1. Specifications Comparison
Design
| Feature | Xiaomi Redmi Note 9T | Xiaomi Poco M4 Pro 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 161.2 × 77.3 × 9.1 mm | 163.6 × 75.8 × 8.8 mm | Poco M4 Pro 5G is slightly taller and thinner, while Redmi Note 9T is a bit wider and thicker. The difference is minimal in everyday use. |
| Weight | 199g | 195g | Both have very similar weight, making them feel comparable in hand. |
Display
| Feature | Xiaomi Redmi Note 9T | Xiaomi Poco M4 Pro 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 6.53" | 6.6" | Very similar viewing area with a negligible 0.07" difference. |
| Resolution | 1080x2340 | 1080x2400 | Both offer sharp and detailed visuals for daily usage. Minor difference is hardly noticeable. |
| PPI | 395 | 399 | Both have similar pixel densities resulting in similar sharpness. |
| Technology | IPS LCD | IPS LCD | Both use the same display technology providing similar color reproduction and viewing angles. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 90Hz | Poco M4 Pro 5G provides smoother scrolling and animations resulting in a more responsive feel, particularly noticeable while gaming or navigating the UI. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Both phones have unknown brightness, making comparison not possible. |
Performance
| Feature | Xiaomi Redmi Note 9T | Xiaomi Poco M4 Pro 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Mediatek Dimensity 800U (7 nm) | Mediatek Dimensity 810 (6 nm) | Poco M4 Pro 5G's newer 6nm chipset provides better efficiency and performance, allowing for smoother app switching and faster load times in demanding apps. |
| AnTuTu Score | 343,150 | 438,700 | Poco M4 Pro 5G scores significantly higher indicating better overall performance for gaming and other demanding tasks. |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MC3 | Mali-G57 MC2 | Redmi Note 9T has a slightly more powerful GPU, but the difference is minor. |
Camera
| Feature | Xiaomi Redmi Note 9T | Xiaomi Poco M4 Pro 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main Camera Resolution | 48MP | 50MP | Poco M4 Pro 5G captures slightly more detailed images in well-lit environments due to the higher megapixel count. |
| Main Camera Aperture | f/1.79 | f/1.8 | Redmi Note 9T's wider aperture slightly helps with low-light performance, enabling it to capture slightly brighter images |
| Main Camera Sensor Size | 1/2" | 1/2.76" | Redmi Note 9T's larger sensor captures more light potentially improving overall image quality. |
| Main Camera Sensor Model | Samsung S5KGM2 | Samsung S5KJN1 | Different sensor models; performance varies. |
| Main Camera Pixel Size | 0.80 µm pixel size | 0.64 µm pixel size | Redmi Note 9T has larger pixel size, potentially better in low light. |
| Selfie Camera Resolution | 13MP | 16MP | Poco M4 Pro 5G captures slightly more detailed selfies with better clarity. |
| Selfie Camera Aperture | f/2.25 | f/2.45 | Redmi Note 9T's wider aperture may allow for slightly better low-light selfies. |
| Selfie Camera Sensor Size | 1/3.1" | 1/3.06" | Poco M4 Pro 5G has a slightly larger sensor for the selfie camera. |
| Selfie Camera Sensor Model | Samsung S5K3L6 | Omnivision OV16A10 | Different sensor models; performance varies. |
| Selfie Camera Pixel Size | 1.12 µm pixel size | 1.00 µm pixel size | Redmi Note 9T has slightly larger pixel size, potentially better in low light. |
| Wide Angle Lens | No | 8MP, f/2.2, 1/2.8", Sony IMX355, 1.14 µm | Poco M4 Pro 5G has a wide-angle lens allowing for capturing more of a scene, more flexible photography. |
| Portrait Mode | 2MP depth sensor | No | Redmi Note 9T has a dedicated depth sensor to enhance portrait mode with a more natural blur effect. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP macro lens | No | Redmi Note 9T allows for close-up photography with its dedicated macro lens. |
| Video Recording | 4K@30fps, 1080p@60fps | 1080p@60fps | Redmi Note 9T supports 4K recording offering higher quality video for detailed footage. |
| Video Stabilization | Digital Image Stabilization | Digital Image Stabilization, Ultra stable video | Poco M4 Pro 5G has more advanced video stabilization. |
Battery
| Feature | Xiaomi Redmi Note 9T | Xiaomi Poco M4 Pro 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both phones have the same battery capacity, offering comparable battery life for average daily use. |
| Charging | 18W fast charging, Li-Polymer | 33W fast charging, Li-Ion Polymer | Poco M4 Pro 5G charges much faster, allowing you to get back to full charge significantly faster. |
