Smartphone Comparison: Xiaomi Redmi Note 9T vs. Samsung Galaxy S24 FE
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Xiaomi Redmi Note 9T | Samsung Galaxy S24 FE | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Launch Date | 2021-01-18 | 2024-10-03 | The S24 FE is much newer, meaning potentially longer software support and newer technology. |
| Dimensions | 161.2 x 77.3 x 9.1 mm | 162 x 77.3 x 8 mm | The S24 FE is slightly taller and thinner; Note 9T is slightly more bulky. |
| Weight | 199g | 213g | Note 9T feels slightly lighter in hand, less fatiguing for extended use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.53" | 6.7" | S24 FE has a slightly larger display, offering a more immersive viewing experience. |
| Resolution | 1080x2340 | 1080x2340 | Both offer the same sharpness at FHD+ resolution. |
| PPI | 395 | 385 | Both have similar pixel density, providing clear text and images. |
| Technology | IPS LCD | AMOLED | S24 FE's AMOLED provides deeper blacks, higher contrast, and more vibrant colours. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 120Hz | S24 FE screen is significantly smoother in scrolling and animation, making the experience much more fluid. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 1900 nits | S24 FE offers dramatically better outdoor visibility, crucial for viewing in direct sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Mediatek Dimensity 800U (7 nm) | Exynos 2400e (4 nm) | S24 FE has a much more powerful and efficient processor, enabling faster apps and smoother multitasking. |
| AnTuTu Score | 343,150 | 1,600,000 | S24 FE has vastly superior performance, making it significantly faster and more capable in demanding tasks. |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MC3 | Xclipse 940 | S24 FE's GPU enables significantly better gaming performance, with higher frame rates. |
| RAM | 4GB | 8GB | S24 FE's extra RAM makes multitasking and switching between apps much smoother. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 48MP, f/1.79, 1/2", Samsung S5KGM2, 0.80µm | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/1.57", Samsung GN3, 1.00µm | S24 FE has a slightly higher resolution, larger sensor, and larger pixel size which equates to improved low light performance and better dynamic range. |
| Selfie Camera | 13MP, f/2.25, 1/3.1", Samsung S5K3L6, 1.12µm | 10.8MP, f/2.4, 1/2.65", Samsung S5K3J1, 1.22µm | Xiaomi has more resolution but the S24 FE has larger sensor and slightly larger pixel sizes for better low light performance. |
| Telephoto Lens | None | 8MP, f/2.4, 1/4.4", Omnivision OV08A10, 1.00µm | S24 FE has a dedicated telephoto lens for optical zoom capabilities. |
| Wide Angle Lens | None | 13MP, f/2.2, 1/3.1", Samsung S5K3L6, 1.12µm | S24 FE has an ultrawide lens, which the Redmi does not have. |
| Portrait Mode | 2MP, f/2.4, 1/5", Hynix HI-259, 1.75µm | None | Redmi Note 9T has a depth sensor for portrait mode. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP, f/2.4, 1/5", Hynix HI-259, 1.75µm | None | Redmi Note 9T offers a dedicated macro lens. |
| Video | Up to 4K@30fps | Up to 8K@30fps, 4K@120fps | S24 FE records much higher quality and higher framerate video with features like super slow-motion. |
| DxoMark | Not Tested | Mobile Score 133 | S24 FE has a good camera score for general photography and videography |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 4700mAh | Note 9T has a slightly larger battery but S24 FE has improved efficiency. |
| Charging | 18W Fast Charging | 25W Fast Charging | S24 FE charges noticeably faster, reducing downtime. |
| Charging Features | 22.5W charger inbox | Bypass Charging, Reverse Charging, 15W Wireless | S24 FE offers more versatile charging capabilities while the Redmi has the charger inbox. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 10 | Android 14 | S24 FE has a significantly newer OS with more features and potentially longer support. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | Up to 802.11ac | Up to WiFi 6E | S24 FE has better wifi standard for faster and more reliable connections. |
| Bluetooth | 5.1 | 5.3 | S24 FE has a newer Bluetooth version with slightly better performance. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, Galileo, GLONASS (L1) | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo, GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (L1), Galileo (E1+E5a), NavIC System | S24 FE has more GNSS support offering more accurate location tracking. |
| SIM | Dual SIM Dual Standby (Nano SIM + Nano SIM) | Dual SIM Dual Standby (Nano SIM / eSIM + Nano SIM / eSIM) | S24 FE offers flexibility with eSIM, enabling digital SIM switching. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 64GB or 128GB | 128GB, 256GB or 512GB | S24 FE provides more internal storage for photos, videos and apps. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone offers external storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | Noise cancellation microphone, Stereo Speakers | S24 FE has a noise cancelling mic, while the Note 9T has hi-res audio, but both offer stereo speakers. |
| Security | |||
| Features | side-mounted fingerprint sensor | basic fingerprint sensor | Note 9T offers a side-mounted fingerprint scanner. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus+ | S24 FE offers superior screen protection for durability. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Biometric: Fingerprint; Motion: Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope; Proximity: Ultrasonic proximity virtual | Motion: Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope; Environmental: Barometer; Proximity: Ultrasonic proximity virtual; Hall, Geomagnetic | S24 FE has more environmental sensors, while Note 9T has biometric sensor. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Xiaomi Redmi Note 9T Advantages:
- Slightly Lighter: At 199g, it’s more comfortable for extended use.
