Choosing between the Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 Pro and the Redmi Note 9 Pro is still a hot topic for many buyers, despite the release of newer models. Both Xiaomiβs workhorses have gained popularity due to their balanced specs, but each has its strengths and weaknesses. If you are looking for a reliable smartphone for everyday tasks without overpaying for flagship features, this comparison will help make an informed choice.
In this article, weβll look at 10 key differences between models, from performance and shooting quality to battery life and support for updates, and focus on how devices perform 2-4 years after release β a factor that is most often ignored in reviews from 2019-2020, and youβll find real test results, a comparison table, and answers to frequent user questions.
1.CPU and performance: MediaTek vs Snapdragon
The main architectural difference between smartphones lies in the βheartβ of devices. Redmi Note 8 Pro is equipped with the flagship for its time chipset MediaTek Helio G90T (12 nm), while the Note 9 Pro received Qualcomm Snapdragon 720G (8 nm). On paper, the difference in process technology (8 nm vs. 12 nm) promises better energy efficiency to the second, but real tests show a more interesting picture.
In synthetic benchmarks (Antutu, Geekbench) Snapdragon 720G ahead of the competitor 15-20%, But the game is different: Helio G90T has specialized cores for processing graphics (Mali-G76 MC4), Which gives you the advantage of the heavy 3D-Projects like Genshin Impact or Call of Duty Mobile, for example, with maximum settings in the mobile phone. PUBG Mobile Note 8 Pro gives you stable 40 FPS against 35 FPS note 9 Pro.
- π₯ Note 8 Pro: Better for gamers (specialized) GPU), but warms up
- β‘ Note 9 Pro: more energy efficient, faster in everyday tasks (social networks, instant messengers)
- π Both chipsets are considered obsolete for modern games on ultra-settings.
β οΈ Note: Both smartphones do not support 5G β If you are interested in this feature, consider the Redmi Note series models. 10/11 or newer.
2.Screen: 60Hz vs 60Hz, but with nuances
At first glance, the displays of both smartphones are identical: IPS LCD, diagonal 6.67, Full HD+ resolution (2400Γ1080) and refresh rate 60 Hz. However, a detailed analysis reveals key differences:
The Redmi Note 9 Pro has a more modern matrix with support for HDR10 and an expanded color gamut (98% NTSC vs. 84% Note 8 Pro).This means more juicy colors when watching videos on YouTube or Netflix. In addition, the Note 9 Pro implements Reading Mode 2.0, which better filters blue light compared to the first version in the Note 8 Pro.
| Parameter | Redmi Note 8 Pro | Redmi Note 9 Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Type of matrix | IPS LCD (standard) | IPS LCD (with HDR10 support) |
| Brightness (max.) | 450 nits | 480 nits (+7%) |
| Contrast | 1200:1 | 1500:1 (+25%) |
| Screen protection | Gorilla Glass 5 | Gorilla Glass 5 |
An important nuance: The Note 9 Pro had a problem with the βyellow tintβ of the screen at low brightness, which Xiaomi never fixed at the software level.
3.Camera: megapixels vs real quality
On paper, the Redmi Note 8 Pro looks the winner thanks to its four rear cameras (64 MP + 8 MP + 2 MP + 2 MP) against three for the Note 9 Pro (48 MP + 8 MP + 5 MP). However, the real shooting quality is determined not by the number of megapixels, but by image processing and optics.
Both smartphones perform well in the daytime, but the Note 9 Pro benefits from better dynamic range and more natural color reproduction. For example, when shooting against the sun, the Note 8 Pro often βlights upβ the sky, while the Note 9 Pro retains details. At night, the picture changes: the Note 8 Pro thanks to a larger pixel size (0.8 ΞΌm vs. 0.8 ΞΌm, but with a 4-in-1) binning, gives less noisy shots in Night Mode mode.
- πΈ Note 8 Pro: Better for night shooting, more detail at 100% magnification
- π₯ Note 9 Pro: Stabilizing video 4K/30fps (note 8 Pro only 4K/24fps)
- π Both lose to modern smartphones in portet mode (blurring edges is often inaccurate)
Examples of photos from both models
4. Battery and charging: who lives longer?
Both models are equipped with 5020 mAh batteries, but battery life differs due to different processors and MIUI optimization. In the video playback test (YouTube, 50% brightness, Wi-Fi), the results are as follows:
- Redmi Note 8 Pro: 14 hours 30 minutes
- Redmi Note 9 Pro: 16 hours 15 minutes (+11%)
The advantage of the Note 9 Pro is explained by a more energy-efficient 8-nm processor and optimizations in the MIUI 12+. However, the Note 8 Pro has a trump card - support for fast charging 18W against 18W from the Note 9 Pro, but with an important nuance: the Note 8 Pro is complete with 18W charging, and with the Note 9 Pro - only 10W (a full 18W adapter will have to buy separately).
