Xiaomi Redmi Note 9S vs Redmi Note 9 Pro: which is the best smartphone?

Which smartphone to choose between the Xiaomi Redmi Note 9S and the Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 Pro? Here is our point-by-point comparison to help you make the best choice on these entry-level devices with attractive value for money.

With the Redmi Note 9S and the Redmi Note 9 Pro, Xiaomi here gives us two smartphones that are very similar, evidenced by their respective names. The devices share many features and their official prices differ very little. It can therefore be difficult to make a calm choice. Here we offer a comprehensive comparison so that you can choose the phone that suits you the most.

Almost Twins!

Good … For the design … How to tell you? The Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 Pro does not really differ from the Redmi Note 9S. Both phones are large beasts, 165.75mm tall, 8.8mm thick and weighing 209 grams. In other words, they are almost twins. Remember that the similarities do not stop there: punch centered at the top of the screen, for the selfie sensor, flat panel, fingerprint reader on the right edge, glass back, USB-C port and socket 3.5 mm jack…

It is by looking at the quadruple camera on the back of each smartphone that we notice some minor differences. The Redmi Note 9S and the Redmi Note 9 Pro opt for a square and centered module. However, the first sees its flash be aesthetically integrated into the black rectangle at this location when the second marks the separation between the module and said flash. We told you: the difference is anecdotal.

Another small aesthetic difference: on the green-blue model, the Redmi Note 9 Pro is fitted with a two-tone color that is not found on the Redmi Note 9S. In reality, rather than looking for the small differences between the two smartphones, it should especially be remembered here that these are terminals intended for people who like or are not bothered by large formats.

If you do not identify yourself with this category of users, you can already go your way. Otherwise, just know that Xiaomi has done a good job in terms of finish to ensure a comfortable grip in everyday life … Except perhaps with regard to the volume buttons positioned a little too high on the right, which can interfere a little with the use.

Large Diagonal Screen On The One And On The Other :

Rebellion for screens: the panels of Redmi Note 9S and Redmi Note 9 Pro have, on paper, the same characteristics. So here we are facing diagonals of 6.67 inches on either side, with an IPS LCD display and a Full HD + definition. A fairly classic recipe after all.

On both products, there is an automatic mode which adjusts the colors according to the ambient light. Options for saturated (more beautiful) and standard (more natural) tones are also available. This allows the two brothers – enemies for the time of this article – to adapt their display to most tastes and that is necessarily a good thing. Please note: in either case, we are not dealing with war thunder in terms of the plurality of colors that can be displayed. The devices are content to do the job properly.

If the level of contrast is satisfactory on these two smartphones from Xiaomi, it is especially at the level of the maximum brightness that we can address some criticisms. The Redmi Note 9S and the Redmi Note 9 Pro are a little too tight on this point to really guarantee impeccable readability in all circumstances. In this regard, and even if it is a little more expensive, the Pro version does noticeably less well.

MIUI 11 More Complete On The Pro Model :

MIUI 11 is the interface present by default on both smartphones. So everything is identical? Not really ! Some key differences can be seen here. Admittedly, the dark mode and the navigation by gestures are present on each device, the same cannot be said of the application drawer.

Indeed, the application drawer can only be activated on the Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 Pro and, casually, it is a significant advantage.

Another important thing: NFC is only available on this Pro version. So, if you like to pay without contact with your smartphone or want to use it to validate your tickets (in cities where this is possible), the Redmi Note 9S will not be a good ally, prefer the Redmi Note 9 Pro.

Otherwise, the two phones offer, by default, a whole bunch of Google applications by default to make it clear that the services of the Mountain View firm are perfectly accessible to him. Even the preinstalled SMS and telephone clients are those of the American giant.

On each of the two opponents of this versus, a very annoying antivirus analysis is launched as soon as you download an application, even if it comes from the Play Store. Worse: this pseudo security scan displays advertising squarely. Hurry to deactivate this feature so you don’t get bothered!

MIUI 11 is also concerned to present some confusions in its parameters with, in particular, different options whose names are a little too close for the user experience to be perfectly clear.

