iPhone or Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 Pro: an objective comparison in 10 parameters [2026]

Choosing between the iPhone (even the second-hand model of recent years) and the Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 Pro is a classic dilemma for buyers who want to balance price, performance and ecosystem. On the one hand, the Apple ecosystem promises long-term support, stable operation and a prestigious brand. On the other hand, the Redmi Note 9 Pro offers a 2–3 times larger battery for the same money, a memory card slot and a modern display with a high refresh rate, which even the new iPhone baseline does not have.

But it's not that clear. In this article, we'll look at 10 key aspects -- from the camera and the processor to the durability and cost of ownership -- and consider the current prices in the market (2026), and you'll see which scenarios make the iPhone work, and where the Redmi Note 9 Pro will put even more expensive devices at odds. Spoiler: if you want maximum autonomy or a gaming smartphone, the answer is obvious. And if the priority is photos and long-term support, read on.

Important: we compare the Redmi Note 9 Pro (model 2020) with the current for 2026 iPhone from the budget segment – iPhone SE (3rd generation), iPhone 11 and iPhone 12 (new / b / y). Prices are taken from official websites and popular marketplaces (including resellers with a warranty).

1.Performance: A13 Bionic vs Snapdragon 720G

On paper, the iPhone 11 with the A13 Bionic chip (2019) should confidently overtake the Redmi Note 9 Pro on the Snapdragon 720G (2020).

• 📊 AnTuTu 10: iPhone 11 — ~500,000 points, Redmi Note 9 Pro — ~280,000. 1.8 times the difference, but in everyday tasks it is almost invisible.
• 🎮 Games: Genshin Impact runs on the iPhone at maximum settings (60) FPS), And on Redmi, only on average (30) FPS). But Xiaomi has 90 Hz in games and iPhone has 60 Hz.
• 🔄 Durability: Apple chips last longer without drawdowns.In 3 years, the iPhone 11 will work smoother than the Redmi Note 9 Pro with its “sinking” Snapdragon.

⚠️ Note: If you plan to use your smartphone for longer 3 But for gamers or multitasking enthusiasts, the Redmi Note is a big winner. 9 Pro 6/8 GB RAM may be more practical – especially when compared to the iPhone SE 3 (4 GB RAM).

2.Camera: Apple's algorithms vs Xiaomi's megapixels

Here, the iPhone traditionally leads — but not in all respects. Compare the iPhone 11 (dual camera 12 MP) and Redmi Note 9 Pro (quadrilateral camera 64+8+5+2 MP):

📸 Key point: iPhone is better for social media and video (due to processing and stabilization), and Redmi Note 9 Pro is better for creative photography (macro, manual settings). If you want photos for Instagram without additional processing, take an iPhone. If you like to experiment with angles — Xiaomi.

3. Display: 60Hz vs 90Hz and AMOLED vs IPS

Redmi Note 9 Pro has IPS-resolution-screen 2400×1080 frequency 90 Hz, and iPhone. 11 — IPS s 1792×828 and 60 Hz. The difference is noticeable?

• 🔍 Redmi has more pixels (409) PPI vs 326 PPI iPhone, but in practice the difference is only visible when compared directly.
• 🎯 Colors: iPhone has a more natural color reproduction (wide) P3), Redmi – rich, but sometimes overstated colors.
• ⚡ Smoothness: 90Hz on Redmi make scrolling and animations noticeably smoother, especially in games.
• ☀️ Brightness: iPhone 11 - 625 nits, Redmi Note 9 Pro - 450 nits. iPhone reads better in the sun.

⚠️ Note: If you are used to it AMOLED-screens (like on iPhone) 12/13 or Redmi Note 10 Pro, then IPS It may look faded on both models, but the Redmi Note has a sleek look. 9 Pro has a reading mode (warm tones) that fatigues the eyes.

💡

On iPhone, you can turn on Settings → Universal Access → Color filters to correct color reproduction for your vision. On Xiaomi, a similar feature is called Vision Protection Mode.

4. Battery and charging: 5020 mAh vs 3110 mAh

Here, the Redmi Note 9 Pro is the undisputed leader: 5020 mAh vs. 3110 mAh for the iPhone 11. But the real autonomy depends not only on the capacity:

• ⏳ Running time: - Redmi Note 9 Pro: up to 2 days with moderate use (10-12 hours of screen). - iPhone 11: 1 day (6-8 hours of screen), but with a quick discharge in games.
• ⚡ Charging: - Redmi: 30W (0-100% in 65 minutes) - iPhone: 18W (0-100% in 120 minutes), but supports wireless charging (Redmi does not have it).
• 🔋 Degradation: iPhone battery loses ~20% capacity in 2 years, Xiaomi – up to 30% (due to higher charging currents).

