Smartphone Comparison: Xiaomi Redmi Note 9T vs. Samsung Galaxy Z Fold4
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Xiaomi Redmi Note 9T | Samsung Galaxy Z Fold4 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Launch Date | 2021-01-18 | 2022-08-25 | Galaxy Z Fold4 is significantly newer, benefiting from newer tech and software. |
| Form Factor | Standard | Foldable | Z Fold4 offers a unique large screen experience when unfolded. Note 9T is a typical smartphone. |
| Dimensions | 161.2 × 77.3 × 9.1 mm | 155.1 × 130.1 × 6.3 mm | Note 9T is taller and thicker; Z Fold4 is wider when unfolded, more pocketable when folded. Z Fold4 is significantly larger and bulkier when unfolded. |
| Weight | 199g | 263g | Note 9T is noticeably lighter, more comfortable for one-handed use. Z Fold4 is heavier, more substantial. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.53" | 7.6" | Z Fold4 provides a larger display for immersive viewing, gaming, and multitasking when unfolded. Note 9T is smaller and more typical. |
| Resolution | 1080x2340 | 1812x2176 | Z Fold4 has higher resolution leading to sharper and more detailed visuals. |
| PPI | 395 | 373 | Note 9T has slightly higher pixel density, but the difference is likely imperceptible to most users. |
| Technology | IPS LCD | Display Technology Unspecified | Note 9T has an LCD, while the Z Fold4 has an unspecified technology that is likely an AMOLED. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 120Hz | Z Fold4 offers smoother scrolling and animations, a more fluid user experience. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Peak brightness is identical, however this value is likely an error. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Mediatek Dimensity 800U (7 nm) | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 (4 nm) | Z Fold4 has a much more powerful and energy-efficient chipset resulting in faster app loading, better gaming performance, and smoother multitasking. |
| Antutu Score | 343,150 | 1,232,800 | Z Fold4 has significantly higher performance, making it more future-proof. |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MC3 | Adreno 730 | Z Fold4 has a much more capable GPU, translating to better graphics performance in games and applications. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 4400mAh | Note 9T has a larger battery, likely offering better battery life. |
| Charging | 18W Fast Charging | 25W Fast Charging | Z Fold4 charges faster, reducing time spent plugged in. |
| Features | 22.5W Charger Inbox | Bypass Charging, Wireless Charging, Reverse Charging | Z Fold4 provides more flexible charging options, including wireless and reverse wireless charging, and the bypass charging allows to use the device for longer when charging. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 48MP, f/1.79, 1/2" | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/1.57" | Z Fold4 has a larger sensor, leading to better low-light performance; also has a slightly higher resolution. |
| Selfie Camera | 13MP, f/2.25, 1/3.1" | 10MP, f/2.2, 1/3.2" | Note 9T has a higher resolution, Z Fold4 has a slightly wider aperture. |
| Telephoto Lens | None | 10MP, f/2.4 | Z Fold4 has an additional telephoto lens for optical zoom. |
| Wide Angle Lens | None | 13MP, f/2.2 | Z Fold4 includes a dedicated wide-angle camera for more flexible shooting. |
| Portrait/Depth | 2MP, f/2.4 | None | Redmi Note 9T has a dedicated depth sensor. This feature will produce photos with a better bokeh. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP, f/2.4 | None | Redmi Note 9T includes a macro lens for detailed close-up shots. |
| Video | Up to 4K@30fps | Up to 8K@24fps | Z Fold4 can record higher resolution videos, more versatile video shooting capabilities, including 1080p at 240fps. |
| DXOMark | N/A | Mobile: 124, Photo: 131, Video: 122 | Z Fold4 has a tested camera with high scores, implying good image and video quality. Note 9T does not have a DXOMark score. |
| Features | Basic Camera Features | More Advanced Camera Features | Z Fold4 has more advanced features, including optical zoom, OIS, and RAW capture. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 10 | Android 12 | Z Fold4 comes with a newer OS version, potentially having more features and longer software support. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | 802.11ac | Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) | Z Fold4 supports the latest Wi-Fi standard, ensuring faster speeds and better performance. |
| Bluetooth | 5.1 | 5.2 | Z Fold4 supports the latest Bluetooth standard, with wider range and more features. |
| GPS | Basic GPS Capabilities | GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS, BeiDou, Galileo | Z Fold4 has more comprehensive GPS for better location accuracy. |
| SIM | Dual Nano-SIM | Dual SIM (Nano SIM + eSIM) | Z Fold4 supports eSIM, offering more flexibility with carrier management. Note 9T supports the use of 2 physical SIMs simultaneously. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 64 GB or 128 GB | 256 GB, 512 GB, or 1024 GB | Z Fold4 provides significantly more storage options for media, apps, and files. |
| RAM | 4 GB | 12 GB | Z Fold4 has much more RAM, allowing for smoother multitasking and better app performance. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone supports external storage expansion. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers | Both offer stereo speakers, but Z Fold4 has Dolby Atmos for more immersive sound, while Note 9T offers Hi-Res Audio. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Side-mounted Fingerprint Sensor | Side-mounted Fingerprint Sensor | Both have fingerprint sensors for basic biometric security. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus+ | Z Fold4 has the latest and strongest screen protection, offering enhanced durability. |
| Sensors | |||
| Features | Fingerprint, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Ultrasonic Proximity Virtual | Fingerprint, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Proximity, Barometer, Gravity, Hall, Geomagnetic | Z Fold4 has more sensors, including barometer and Hall sensor, adding additional functionality, and providing more accurate sensor data. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Xiaomi Redmi Note 9T Advantages:
- Lower Price: Significantly more affordable, making it a budget-friendly option.
