1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Xiaomi Redmi Note 9T | Samsung Galaxy M35 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 161.2 x 77.3 x 9.1 mm | 162.3 x 78.6 x 9.1 mm | M35 is slightly taller and wider; Both have same thickness |
| Weight | 199g | 222g | Note 9T is significantly lighter, more comfortable for extended use |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.53" | 6.6" | Negligible difference; both have large screens for media consumption |
| Resolution | 1080x2340 | 1080x2340 | Identical sharpness; suitable for HD content |
| PPI | 395 | 390 | Similar pixel density; both look sharp |
| Technology | IPS LCD | AMOLED | M35 has superior colors, deeper blacks, better contrast, and improved power efficiency for dark modes |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 120Hz | M35 offers smoother scrolling and animations, making the UI feel more responsive |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Brightness value not specified for either phone, which makes a proper comparison impossible |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Mediatek Dimensity 800U (7 nm) | Exynos 1380 (5 nm) | M35 chipset is more powerful, leading to faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and better gaming performance |
| AnTuTu Score | 343,150 | 578,500 | M35 performs much better in benchmarks; noticeable difference in overall performance |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MC3 | Mali-G68 MP5 | M35 offers better graphics performance suitable for mobile gaming |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Camera Resolution | 48MP | 50MP | M35 has slightly higher resolution for more detailed photos |
| Standard Camera Aperture | f/1.79 | f/1.8 | Note 9T has a slightly wider aperture, which might allow it to capture a bit more light in dark situations |
| Standard Camera Sensor | Samsung S5KGM2 | Sony LYT-600 | M35 features a newer sensor model that is generally superior |
| Standard Camera Pixel Size | 0.80 µm pixel size | 1.00 µm pixel size | M35 has larger pixels which is helpful for capturing more light and better low light performance |
| Selfie Camera Resolution | 13MP | 13MP | Both have the same resolution; suitable for selfies and video calls |
| Selfie Camera Aperture | f/2.25 | f/2.2 | M35 has a slightly wider aperture, which might allow it to capture a bit more light in dark situations |
| Wide Angle Lens | No | 8MP | M35 offers a versatile wide-angle camera for landscape and group photos |
| Portrait Mode | 2MP | No | Note 9T has a dedicated depth sensor for portrait shots |
| Macro Lens | 2MP | 2MP | Both offer macro lens; similar performance for close-up shots |
| Video Recording | Up to 4K@30fps | Up to 4K@30fps with EIS | Both phones can record high-quality 4K video; M35 features EIS for better stability |
| Video Stabilization | No | Yes | M35 offers video stabilization that minimizes shakiness during recording |
| Slow Motion | Yes, 120 fps | Yes, 480 fps | M35 offers enhanced slow motion capability for more dramatic footage |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 6000mAh | M35 has significantly larger battery, expected to last much longer |
| Charging | 18W | 25W | M35 charges faster; less time tethered to the wall |
| Charger Inbox | 22.5W Charger | No charger inbox | Note 9T includes charger in the box while M35 does not |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 10 | Android 14 | M35 has a much newer version of Android which also provides security and feature enhancements |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | Wi-Fi 5 | Wi-Fi 6 | M35 offers faster speeds, lower latency, better performance in crowded networks |
| Bluetooth | 5.1 | 5.3 | M35 has a newer version with better range, stability, and features |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, Galileo, GLONASS (L1) | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo | M35 has more satellite systems for improved location accuracy |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 64 GB or 128 GB | 128 GB or 256 GB | M35 offers more storage options for users that need more space for media and apps |
| RAM | 4 GB | 6 GB or 8 GB | M35 offers more RAM for smoother multitasking |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone offers expandable storage; users must choose appropriate storage |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | M35 offers slightly better audio with spatial sound and more immersive features |
| Security | |||
| Features | side-mounted fingerprint sensor | side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Both use similar basic biometric technology for security |
| Build Quality | |||
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | M35 has superior screen protection, more scratch resistant |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Biometric: Fingerprint; Motion: Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope; Proximity: Ultrasonic proximity virtual | Biometric: Fingerprint; Motion: Accelerometer, Gyroscope; Proximity: Ultrasonic proximity virtual | Both have similar sensor suites; M35 offers additional sensors: Hall, Geomagnetic |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Xiaomi Redmi Note 9T Advantages:
- Lighter Weight: At 199g, it is significantly lighter than the M35, making it more comfortable for prolonged use.
- Included Charger: Comes with a 22.5W charger in the box, saving users an extra purchase.
- Wider Standard Camera Aperture - The slightly wider f/1.79 aperture can mean better performance in low light situations.
- Dedicated Depth Sensor: Includes a dedicated portrait mode sensor, potentially improving the quality of bokeh effect photos.
Samsung Galaxy M35 Advantages:
- Superior Display: AMOLED display offers much better image quality, contrast, and colors compared to the IPS LCD screen of the Note 9T.