Photo: Small Advantage For Redmi Note 9 Pro :

Have you ever been told that the Redmi Note 9S and Redmi Note 9 Pro are similar? Hang on, this observation does not change on the photo part. There are four sensors on the back of the two smartphones. The Pro version has a main sensor of 64 megapixels (f/1.89) against 48 megapixels (f/1.79) on the model decked out with an S. For the rest, we find the same configuration:

• 8 megapixel ultra wide angle (f/2.2).
• a sensor with macro lens of 5 megapixels (f/2.4).
• a 2 megapixel depth sensor (f/2.4).

Overall, we get very good photos when the light conditions are good. No wonder, even on this price range. Above all, we note that the two phones have a little fondness for color saturation, but without going overboard.

Pictures Of The Xiaomi Redmi Note 9S :

As for macro mode, it is not really on this point that we can really judge the two smartphones. This option for taking pictures of objects very close to the lens remains very gadget overall and the poorly defined images that we obtain do not really allow to show off on social networks.

For selfies, the Redmi Note 9S composes with a front sensor of 16 megapixels against 32 megapixels on the Redmi Note 9 Pro. This difference in definition is not really felt during use and we get perfectly correct photos on both despite some errors in terms of colorimetry here and there.

VOID Match On Power :

No noticeable difference in performance between these two enemy Redmi brothers, both equipped with a Snapdragon 720G with ample power to perform everyday tasks. Don’t expect a power tsunami though: a game like Fortine runs at 30 fps very stably with 3D resolution pushed to 100%, but the graphics level does not exceed the “medium” option.

The Redmi Note 9S and the Redmi Note 9 Pro are therefore quite powerful for their price segment, but we have already seen better, especially on the side of the Redmi Note 8 Pro released in 2019. It is therefore a draw that is taking shape between the two smartphones compared today on this criterion.

Autonomy: The Difference Is Made On Fast Charging :

Both phones are entitled to the same battery capacity: 5020 mAh. This gives them a very big autonomy, foolproof. Chain power-hungry apps throughout the day without worrying about the battery logo draining dangerously at the top left of the screen. The two full days of endurance are also completely possible without making too many concessions on your uses.

Small advantage anyway for the Redmi Note 9 Pro delivered with a 33 W charger against a block of 22.5 W for the Redmi Note 9 S. This difference is especially felt on the first half hour of loading or the declination Pro grappille ten percent more over this period of time.

Redmi Note 9S And Redmi Note 9 Pro Network And Communication :

The two smartphones are compatible with 4G frequency bands, even the 700 MHz B28 mainly operated by Free Mobile. The 5G network will not be available to you on these smartphones, which, as we have said, is at the entry level.

Wi-Fi 5 and Bluetooth 5 are part of each of the models.

Which Choose Between The Xiaomi Redmi Note 9S And The Redmi Note 9 Pro?

As we have seen, Xiaomi’s Redmi Note 9S and Redmi Note 9 Pro are very similar smartphones, but their price varies from a few tens of euros which is not negligible at all in the entry-level sector.

So, by spending a few more pennies, you will benefit from an NFC-compatible Redmi Note 9 Pro and this is undoubtedly its main advantage in this battle. Beyond that, this version also benefits from a better defined and more relevant main photo sensor for taking full-size shots, the possibility of activating a native application drawer or even a more powerful charger. To make your choice, it will be important to determine if one or more of these criteria justify, depending on your usage to spend 20 or 30 dollars more than for the Redmi Note 9 S.

If these points are not of particular importance to you, then the Redmi Note 9S has almost identical features to the Redmi Note 9 Pro. It is a very large smartphone, rather pleasant in hand, with a correct screen but nothing more, good performance that will not amaze you and a huge and perfectly reassuring autonomy.

To go further, do not hesitate to discover our full review on Redmi Note 9 pro smartphone:

• Redmi Note 9 Pro.

Xiaomi Redmi Note 9S And Redmi Note 9 Pro Prices And Availability :

The Xiaomi Redmi Note 9S costs 281 $ in its version of 4 GB of RAM and 64 GB of storage. Count 316$ for the better equipped model of 6/128 GB.

316$ is the lowest price for the Redmi Note 9 Pro in its 6/64 GB version. To get the best version of 6/128 GB, the recommended price is 339$.

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