Why the Redmi Note 9 Pro processor is important for users
Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 Pro remains one of the most popular mid-range devices even a few years after its release, and the main reason for this longevity is a balanced hardware, where the processor plays a key role, which depends not only on gaming performance or multitasking, but also energy efficiency, support for modern technologies (such as 5G or artificial intelligence), and compatibility with future MIUI updates.
Many users still wonder, “What processor is in the Redmi Note 9 Pro and why Xiaomi chose it?” In this article, we will analyze the specifications of the chipset, compare it with competitors (for example, with the Helio G95 or Snapdragon 730G), and show you how to independently test the model of the processor on your device.
If you are planning to buy a Redmi Note 9 Pro used or just want to overclock your device, this information will help to avoid errors. For example, knowing the processor model is critical when choosing a custom firmware or kernel for overclocking – incompatibility can lead to a “brick” of the phone.
Official specifications of the Redmi Note 9 Pro processor
The Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 Pro has a Qualcomm Snapdragon 720G chipset (codenamed SM7125), an 8-core processor released in early 2020 using 8nm process technology (an improved version of Samsung's 8LPP), and let's take a look at its key parameters:
- 🔹 Central processing unit (CPU): 2 Kryo 465 Gold cores (based on) Cortex-A76) 2.3 GHz + 6 Kryo 465 Silver cores (based on) Cortex-A55) frequency up to 1.8 GHz.
- 🎮 Graphic accelerator (GPU): Adreno 618 with OpenGL support ES 3.2, Vulkan 1.1 and hardware acceleration HDR.
- 📡 Modem: Snapdragon X15 LTE (maximum download speed - 800 Mbit / s, returns - 150 Mbit / s: 5G This chipset is not supported!
- 🤖 Artificial Intelligence: Hexagon 692 DSP Qualcomm-enabled AI Engine (performance up to 5.7) TOPS).
- 📷 Camera support: up to 192 MP (single module) or 48+16 MP (dual camera) with hardware processing 4K HDR.
It is important to understand that the Snapdragon 720G is a lightweight version of the Snapdragon 730G, but with some improvements for games (hence the letter “G” in the title). For example, this chipset optimizes drivers for Adreno 618, which gives an increase of 15-20% FPS in games like PUBG Mobile or Call of Duty: Mobile compared to the usual Snapdragon 720.
It’s also worth noting that Xiaomi used a modified chipset with improved heat sink in the Redmi Note 9 Pro to combat the trottling (decreased overheating performance) that was common in early versions of smartphones on the Snapdragon 7xx.
Comparison of the Snapdragon 720G with competitors: who is stronger?
In 2020, when the Redmi Note 9 Pro was released, the main competitors of the Snapdragon 720G were:
- 🔥 MediaTek Helio G95 (Realme 7 Pro and Redmi Note 9 Pro Max for India).
- ⚡ Snapdragon 730G (used POCO X2 and realme X2).
- 🍎 Apple A12 Bionic (for comparison with Apple chips in the iPhone) SE 2020).
Let’s take a look at the key differences in the table:
| Parameter | Snapdragon 720G | Helio G95 | Snapdragon 730G |
|---|---|---|---|
| Technique | 8 nm (Samsung 8LPP) | 12 nm (TSMC) | 8 nm (Samsung 8LPP) |
| CPU (max frequency) | 2.3 GHz (A76) | 2.05 GHz (A76) | 2.2 GHz (A76) |
| GPU | Adreno 618 | Mali-G76 MC4 | Adreno 618 (with improved drivers) |
| AnTuTu (2026) | ~280 000 | ~260 000 | ~300 000 |
| Support for 5G support | ❌ No. | ❌ No. | ❌ No. |
The table shows that the Snapdragon 720G outperforms the Helio G95 in energy efficiency (thanks to 8nm process technology) and performance in single-core tests. However, in games Mali-G76 from MediaTek sometimes shows better results due to more aggressive optimization of drivers for specific games (for example, in Free Fire or Genshin Impact).
The Snapdragon 730G is objectively stronger: it has higher GPU frequency, better support for Elite Gaming (Qualcomm’s gamer technology), and slightly higher benchmark scores. However, the difference in real use is minimal – ~5-10%, which is almost invisible to the eye.
⚠️ Note: If you choose between Redmi Note 9 Pro (720G) and POCO X2 (730G), Note that the second smartphone has a higher-frequency display (120 Hz vs. Redmi's 60 Hz), which affects the smoothness of the interface more than the difference in the processors.
How to check the processor on your Redmi Note 9 Pro
If you are not sure which chipset is installed in your device (for example, when buying a used phone), there are several ways to check this.
- Through phone settings: Open Settings → About the phone. Find Processor Model or Hardware Information. If it says SM7125 or Snapdragon 720G, it's the original chipset.
