accessibility, according to the provided data.
- Dedicated Portrait and Macro Lenses: May offer more creative flexibility, however, quality is limited.
Nothing Phone (1) Advantages:
- Superior Display: OLED panel with 120Hz refresh rate offers much better color accuracy, contrast, and smoothness.
- Significantly Faster Performance: The Snapdragon 778G+ chipset is much more powerful than the Dimensity 800U, ensuring better app loading and gaming performance.
- Better Camera System: Larger sensors, OIS, and advanced features like Night Mode and RAW capture provide significantly improved photo and video quality.
- Faster Charging: 33W fast charging reduces charging times significantly.
- More Versatile Charging: Includes wireless charging, reverse wireless charging, and reverse charging functionality.
- Newer Software: Ships with a newer version of Android and is slated for more updates.
- Better Connectivity: Supports newer Wi-Fi and Bluetooth standards for faster speeds and more stable connections.
- More Storage and RAM: Available in higher configurations for users who need more space and multitasking capabilities.
- Ultrawide Camera: Ability to take ultrawide photos.
Trade-offs:
- Xiaomi Redmi Note 9T: The trade-off is its significantly lower performance and display quality for a lower price point, if this applies.
- Nothing Phone (1): The trade-off is no included charger and slightly smaller battery capacity compared to Redmi Note 9T, though this is compensated by the much faster charging.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Xiaomi Redmi Note 9T:
- Ideal User: Budget-conscious users who prioritize battery life and don't need high-end performance or display quality.
- Use Cases:
- Everyday tasks like browsing, social media, and calls.
- Users who prioritize battery over screen quality or speed.
- Users who value an included charger in the box.
- Price-to-Value: Good option if purchased at a low price point.
Nothing Phone (1):
- Ideal User: Tech enthusiasts, gamers, and users who value a high-quality display, fast performance, and a good camera system.
- Use Cases:
- Mobile gaming, content creation, and heavy multitasking.
- Users who prioritize good photo and video quality, even in low-light.
- Users who value a smooth, responsive user interface.
- Users who want faster charging and wireless charging capabilities.
- Price-to-Value: Offers significantly better performance and features, although at a higher price point.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- Budget: How important is price, and is the extra cost of the Nothing Phone (1) justifiable for better performance and features?
- Performance Needs: How important is fast performance for apps, games, and multitasking?
- Display Quality: Is the difference between an OLED 120Hz display versus an IPS LCD display significant?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1 (Budget-Focused): If you're primarily concerned about cost and need a reliable phone for basic tasks with long battery life, the Xiaomi Redmi Note 9T may be suitable.
- Scenario 2 (Performance & Quality Focused): If you want a premium experience with a great display, fast performance, and a capable camera, and are willing to pay extra for these features, the Nothing Phone (1) is a better choice.
- Scenario 3 (Battery Prioritized): If battery life is the single most important factor, and all else is less important, the Xiaomi Redmi Note 9T will have slightly better battery capacity, but at the cost of other features.
My Choice
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would choose the Nothing Phone (1). The significant difference in display technology (OLED 120Hz), vastly superior performance of the Snapdragon 778G+ chipset, and the much better camera system with OIS are major factors for me. I value the smoother user experience that a higher refresh rate screen and a faster processor offer and the improved image and video quality from better sensors and features like OIS and HDR make it well worth the extra cost, for me. While the Xiaomi Redmi Note 9T has a slightly larger battery and an included charger, the faster charging on the Nothing Phone (1) and the wireless charging options more than make up for the small battery difference, I think. The trade-off for a slightly smaller battery but better overall experience is one I am willing to make.