| Additional Features | 22.5W charger inbox | None | Redmi Note 9T includes a charger in the box. |
Software
| Feature | Xiaomi Redmi Note 9T | Xiaomi Poco M4 Pro 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| OS | Android 10 | Android 11 (Upgradable to 12) | Poco M4 Pro 5G has a newer OS, with a more updated experience. The ability to upgrade means getting future OS features and security updates. |
Connectivity
| Feature | Xiaomi Redmi Note 9T | Xiaomi Poco M4 Pro 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| WiFi | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac | Both have similar WiFi standards, offering good wireless connectivity performance. |
| Bluetooth | 5.1 LE | 5.1 LE | Both have similar Bluetooth technology, allowing for seamless connections with devices. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, Galileo, GLONASS (L1) | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo, BeiDou (B1) | Poco M4 Pro 5G supports more satellite systems resulting in more accurate and reliable location tracking. |
| SIM | Dual SIM Dual Standby (Nano SIM + Nano SIM) | Dual SIM Dual Standby (Nano SIM + Nano SIM) | Both devices support dual SIM functionality, allowing users to use two SIM cards simultaneously. |
Storage
| Feature | Xiaomi Redmi Note 9T | Xiaomi Poco M4 Pro 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Internal Storage | 64 GB or 128 GB | 64 GB or 128 GB or 256 GB | Poco M4 Pro 5G has more storage options allowing users to store more files, images and videos. |
| RAM | 4 GB | 4 GB, 6 GB, or 8 GB | Poco M4 Pro 5G provides more RAM for better multitasking, smoother app switching and enhanced gaming. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone supports microSD card storage expansion. |
Audio
| Feature | Xiaomi Redmi Note 9T | Xiaomi Poco M4 Pro 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Audio Quality | Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers, 2 microphones | Poco M4 Pro 5G's Dolby Atmos provides a more immersive and higher quality audio experience with a better and richer sound profile. |
Security
| Feature | Xiaomi Redmi Note 9T | Xiaomi Poco M4 Pro 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Features | side-mounted fingerprint sensor | side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Both devices offer the same fingerprint sensor, providing secure biometric access and convenient unlocking. |
Build Quality
| Feature | Xiaomi Redmi Note 9T | Xiaomi Poco M4 Pro 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Screen Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | Redmi Note 9T has better protection against scratches and minor impacts. |
Sensors
| Feature | Xiaomi Redmi Note 9T | Xiaomi Poco M4 Pro 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sensors | Biometric: Fingerprint; Motion: Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope; Proximity: Ultrasonic proximity virtual | Biometric: Fingerprint; Motion: Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope; Proximity: Ultrasonic proximity virtual | Both devices have identical set of sensors, supporting same features. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Xiaomi Redmi Note 9T Advantages:
- Better Main Camera Sensor: Larger sensor (1/2") and wider aperture (f/1.79) for potentially better low-light photography.
- 4K Video Recording: Supports higher quality video recording at 4K resolution, ideal for content creators or those who prefer higher quality videos.
- Dedicated Depth and Macro Sensors: Enhanced portrait mode with a depth sensor, and macro sensor for close-up photography.
- Slightly Better Screen Protection: Corning Gorilla Glass 5 offers superior protection against damage than the Gorilla Glass 3 on Poco M4 Pro 5G
- Charger Included in the box: The Redmi Note 9T includes a 22.5W charger in the box.
Xiaomi Poco M4 Pro 5G Advantages:
- Superior Performance: Newer, more efficient chipset (Dimensity 810 6nm) with a higher AnTuTu score for better gaming and overall faster performance.
- Smoother Display: 90Hz refresh rate provides more fluid animations and smoother scrolling making the phone feel more responsive.
- Faster Charging: 33W fast charging drastically reduces charging time.
- Wide-Angle Lens: Offers an 8MP wide-angle camera for more versatile photography.
- More RAM Options: Available in configurations of up to 8GB of RAM for better multitasking.