🔌 If you need a smartphone “all day without an outlet” – take the Redmi Note 9 Pro. But remember that after 2 years, its battery will require replacement (cost) ~1500–2000 ₽). iPhone battery can be replaced officially (3000-4000) ₽), But it lasts longer.

Disable background updates of applications|Use a dark theme (on the AMOLED)|Don't discharge below 20%|Avoid overheating (do not play on charging)-->

5.Memory and storage: flexibility vs speed

Redmi Note 9 Pro offers a flexible configuration: 64/128 GB of internal memory + slot for microSD (up to 512 GB). iPhone limited choice: 64, 128 or 256 GB without the possibility of expansion.

• 💾 Read/write speed: iPhone 11: ~1400MB/s (NVMe) - Redmi Note 9 Pro: ~250 MB/s (UFS The difference is noticeable when copying large files.
• 📁 Cloud Storage: - Apple offers iCloud (5GB free, 200GB for 149) ₽/Xiaomi – Mi Cloud (5 GB free, 200 GB for 299) ₽/moss).
• 🔄 Data portability: it is easier to migrate from the old iPhone (via Quick Start), to Redmi from any Android (via Mi Mover).

⚠️ Note: If you are shooting a lot of videos in 4K or store great games (Genshin Impact takes up) ~15GB), 64GB on the iPhone will fill up in a month. Redmi Note 9 Pro you can buy a microSD, but games on it can not install — only photos, videos and documents.

6. Ecosystem and software: iOS vs MIUI

The comparison is not in favor of the Redmi Note 9 Pro: MIUI (even in the latest version) loses iOS in stability, optimization and support.

🔗 Key takeaway: If you already have a MacBook, iPad or Apple Watch, iPhone is the obvious choice. If you use Windows PCs and are not tied to the ecosystem, Redmi Note 9 Pro will give you more freedom (for example, you can install Google Camera for the best photos or game emulators).

💡

MIUI on the Redmi Note 9 Pro will no longer receive major updates (the latest is Android 12), which means security vulnerabilities and no new features.

7.Price and cost of ownership

At the time of 2026, the prices for new and used devices are as follows (according to Yandex Market and Avito):

• 💰 Redmi Note 9 Pro (new): ~15 000–18 000 ₽ (6/128 GB).
• 💰 Redmi Note 9 Pro (b/u): ~8 000–12 000 ₽.
• 💰 iPhone SE 3 (new): ~45 000–50 000 ₽ (64GB).
• 💰 iPhone 11 (b/y, excellent condition): ~25 000–35 000 ₽ (64GB).
• 💰 iPhone 12 (b/o): ~35 000–45 000 ₽ (128GB).

💡 Hidden expenses:

• 🔌 iPhone: Original Lightning Cable (~2000 ₽), charging (~3000 ₽), covers (~1500–3000 ₽).
• 🔌 Redmi Note 9 Pro: fast charging 30 watts complete, cases cheaper (~500 ₽), But the battery will have to be changed sooner.
• 🛠️ Repair: - iPhone 11 screen: ~10 000–15 000 ₽. - Redmi Note 9 Pro screen: ~3000–5000 ₽.

📉 Is it more profitable to take a used iPhone? Yes, if you buy from official resellers (for example, Back Market or Connected Trade-In) with a guarantee. Redmi Note 9 Pro is more profitable if you need a budget gaming smartphone or a spare device.

8. Which smartphone is it for?

Let us summarize the results in the form of a checklist:

You need long-term support (5+ years of updates)

You often make videos for social networks.

You have other Apple devices (Mac, iPad, Watch)

You are willing to pay for ecosystem and repairs-->

Maximum battery supply (5020 mAh)

You love to play (90Hz, big screen)

Important slot for memory card (microSD)

Budget capped at 20,000 ₽-->

🔍 Alternatives:

• 📱 If you like the iPhone but don’t have much money, consider the iPhone. SE 2 (2020, from 18,000) ₽ b/y or iPhone XR (from 22,000 ₽).
• 📱 If you like Xiaomi, but want a better camera – check out the Redmi Note 12 Pro+ (AMOLED, 200 MP camera, ~25 000 ₽).

FAQ: Frequent questions