- Lighter Weight: More comfortable for prolonged use and one-handed operation.
- Larger Battery: Offers a larger battery capacity, which typically translates to longer battery life.
- Headphone Jack: Likely has a 3.5mm headphone jack (not explicitly stated, but common for this class), offering greater audio connectivity flexibility.
- Dedicated Depth & Macro Camera: Includes a depth and macro lens, offering additional shooting capabilities.
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold4 Advantages:
- Foldable Design: Unique form factor, providing a large, immersive display.
- Superior Performance: Much more powerful chipset and GPU for demanding tasks and gaming.
- Higher Resolution Display: Sharper and more detailed visuals due to higher resolution.
- Smoother Display: 120Hz refresh rate provides much smoother scrolling and animations.
- More Advanced Camera System: Better sensors, additional telephoto and wide-angle lenses, plus advanced video features.
- More Storage and RAM: Significantly more internal storage and RAM for demanding users and multitasking.
- Newer Software: Comes with a newer version of Android and longer software support.
- Wireless and Reverse Charging: More flexible charging options, including reverse wireless for other devices.
- Better Screen Protection: Utilizes the latest Gorilla Glass for better durability.
- eSIM Support: Provides flexibility in managing carrier subscriptions.
- Dolby Atmos: Superior audio quality for more immersive sound.
- More Advanced Connectivity: Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.2, more comprehensive GPS capabilities.
Trade-offs:
- Redmi Note 9T: Trades performance and advanced features for affordability and better battery life.
- Galaxy Z Fold4: Trades portability and battery life for a premium foldable design, top-tier performance, and a much more capable camera system.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Xiaomi Redmi Note 9T:
- Ideal User: Budget-conscious consumers, those who prioritize battery life and basic smartphone functionality, users who don't need high-end performance.
- Use Cases: Daily communications, social media, browsing, media consumption, light gaming.
- Price-to-Value: Excellent value for those on a tight budget.
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold4:
- Ideal User: Tech enthusiasts, power users, professionals needing multitasking, gamers, users who prioritize a large screen and top-tier performance.
- Use Cases: Heavy multitasking, professional use cases (e.g., document editing, presentations), gaming, multimedia consumption, enhanced productivity due to the larger screen.
- Price-to-Value: High price, but provides a premium, feature-rich experience.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- Budget: How much are you willing to spend on a smartphone? The Redmi Note 9T is much cheaper.
- Primary Use Case: Will you use it for basic tasks, or do you need high performance and a large display? The Z Fold4 excels in performance and provides a unique experience.
- Portability: Do you prioritize a lightweight phone, or are you okay with a larger, heavier device? The Redmi Note 9T is smaller and lighter.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1 (Budget Conscious): If budget is the biggest constraint, the Redmi Note 9T is a solid choice, offering good value for the price.
- Scenario 2 (Basic User): If you need a reliable smartphone for daily use, the Redmi Note 9T is likely sufficient.
- Scenario 3 (Power User): If you need high performance, multitasking capabilities, and a cutting-edge device, the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold4 is the better choice, despite the high price.
- Scenario 4 (Multimedia Consumption): If you consume video and multimedia often, the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold4 is going to provide a more immersive experience due to the larger screen and better audio.
- Scenario 5 (Photography): If you are interested in photography, then the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold4 is the better device for more versatile and better quality images.
My Choice and Explanation
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would select the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold4. Here's why:
Despite the considerably higher price, the Z Fold4 offers a superior experience in almost every aspect that matters to me personally. I value high performance, a smooth display, and versatility in a smartphone. The Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 chipset ensures that the device will handle heavy multitasking and demanding apps without breaking a sweat. The 120Hz display will make scrolling and animations much smoother and more enjoyable for extended use. The unique foldable form factor is also a big draw, as the larger screen has many practical use cases such as reading, multitasking, and watching media.
The camera system on the Z Fold4 is also much more comprehensive and of better quality, with a variety of lenses to make more versatile images, and advanced video recording functionality. While the Redmi Note 9T might offer better battery life, the Z Fold4’s fast charging and additional features like wireless charging and bypass charging mitigate this concern. In addition, The build quality and extra features such as Dolby Atmos, more comprehensive GPS and eSIM make the Z Fold4 a more future-proof device.
While the Redmi Note 9T would be the more rational choice for someone on a tight budget, my personal preference leans towards the feature-rich and high-performance offered by the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold4. The Z Fold4 might have its compromises in weight and thickness, but the premium experience it offers is something that I value more.
