What is the processor Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 Pro: a full analysis of the Snapdragon 720G

The Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 Pro is still one of the most popular smartphones in the Redmi lineup, despite the release of newer models. The main reason for this longevity is the balanced hardware, where the processor plays a key role. But what kind of chip is installed in this device? Why is it still relevant in 2026? And how does its characteristics affect everyday use?

In this article, we will take a closer look at the Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 Pro processor – Qualcomm Snapdragon 720G – examine its architecture, compare it to competitors (including the Helio G90T and Snapdragon benchmark 730G), test it in games and applications, and give practical tips on performance optimization.

Specifications of the Snapdragon 720G in the Redmi Note 9 Pro

Qualcomm Snapdragon 720G was announced in January 2020 as a “game” chip mid-level, it is built on 8-nanometer process technology (Samsung LPP) and belongs to the family of Snapdragon 700, which is designed to close the niche between the budget Snapdragon 600 and the flagship Snapdragon 800.

Key features of the chip:

• 🔹 Central processing unit (CPU): 2 Kryo 465 Gold cores (based on) Cortex-A76) 2.3 GHz + 6 Kryo 465 Silver cores (Cortex-A55) up to 1.8 GHz.
• 🎮 Graphics processor (GPU): Adreno 618 with OpenGL support ES 3.2, Vulkan 1.1 and hardware acceleration for gaming.
• 📱 Display support: up to QHD+ (3360×1440) upon 60 Hz or FHD+ (2400×1080) upon 120 Hz (in Redmi Note) 9 Pro used to be used FHD+ 60 Hz).
• 📷 ISP (Image processing: Spectra 350L with support for cameras up to 192 MP (in a smartphone – the main camera 64 MP).
• 🔋 Modem: Snapdragon X15 LTE (Cat.15/13) maximum loading speed up to 800 Mbit/s.

Importantly, the Snapdragon 720G is a modified version of the standard Snapdragon 720, where the letter “G” denotes a 15% increase in GPU performance due to overclocking, which makes the chip more attractive to gamers, but slightly increases power consumption.

Architecture and technology: why the Snapdragon 720G is still relevant

Although the Snapdragon 720G has been around for over 4 years, its architecture remains competitive with several key solutions:

1. It's an 8-nanometer process, and compared to a 10- or 12-nanometer chip like the Helio G90T, it offers a better balance between performance and energy efficiency, which means that the smartphone heats less and holds its charge longer when it's loaded.
2. Dynamic task distribution: The Cortex-A76 cores take over complex computing (games, video rendering), and the Cortex-A55 takes over background processes (social media, music), which reduces lags when multitasking.
3. Support for LPDDR4X memory. The Redmi Note 9 Pro has 6GB of LPDDR4X installed at 1866 MHz, which is 20% faster than LPDDR4 in budget smartphones.

Another advantage is hardware acceleration AI (Hexagon 692), which is used to:

• 🤖 Optimize photos (for example, night mode or scene recognition).
• 🎵 Improvements in headphones (Qualcomm Aqstic technology).
• 🔍 Acceleration of voice assistants (e.g. Google Assistant).

However, there are limitations. For example, the Snapdragon 720G does not support 5G (unlike the Snapdragon 750G) and has an outdated X15 modem that does not pull current 4G+ speeds (maximum 800 Mbps vs 1.2 Gbps for the X55).

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If you play online games frequently (like PUBG Mobile or Call of Duty), turn off background data sync in Settings → Google Accounts → Sync. This will reduce modem load and reduce ping.

Comparison with competitors: Snapdragon 720G vs Helio G90T vs Snapdragon 730G

To see how good the Snapdragon 720G is, compare it to the main competitors in the segment.

The table shows that the Snapdragon 720G is ahead of the Helio G90T in energy efficiency and process technology, but inferior to the Snapdragon 730G in GPU performance. However, in real tests, the difference between the 720G and 730G is minimal - about 5-7% in games and 10% in synthetic tests.

⚠️ Note: If you choose between Redmi Note 9 Pro (720G) and POCO X2 (730G), Keep in mind that the second one has a higher-frequency display (120 Hz), which eliminates the difference in the performance of the chips. 720G Heat less with prolonged loads.

Performance in games and benchmark tests

Redmi Note 9 Pro with Snapdragon 720G is able to run most modern games at medium or high settings.

• 🎮 PUBG Mobile: Stable 40 FPS setting HDR + Ultra (with antialiasing on) When reduced to Smooth + Extreme FPS It goes up to 60, but there are slowdowns in battles.

By comparison, the Snapdragon 730G in the same tests shows 10-15% better results, but the difference in gameplay is almost not noticeable. The main advantage of the 720G is less heating. In hourly sessions in PUBG, the Redmi Note 9 Pro body temperature rarely exceeds 42 ° C (versus 48 ° C for the POCO X2 with 730G).

