Comparing the Redmi Note 8 Pro and Redmi Note 9 Pro remains a hot topic for many users looking for a balance between price and performance. Although both are popular, the company’s engineers have made a number of major changes across generations, not only in the hardware platform, but also in the interface design and power optimization.
The choice between the two gadgets often comes down to a compromise: On the one hand, the older model can attract affordable value in the secondary market or warehouse residues. On the other hand, the new product offers modern charging standards and improved software support. Understanding the technical nuances will help you not overpay for features that you will not use, or, on the contrary, save on critical components.
In this article, we will explore in detail the key aspects that distinguish the Redmi Note 8 Pro from its successor, analyzing the performance of chipsets, the quality of photography in different lights and the actual autonomy, which will provide an objective picture for making an informed purchase decision.
Body design and ergonomics
The appearance of smartphones has undergone a noticeable evolution. the Note 8 Pro model stood out with a glossy back panel of glass Gorilla Glass 5, which, unfortunately, actively collected fingerprints. In the newer version of the Note 9 Pro, the manufacturer abandoned the slippery gloss in favor of matte plastic with a texture that mimics glass. This made the grip much more confident, and the device stopped slipping in the hands.
Dimensions also changed. The screen in the ninth model became larger, which led to an increase in the diagonal of the body. However, thanks to the transfer of the front camera to the screen cutout (dashed), the useful area of the display increased. The eighth model used a classic “drop” cutout, which visually took up more space at the top of the matrix.
⚠️ Note: Despite the use of protective glass in the Redmi Note 8 Pro, the glossy coating is extremely vulnerable to micro scratches when worn without a cover.
The location of the controls was also redesigned, and the fingerprint scanner in both models is built into the power button, which is convenient. However, the main camera module in the Note 9 Pro has been squared and took up significantly more space on the back cover, which became a trend at the time. The weight of the devices is almost identical, the difference of a couple of grams is not felt in everyday use.
Screen and image quality
The display is one of the main elements of interaction with the smartphone. In the Redmi Note 8 Pro installed IPS-full-HD resolution matrix+ It's 6.3 inches, and it's about 412 ppi, which gives you a clear picture, and the color is quite bright, with a slight bias in the cold shades that you see in the production panel. LG or BOE.
The Redmi Note 9 Pro received a screen with a similar resolution to 6.67 inches, but a slightly lower pixel density of 395 ppi. The difference is almost invisible to the eye. However, the novelty received support for Corning Gorilla Glass 5 technology in the front, while the predecessor was also protected by this glass, but in the newer version improved oleophobic coating.
- 📱 Diagonal: 6.3" vs. 6.67" - the novelty is much more.
- 🎨 Type of matrix: IPS LCD both, AMOLED absent.
- 🛡️ Gorilla Glass 5 in both models, but 9 Pro ergonomics better.
The screen brightness in the Note 9 Pro has been increased, which has a positive effect on readability in direct sunlight. The maximum brightness level reaches 450 nits (typical) against 410 nits in the predecessor. For the budget segment, this is a good indicator, although in the dark both smartphones can seem too bright at minimal settings due to the lack of a full DC Dimming in early firmware.
Productivity and gaming opportunities
The heart of the Redmi Note 8 Pro was the MediaTek Helio G90T processor. At the time of release, it was a real hit, offering excellent performance in games. However, the chipset was made using 12-nm process technology, which led to increased heat generation. In heavy games, the smartphone could significantly heat up, and the throttling system worked quite quickly.
The Redmi Note 9 Pro has moved to the 8nm Qualcomm Snapdragon 720G platform, which not only boosts performance in synthetic tests, but also significantly improves energy efficiency. The smartphone heats less and keeps the charge longer in games. The Adreno 618 graphics accelerator handles modern games at medium and high settings more stable.
| Characteristics | Redmi Note 8 Pro | Redmi Note 9 Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Processor | MediaTek Helio G90T | Snapdragon 720G |
| Technique | 12 nm | 8 nm |
| AnTuTu (v9) | ~280,000 points | ~330,000 points |
| RAM | LPDDR4X | LPDDR4X |
Importantly, the move to Snapdragon in the ninth model has provided better application optimization and more stable performance. GPS-The eighth model on MediaTek has sometimes suffered from inaccurate positioning in its navigators, especially in dense urban areas. The choice is obvious for gamers: the Note 9 Pro offers a more stable one. FPS less heat.
