Smartphone Xiaomi Redmi Note 9, released in 2020, is still one of the most talked about budget devices on the market. Despite the release of new models in the series Note, this model continues to hold its position thanks to its balanced characteristics, reliable hardware and affordable price. But is it that good? Redmi Note 9 today, 4 years after release? Is it worth buying in 2026 or is it better to pay attention to more recent alternatives?

In this analysis, we will not just list the technical parameters, but analyze real performance smartphone in modern conditions: how it copes with games, multitasking and video shooting today. Let's consider a unique feature of the model is support for 18-watt fast charging at a budget price at the time of release, which still sets it apart from many competitors. We will also look at typical user problems and ways to solve them, so that you can make an informed purchasing decision.

Redmi Note 9 specifications: what's under the hood?

With my heart Redmi Note 9 is the processor MediaTek Helio G85 - 12nm chipset with two cores Cortex-A75 (2.0 GHz) and six cores Cortex-A55 (1.8 GHz). This chip was positioned as a gaming chip, but in practice its capabilities are limited to medium graphics settings in most modern games. Graphics accelerator Mali-G52 MC2 provides stable 30-40 FPS in PUBG Mobile or Call of Duty: Mobile upon permission HD and medium details.

RAM in the basic version is 3 GB (there are modifications with 4/6 GB), and permanent memory is 64 or 128 GB, expandable via microSD up to 512 GB. It is important to note that the memory card slot hybrid — you will have to choose between a second SIM card and additional storage. Screen IPS LCD with a diagonal of 6.53 inches and a resolution 2340×1080 (FHD+) covered with protective glass Gorilla Glass 5, which is important for a state employee.

  • 🔋 Battery: 5020 mAh with fast charging support 18W (22.5W adapter included)
  • 📷 Main camera: 48 MP (wide angle) + 8 MP (ultra wide) + 2 MP (macro) + 2 MP (depth sensor)
  • 📱 OS: Android 10 with shell MIUI 11 (updated to MIUI 13 based on Android 12)
  • 🎮 Gaming features: support Game Turbo 3.0 to optimize performance

One of the key advantages of the model is autonomy. A 5020 mAh battery paired with an energy-efficient processor provides up to 2 days of operation with moderate use. For example, with 5 hours of screen time (social networks, instant messengers, calls), the charge drops by about 30-40%. But with fast charging, not everything is so rosy: a full cycle takes about 2 hours, which is slower than flagships, but quite tolerable for the budget segment.

📊 How do you use Redmi Note 9?
  • Main smartphone
  • Spare device
  • For games
  • For work
  • Another option

Performance in 2026: benchmark tests and real-life use

To assess the relevance Redmi Note 9 today, we conducted a series of tests on the firmware MIUI 13 (latest official update for the model). In synthetic benchmarks, the smartphone shows the following results:

Test Result Comparison with competitors
AnTuTu 10 ~180,000 points Loses Redmi Note 10 (~250,000) and Samsung Galaxy A22 (~200 000)
Geekbench 5 (Single-Core) ~350 points Inferior Snapdragon 662 (~400 points) in Realme 7i
3DMark Wild Life ~1,200 points Compare with Helio G90T in Redmi Note 8 Pro (~1,500 points)
PCMark Work 3.0 ~7,500 points Worse Dimensity 700 in Poco M4 Pro (~9,000 points)

In real scenarios Redmi Note 9 copes with everyday tasks without any complaints: social networks, YouTube, navigation and even easy video editing CapCut work smoothly. However, when multitasking (for example, 10+ tabs are open at the same time in Chrome, instant messengers and maps) slowdowns begin - especially in the version with 3 GB of RAM. Games like Genshin Impact run only on minimum settings with an FPS of about 20-25, which makes the gameplay almost uncomfortable.

Separately worth noting overheating problem. For prolonged periods of use (e.g. 30+ minutes at PUBG Mobile) the case temperature can reach 45-47°C, which leads to throttling (automatic decrease in performance). This can be partially solved by disabling background processes manually via Settings → Applications → Autorun.

💡

To reduce heating, turn off "Enhanced Performance Mode" in Battery Settings. This will reduce FPS in games by 5-10%, but the temperature will drop by 8-10°C.

Camera: capabilities and limitations

Main camera module in Redmi Note 9 - this is 48-megapixel Samsung GM1 sensor with aperture f/1.79. Sounds impressive on paper, but in practice the photos turn out mediocre due to aggressive processing MIUI. In the daytime, photos come out detailed, but with over-saturation and noise in the shadows. Night mode only works with static objects - when shooting handheld, the exposure takes 2-3 seconds, which often leads to blur.

8 MP ultra-wide-angle module (f/2.2) suffers from severe distortion at the edges and a drop in detail. The macro camera (2 MP) and depth sensor (2 MP) are more of a marketing nature - their quality does not even reach the average level. The video is shot in resolution up to 4K@30fps, but without stabilization, so without a tripod or gimbala the result will be shaky. 13 MP front camera (f/2.25) takes acceptable selfies in good lighting, but in the dark it loses even to state employees of 2023.

  • 📸 Camera Pros:
  • 🔹 Good detail in daylight
  • 🔹 Availability of night mode (albeit with restrictions)
  • 🔹 Wide dynamic range in HDR mode
  • 📵 Camera cons:
  • 🔸 Strong noise reduction and texture smoothing
  • 🔸 Lack of optical stabilization
  • 🔸 Poor focus in macro mode
How to improve photo quality?

