Last updated on December 16, 2025
Remember the Redmi Note 9 Pro Max, launched back in March 2020, or its successor, the Redmi Note 10 Pro, which arrived in March 2021? These phones were quite popular in their day, offering impressive features for their price. Fast forward to December 2025, and we’re here to take a close look at both of them.
This article aims to compare these two older models and figure out if they still hold any value in today’s fast-paced smartphone market.
We know both devices are no longer fresh off the production line, so our comparison will focus on their current usability, performance, and any limitations you might face. The big question we want to answer is: which, if either, of these Redmi Note phones offers better value for your money right now?
Redmi Note 9 Pro Max vs. Note 10 Pro: Key Differences at a Glance
To kick things off, let’s quickly compare the core specifications of the Redmi Note 9 Pro Max and the Redmi Note 10 Pro. This table highlights the most significant differences that set these two devices apart, especially when considering their relevance in 2025.
| Feature | Redmi Note 9 Pro Max | Redmi Note 10 Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Release Date | March 2020 | March 2021 |
| Display Type | 6.67″ IPS LCD, 60Hz | 6.67″ Super AMOLED, 120Hz |
| Processor | Snapdragon 720G | Snapdragon 732G |
| Main Camera | 64MP Quad | 108MP Quad (some regions) / 64MP Quad |
| Front Camera | 32MP | 16MP |
| Battery Capacity | 5020mAh | 5020mAh |
| Fast Charging | 33W | 33W |
| OS at Launch | Android 10 / MIUI 11 | Android 11 / MIUI 12 |
| Official OS End-of-Life | Android 12 (approx.) | Android 13 (approx.) |
As you can see, while they share some similarities, the Note 10 Pro brought some notable upgrades, particularly in the display and camera departments. Both devices have reached their official End-of-Life (EOL) for major software updates by 2025, as indicated by Xiaomi’s update policies.
Deep Dive into the Differences: What Truly Sets Them Apart?
While the table gives us a quick overview, let’s really dig into what these differences mean for your everyday experience. From how vibrant your screen looks to how smoothly your games run, these details can make a big impact.
Display: AMOLED’s Vibrancy vs. LCD’s Reliability
This is perhaps the most significant upgrade the Redmi Note 10 Pro brought to the table. The 9 Pro Max features a 6.67-inch IPS LCD panel with a standard 60Hz refresh rate. It’s a decent screen, offering good colors and viewing angles for an LCD.
However, the 10 Pro steps it up considerably with a 6.67-inch Super AMOLED display, boasting a buttery-smooth 120Hz refresh rate. This means everything from scrolling through social media to playing games feels much more fluid and responsive on this model.
Beyond smoothness, the 10 Pro’s AMOLED panel delivers deeper blacks, higher contrast, and more vibrant colors compared to the 9 Pro Max’s LCD. Outdoor visibility is also generally better on the AMOLED screen due to higher peak brightness. Plus, the 10 Pro supports HDR10+, offering an enhanced viewing experience for compatible content.
The 9 Pro Max’s LCD is reliable, but the 10 Pro’s AMOLED is a clear winner for visual quality and fluidity.
Performance: Snapdragon 720G vs. 732G
Under the hood, both phones are powered by Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 700-series chipsets. The 9 Pro Max uses the Snapdragon 720G, while the 10 Pro features the Snapdragon 732G. The 732G is an incremental upgrade over the 720G, not a massive leap.
You’ll find a slight boost in CPU and GPU performance on the 10 Pro, which translates to marginally faster app loading times and a bit smoother experience in demanding games.
For general app performance and multitasking, both phones handle daily tasks like browsing, social media, and messaging without much fuss. Light gaming is also perfectly fine on both. However, neither of these chipsets is a flagship-level performer, especially in 2025.
Don’t expect them to run the latest graphically intensive games at their highest settings, but they’ll get the job done for casual use.
Camera Capabilities: Megapixels and Beyond
When it comes to cameras, both phones offer a quad-camera setup, but with some key differences. The 9 Pro Max sports a 64MP main sensor, an 8MP ultrawide, a 5MP macro, and a 2MP depth sensor. Its selfie camera is a respectable 32MP.
The 10 Pro, on the other hand, often comes with a more impressive 108MP main sensor in many regions, though some versions might have a 64MP sensor. It also includes an 8MP ultrawide, a 5MP telemacro, and a 2MP depth sensor. Its front camera is a 16MP shooter.