- Smoother Refresh Rate: 120Hz refresh rate makes scrolling and animations much more fluid, improving the user experience.
- Faster Performance: Significantly higher AnTuTu score (578,500 vs 343,150) means better responsiveness and performance in gaming and resource-intensive tasks.
- Larger Battery: 6000mAh battery provides considerably longer battery life than the 5000mAh of the Note 9T.
- Faster Charging: 25W fast charging allows for quicker battery top-ups.
- Wide-Angle Lens: Includes a wide-angle lens for more versatile photography.
- Better Video Features - Features video stabilization, enhanced slow-motion, and OIS
- Newer Android OS: Runs on Android 14, compared to Android 10 on the Note 9T; access to the latest features and security updates.
- More Connectivity Options: Supports Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.3 for faster and more stable wireless connections.
- Superior Screen Protection - Features Gorilla Glass Victus which offers better protection than the Gorilla Glass 5 on the Note 9T.
- More RAM and Storage - Samsung device offers configurations up to 8GB of RAM and 256GB of storage.
- Enhanced Audio Quality - Supports Dolby Atmos for an immersive audio experience
Trade-offs:
- The Redmi Note 9T offers a slightly better starting price, is lighter, and includes a charger. However, the Galaxy M35 provides a much better overall user experience in terms of display, performance, and battery, but is larger, heavier, and does not come with a charger. The lack of an included charger is an extra cost to be considered.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Xiaomi Redmi Note 9T Ideal User:
- Budget-Conscious Users: Those who prioritize affordability and need a functional phone with 5G connectivity.
- Basic Use Case Users: Suitable for users with light usage patterns, focusing on calls, messages, and basic social media.
- Users who prefer a more compact phone: Users who dislike bulky or heavy smartphones will benefit from this device.
- Users who prefer a phone with a charger included in the box.
Use Cases:
- Basic web browsing and social media consumption.
- Standard photography needs for day-to-day life.
- Making calls and managing emails
- Users that like phones that fit in their pockets easily.
Samsung Galaxy M35 Ideal User:
- Performance Seekers: Users who need a fast and responsive phone for gaming, multitasking, and other intensive applications.
- Media Consumers: Those who prioritize a vibrant, high-quality display for watching videos and enjoying content.
- Photography Enthusiasts: Users that appreciate a versatile camera system with wide-angle lens for capturing diverse shots.
- Battery Life Prioritizers: Users who need their phones to last through a full day of heavy usage without needing to charge.
- Tech-Savvy Users: Individuals who need the latest connectivity options and software features.
Use Cases:
- Gaming on the go with smooth graphics and responsive controls.
- Watching high-resolution videos with excellent image quality.
- Taking high-quality photos and videos, including wide-angle shots.
- Using the device throughout the day without worrying about the battery.
- Multitasking between various apps.
- Users that want a device with the latest OS and security features.
Price-to-Value Ratio:
- The Xiaomi Redmi Note 9T offers a good value for users on a tight budget who need a basic smartphone.
- The Samsung Galaxy M35 justifies its price with a significant jump in performance, display, battery, camera capabilities and overall user experience, making it a better long-term investment for a wide range of users.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- What is my budget? If affordability is the primary concern, the Note 9T might be more attractive. If one is willing to invest more for a better experience, the M35 is preferable.
- How do I use my phone? For basic tasks, the Note 9T suffices; for demanding tasks and media consumption, the M35 is superior.
- What features are most important to me? If a lightweight phone with an included charger is important, the Note 9T is better; if display quality, performance, and battery life are critical, the M35 is preferable.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Budget-constrained, basic use: Choose the Xiaomi Redmi Note 9T. It covers the basics well and comes with a charger.
- Scenario 2: Multimedia consumption and gaming: Choose the Samsung Galaxy M35. Its superior display, performance, and battery will provide a much better experience.
- Scenario 3: Photography and videography: Choose the Samsung Galaxy M35. The wide-angle lens, video stabilization, and the updated camera sensor offer more versatility.
- Scenario 4: All-day battery life and performance: Choose the Samsung Galaxy M35 The M35 provides better battery life and better performance across the board.
- Scenario 5: Lighter and more portable smartphone with included charger: Choose the Xiaomi Redmi Note 9T.
My Choice
If I were choosing, I would select the Samsung Galaxy M35. While the Xiaomi Redmi Note 9T has its merits with the included charger, the M35 provides a vastly superior user experience that outweighs the initial cost difference. The AMOLED display is a significant improvement, offering better visual quality, which is especially important for media consumption and gaming. The improved processing power makes the device more responsive and capable of handling demanding tasks without lag. The larger battery provides significantly better battery life, ensuring that I do not have to worry about charging throughout the day. The enhanced camera system with video stabilization and a wide-angle lens adds further flexibility to photo and video creation. Overall, the Samsung Galaxy M35 offers a more advanced and future-proof smartphone that delivers an enhanced user experience in nearly all aspects. The lack of a charger is unfortunate but does not outweigh the positives in this case.
