Smartphone Comparison: Xiaomi Redmi Note 9T vs. vivo X100
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Xiaomi Redmi Note 9T | vivo X100 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 161.2 × 77.3 × 9.1 mm | 164.1 × 75.2 × 8.5 mm | Redmi Note 9T is wider and thicker, while the X100 is taller. The Note 9T feels bulkier, while the X100 is slightly more pocketable, though both are similarly weighted. |
| Weight | 199g | 202g | Virtually the same weight; no significant difference in hand feel due to weight. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.53" | 6.78" | The vivo X100 provides a slightly larger viewing area, better for media consumption and multitasking. |
| Resolution | 1080x2340 | 1260x2800 | The vivo X100 has a much sharper display. Text and images appear clearer and more detailed. |
| Pixel Density (PPI) | 395 | 452 | The vivo X100 display is noticeably sharper, with finer details visible, reducing pixelation and improving the overall visual experience. |
| Technology | IPS LCD | AMOLED | AMOLED on the vivo X100 provides deeper blacks, superior contrast, more vibrant colors, and better power efficiency, especially with dark themes enabled. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 120Hz | The vivo X100 offers much smoother scrolling and animations, making the user interface and gaming experience significantly more fluid. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 3000 nits | The vivo X100 is significantly brighter and much easier to view outdoors in bright sunlight. The Redmi Note 9T's brightness is not listed so it's presumed it's much less than the X100 |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Mediatek Dimensity 800U (7 nm) | Mediatek Dimensity 9300 (4 nm) | The vivo X100's newer chipset is significantly more powerful. Apps load faster, multitasking is smoother, and overall performance is greatly enhanced. |
| AnTuTu Score | 343,150 | 1,881,325 | The vivo X100 scores almost 5.5x times higher on benchmarks, indicating a huge performance difference, especially noticeable in demanding apps or games. |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MC3 | Immortalis-G720 MC12 | The vivo X100's GPU is considerably more powerful, offering much smoother graphics performance in games and graphics-intensive applications. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 48MP, f/1.79, 1/2", 0.8µm | 50MP, f/1.57, 1/1.31", 1.2µm | The vivo X100's main camera has a wider aperture, larger sensor, and larger pixel size, resulting in better low-light performance, wider dynamic range, and overall superior image quality. |
| Selfie Camera | 13MP, f/2.25, 1/3.1", 1.12µm | 32MP, f/2.0, 1/2.8", 0.8µm | The vivo X100's selfie camera offers higher resolution and a wider aperture, capturing sharper and brighter selfies, even in low-light conditions. |
| Telephoto Lens | No | 64MP, f/2.6, 1/2", 0.7µm | The vivo X100 has a dedicated telephoto lens for optical zoom, allowing for clearer zoom shots compared to digital zoom on the Redmi Note 9T. |
| Wide Angle Lens | No | 50MP, f/2.0, 1/2.76", 0.64µm | The vivo X100 has a dedicated ultrawide lens to capture expansive landscapes and group shots. |
| Depth/Macro Lens | 2MP, f/2.4, 1/5", 1.75µm(both) | No | Redmi Note 9T has a dedicated depth and macro lens, allowing for better portrait and close-up shots, while the vivo X100 prioritizes telephoto and ultrawide. |
| Video | Up to 4K@30fps | Up to 4K | The Xiaomi supports recording at up to 4k at 30 fps. The vivo X100 doesn't state the fps, and only states up to 4K; Both have slow motion, with the X100 up to 960 fps compared to 120 fps |
| Stabilisation | Digital | Digital, OIS, Gimbal | The vivo X100 has more effective image stabilisation capabilities using OIS and a Gimbal mode, giving less shaky videos and clearer photos in low-light. |
| Camera Features | Limited | Extensive | The vivo X100 has more advanced features like cinematic mode, RAW capture, and better autofocus, providing more creative control for photography enthusiasts. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both have similar battery capacity, offering comparable battery life for typical usage, however, screen brightness and chipset efficiency can affect this. |
| Charging | 18W Fast Charging | 120W Fast Charging | The vivo X100 charges much faster, allowing for significantly less time plugged into the power outlet. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 10 | Android 14 | The vivo X100 has a much newer version of Android, providing access to the latest features, security patches, and potential performance enhancements. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 5 | Wi-Fi 7 | The vivo X100 supports the latest Wi-Fi 7 standard, for faster internet speeds, better network performance and lower latency. |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.1 | Bluetooth 5.4 | The vivo X100 has a newer Bluetooth version with better power efficiency and data transfer. |
| GPS | L1 | L1+L5/Multiple systems | vivo X100 has support for more GPS systems for much higher accuracy. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 64GB or 128GB | 256GB/512GB/1TB | The vivo X100 has significantly more internal storage capacity, more space for media, apps, and documents. |
| RAM | 4GB | 12GB or 16GB | The vivo X100 has much more RAM for smoother multitasking and improved performance in demanding apps and games. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone supports expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Audio Quality | Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | The vivo X100 has Dolby Atmos for improved spatial sound, providing a slightly better audio experience with compatible content. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Side-mounted Fingerprint | Basic fingerprint sensor | The Xiaomi Redmi Note 9T has a side mounted fingerprint sensor, offering potentially easier access, although basic, both provide security. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | Unknown | The Xiaomi Redmi Note 9T has known screen protection through Corning Gorilla Glass 5, which is an advantage. |
| Sensors | |||
| Features | Ultrasonic proximity virtual | Proximity, Gravity | The Xiaomi Redmi Note 9T has an Ultrasonic proximity virtual while the vivo X100 uses a standard proximity sensor, and the vivo X100 has a gravity sensor that the Xiaomi does not. Both are comprehensive. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Xiaomi Redmi Note 9T Advantages:
- Lower Cost: The Redmi Note 9T is an older, budget-friendly device, generally more affordable.