The higher megapixel count on the 10 Pro’s main sensor (where applicable) can capture more detail, especially in good lighting conditions, allowing for more aggressive cropping without losing quality. Both devices are capable of recording 4K video at 30 frames per second. In terms of low-light performance and dynamic range, the 10 Pro generally has a slight edge due to its newer sensor and potentially better image processing.
For selfies, the 9 Pro Max’s 32MP sensor might offer more detail, but the 10 Pro’s 16MP is still quite capable.
Battery Life and Charging: Endurance for Your Day
Interestingly, both the 9 Pro Max and the 10 Pro come with an identical 5020mAh battery capacity. This generous size means both phones can comfortably last a full day of moderate use. However, the 10 Pro’s 120Hz AMOLED display, while beautiful, can consume more power than the 9 Pro Max’s 60Hz LCD if constantly active.
In real-world usage, the battery endurance might be very similar, with the 9 Pro Max potentially having a slight edge in some scenarios due to its less power-hungry screen.
Both devices also support 33W fast charging, which is a great feature. This allows you to top up your phone relatively quickly, getting you back to full power in about an hour to an hour and a half. So, in terms of battery size and charging speed, you’re looking at a very similar experience across both models.
Software Experience and Longevity (December 2025)
When considering older phones, software support is crucial. By December 2025, both the 9 Pro Max and the 10 Pro have reached a critical point. The 9 Pro Max launched with Android 10 and MIUI 11, while the 10 Pro started with Android 11 and MIUI 12.
Unfortunately, both devices have officially reached their End-of-Life (EOL) for major Android and MIUI updates.
This means you won’t be getting any new Android versions or significant MIUI feature updates from Xiaomi.
The implications of this EOL status are important to understand. Primarily, you’ll receive limited or no security patches. Running an unsupported device carries significant security risks, as new vulnerabilities won’t be patched, potentially leaving your personal data exposed.
Over time, you might also start facing app compatibility issues as newer apps require more recent Android versions. While the phones might still function, they won’t be as secure or as feature-rich as current devices.
For advanced users, there’s always the option of unofficial custom ROMs. For instance, some communities might have developed custom ROMs like Android 16 for the 10 Pro. However, caution is crucial here.
Custom ROMs are for advanced users and can be complex to install. They may also void any remaining warranty and can introduce instability or unexpected bugs. For most users, sticking to officially supported software is the safer bet, even if it means an older version.
Are the Redmi Note 9 Pro Max and Note 10 Pro Still Worth Buying in 2025?
Let’s be direct: in December 2025, for most users, neither the 9 Pro Max nor the 10 Pro are recommended as primary daily drivers. The main reasons against buying them stem from their outdated software and the significant security risks due to a lack of current security patches. While their hardware can still handle basic tasks, performance may feel sluggish compared to modern budget phones.
However, there are very niche cases where they might still be considered. If you’re on an extremely tight budget and need a secondary device for non-critical tasks like a dedicated media player, a smart home remote, or a backup phone for emergencies, they could potentially serve a purpose. They might also be suitable for specific use cases that don’t require the latest software or robust security, such as a device for a child to play offline games or for basic calling.
For anyone concerned with security, future-proofing, or simply wanting a smooth, up-to-date experience, newer budget alternatives are definitely preferable. The lack of ongoing software support means you’ll be stuck on an older Android version, which can lead to app compatibility issues down the line and, more importantly, expose you to security vulnerabilities. While the low price might be tempting, the trade-offs in security and modern performance are substantial for a daily-use device.
Who Should Consider Which Phone (If Any)?
Given their age and software status, recommending these phones for primary use in 2025 is difficult. However, for very specific, limited use cases, here’s who might consider each:
- The Redmi Note 9 Pro Max: This phone is strictly for the ultra-budget conscious, perhaps as a secondary device for very basic, non-critical use. Think of it as a spare phone for emergencies, a dedicated device for a single app that doesn’t require internet access, or for someone who truly doesn’t care about software updates or security.
- The Redmi Note 10 Pro: If you find it at an incredibly low price and prioritize a slightly better display (120Hz AMOLED) and potentially a better camera over the 9 Pro Max, this could be a secondary device option. It’s still an ultra-budget choice for non-critical tasks, but offers a marginally more pleasant user experience thanks to its screen.