Install GCam (Google Camera) with the configured config for Helio G85. This will reduce noise reduction and improve dynamic range. Links to verified versions can be found on the 4PDA forum in the topic about Redmi Note 9.

Software: MIUI 13 on Android 12

Redmi Note 9 received the latest major update to MIUI 13 based on Android 12 in 2022. Since then, support has officially ended, meaning no new features or security fixes. Shell MIUI known for its abundance of pre-installed applications (many of which cannot be removed without root rights) and aggressive background optimization, which often “kills” the background processes of instant messengers.

Among the useful functions MIUI 13 for this model:

  • 🔄 Split screens (two applications at the same time)
  • 🎮 Game Turbo for game optimization
  • 🔒 Second space (dual account)
  • 📊 Traffic monitoring by application

However, there are also serious disadvantages:

⚠️ Attention: B MIUI 13 for Redmi Note 9 there is often a bug with self-reboot when connected to 5 GHz Wi-Fi. Solved by rolling back to MIUI 12.5 or disabling the function Automatic Wi-Fi switching in the network settings.

For those who want to extend the life of their smartphone, there are alternatives:

  1. Custom firmware (For example, LineageOS 20 based on Android 13)
  2. Disabling unnecessary Xiaomi services through adb:
    3. adb shell pm uninstall --user 0 com.miui.analytics

    adb shell pm uninstall --user 0 com.xiaomi.ab

  3. Using launchers like Nova Launcher to replace the standard interface

Comparison with competitors: is it worth buying in 2026?

In 2026 Redmi Note 9 competes with budget new products like Redmi 12, Samsung Galaxy A14 or Realme Narzo 50A. Let's compare the key parameters:

Parameter Redmi Note 9 (2020) Redmi 12 (2023) Galaxy A14 (2023)
Processor Helio G85 Helio G88 Exynos 850
Screen 6.53" FHD+ 60Hz 6.79" FHD+ 90 Hz 6.6" FHD+ 90 Hz
Battery 5020 mAh, 18W 5000 mAh, 18W 5000 mAh, 15W
Camera 48+8+2+2 MP 50+8+2 MP 50+5+2 MP
Price (used) ~8 000 ₽ ~12 000 ₽ ~13 000 ₽

When Redmi Note 9 is still relevant:

  • 💰 Do you need maximum budget smartphone for calls and social networks
  • 🔋Important long autonomy (5020 mAh is still one of the best indicators)
  • 🛠️ Are you ready for independent improvements (firmware, optimization)

When is it better to choose an alternative:

  • 🎮 Do you need games (even Helio G88 in Redmi 12 20-30% more productive)
  • 📷Important camera (modern state employees shoot better thanks to improved algorithms)
  • 🔄 Do you want long-term support (Redmi Note 9 no longer receives updates)
💡

If your budget is up to RUB 10,000, a Redmi Note 9 in good condition is a smart choice. But if possible, it’s better to pay 3-4 thousand extra for the Redmi 12 or Galaxy A14 for a noticeable increase in performance and screen.

Typical problems and their solutions

Over the years of operation, users Redmi Note 9 identified several common problems. Here are the most common ones and how to fix them:

  1. Self-reboots

    Reason: conflict with some applications or overheating.

    Solution: Disable autorun for all applications in Settings → Applications → Autorun or do a factory reset.

  2. Rapid battery drain

    Reason: Battery wear or background activity MIUI.

    Solution: replace the battery (costs ~1,500 ₽) or disconnect Search for device And MIUI analytics in the settings.

  3. Poor connection (4G disappears)

    Reason: software bug in the firmware.

    Solution: Switch to Network 3G manually or sew EU version of MIUI without Chinese services.

⚠️ Attention: When replacing the battery in Redmi Note 9 there is often a problem with lack of charging after connection. This is due to the detachment of the battery cable. Before replacing, be sure to check the integrity of the contacts!

☑️ Diagnostics before purchasing a used Redmi Note 9

Done: 0 / 4

FAQ: answers to frequently asked questions

❓ Does Redmi Note 9 support 5G?

No, the model is equipped only with the module 4G LTE (ranges supported B1/B3/B5/B7/B8/B20/B28/B38/B40/B41). For 5G you need to look at Redmi Note 9T or newer models in the series.

❓ Is it possible to install Android 13 on Redmi Note 9?

Officially - no, the latest version from Xiaomi is MIUI 13 on Android 12. However, there are unofficial builds LineageOS 20 (Android 13) and Pixel Experience, but they require unlocking the bootloader and may be unstable.

❓ How much does it cost to replace a screen?

The cost of the original display module (including touchscreen) is approx. 5 000–7 000 ₽ at service centers. Cheap Chinese analogues can be found for 3,000–4,000 rubles, but they often have problems with color rendering and sensitivity.

❓ How to enable 90 Hz on Redmi Note 9?

The screen in this model only supports 60 Hz. The 90 Hz mode appeared only in Redmi Note 9 Pro and newer devices. All “instructions” for overclocking the screen are lies.

❓ Why doesn't Redmi Note 9 see the memory card?

The problem may be:

  • 🔹 Incorrect format (need FAT32 or exFAT)
  • 🔹 Damaged slot (try inserting the card into another phone)
  • 🔹 Software failure (resetting settings helps)