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The switch to the Snapdragon 720G in the Note 9 Pro was a crucial factor for performance stability and autonomy, despite the lower peak power of the Helio G90T in some scenarios.
Cameras: Comparison of photo capabilities
Photographic ability is what people pay attention to first. The Redmi Note 8 Pro was equipped with a 64MP main module (Samsung GW1). It was one of the first smartphones with such a matrix. It shot perfectly during the day, the detail was high. However, in low light conditions, processing algorithms were often “noisy”, and dynamic range left much to be desired.
Redmi Note 9 Pro also got 64 MP sensor, but in different regions it could be Samsung matrix GW1 Sony IMX682. The main difference is the software processing and the availability of new modes, and there is an improved night mode Night Mode 2.0, which better draws shadows and reduces digital noise. HDR.
The ultra-wide angle camera in both models has a resolution of 8 MP. The difference is minimal, but in the Note 9 Pro software algorithms better correct the distortion at the edges of the frame. Macro camera 2 MP in both cases is more decorative in nature and is rarely useful in real shooting conditions.
Secrets of shooting on Redmi Note 9 Pro
⚠️ Note: When shooting video in resolution 4K The Redmi Note 8 Pro doesn't have image stabilization, and sound can be written with interference. The Note 9 Pro has software stabilization, but it works much more efficiently.
Autonomy and charging speed
The battery is one of the main trump cards of the Redmi series. The Note 8 Pro has a 4500 mAh cell. For 2019, this was a great indicator that allows you to live confidently until the evening. However, in 2020, the standards shifted, and the Redmi Note 9 Pro received a battery of 5020 mAh. This is a significant increase, which in terms of screen time gives an additional 1.5-2 hours of work.
The most important difference is the delivery kit and the charging speed. The Note 8 Pro supported 18W charging. The box often had just such a unit. The Redmi Note 9 Pro received support for 30W fast charging and the corresponding power supply included. This allows the device to be charged from 0 to 100% in about 1 hour 15 minutes, which is much faster than its predecessor.
☑️ Checking the status of the battery used smartphone
The power efficiency of the Snapdragon processor coupled with the increased battery makes the Note 9 Pro a clear leader in battery life. If it is critical for you not to think about an outlet for two days of moderate use, the older model wins unconditionally. Quick Charge 4.0 technology also provides safer and smarter battery temperature control while charging.
Software and interfaces
Both smartphones are based on the MIUI shell, but the Android versions “out of the box” they differed. Note 8 Pro originally came out on Android 9, while Note 9 Pro started with Android 10.
Redmi Note 9 Pro introduced a new MIUI 12/13 interface with improved animation and privacy features, the ability to limit app access to geolocation only for the duration of use, not permanently, and improved gesture system, which became smoother and more responsive, reminiscent of iOS.
- 🔄 Note 9 Pro gets more major Android updates.
- 🔒 Security: New model improves control of application permissions.
- 🎨 Interface: MIUI Note 9 Pro is smoother due to optimization.
It is worth noting that in the Note 8 Pro on later versions of the firmware, there were sometimes interface slowdowns associated with a lack of optimization for the old MediaTek chipset. In the Note 9 Pro, the system is more stable even after a long period of operation. NFC module is present in both versions, but in some regional versions of the Note 8 Pro it was not, whereas in the Note 9 Pro it has become the standard for most markets.
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When buying a used Redmi Note 8 Pro, be sure to check for NFC in the settings. In some versions for the Chinese market or specific regions, this module was physically absent, despite the presence of an antenna in the case.
Summary and recommendations
To sum up, the comparison of the Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 Pro and 9 Pro shows that evolution has gone down the path of improved reliability and autonomy. The eighth model was revolutionary for its time, offering a 64 MP camera and a powerful chipset for affordable money. However, the ninth model has become a more mature product, devoid of childhood diseases of its predecessor.
If you’re choosing a smartphone for active play and maximum performance for a minimal budget, the Note 8 Pro may still be interesting, but its heating will be a drawback.For the average user who cares about the camera, screen and running time, the Note 9 Pro is the uncontested leader in this pair.
The price difference in the aftermarket can be small, making buying a newer model the most rational investment: you get a better battery, a cooler processor and up-to-date software support. The old model only makes sense when you have a very tight budget or a very good offer.