Ultimately, for primary daily use, we strongly recommend investing in newer, officially supported devices. The peace of mind that comes with current security updates and access to the latest apps is well worth the slightly higher cost.
Conclusion: Making Your Decision in 2025
Looking back, the 10 Pro was undoubtedly the superior device at its launch, thanks to its vibrant 120Hz AMOLED display and slightly more capable processor and camera. Even in 2025, it still holds some of those hardware advantages over the 9 Pro Max.
However, the harsh reality is that both phones are now outdated in terms of software support and security. While their hardware can still perform basic functions, the lack of ongoing updates makes them risky choices for a primary smartphone. For most users, even in the budget segment, prioritizing newer, officially supported devices is the smarter move.
These Redmi Note models were champions in their time, defining the mid-range market, but their legacy is now more about what they offered then, rather than what they can reliably provide today.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is the 9 Pro Max still good in 2025?
No, for most users, the 9 Pro Max is not recommended as a primary phone in 2025. While its hardware handles basic tasks, it no longer receives official Android or security updates, posing significant security risks and potential app compatibility issues.
Is the 10 Pro still worth buying in 2025?
Similar to the 9 Pro Max, the 10 Pro is generally not worth buying as a primary device in 2025 due to its lack of official software and security updates. Its 120Hz AMOLED display and slightly better performance are still decent, but security concerns outweigh these benefits for daily use.
What are the main differences between the 9 Pro Max and 10 Pro?
The main differences are the display (the 9 Pro Max has a 60Hz IPS LCD, the 10 Pro has a 120Hz Super AMOLED), processor (the 9 Pro Max has a Snapdragon 720G, the 10 Pro has a Snapdragon 732G), and main camera (the 9 Pro Max has 64MP, the 10 Pro often has 108MP). The 10 Pro also launched with a newer Android version.
Which phone has a better camera: the 9 Pro Max or the 10 Pro?
The 10 Pro generally has a better camera, especially if it features the 108MP main sensor, which offers more detail. Both can record 4K@30fps video, but the 10 Pro often provides slightly better overall image processing and low-light performance.
Which phone has a better display: the 9 Pro Max or the 10 Pro?
The 10 Pro has a significantly better display. It features a 120Hz Super AMOLED panel, offering smoother scrolling, more vibrant colors, deeper blacks, and better contrast compared to the 9 Pro Max’s 60Hz IPS LCD screen.
Can I still get official Android updates for these phones?
No, both the 9 Pro Max and the 10 Pro have reached their official End-of-Life (EOL) for major Android and MIUI updates by December 2025. This means they will not receive new Android versions or regular security patches from Xiaomi.
Are there any 5G variants of these phones?
No, neither the 9 Pro Max nor the 10 Pro are 5G-enabled devices. Both are limited to 4G LTE connectivity.
What is the performance difference between Snapdragon 720G and 732G?
The Snapdragon 732G in the 10 Pro is an incremental upgrade over the Snapdragon 720G in the 9 Pro Max. It offers a slight boost in CPU and GPU performance, leading to marginally faster app loading and smoother light gaming, but it’s not a dramatic difference.
What is the battery life like on the 9 Pro Max vs the 10 Pro?
Both phones have an identical 5020mAh battery capacity and support 33W fast charging. Real-world battery life is very similar, though the 10 Pro’s 120Hz display might consume slightly more power if constantly active.
Which phone is better for gaming: the 9 Pro Max or the 10 Pro?
The 10 Pro is marginally better for gaming due to its slightly more powerful Snapdragon 732G processor and its 120Hz display, which makes games that support high refresh rates feel smoother. However, neither is a top-tier gaming phone in 2025.
What are the pros and cons of the 9 Pro Max in 2025?
Pros: Very low potential purchase price, decent battery life. Cons: Outdated software, no security updates, 60Hz LCD display, slower performance compared to modern phones, significant security risks.
What are the pros and cons of the 10 Pro in 2025?
Pros: Very low potential purchase price, 120Hz Super AMOLED display, slightly better camera and performance than 9 Pro Max, good battery life. Cons: Outdated software, no security updates, significant security risks, performance still behind modern budget phones.
Are there better budget phone alternatives to these Redmi models in 2025?
Yes, for primary daily use, there are many better budget phone alternatives in 2025 that offer current Android versions, ongoing security updates, and often better performance and features for a similar or slightly higher price. It’s generally recommended to choose a newer, officially supported device.
