The two flagships of the budget segment: who will win in 2026?
Choosing between the Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 Pro and the POCO X3 Pro is a dilemma that thousands of users face years after their release: Both models remain relevant due to balanced specs, but are suitable for different use cases. The first smartphone is a classic “laptop” with a focus on the camera and autonomy, the second is a gaming “monster” with a top-end chipset for the same money.
In this article, we'll not just compare performance, but we'll look at real differences in performance, quality, and even software nuances. You'll learn why the POCO X3 Pro beats a competitor in benchmarks but loses in everyday tasks, and why the Redmi Note 9 Pro is still the best choice for photo enthusiasts. And we'll also reveal the secret to saving 30% on buying any of these models in 2026 without sacrificing a warranty.
Spoiler: If you want a smartphone to play games, the choice is obvious. But if you're looking for a universal device with the best camera and the best camera. AMOLED-And so, with the screen, get ready for surprises. Let's start with the most important thing: processors.
Processor and performance: Snapdragon 720G vs Snapdragon 860
The main difference between the models lies under the hood. Redmi Note 9 Pro is equipped with Qualcomm Snapdragon 720G — a reliable mid-level chipset with an architecture of 8 nm. It is optimized for energy efficiency and stable operation in everyday tasks. while the POCO X3 Pro received Snapdragon 860 — relabeled flagship Snapdragon 855+ with clock speeds up to 2.96 GHz.
On paper, the difference is huge: in the AnTuTu 9 POCO X3 Pro test, it scores about 450,000, while the Redmi Note 9 Pro barely reaches 280,000.
- 🎮 Games: POCO X3 Pro launches Genshin Impact at maximum settings with 50-60 FPS, while Redmi Note 9 Pro is forced to reduce the detail to "average" and gives 30-40 FPS. The difference is noticeable even with the naked eye.
- 📱 Everyday tasks: Both smartphones can handle social networks, instant messengers and YouTube without lags. However, the Redmi Note 9 Pro is less likely to overheat when it is under long load.
- 🔋 Energy consumption: POCO X3 Pro discharges on 20-25% faster because of the more voracious processor. This is critical if you're on the go often.
There are hidden nuances: Snapdragon 860 warms up stronger, especially in the metal body of the POCO X3 Pro. During hourly sessions in Call of Duty Mobile, the temperature can reach 48-50 ° C, which causes trottling (automatic decrease in the frequency of the processor). Redmi Note 9 Pro in the same conditions is heated to 42-44 ° C.
⚠️ Warning: If you plan to use your smartphone to stream games via Xbox Cloud Gaming or GeForce NOW, POCO X3 Pro will do better, but for normal mobile games, the difference doesn't always justify overpaying.
Screen: AMOLED vs IPS – Which is more comfortable for the eyes?
Here's the Redmi Note. 9 Pro takes revenge. He's got it set. 6.67-inch AMOLED-resolution-screen 2400×1080 (Full HD+), support HDR10+ and frequency of renewal 120 Hz. POCO X3 Despite the same diagonal, the IPS-resolution-matrix 2400×1080 frequency 120 Hz.
In practice, this means:
| Parameter | Redmi Note 9 Pro (AMOLED) | POCO X3 Pro (IPS) |
|---|---|---|
| Contrast | Seamless black, depth 1,000,000:1 | Gray shade of black, 1500:1 |
| Brightness (max.) | 800 nits (auto), 600 nits (manual) | 450 nits (without auto-adjustment) |
| Color rendering | Wide range of DCI-P3 (100%) | sRGB (96%) |
| Resistance to the sun | Better due to high contrast | Worse because of the lighting. |
AMOLED-Redmi Note 9 Pro wins on all fronts except one: flickering at low brightness. Backlight levels below 30% can cause noticeable noise (PWM-flickering), which tires the eyes. POCO X3 Pro is free of this problem, but it IPS-matrix loses in color saturation.
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To reduce flickering. AMOLED-screen, turn on the "No flicker" mode in the settings (Settings) → Display. → Reading mode) or use dark themes of design.
64 MP vs 48 MP – who shoots better?
On paper, the Redmi Note 9 Pro looks like a winner: its main camera has a resolution of 64 MP (Samsung GW1) versus 48 MP (Sony IMX582) from the POCO X3 Pro. But the real quality of photos depends not only on the megapixels.
