Xiaomi Redmi Note 9S and 9 Pro Comparison: What’s the Real Difference?

Choosing a mid-range smartphone is often a tricky puzzle, especially when two seemingly identical devices are on the shelf. In 2020, Xiaomi launched a global expansion with the Redmi Note 9S and Redmi Note 9 Pro, which caused a stir among tech enthusiasts. At first glance, these devices seem like twins: the same design, similar screen diagonals and almost identical processors.

But the devil is in the details, and they determine whether you should overpay for a more expensive version or save money by taking a smaller model. The differences between these gadgets are not only about the amount of internal memory, but also about the quality of the main camera, charging speed and even software features, and understanding these nuances will allow you to not overpay for unnecessary functions or, conversely, not miss important opportunities.

In this detailed review, we’ll take a look at the specifications of both devices so you can make an informed decision: We’ll touch on game performance, quality of photography in different lighting and autonomy. The main question we’ll answer is: is the Pro version really worth the money, or is the 9S the king (price/quality)?

Design, ergonomics and build quality

Visually distinguishing Xiaomi Redmi Note 9S from the older brother in black is almost impossible, if you do not hold both devices in your hands at the same time. Both smartphones received a modern design with perforation for the front camera in the upper left corner and a glossy rear panel, which, alas, actively collects fingerprints. The dimensions of the devices are almost identical, making them convenient for use with one hand, despite the screen diagonal of 6.67 inches.

But the attentive user will notice the difference in weight. The Pro version is slightly heavier because of the slightly different design of the camera module and perhaps the denser layout of the internal components. The materials of the case in both cases are plastic, but quality, with a pleasant tactile surface. The side faces have rounding, which improves ergonomics.

And you have to pay special attention to the location of the fingerprint scanner, and it's built into the side button, which is the standard for the fingerprint scanner. IPS-It works fast and reliably in both cases, and there's a 3.5mm headphone jack and an IR port on the bottom end of both devices, which is a big plus for the Xiaomi ecosystem.

• 📱 Screen size: 6.67 inches for both models with FullHD resolution+.
• ⚖️ Weight: 9S lighter (about 209 g), 9 Pro heavier (about 217 g).
• 🎨 Color options: 9S Often had fewer color variations depending on the region of supply.
• 🔌 Ports: USB Type-C 2.0 and IR port are available in both models.

⚠️ Note: Despite the similarity, the protective glass on the cameras may differ in the shape of the cutout.When buying protective glasses or covers, make sure that they are compatible with your version (Global or Indian version), as the camera modules may have different geometries.

Both models have high build quality in their class, no luft panels, no buttons are well-moved, but it's worth remembering that neither model has official IP68 water protection, so water can be fatal to the inside.

Display: brightness, colors and refresh rate

Both smartphones are equipped IPS-production panels TCL or BOE, That's the standard for the budget and mid-range. 2400×1080 It's a pixel, which provides a high pixel density and a clear picture, and the refresh rate is standard in both cases. 60 Hz, therefore, expect smoothness in 90 or 120 Hz, as in newer models, is not worth it.

The brightness of the screens is where there can be differences depending on the batch and the specific matrix manufacturer. On average, peak brightness is about 450 nits, which is enough for indoor use, but in direct sunlight, there can be difficulties with readability. Color reproduction in both devices is adjusted through the Settings menu → Screen → Color Mode, where the options "Standard", "Saturated" and "Dark" are available.

An important aspect is the presence of Gorilla Glass 5, which is present on both models, providing protection from scratches and minor impacts, but, as practice shows, sticking additional protective glass or high-quality hydrogel film will not be superfluous, especially given the dimensions of the device.

It is worth noting that in the Redmi Note 9 Pro in some regions may have seen a little better screen calibration (from the factory), but in a blind test to notice the difference to the average user will be extremely difficult.

Performance: Snapdragon 720G processor

At the heart of both smartphones is the Qualcomm Snapdragon 720G chipset. It's an 8-nanometer processor that was considered one of the best in its class at the time of release. It consists of 8 cores: two productive Cortex-A76 cores and six energy-efficient Cortex-A55. The Adreno 618 graphics accelerator provides a stable FPS in popular mobile games.

There is no difference in clock speeds between the 9S and 9 Pro versions. However, the Redmi Note 9 Pro often came with a large amount of RAM as standard (6 GB vs. 4 GB on the 9S in some regions), which affects the speed of the interface and the number of applications that can stay in the background without rebooting.