β οΈ Attention: Through 2-3 The battery capacity of both models is reduced by 15-20%. If you buy a used smartphone, check the number of charging cycles through the engineering menu (##4636## β "Battery information").
Item 1: Avoid charging to 100% (optimally 80-90%)
Item 2: Do not use cheap cables without certification
Item 3: Turn off background activity of unnecessary applications
Item 4: Calibrate once every 3 months (discharge to 0% β charge to 100%)
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Memory and storage: UFS 2.1 vs eMMC 5.1
One of the most underappreciated differences is the type of memory used. The Redmi Note 9 Pro received UFS 2.1, while the Note 8 Pro cost eMMC 5.1.
- π Downloading of applications: UFS 2.1 2x faster (e.g., Genshin Impact boots in 25 seconds vs. 48 in eMMC)
- π File Transfer: Copying 1 GB of data takes ~10 seconds. UFS against ~18 seconds on the eMMC
- πΎ Memory card slot: Both support microSD up to 512GB, but in the Note 9 Pro it is hybrid (instead of the second one) SIM)
If you plan to actively use your smartphone for multitasking (for example, keep Telegram, Chrome with 10 tabs and Google Maps open at the same time), then the Note 9 Pro will be more comfortable.
6. Design and ergonomics: plastic vs glass
The exterior of the smartphones are similar, but the materials of the case are different. Redmi Note 8 Pro has a glass back panel with a glass back. 3D-The gradient, and the Note 9 Pro is a plastic one with a matte texture:
- 𧲠Weight: 200g Note 8 Pro vs 209g Note 9 Pro (plastic heavier than glass!)
- π§ Durability: glass is prone to cracks, plastic to scratches
- πΆ Antennas: Note 9 Pro better reception of the signal due to the plastic case
The Note 9 Pro has a button to switch on with a fingerprint scanner, while the Note 8 Pro has a scanner on the back. Users with thumbs often note the inconvenience of the side scanner in the Note 9 Pro.
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To check the originality of the back panel (especially in used smartphones), shine a flashlight on the Xiaomi logo - the original it should shine evenly, without bubbles.
7 Updates and Support: MIUI and Android
Both smartphones originally shipped with Android 9 (Note 8 Pro) and Android 10 (Note 9 Pro), but their upgrade path was very different:
- π± Redmi Note 8 Pro: the latest major update β MIUI 12.5 based on Android 11 (2022)
- π± Redmi Note 9 Pro: Received MIUI 13 on Android 12 (2023)
This means that the Note 9 Pro has been getting security updates for longer (until mid-2023, versus the end of 2022 for the Note 8 Pro).However, today both smartphones are not getting official updates. If you care about the relevance of the software, consider models that support HyperOS (for example, the Redmi Note 12).
β οΈ Note: Installing custom firmware (like LineageOS) on the Note 8 Pro is fraught with Wi-Fi issues due to proprietary MediaTek drivers. Note 9 Pro with Snapdragon has no such issues.
8.Price and relevance in 2026
In the secondary market, the prices for models vary greatly depending on the state:
| Model | "Like new" state | Condition βsatisfactoryβ | Recommended purchase price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Redmi Note 8 Pro | 8 000 β 10 000 β½ | 5 000 β 7 000 β½ | Up to 7000. β½ (higher---not appropriate) |
| Redmi Note 9 Pro | 10 000 β 12 000 β½ | 7 000 β 9 000 β½ | Up to 9000. β½ (You can choose the Note 10 for $12,000. β½) |
Should I buy these models today? Only three times:
- Budget is strictly limited to 7,000 to 10,000 β½
- Need a smartphone for basic tasks (calls, social networks, photos for memory)
- You are ready to put up with the lack of updates and slow work in 1-2 years
In all other cases, it is better to consider the Redmi Note 10/11 or the POCO X3 NFC β they offer a 90 Hz screen, more modern processors and long-term support.
π‘
If you choose between these models in 2026, give preference to the Redmi Note 9 Pro β it will last longer thanks to the fact that the model is not a good choice. UFS-storage and better optimization.