Huawei P40 Lite vs Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 Pro: a detailed comparison of the two budget flagships of 2020

Why is this comparison relevant in 2026?

Even later. 4 the year after Huawei P40 Lite and Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 The Pros remain some of the most sought-after smartphones in the aftermarket, and the reason is simple: they offer a price-performance balance that is hard to find in new budget makers. 10-15 thousand rubles?

In this article, we'll make a deep comparison of 10 key metrics, from performance to durability: Which smartphone is best for gaming, video shooting, long-duration autonomy -- and where the critical flaws that vendors don't mention are hidden, all based on real-world tests from 2026, not outdated reviews from 2020.

Spoiler: If you want a smartphone with the best camera and NFC — But if the priority is long-term support and stable work, the answer is different.

1.Performance: Kirin 810 vs Snapdragon 720G

Both chipsets were middle class in 2020, but their capabilities are being valued differently today. P40 Lite is equipped with a Kirin 810 processor (7 nm), and Redmi Note 9 Pro – Snapdragon 720G (On paper, the difference in process technology seems critical, but real tests show a different picture.

In synthetic tests (AnTuTu 10, 2026), the results were distributed as follows:

• 📊 Kirin 810: ~220,000 points (with drawdowns during heating)
• 📊 Snapdragon 720G: ~250,000 points (more stable job)

But in real-world scenarios, the difference is less noticeable, and both smartphones can do this.

• 🎮 Medium-load games (PUBG Mobile at the "Balanced" settings, Call of Duty Mobile at the "High")
• 📷 Photo processing in Lightroom Mobile (up to) 3-5 RAW-file)
• 📺 Multitasking (up to 10 apps in the background without rebooting)

⚠️ Attention: Huawei P40 Lite has optimization issues in some games due to the lack of Google services.For example, Genshin Impact on this device only runs through workarounds (and then with lags).

The main difference is seen in the long term:

• 🔄 Snapdragon 720G Better optimized for updates MIUI (last — MIUI 14 based on Android 12)
• ❌ Kirin 810 no longer supported (last updated — EMUI 12 on Android 10)

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For gaming and long-term use, choose the Redmi Note 9 Pro. P40 Lite is only suitable for basic tasks.

2 Camera: 48 MP vs 64 MP - which is more important?

On paper, the Redmi Note 9 Pro will win due to the 64-megapixel core module (Samsung) GW1) against 48 MP of y P40 Lite (Sony IMX582). But megapixels are not the main criterion. Let's compare the real possibilities:

Key observations:

• 🌞 P40 Lite better transmits color balance in automatic mode (without manual settings)
• 🌃 Redmi Note 9 Pro wins in light power (f/1.89 vs f/1.8 Huawei, but loses in processing
• 🎥 For the video. P40 Lite is definitely preferable – stabilization works even when running

Examples of photos (can be found online by requesting Huawei) P40 Lite camera samples 2026" and "Redmi Note 9 Pro real photos"):

• 🏙️ Urban landscapes: P40 Lite retains more detail on buildings
• 🌅 Sunsets: Redmi Note 9 Pro gives more juicy colors (but unrealistic)
• 👤 Portraits: both smartphones equally bad at blurring hair

3: AMOLED vs IPS — what's more comfortable for the eyes?

Huawei P40 Lite is equipped with 6.4-inch AMOLED-screen (2310×1080), Redmi Note 9 Pro — 6.67-inch IPS (2400×1080). The difference in technology affects the:

• 🌗 Contrast: AMOLED It shows the real black color (pixels are turned off)
• ☀️ Brightness: IPS brighter in the sun (500 nits vs 420 nits at Huawei)
• 🔄 Update Frequency: Only Redmi Note 9 Pro is a mode. 60/90 Hz (but only works in games) 60 Hz)

Practical comparison:

Important nuance: AMOLED-The screens lose their brightness over time (burn-in effect). P40 Lite is manifesting itself through 2-3 year of active use – check the screen for “ghosts” of the interface (for example, the residual image of the keyboard).

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To extend life AMOLED-screen on Huawei P40 Lite, turn on the settings Settings → Screen. → Dark theme and reduce the time of automatic shutdown to 15 seconds.

Battery and charging: who will live longer?

In terms of battery capacity, Redmi Note 9 Pro confidently leads: 5020 mAh against 4200 mAh P40 But real autonomy depends not only on capacity, but also on optimization:

• 📱 P40 Lite: 5-6 Screen hours (YouTube, messengers, calls)
• 📱 Redmi Note 9 Pro: 7-8 screen time (when switched off) 90 Hz)

Charging speed:

• ⚡ P40 Lite: 40W (0-70% post 30 minutes, but only with the original scoring)
• ⚡ Redmi Note 9 Pro: 30W (0-50% post 30 It works with any Quick Charge. 3.0)

⚠️ Attention: Huawei battery P40 Lite often swells after 2 years of use due to a cheap charging controller. Before buying, check the box for bloating and ask the seller if the battery has changed.

