Redmi Note 9 Pro Max vs Realme 6 Pro Specs Comparison – Is 90Hz Worth It?

Two of the most anticipated mid-range phones in 2020 are the Redmi Note 9 Pro Max and Realme 6 Pro. If you’re looking for the best bang-for-the-buck device, look no further than these two. This year, Realme has the upper hand due to the faster display, however, is that enough to overlook the other features of Redmi?

Redmi Note 9 Pro Max and Realme 6 Pro Similarities and Differences

Which is the better buy between the Redmi Note 9 Pro Max and Realme 6 Pro?

Design and Display

Like most smartphones today, Redmi Note 9 Pro Max didn’t bother standing out from the crowd. Although it comes in three colors, the glossy finish still means fingerprint slugfest. In the case of Realme 6 Pro, not a lot of people will like the thunderous design on the back, however, it does make the device unique compared to others. We appreciate the glass-plastic-glass build here, along with the support for splash resistance on both devices. Even with the unique camera module of the Redmi device, we have to give props to Realme here with its courageous design thus making it the winner in this department.

Switching to the displays, we have the same 6.6″ IPS LCD FHD+ panels. Both can easily reach around 450nits which should be visible enough under broad daylight. While HDR playback has yet to arrive on neither device, Realme 6 Pro has the upper hand thanks to the 90Hz refresh rate. Fast refresh rates have been the trend in 2020, rendering faster animations that make the device feels snappier. While it does consume more battery life, it’s still a fun feature to have. However, the pill-shape cutout might be distracting to some users than the centered-pinhole on the Redmi device. But obviously, Realme 6 Pro wins the display category.

READ: Oppo Reno 3 Pro Review – A Midrange Flagship Level Phone

Performance

There’s no contest here given we’re comparing Snapdragon 720G chipsets. Both are capable of handling demanding apps and games, especially when paired with 8GB RAM. This means the difference will go down to MIUI 11 vs Realme UI; both based on Android 10. You can read our thoughts about it in our Redmi Note 9 vs Realme 6i comparison.

Outside processing prowess, Redmi Note 9 Pro Max still offers an infrared port for when you need to control your smart TV and other supported devices. On the flip end, Realme 6 Pro has support for the latest Bluetooth 5.1 standard and NFC in some regions. To keep the cost to a minimum, the fingerprint scanners are on the right-hand side. With both devices being capable daily drivers, we have to give this one a tie.

Cameras

Inside the best bang-for-the-buck phones in 2020 are 64MP main cameras, specifically the Samsung GW1 sensor. Technically speaking, the sensor output 26mm photos at f1.8 with 4-in-1 pixel binning. As a result, you’re getting 16MP equivalent photos, however, you can still use the full 48MP mode on the camera app. As for the supporting lenses, the Redmi Note 9 Pro’s ultrawide, macro, and depth lenses are less versatile than the telephoto, ultrawide, and macro of Realme 6 Pro. Realme’s device is capable of delivering 2x optical zoom and up to 20x digital zoom. The versatility continues to the selfie cameras, as the pill-shaped cutout houses a 16MP sensor and an 8MP ultrawide. With that said, Realme 6 Pro wins the camera department.

READ: Realme 6 Pro vs Poco X2 Specs Comparison – Can Xiaomi Still Win It All?

Audio

Neither of the two feature stereo speakers, so expect decent audio quality. Luckily, the headphone jack is still present. But Realme 6 Pro has the advantage of playing hi-res audio file tracks for a better listening experience.

Battery and Charging

If you want the longer-lasting phone, Redmi Note 9 Pro Max is the way to go. Not only it has the bigger battery at 5020mAh, but the 60Hz refresh rate doesn’t consume as much as the 90Hz display. You can also fast charge the battery at a speedy 33W which gets you up to 50% in 30 minutes. Realme 6 Pro may have a smaller 4300mAh battery capacity but it’s a capable one-day device if you apply battery management. Should you run out of battery in the middle of the day, 30W VOOC 4.0 replenishes the tank in just 57 minutes.

Verdict

Neither of the two is available in the Philippines but both are already priced in India. You can see the breakdown below but expect the prices to go up once they arrive locally:

• Redmi Note 9 Pro Max – 6GB/64GB – INR 14,999 (~P10,300)
• Redmi Note 9 Pro Max – 6GB/128GB – INR 16,999 (~P11,700)
• Redmi Note 9 Pro Max – 8GB/128GB – INR 18,999 (~P13,000)
• Realme 6 Pro – 6GB/64GB – INR 16,999(~P11,700)
• Realme 6 Pro – 6GB/128GB – INR 17,999(~P12,400)
• Realme 6 Pro – 8GB/128GB – INR 18,999(~P13,000)

We recommend getting the top model for the best experience, especially with the extra storage headroom. But as a tech enthusiast, I wouldn’t hesitate to get the Realme 6 Pro in this comparison. Even with the shorter battery life, I always have fast-charging in my arsenal and I enjoy scrolling through a buttery-smooth 90Hz display. While I understand that most people wouldn’t see the difference nor even bother with the effects of 90Hz, the versatile cameras of Realme 6 Pro will entice you to choose this device over the Redmi competitor. Hopefully, both phones arrive in the Philippines with reasonable price tags.

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