The choice between the POCO X3 NFC and Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 Pro is still relevant in 2026 โ despite the fact that both models came out in 2020. These smartphones remain in demand due to balanced performance, affordable price in the secondary market and a reliable platform from Qualcomm. But which one is best for you? In this comparison, we will analyze 10 key parameters: from performance and camera to features of software and durability.
Both devices are in the middle price segment, but are positioned differently: POCO X3 NFC โ It's like a gaming smartphone with a focus on performance, and the Redmi Note 9 Pro is like a versatile device with a focus on camera and battery: POCO X3 NFC fitted NFC-A module that is not in the base version of the Redmi Note 9 Pro (but it is in the Redmi Note model) 9S This can be a crucial factor if you plan to use contactless payments.
Next, we'll look at every aspect in detail, from technical specifications to subjective experiences of use, and if you're looking for a smartphone for gaming, video shooting, or long battery life, this comparison will help you make informed choices.
1.Performance: Snapdragon 732G vs Snapdragon 720G
Both models work on Qualcomm Snapdragon processors, but with different indexes: POCO X3 NFC received the Snapdragon 732G, and Redmi Note 9 Pro โ Snapdragon 720G. On paper, the difference in names is minimal, but in practice it is noticeable:
- ๐ฎ Games: POCO X3 NFC โข 15-20% better performance in heavy games (e.g. Genshin Impact or Call of Duty Mobile) due to higher core frequency (up to 2.3 GHz vs. 2.2 GHz) 720G) The Adreno 618 Graphics Accelerator.
- ๐ Benchmarky: AnTuTu 9 has a gap of about 20,000-25,000 points in favor POCO X3 NFC (โ280,000 against โIn Geekbench 5, the difference is smaller - about 5-10% in a single-threaded test.
- ๐ Heating: Both chipsets warm under load, but the Redmi Note 9 Pro is slightly better at handling heat sink due to a thicker body (9.6 mm vs 9.4 mm). POCO).
For everyday tasks (social networks, video, instant messengers), you won't notice the difference between the processors, but if you care about the power reserve for gaming or multitasking, you'll see the difference between the processors, POCO X3 NFC Importantly, both smartphones only support 4G โ 5G-There are no modems in these chipsets.
2.Screen: 120Hz vs 60Hz - should you overpay?
One of the main differences is the frequency of screen refresh. POCO X3 NFC 120-hertz IPS LCD-And the Redmi Note 9 Pro is a traditional 60 hertz display:
| Parameter | POCO X3 NFC | Redmi Note 9 Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Screen type | IPS LCD, 120 Hz | IPS LCD, 60 Hz |
| Permission | 2400ร1080 (FHD+) | 2400ร1080 (FHD+) |
| Brightness (max.) | 450 nits | 450 nits |
| Support for HDR | HDR10 | No. |
| Protection | Gorilla Glass 5 | Gorilla Glass 5 |
In practice, 120 Hz in POCO X3 NFC is felt when:
- ๐ฎ Scrolling through social media feeds (such as TikTok or Instagram) โ animations are noticeably smoother.
- ๐น๏ธ High-end games FPS (If the game supports 90+ frame-of-second).
- ๐ Switching between applications - interface MIUI faster.
There are, however, downsides:
โ ๏ธ Attention: The high refresh rate of the screen increases battery consumption by 10-15%. POCO X3 NFC You can manually switch between 60Hz and 120Hz in settings (Settings) โ Display. โ Update frequency, but many users forget to do it.
If you're not a gamer or a fan of smooth animation, the Redmi Note 9 Pro with its 60-hertz screen will be enough. But after using 120Hz, going back to 60Hz can be difficult - it's like switching from a premium sedan to a budget hatchback.
3.Camera: 64MP vs 48MP - who shoots better?
On paper, the Redmi Note 9 Pro looks like a winner thanks to its 64-megapixel core module (versus 48 MP for the POCO X3 NFC), but megapixels are not the main indicator of quality.
- ๐ธ Main camera: Redmi Note 9 Pro: Samsung GW1 (64 MP, f/1.9, 1/1.72"). POCO X3 NFC: Sony IMX582 (48 MP, f/1.8, 1/2.0"). In practice. POCO Shows more balanced colors and better detail in good lighting, and Redmi wins in night scenes thanks to its larger pixel size (0.8 ฮผm 0.8 um, binning 4-into-1 bal POCO).
- ๐ Night shooting: Both smartphones use Night Mode algorithms 2.0, but Redmi Note 9 Pro copes better due to a lighter lens (f/1.9 vs f/1.8 bal POCO โ The difference is minimal, but when combined with a larger sensor, it gives an advantage).
- ๐ฅ Video: Both shoot video in resolution before 4K@30fps, but POCO X3 NFC stabilizing EIS even 4K, while the Redmi Note 9 Pro, it only works in Full. HD.