Let's compare the key scenarios:
- 🌄 Daytime shooting: Both smartphones show good results, but the Redmi Note 9 Pro works better in the shadows thanks to greater resolution. POCO X3 Pro gives more natural colors.
- 🌃 Night shooting: Here's winning POCO X3 Pro, his noise-cancellation algorithms are more efficient, and the photos are brighter, but with a loss of detail.
- 🎥 Video: Redmi Note 9 Pro is taking video in 4K@30fps with electronic stabilization, while POCO X3 Pro is limited 1080p@60fps stabilised.
- 👤 Selfie: Redmi Note 9 Pro frontal 20 MP, the POCO X3 Pro – 16 MP. the difference is minimal, but the first better copes with portrait mode.
Examples of photos (clickable):
Examples of photos from both cameras
⚠️ Note: If you shoot videos for TikTok or YouTube frequently, the Redmi Note 9 Pro will be preferred because of the support. 4K. For Instagram photos, the difference is not critical – both cameras give a decent result after processing in Lightroom.
Battery and charging: 5020 mAh vs 5160 mAh
Both smartphones have batteries of about 5000 mAh, but the charging approach is different. Redmi Note 9 Pro supports fast charging 33W, while POCO X3 Pro only 30W.
- ⚡ Charging time: Redmi Note 9 Pro: 0-100% post 65 minute. POCO X3 Pro: 0-100% post 75 minute.
- 🔋 Autonomy: Redmi Note 9 Pro: 1.5-2 day with moderate use (social networks, messengers, 3-4 screen-hour). POCO X3 Pro: 1-1.5 The day because of a more voracious processor.
Important nuance: POCO X3 Pro does not come with a charger in the box (only cable) USB-C). For full fast charging you will have to buy a power supply separately. Redmi Note 9 Pro comes with a new version of the new model. 33W-charger.
☑️ How to extend the life of a battery
Design and Ergonomics: Plastic vs Metal
The Redmi Note 9 Pro comes in a plastic case with a matte coating that doesn’t collect fingerprints. the POCO X3 Pro features a metal frame and glass back panel – looks premium, but slides in the hands and requires a case.
Key differences:
- 📏 Sizes and weight: Redmi Note 9 Pro: 165.8×76.7×8.8 mm, 209 s. POCO X3 Pro: 165.3×76.8×9.4 mm, 215 s.
- 🔊 Dynamics: Y POCO X3 Pro stereo speakers (upper) + The Redmi Note 9 Pro has the bottom one, and the difference is noticeable in games and when you watch videos.
- 🔒 Fingerprint scanner: In the Redmi Note 9 Pro it is sideways (in the power button), in the POCO X3 Pro is on the back. The first one is more comfortable.
If you drop your phone a lot, the Redmi Note 9 Pro will survive the drops better thanks to plastic. POCO X3 Pro looks more solid, but requires a mandatory case and glass.
Software: MIUI vs POCO Launcher
Both models are based on MIUI, but with different shells. Redmi Note 9 Pro received the standard version, and POCO X3 Pro – POCO Launcher with minimalist design and no advertising.
What does this mean for the user:
- 📱 Interface: POCO Launcher is closer to “pure” Android, without unnecessary widgets and duplicate applications (for example, two browsers or two theme stores).
- 🔄 Updates: POCO X3 Pro got it. MIUI 14 based on Android 13, while Redmi Note 9 Pro stuck on MIUI 13 (Android 12) and no longer updated.
- 🚀 Productivity: POCO Launcher consumes on the 10-15% Less RAM, which is critical for multitasking.
⚠️ Note: If you are interested in long-term updates, POCO X3 The Redmi Note 9 Pro will not receive new versions. MIUI, What creates security risks (no patches for Android 2023 vulnerabilities)+ year-end).
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POCO X3 Pro wins on software: longer supported, less advertising, faster.
Price and availability in 2026
In the secondary market and in official stores, the prices for models vary greatly:
- 💰 Redmi Note 9 Pro (4/64 GB): 12 000 before 15 000 ₽ conditionally.
- 💰 POCO X3 Pro (6/128 GB): 14 000 before 18 000 ₽. New devices can still be found at official retailers.
Where is it better to buy:
Where can I buy it cheaper?
The secret of saving: AliExpress periodically sells, where POCO X3 Pro can be bought for 11 000-12 000 ₽ Use a promotional code. POCO2026 (lasts until the end of the year).