Battery wear test (conducted through the AccuBattery app):

• 🔋 P40 Lite: Battery health drops to the bottom 70-75% through 2 year-end
• 🔋 Redmi Note 9 Pro: kept level 80-85% Thanks to the best controller

Ask the seller to show the condition in AccuBattery (health) >80%)

Check if the back cover is swollen (put the phone on a flat surface)

Connect to charging – if the percentage jumps (for example, 45%→52%→47 percent, battery is worn out

Launch it. 3D-10 Minutes Play: If the phone is too hot, the battery degrades-->

5.Software: EMUI vs MIUI

Here Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 Pro has an undeniable advantage: the latest available version MIUI — 14.0.6 (Android 12) whereas Huawei P40 Lite stuck on the EMUI 12 (Android 10) with no update prospects.

What does that mean in practice?

The main problem is Huawei P40 Lite is the absence of Google services:

• 🚫 No Google Play (you will need to install apps through Google Play) APK or AppGallery)
• 🚫 Google Maps, Gmail, YouTube, and other services are not available in their original form.
• 🚫 Problems with authorization in some games (for example, Clash of Clans)

There are bypasses (install Googlefier or LZPlay), but they are:

• ⚠️ Violate Huawei Policy (Risk of Account Ban)
• ⚠️ May lead to system lags
• ⚠️ Requires reconfiguration after resetting

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If you want Google services, go with Xiaomi, and Huawei is only for basic calls and tasks.

6. Design and Ergonomics: Which is More Comfortable in 2026?

Both smartphones are made in plastic cases, but the approach to the design is different:

• 📏 Huawei P40 Lite: 183 g, thickness 8.7 mm, rounded edges
• 📏 Redmi Note 9 Pro: 209g, 8.8mm thick, flat faces

Pros and cons:

Important nuances:

• 🔊 Speakers: Redmi Note 9 Pro stereo sound (bottom) + top), y P40 Lite - mono
• 📶 Antennas: Xiaomi better catches the network in basements (tested on MTS and Tele2)
• 🧲 P40 Lite supports NFC (You can link the card "Troika" or "Sberbank")

When buying, pay attention to:

• 🔍 Battery status (swelling can be seen from the gap between the screen and the frame)
• 🔍 The performance of sensors (on P40 Lite often breaks the proximity sensor)
• 🔍 Integrity USB-Port (on the Redmi Note 9 Pro it is shattered after a year)

Price in the secondary market (2026)

The cost of both smartphones on Avito, Yula and SberMegaMarket varies depending on the state:

What to look for when buying:

• 🛒 Compilation: The original CC for P40 Lite (40W) stand alone ~2 000 ₽
• 🛒 Warranty: Redmi Note 9 Pro still has an official warranty (until 2026)
• 🛒 Region: Smartphones from Europe (marking) LEA Huawei supports more support LTE-range

⚠️ Attention: Avito often sells Redmi Note 9 Pro with a switched battery. MDY11 5020 mAh. Any other numbers are a sign of counterfeiting.

8. Bottom line: Which smartphone to choose in 2026?

The choice depends on your priorities. Here's a short cheat sheet:

• 📸 For photos and videos: Huawei P40 Lite (best camera and stabilization)
• 🎮 For gaming and multitasking: Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 Pro (more stable processor and updates)
• 🔋 For long-term autonomy: Xiaomi (battery lasts longer and wears less)
• 💳 For contactless payments: Huawei (is available) NFC, Xiaomi only has a version for India)
• 🛡️ For security: Xiaomi (current Android patches)

Our verdict:

• ✅ Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 Pro is the best choice for 90% of users. It will last longer, better optimized and has no problems with software.
• ❌ Huawei P40 Lite should only be considered if you are critically important to the camera or NFC, You are ready to put up with outdated firmware.

Alternatives in the same price range (2026):

• 🆕 Redmi Note 11 (new but with weaker processor)
• 🆕 Poco X3 NFC (120Hz screen, but worse camera)
• 💰 Samsung Galaxy A23 (4 Update year, but more expensive 3-4 thousand. ₽)

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If budget allows, consider the Redmi Note. 12 (2023 year - it stands on 2-3 thousand. ₽ more expensive, but offers 120 Hz screen and Snapdragon processor 4 Gen 1.

FAQ: Frequent questions about Huawei P40 Lite and Redmi Note 9 Pro