Examples of comparison (day/night):
Examples of photos with POCO X3 NFC (clickable)
โ ๏ธ Attention: Both smartphones suffer from overheating of the camera during long-term video shooting in the camera 4K. After 10-15 minutes of recording, the body temperature rises to 45-50ยฐC, and the camera can automatically lower the resolution.
If photography is your priority, the Redmi Note 9 Pro is the best choice, but if youโre more likely to shoot videos or need stabilization, look for the POCO X3 NFC.
4. Battery and charging: 5160mAh vs 5020mAh
Both smartphones are equipped with capacious batteries, but the approach to charging is different:
- ๐ POCO X3 NFC: 5160mAh with support 33W fast charging (a complete power supply unit is included in the box).
- ๐ Redmi Note 9 Pro: 5020mAh with support 30W fast charging (but it comes with a complete set) 18W adapter โ 30W The block will have to be purchased separately).
Results of tests of autonomy (with mixed use):
| Script | POCO X3 NFC | Redmi Note 9 Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Video (YouTube, 1080p) | 14-15 hours | 15-16 hours |
| Games (Genshin Impact) | 5-6 hours | 6-7 hours |
| Social media/messaging | 1.5โ2 days | 2.5 days |
| Charging 0-100% | โ60 minutes (33W) | โ75 minutes (18W) |
The Redmi Note 9 Pro keeps the charge a little longer thanks to a more energy-efficient processor and 60-hertz screen.However, the POCO X3 NFC charges faster - especially if you use the original 33W adapter.
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To extend the life of the battery, avoid charging to 100% and discharging below 20%.
5. Design and Ergonomics: Plastic vs Plastic
Both smartphones are made of plastic, but with different accents:
- ๐จ POCO X3 NFC: More aggressive design with logo POCO Weight: 215g (heavier due to battery and cooling system) Colors: Cobalt Blue and Shadow Gray.
- ๐จ Redmi Note 9 Pro: Xiaomi's classic minimalist design.Weight: 209g (lighter by 6g) Colors: Interstellar Gray, Tropical Green, Glacier White.
Ergonomics:
- ๐ POCO X3 NFC thicker (10.1 mm vs 8.8 mm) and has a protruding chamber, which is why it lies on the table unstablely.
- ๐ Redmi Note 9 Pro is thinner and more comfortable in the hand, but its glossy back panel quickly covered with prints.
โ ๏ธ Both smartphones do not have official protection from water and dust (IP-Even a brief ingress of moisture can disable them.
If you want style and personality, choose the POCO X3 NFC. If you prefer classics and comfort, the Redmi Note 9 Pro.
6.Software: MIUI on both but with nuances
Both smartphones are powered by MIUI, but with different shells:
- ๐ค POCO X3 NFC: MIUI for POCO (A cleaner version without the unnecessary services of Xiaomi).
- ๐ค Redmi Note 9 Pro: Standard MIUI Pre-installed apps (Mi Browser, Mi Music, etc.).
Current versions (as of June 2026):
- POCO X3 NFC: MIUI 14 based on Android 12 (no updates to Android 13 will be available).
- Redmi Note 9 Pro: MIUI 14 based on Android 12 (also without an upgrade to Android 13).
Both smartphones are no longer getting major updates, only security patches.
Install custom firmware (for example, LineageOS)|Use alternative launchers (Nova Launcher)|Turn off automatic application updates|Clean the cache manually regularly-->
If you want to have clean interfaces, choose POCO X3 NFC. If you donโt mind pre-installed apps, then go for the Redmi Note 9 Pro.
7. Additional chips: what does one know, but not the other?
A few unique features that can influence your choice:
- ๐ Stereodynamics: Only POCO X3 NFC It has stereo sound, and the Redmi Note 9 Pro has mono speakers.
- ๐ถ NFC: Only in POCO X3 NFC (Redmi Note 9 Pro NFC It is available only in the version for some regions, for example, Redmi Note. 9S).
- ๐ง 3.5mm connector: There are in both smartphones.
- ๐ Infrared port: There are in both (you can control the equipment like a remote control).
If you need contactless payments or high-quality sound, the POCO X3 NFC is out of the competition.
8.Price and availability in 2026
In the secondary market (June 2026) prices are similar to:
- ๐ฐ POCO X3 NFC (6/64 GB): 12 000โ15 000 โฝ (conditionally).
- ๐ฐ Redmi Note 9 Pro (6/128 GB): 13 000โ16 000 โฝ.
New devices are no longer available in official stores, but unopened ones can be found for 18,000-22,000 units. โฝ. Should I overpay?
โ ๏ธ Note: When buying a used smartphone, be sure to check: Battery status (via ##4636## โ Battery information) All cameras and sensors are operational and have an original charger (especially for the use of the battery). POCO X3 NFC, crucial 33W adapter).
If the budget is tight, it's better to take the Redmi Note 9 Pro in good condition - it's more balanced. If you need 120Hz and NFC, you should pay extra for the POCO X3 NFC.
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In 2026, both smartphones are outdated for demanding users, but remain a great choice for the budget segment.