If you notice a severe FPS drawdown, try:

Disable background applications

Reduce the resolution of the graphics in the game settings

Activate Performance Mode in MIUI (Settings → Battery → Performance Mode)

Clear the game's cache (Settings → Applications → [Game] → Storage → Clear the cache)

Update the drivers GPU Google Play Services-->

Real Performance: Everyday Tasks and Multitasking

In everyday use, the Snapdragon 720G shows its best side:

• 📱 Social networks and instant messengers: Instant opening of Instagram, Telegram or VK even 20+ background.
• 🎥 Video editing: CapCut or KineMaster work without lags when rendering video in 1080p (but 4K may slow down).
• 📷 Photograph: Processing RAW-Photos from Lightroom Mobile ~3-5 seconds (vs. 8-10 seconds for budget chips like the Snapdragon 665).
• 💼 Office Tasks: Working with Google Docs, Excel and 10+ The Chrome tabs do not cause hangings.

But there are nuances:

• ⚠️ MIUI and background processes. MIUI (Especially versions 12-14) aggressively closes the background applications. To avoid this, add the desired applications to Settings. → Annexes → Permits → Auto-Start and Lock.
• ⚠️ Heat while charging. If you play and charge your smartphone at the same time, the temperature can go up to 45.°C. In this case, activate Game Mode in the Notification Curtain – it limits background activity.

To check multitasking, you can use the test:

1. Open 10 apps (e.g. Chrome, YouTube, Maps, Camera, etc.).
2. Return to the first application in 5 minutes.
3. If it reboots, MIUI killed the process. Solution: Turn off Battery Optimization for this application.

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The Snapdragon 720G does a great job of everyday tasks, but for maximum performance, you need to turn off aggressive MIUI optimization.

Problems and disadvantages of the Snapdragon 720G Redmi Note 9 Pro

Despite the advantages, the chip has several critical flaws that are worth knowing about:

1. Lack of 5G support. In 2026, this is already a minus, especially if you plan to use a smartphone longer than 2-3 years. Alternatively, the Redmi Note 10 Pro with Snapdragon 732G (also without 5G) or the POCO X3 Pro with Snapdragon 860.
2. The outdated X15 modem does not support modern frequency aggregation standards, so internet speeds in dense urban areas may be lower than those of new smartphones.
3. MIUI problems: Some users complain of random reboots when they are overloaded, not with the chip itself, but with the firmware, and the solution is to switch to custom firmware (like the Pixel Experience) or to roll back to MIUI 12.5 (more stable than 13/14).

⚠️ Warning: If your Redmi Note 9 Pro suddenly turns off when loaded (like in games), it could be not just the processor but a worn-out battery. Check its health through the AccuBattery app or replace the battery (the original costs a lot of money). ~1500–2,000 rubles.).

Another common problem is trottling, which is to avoid it.

• 🔧 Use Coolify or CPU Tuner for manual frequency control (root rights required).
• 🧊 Stick a heat pad on the back cover (for example, from a laptop) - this will reduce the temperature by 3-5°C.
• 🔄 Clean the Dalvik cache regularly through TWRP (if established).

How to prolong the life of the processor: tips for optimization

To ensure that the Snapdragon 720G lasts longer and does not lose performance, follow these recommendations:

• 🔋 Battery and charging: Avoid charging to 100% - the optimal range of 20-80%.Use the original power supply (33W) or certified Quick Charge 4.0. Don't play while charging - it speeds up battery wear and heats the chip.
• ❄️ Temperature: Do not leave your smartphone in the sun or near heat sources. For long games, use a cooler for your smartphone (worth it) ~500 rubles.).
• 🛠️ Software Optimization: Turn off animations in Settings → The phone. → Version. MIUI (7 times press) → Window animation = 0.5x. Remove unnecessary system applications through ADB (For example, Mi Video, Mi Music, upgrade to the latest version of the firmware. MIUI (Or switch to LineageOS for better performance).

If you notice a significant performance drop (e.g., AnTuTu scores less than 200,000), the reasons may be as follows:

• 🔍 The heat paste is dry, so the solution is to disassemble the smartphone and replace the paste (for example, on Arctic). MX-4).
• 📉 Wear the flash memory. Check the health of the drive through AndroBench. If the write speed has dropped below 100 MB / s, it's time to change the eMMC.
• 🦠 Viruses or Bloatware. scan Malwarebytes device and remove suspicious apps.

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Regular cache cleaning, firmware updates and temperature control can extend the life of the Snapdragon 720G by 2-3 years.

FAQ: Frequent questions about the Redmi Note processor 9 Pro