Redmi K90 Ultra vs Redmi Note 9S
The Redmi K90 Ultra (2026) runs on the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite, while the Redmi Note 9S (2020) runs on the Qualcomm Snapdragon 720G; launch prices were $420 and $200. By overall MobileRank rating, the Redmi K90 Ultra leads — 73/100 vs 39/100 (a 34-point difference). Key differences: the Redmi K90 Ultra has the bigger battery (8550 mAh vs 5020); the main camera is 50 MP vs 48 MP; the Redmi K90 Ultra is faster in AnTuTu (3,233,695 vs 517,460); the Redmi K90 Ultra has NFC for contactless payments, the Redmi Note 9S doesn't; the Redmi Note 9S is noticeably lighter (210g vs 227g).
Profile comparison
Category scores
Redmi K90 Ultra
Redmi Note 9S
What makes Redmi K90 Ultra better?
- Higher AnTuTu: 3233695 vs 517460
- Better Geekbench Single: 3013 vs 746
- Better Geekbench Multi: 9287 vs 1762
- Bigger battery: 8550 vs 5020 mAh
- Faster charging: 100W vs 18W
- Better main camera: 50MP vs 48MP
- Higher refresh rate: 165Hz vs 60Hz
- Higher performance (92/100 vs 41/100)
- Better camera (37/100 vs 34/100)
- Longer battery life (78/100 vs 43/100)
- Better display (94/100 vs 42/100)
What makes Redmi Note 9S better?
- Lighter: 210g vs 227g
- Cheaper at launch: $200 vs $420
- Better portability (44/100 vs 40/100)
Comparison verdict
Comparing the Redmi K90 Ultra vs the Redmi Note 9S, the Redmi K90 Ultra scores 34 points higher (73/100 vs 39/100). In the "performance" category, the Redmi K90 Ultra leads (92/100 vs 41/100). In the "battery" category, the Redmi K90 Ultra leads (78/100 vs 43/100). Value score: Redmi K90 Ultra — 72/100, Redmi Note 9S — 38/100; it shows how far a model sits above or below the usual level for its price, and is not part of the overall rating. In the "performance" category, the Redmi K90 Ultra significantly outperforms the Redmi Note 9S (92/100 vs 41/100). In the "display" category, the Redmi K90 Ultra significantly outperforms the Redmi Note 9S (94/100 vs 42/100). In the "camera" category, the Redmi K90 Ultra and the Redmi Note 9S are nearly equal (37/100 vs 34/100). In the "battery" category, the Redmi K90 Ultra significantly outperforms the Redmi Note 9S (78/100 vs 43/100). In the "portability" category, the Redmi Note 9S and the Redmi K90 Ultra are nearly equal (44/100 vs 40/100).
Specs comparison
| Specification | Redmi K90 Ultra | Redmi Note 9S | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Processor | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite | Qualcomm Snapdragon 720G | |
| AnTuTu | 3233695 | 517460 | |
| Geekbench Single | 3013 | 746 | |
| Geekbench Multi | 9287 | 1762 | |
| Display | 6.8" AMOLED | 6.7" IPS LCD | |
| Resolution | 1280x2772 | 2400x1080 | |
| Refresh rate | 165 Hz | 60 Hz | |
| Battery | 8550 mAh | 5020 mAh | |
| Charging | 100W | 18W | |
| Main camera | 50 MP | 48 MP | |
| Ultrawide | 8 MP | 8 MP | |
| Front camera | 20 MP | 16 MP | |
| RAM | 12GB / 16GB | 4GB / 6GB | |
| Storage | 256GB / 512GB | 64GB / 128GB | |
| OS | Android 16 | Android 10 | |
| Brightness (peak) | 3500 nits | 450 nits | |
| NFC | yes | no | |
| Protection | IP68/IP69 | — | |
| Dimensions | 162.9×77.9×8.2 mm | 165.8×76.7×8.8 mm | |
| Weight | 227 g | 210 g | |
| Launch price | $420 | $200 |
Camera comparison
Redmi K90 Ultra
- Main: 50MP f/1.7
- Ultrawide: 8MP
- Front: 20MP
Redmi Note 9S
- Main: 48MP f/1.8
- Ultrawide: 8MP
- Front: 16MP
Display comparison
Redmi K90 Ultra
- 6.8" AMOLED
- Resolution: 1280x2772
- Refresh rate: 165 Hz
Redmi Note 9S
- 6.7" IPS LCD
- Resolution: 2400x1080
- Refresh rate: 60 Hz
Battery and charging
Redmi K90 Ultra
- 8550 mAh
- Wired: 100W
- No wireless charging
Redmi Note 9S
- 5020 mAh
- Wired: 18W
- No wireless charging
Overall performance score
We compared Redmi K90 Ultra and Redmi Note 9S, covering their specs and all relevant benchmarks.
Redmi K90 Ultra leads Redmi Note 9S by 524.9% in our overall performance rating.
Benchmarks
Launch prices and where to check today's
Launch price difference: $220. Redmi Note 9S was $220 cheaper at launch.
Detailed category analysis
performance
In the "performance" category, the Redmi K90 Ultra significantly outperforms the Redmi Note 9S (92/100 vs 41/100).
display
In the "display" category, the Redmi K90 Ultra significantly outperforms the Redmi Note 9S (94/100 vs 42/100).
camera
In the "camera" category, the Redmi K90 Ultra and the Redmi Note 9S are nearly equal (37/100 vs 34/100).
battery
In the "battery" category, the Redmi K90 Ultra significantly outperforms the Redmi Note 9S (78/100 vs 43/100).
portability
In the "portability" category, the Redmi Note 9S and the Redmi K90 Ultra are nearly equal (44/100 vs 40/100).
Frequently asked questions
Which is better: the Redmi K90 Ultra or the Redmi Note 9S?
The Redmi K90 Ultra significantly outperforms the Redmi Note 9S by 34 points (73/100 vs 39/100).
What is the rating of the Redmi K90 Ultra and the Redmi Note 9S?
The Redmi K90 Ultra has a MobileRank rating of 73/100, the Redmi Note 9S — 39/100.
Which is more powerful: the Redmi K90 Ultra or the Redmi Note 9S?
The Redmi K90 Ultra leads on performance (92/100 vs 41/100).
Should you choose the Redmi K90 Ultra over the Redmi Note 9S?
The Redmi K90 Ultra is a better fit for gamers and power users, those who care about battery life.