- More Storage Options: Available with up to 256GB of storage
- Dolby Atmos and 2 Microphones: Dolby Atmos provides better sound quality with more immersive audio experience and also has improved voice capture and noise cancellation capabilities due to the 2 microphones.
- Newer OS with Upgrade Potential: Ships with Android 11 with the possibility of upgrading to 12, offering more features and security.
- More Accurate GPS: Supports more satellite systems resulting in a more accurate and reliable location tracking system.
Trade-offs:
- Poco M4 Pro 5G sacrifices dedicated depth and macro cameras and 4K video recording capabilities for better performance, a smoother display, faster charging, and wider photography versatility.
- Redmi Note 9T offers better main camera in some conditions and video recording capabilities but lacks wide-angle photography, advanced audio capabilities and overall performance compared to Poco M4 Pro 5G.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Xiaomi Redmi Note 9T Ideal User:
- Budget-Conscious Photographer: Users who want to prioritize a good quality camera for everyday photography, with the added flexibility of a macro and depth sensor for portrait and close-up shots.
- Video Creators/Enthusiasts: Users that want to record videos in high resolution using 4k at 30 fps
- Users who prefer more robust protection: Users who are worried about the phone's screen and prefer more protection.
Use Cases:
- Capturing high quality videos for vlogs or personal use.
- Detailed photography in varying lighting conditions.
- Users who want the most essential camera features such as depth and macro sensors.
- Everyday phone use with good battery life, and a focus on good quality video recording.
Xiaomi Poco M4 Pro 5G Ideal User:
- Mobile Gamers: Users who play graphically intensive games and want smooth performance and fast refresh rate displays.
- Multitaskers: Users who need to switch quickly between apps and require fast loading times and more RAM for an efficient experience.
- Media Consumers: Users who value audio quality, watch a lot of videos, and want an immersive audio experience with a stereo sound system with better spatial sound profile through Dolby Atmos.
- Users who value fast charging: Users that don't want to wait long for their phones to charge.
Use Cases:
- Gaming on the go with a higher refresh rate for smoother visuals.
- Multitasking between various apps with ease.
- Enjoying media consumption with enhanced Dolby Atmos audio system.
- Users who value battery life with super-fast charging capabilities.
- Users who want to capture photos with the extra flexibility of a wide angle lens.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions to Consider:
- Do you prioritize camera features (4K recording, depth sensor, macro lens) or performance and smooth display?
- Do you value faster charging and a modern Android OS more than low-light main camera capabilities?
- Are you a media consumer who enjoys high-quality audio and immersive experience, or a photographer who wants versatile lenses?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Mobile Gaming & Multitasking: If you are a gamer or a user who often multitasks, the Poco M4 Pro 5G is the better choice due to its better performance, higher refresh rate screen, faster charging and more RAM options.
- Scenario 2: Casual Photography & Videography: If you take a lot of casual photos, and require 4k video recording, the Redmi Note 9T is a good option. However, if you want versatility in photography with a wide angle lens, then you should choose the Poco M4 Pro 5G.
- Scenario 3: Media Consumption & Audio Quality: For media enthusiasts who value better audio the Poco M4 Pro 5G is the better option due to its Dolby Atmos audio with enhanced sound quality and immersive audio profile.
- Scenario 4: Budget Focused: Both devices are budget friendly, however the Poco M4 Pro 5G offers a more well rounded phone for the price.
My Choice
If I had to choose between these two phones, I would pick the Xiaomi Poco M4 Pro 5G.
Here’s why:
- Performance and Responsiveness: The Dimensity 810 chipset provides a noticeably smoother experience, which is important for daily use and gaming. The higher refresh rate display also contributes to this responsiveness making it a better daily driver phone overall.
- Faster Charging: The faster charging speed is a significant convenience that I value as a busy user. I would also prefer an up-to-date operating system that is easily upgradeable for future use.
- Wide-Angle Lens: The added flexibility of the wide angle lens provides more versatility to my photography and allows me to capture more of the scene.
- Audio Experience: As a heavy media consumer, the Dolby Atmos audio quality is a major plus for providing a more immersive experience.
- Overall Value: The Poco M4 Pro 5G offers a more modern and overall better balanced package for the price making it the more compelling option.
While the Redmi Note 9T has its advantages in the camera department, the Poco M4 Pro 5G offers a better blend of performance, features, and overall user experience that aligns with my needs.