- Through the CPU-Z app: Download CPU-Z from Google Play. Open the SoC tab (System on Chip). The Model bar will specify the exact chipset (e.g., Qualcomm SM7125 Snapdragon 720G).
- Enter the code ##4636## in the "Phone" application. Go to the "Phone Information" tab and find the "Processor" line.
Be careful: some vendors may forge information in their settings (e.g., through Build.prop), so the most reliable way to do this is to use CPU-Z or AIDA64.
☑️ Verification of the originality of the processor
⚠️ Attention: If in CPU-Z displays the Helio chipset G95 or Snapdragon 6xx, You're either a fake or a Redmi Note 9 Pro Max (for India). IMEI phone through Xiaomi service!
Performance in 2026: current tests
4 years after the release of the Snapdragon 720G is still able to carry out modern tasks, but with reservations. We tested the Redmi Note 9 Pro on current versions of games and applications (April 2026) and here is what happened:
- 🎮 PUBG Mobile (graphics — HD, 60 FPS): steady 35-40 FPS No lags. Long play (30)+ minute) frame rate drops to 25-30 FPS trottling.
- 📱 Genshin Impact (low settings): 20-25 FPS open world, up to 30 FPS In the middle settings, the game slows down.
- 📸 Video processing 4K: Rendering 5-minute video in CapCut takes ~12 minutes (compared to Snapdragon 865 — ~4 minutes).
- 🔋 Autonomy: when you use it actively (social networks, instant messengers, 2 hours of games), the phone discharges in 6-7 hours.
For comparison, here are the benchmark results on pure MIUI 14 (no custom firmware):
- AnTuTu 10: ~280,000 points.
- Geekbench 6 (Single-Core): ~550 points.
- Geekbench 6 (Multi-Core): ~1,700 points.
- 3DMark Wild Life: ~1,300 (mean FPS 7.8)
These results suggest that the Snapdragon 720G in 2026 is suitable for:
- ✅ Everyday tasks (social networks, YouTube, instant messengers).
- ✅ The Light Games (Clash Royale, Brawl Stars).
- ✅ Photography (but not video in the video) 4K@60fps).
But don't count on:
- ❌ Modern. AAA-Games (Diablo Immortal, Honor of Kings).
- ❌ Multitasking with 10+ background.
- ❌ Quick processing RAW-Photo or video from Premiere Rush.
💡
To reduce trottling, use a cooling case or lower the screen resolution to HD+ in the developer settings (Settings → About Phone → MIUI version – tap 7 times).
Overclocking and optimization of the processor: what can be done?
If you don’t like the standard performance of the Snapdragon 720G, there are a few ways to improve it, but remember that any manipulation of the core or frequencies can cause the chipset to overheat or fail.
Here are the safe optimization methods:
- 🔧 Turning off background processes: Activate Battery mode → Energy conservation → Super energy saving. In Settings. → Apps prohibit auto-run of unnecessary programs.
Use of the custom kernel:
Which cores does 720G support?
Overclocking GPU (for experienced only):
With Kernel Adiutor, you can increase the Adreno 618 frequency by 10-15%, but this will reduce the life of the chipset.
To overclock the CPU will require:
- Unlock the bootloader (fastboot oem unlock).
- Install TWRP and custom firmware (e.g. Pixel Experience).
- Edit files in /sys/devices/system/cpu (root rights required).
⚠️ Note: After overclocking, the Redmi Note 9 Pro may start to overheat above 50°C even in the plain. It's fraught with chipset detachment from the board! Use Arctic heatpaste MX-4 phone-breaking.
💡
The best way to overclock the Snapdragon 720G is to upgrade to the latest version of MIUI. The new builds optimized GPU drivers and fixed bugs with trottling.
Frequent Processor Problems and Solutions
Redmi Note 9 Pro users often face the following issues related to the chipset:
- 🔥 Overheating when charging or playing: Cause: a faulty thermal interface or a dust-filled vent grille, the solution is cleaning the phone and replacing the thermal paste.
- 🐢 Strong lags in games: Reason: trottling due to high temperature. Solution - lower the graphics in the game settings or use a cooling case.
- 📉 Decreased performance over time: Cause: cache clogging or battery wear (processor limits power at low charge) Solution - factory reset or battery replacement.
- 🚫 Processor Not Supported Error in Some Games: Reason: Outdated Drivers GPU. Decision - update MIUI or installing OpenGL ES Driver Update from Google Play.
If your phone suddenly starts to brake, follow these steps:
☑️ Diagnostics of Processor Problems
If nothing helped, there may be a hardware problem (e.g. chipset detachment from the board), in which case, contact the service center. The average cost of repairing a processor in the Redmi Note 9 Pro is 3,000–5,000 rubles (2026).