In the benchmark AnTuTu, both devices score approximately the same number of points - about 330 000 – 350 000 The difference is 5-10% It may be due to operating system version and background processes, but not hardware. For everyday tasks such as social media, navigation and video, power is abundant.

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Both smartphones are based on the Snapdragon 720G, so the difference in the speed of applications is minimal and depends more on the amount of RAM than on the model of the processor.

For example, with prolonged loading, in heavy 3D-In games, both smartphones can heat up. The cooling system is represented by graphite gaskets and a copper tube. In the Pro version, the heat sink can be implemented a little more efficiently with a larger body, but it's a subjective feeling.

Cameras: the main trump card of the Pro-version

It's the photo capabilities that make the biggest difference between the two. If you're choosing a smartphone to create content first, this section is crucial. The Redmi Note 9 Pro's main camera is built on Samsung's ISOCELL Bright GW1 64MP sensor, which is physically larger and better than the one on the 9S.

In turn, the Redmi Note 9S features Sony’s 48MP IMX582 sensor, although 48MP is still a great indicator for taking detailed images, dynamic range and noise management, the 64MP module is better, especially in low light conditions.

Both smartphones have the same set of additional modules: 8 MP ultra-wide-angle camera, 5 MP macro lens and 2 MP depth sensor. Front camera is also identical — 16 MP, which copes well with portraits and video calls. MIUI It offers many filters and modes, including AI-scene.

• 📸 Primary sensor 9S: 48 MP Sony IMX582 (f/1.8).
• 📸 Primary sensor 9 Pro: 64 Samsung MP GW1 (f/1.8) — better detail.
• 🌙 Night mode: in 9 Pro pictures are lighter and cleaner.
• 🎥 Video: Both models write 4K 30 frames per second.

⚠️ Note: Don’t confuse the global version of the Redmi Note 9 Pro with the Indian version of the Redmi Note 9 Pro Max or the Chinese Redmi Note 9 Pro. In India and China, the Pro could have been hiding completely different cameras (e.g. 64MP vs 48MP in different combinations), so always check the model in the phone settings.

For video, both of these devices offer a mediocre EIS stabilization, which is best done in a static position or a gimbal, and the sound is monophonic when recording video, because the second microphone for noise reduction in video mode is poorly used by algorithms.

Autonomy and charging speed

The battery is another parameter where the Redmi Note 9 Pro is pushed forward. The Pro version has a 5020 mAh battery, whereas the 9S has a standard 4500 mAh. In practice, a 500 mAh difference gives about 1-1.5 hours of additional screen life at the same intensity of use.

The main difference, however, is that it supports fast charging.The Redmi Note 9 Pro supports 30W Fast Charge technology, allowing the device to charge from 0 to 100% in about 60-65 minutes.

The Redmi Note 9S is limited to 18W* charging power.It takes about 2 hours to fully charge, which is already considered a slow rate in 2020-2026.If you're used to fast currents, the 9S may disappoint you in this aspect.

Power efficiency of the Snapdragon processor 720G This allows both smartphones to be confident. 1.5-2 the day with moderate use, but the presence of NFC-module (which is in the global versions of both devices) and constant network search 4G They can reduce the time of autonomous work.

Memory, software versions and final table

In terms of storage, the Redmi Note 9 Pro also offers more interesting configurations. Whereas the 9S was most commonly found in 4/64 GB or 4/128 GB versions, the Pro was available with 6 GB of RAM and 128 GB of internal storage. For today’s heavy-duty applications and games, 6 GB of RAM is a more comfortable minimum.

Both devices originally ran on Android 10 with a shell. MIUI 11, but have already received updates to more recent versions of Android (depending on the region and type of firmware).Support for microSD cards is present in both cases, but a hybrid slot is used: either two or more. SIM-card SIM memory card.

Below is a summary table that will help you quickly navigate the differences:

When choosing between these two models in the secondary market or with stock leftovers, price should be a key factor. If the price difference is minimal, the Redmi Note 9 Pro looks unambiguously more attractive with a better camera and faster charging.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

To sum up, the Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 Pro deserved to get the prefix “Pro.” The improvements were not for marketing titles, but for real user scenarios: photography, charging speed and autonomy. The Redmi Note 9S remains a great option for those who are on a budget and willing to put up with slower charging and slightly less detailed photos.

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If you are buying a used device, be sure to check the charging socket status and vibrator performance, which in 2020 models are worn out primarily due to active operation.