- Known Screen Protection: Corning Gorilla Glass 5 provides some protection against scratches and minor impacts.
- Dedicated Macro and Depth Lens: Has dedicated macro and depth sensors.
vivo X100 Advantages:
- Superior Performance: The Dimensity 9300 chipset offers vastly superior performance for all tasks.
- Significantly Better Display: AMOLED panel with higher resolution, refresh rate, and brightness.
- Advanced Camera System: Larger sensors, wider apertures, telephoto lens, and more features provide better image quality and versatility.
- Much Faster Charging: 120W fast charging allows for quick battery top-ups.
- More RAM and Storage: Significantly more RAM and internal storage.
- Newer Software and Connectivity: Latest Android version and faster Wi-Fi and Bluetooth versions.
- Better Audio: Dolby Atmos enhances the audio experience.
Significant Trade-offs:
- Cost: The vivo X100 is a premium phone that will come with a significantly higher price tag.
- Macro and depth: The vivo X100 sacrifices dedicated macro and depth sensors in favor of a telephoto and ultrawide lens.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Xiaomi Redmi Note 9T Ideal User:
- Budget-Conscious Users: Those looking for an affordable smartphone for basic tasks.
- Users with Basic Needs: Casual users who mainly browse the web, social media, and make calls.
- Users who need a dedicated Macro or Depth lens: If these features are important, this phone offers this at a lower cost.
Use Cases:
- Daily browsing, calls, and texting.
- Basic photo capture in decent lighting conditions.
- Users who need a lower cost device for daily use.
vivo X100 Ideal User:
- Performance Enthusiasts: Users who need a powerful phone for gaming, multitasking, and demanding apps.
- Photography Lovers: Those who value high-quality images and video, especially in low-light conditions.
- Media Consumers: Users who enjoy high-resolution videos and a more immersive display.
- Users Seeking Future-Proof Technology: Those who want the latest features and fastest performance.
- Users who need a telephoto and ultrawide lens: Those that need these features will benefit from it's camera system.
Use Cases:
- Mobile gaming and graphic-intensive apps.
- High-quality photography and videography, especially in low-light situations.
- Viewing high-resolution content.
- Users who prioritize performance and a premium user experience.
- Long-term usage with the latest features and software support.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- What is your budget? The Redmi Note 9T is a budget option, while the vivo X100 is a premium device.
- What are your performance needs? Do you need a phone for basic tasks or demanding applications?
- How important is camera quality? Do you need high-quality photos and videos, especially in low light?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Budget User: If your budget is tight and you need a basic phone for everyday use, the Xiaomi Redmi Note 9T is sufficient.
- Performance-Oriented User: If you need a phone for gaming, demanding apps, and want the best display and performance, the vivo X100 is the clear choice.
- Photography Enthusiast: If camera quality is a priority, the vivo X100 will provide superior photos and videos.
- Balanced User: If you are in the middle, it depends on if you prioritise a lower cost, or higher performance, in all other areas the vivo X100 is a clear winner.
My Choice
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would choose the vivo X100. The difference in performance between the two phones is massive, this means it would not only be able to perform tasks faster and more efficiently, it would be future proof for years to come, and I would have a much more premium experience. Although the cost is much higher, the improved display, significantly more powerful camera system, much faster charging, and better overall performance of the X100 justify the extra cost in my view. The advantages of having a better display and more powerful chipset would be worth it for the long term, and I tend to prioritise camera performance for my everyday usage.