- Larger Battery Capacity: A slightly larger battery capacity (5000 mAh vs 4700 mAh) may result in marginally longer battery life, but this is dependent on usage.
- Included Charger: Comes with a 22.5W charger in the box.
- Dedicated Macro and Depth Sensors: Offers a 2MP macro and 2MP portrait lens, which the Samsung S24 FE omits.
- Side-mounted fingerprint sensor: May be preferable for some users over the basic sensor on the Samsung.
- Hi-Res Audio: Has Hi-Res Audio support for high quality audio experiences.
Samsung Galaxy S24 FE Advantages:
- Significantly More Powerful Chipset: The Exynos 2400e provides dramatically better performance (366% higher AnTuTu score), leading to faster apps, smoother multitasking and more capable gaming.
- Superior Display: The AMOLED screen with a 120Hz refresh rate is much more vibrant, smooth, and has better outdoor visibility.
- Larger Screen: Provides an immersive viewing experience with its slightly larger display.
- Much Faster Charging: 25W charging means less time tethered to an outlet.
- Versatile Charging: Offers wireless, reverse and bypass charging.
- Advanced Camera System: Better main sensor, dedicated telephoto, and ultrawide lens, along with superior video recording capabilities.
- Newer OS: Android 14, providing a modern and feature-rich experience with longer software support.
- More Storage Options: Up to 512GB of internal storage available.
- Better Connectivity: Includes faster WiFi standards and wider GPS capabilities.
- eSIM Support: Enables dual SIM use with an eSIM option.
- Superior Build Quality: Enhanced screen protection from Corning Gorilla Glass Victus+ and additional environmental sensors.
- Noise Cancellation Microphone: Improves audio when recording and talking on the phone.
Trade-offs:
- The Note 9T has a slightly larger battery, but the S24 FE compensates with a much more efficient chipset.
- The Note 9T includes macro/depth sensors but S24 FE has telephoto and ultrawide lenses.
- S24 FE has better build quality, and modern features such as 8K recording, wireless charging, and better cameras, making it the winner in most categories.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Xiaomi Redmi Note 9T Ideal User:
- Budget-Conscious Users: Looking for a reliable phone without spending too much.
- Users with basic needs: Users who need a phone for daily use and some social media who are not heavy users.
- Users who prioritize battery life: Those who value a marginally longer lasting battery and do not mind slightly longer charging.
- Those who prefer physical fingerprint sensors: Some users may prefer the familiarity of a side-mounted fingerprint sensor.
Use Cases:
- Daily communication (calls, texts, emails).
- Social media browsing.
- Basic photography.
- Casual gaming.
- Media Consumption
Samsung Galaxy S24 FE Ideal User:
- Performance Seekers: Users who need a fast and smooth experience for demanding tasks.
- Photography Enthusiasts: Those who want a versatile camera system with zoom capabilities.
- Multimedia Consumers: Users who want a vibrant display with high refresh rates for immersive viewing.
- Gamers: Those who require good gaming performance.
- Tech Enthusiasts: Those who appreciate the latest features, more storage, and connectivity standards.
Use Cases:
- High-end gaming.
- Professional photography/videography.
- Demanding productivity tasks (video editing, multitasking).
- Immersive video/movie watching.
- Frequent traveler who wants a phone that can work with different SIM cards
- Users who value better connectivity.
Price-to-Value Ratio:
The Xiaomi Redmi Note 9T offers a lower entry price, providing basic smartphone functionality at a budget-friendly cost. However, the Samsung Galaxy S24 FE, while likely more expensive, provides far superior performance, display quality, camera capabilities, and future-proofing, making it a better value for most users who want a higher-end experience.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- What is my budget? The Redmi Note 9T is likely cheaper but you will get what you pay for, whereas the S24 FE provides better performance at a higher cost.
- How important is performance? If high performance, smooth multitasking, and gaming are vital, the S24 FE is the better choice.
- How important is display quality and camera capabilities? The S24 FE has a much better screen and significantly better camera capabilities.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Budget Conscious Basic User: Choose the Xiaomi Redmi Note 9T if you prioritize the lowest possible cost and simple functionality.
- Scenario 2: Performance Enthusiast/Gamer: Choose the Samsung Galaxy S24 FE for its powerful chipset, superior display, and camera.
- Scenario 3: Versatile, future-proof device user: Choose the Samsung Galaxy S24 FE for its superior technology in all areas except for the slightly smaller battery.
- Scenario 4: Photography/Videography Focus: Choose the Samsung Galaxy S24 FE due to its dedicated lenses, higher resolution recording, and better overall camera.
My Choice
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would choose the Samsung Galaxy S24 FE. While the Xiaomi Redmi Note 9T is a decent budget device, the S24 FE offers a drastically superior experience in almost every key area, and has much better future-proofing.
The significantly better chipset of the S24 FE ensures smoother performance, faster app loading times, and superior gaming. The AMOLED display is a huge upgrade, making content consumption much more enjoyable. Additionally, the versatile camera system, with its telephoto and ultrawide lenses, is far more capable than the Redmi Note 9T's camera setup. Features such as 8K video recording and wireless charging add to the overall superior package.
While the initial cost of the S24 FE will be higher, the long term value and experience would be worth the investment for me. The Redmi Note 9T is a perfectly adequate budget device, but if performance and camera are what I'm looking for, it would not make sense to purchase the Redmi.
