If what you are looking for is a Xiaomi mobile close to 200 euros, the two options of the moment are the POCO X3 NFC (features) and the Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 Pro (features). Both options are oscillating between 190 euros and 220 euros depending on the seller. On the outside, both models are very similar; on the inside, we will find the biggest differences.
If what you want is the short version: both are very similar. The POCO X3 has better components (screen, camera, and processor) but has a worse plastic finish compared to a Redmi Note 9 Pro with a glass back. The differences are not many, and both are very good options to buy. The POCO X3 could be priced a bit higher as it is a more recent release.
Body and screen
Both models have a 6.67-inch screen, one of the largest that we will find today in a single-screen phone. They weigh around 200 grams, with the Poco X3 slightly heavier (only 6 grams). They both have Corning Gorilla Glass 5. In terms of finishes, the Poco X3 has an aluminum body and a plastic back, while the Redmi Note 9 has a plastic body and a glass back (also protected with Gorilla Glass 5).
The screen resolution is 2400 × 1080 pixels (FullHD + according to the Xiaomi nomenclature) which leaves us with a density of pixels per inch of 395. To give you an idea, it is 20% higher than the Retina screen of the iPhone that guarantees that we do not see pixels during use.
One of the few differences between both screens is the support of HDR10 by the POCO X3 that will guarantee that the games, series, and other videos that we enjoy on it look much better. HDR is a standard that allows photos and videos to darken or brighten different parts of the screen. We get that the shadow parts shine much less than the reflections (such as sunlight). Netflix added HDR to its series more than 3 years ago.
The other difference between the POCO X3 and the Redmi Note 9 Pro is that the screen of the POCO X3 has a refresh rate of 120Hz ( in Andro4all, we already explained what the refresh rate means and why it is important ).
If you use yousee to play, the differences between the POCO X3 and the Redmi Note 9 make the balance fall for the POCO X3 with a lot of difference. If you are not going to use it to play games, but you consume video with Netflix, YouTube, Prime Video, or Disney +, the HDR10 is a very interesting addition. If you do not play games or use your mobile to watch videos, then either of the two options is just as good.
Connectivity
In terms of connectivity (the ability of our mobile to connect with other devices and different networks), both terminals are very even. Both have support for 2G, 3G, and 4G networks. The Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 Pro has a 5G version, but it is currently not available in Spain, and its price is much higher than the models we are comparing. Both connect to dual-band 802.11 a / b / g / n / ac WiFi networks, which will allow it to work perfectly with any of the operators’ home routers.
Both have connectivity with different satellite networks for geolocation. They both support A-GPS, GLONASS, and Beidou. In addition, the Redmi Note 9 Pro supports Galileo (the satellite network of the European Union), which can improve our positioning. Still, we will not have problems with the networks supported with the Poco X3.
The Poco X3 has Bluetooth 5.1, while the Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 Pro has Bluetooth 5.0. The main difference between 5.1 versus 5.0 is that with version 5.1, we will be able to detect the devices to which we are connected.
They both have support for FM Radio.
Processor and storage
The POCO X3 features a Qualcomm Snapdragon 732G processor, and the Redmi Note 9 Pro features a Snapdragon 720G. In terms of power, they are both very similar. They have 8 cores: 2 high power of 2.3Ghz and another 6 of lower consumption and power of 1.8Ghz. And also, both have the same Adreno 618 graphics. But the cores of the POCO X3, despite having the same power, are a little more advanced.
We will have the POCO X3 with two storage and memory options: 64GB and 6GB of RAM or 128GB and 6GB of RAM. We will have the Redmi Note 9 Pro in 64GB with 6GB of RAM, 128GB with 6GB of RAM, or 128GB with 8GB of RAM. The basic option of 64 should be sufficient for most users, except those who want it for the most demanding games.
Cameras
In the photographic section, both options are still very similar. The rear cameras include a 64Mpx sensor. In the POCO X3, the wide-angle is slightly higher with its 13Mpx, while the Redmi Note 9 Pro has 8Mpx. The Macro senor in the POCO X3 has 2Mpx, and in the Redmi Note 9 Pro, it has 5Mpx, and the depth sensor both have Mpx. The flash of the POCO X3 is double color (warm and cold) that will allow us to take photos with better colors in the dark.
The front camera (or selfie) of the POCO X3 is superior with its 20Mpx, but the 16Mpx of the Redmi Note 9 Pro will also give very good results.
As for video recording, both record 4K at 30fps and FullHD up to 120fps. Both have support for HDR recording and gyroscope image stabilization.
Battery
The battery of the POCO X3 has a capacity of 5160 mAh, and the Redmi Note 9 Pro of 5020 mAh. Practically the same in both cases. As for the charging system, both use a USB C 2.0 connection and have fast charges. The fast charge of the POCO X3 is 33W, which (according to the manufacturer) allows charging 62% of the mobile in 30 minutes and 100% in just over an hour (65 minutes). The Redmi Note 9 has a fast charge of 30W, but the manufacturer does not indicate how long it will take to fully charge.
Be that as it may, they are not differences that make us decide on one of the two models.
OS
Both have the MIUI 12 update with Android 11. In summary: MIUI 12 updated the design of the Xiaomi with new animations and a new application drawer; it also included a new dark mode and an extreme battery-saving mode. In Andro4all, we tell you all the news about MIUI 12.
Conclusions
This comparison is complicated because both options are very similar. The price may be a bit higher on the POCO X3 NFC, but having a more modern processor, a slightly better camera, and a display with support for HDR10 may be the best option. But if you want to contain your budget to the maximum and do not appreciate the advantages of the POCO X3, the Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 Pro is also a very good option, and you will also have a very good finish with the glass back.
Our colleagues from Urban Tecno summarized to us that it was the best and the worst of the POCO X3, do not miss it:
Sharlene Meriel is an avid gamer with a knack for technology. He has been writing about the latest technologies for the past 5 years. His contribution in technology journalism has been noteworthy. He is also a day trader with interest in the Forex market.
