Xiaomi Mi 9T Pro still remains a legendary smartphone thanks to the retractable front camera, powerful processor Snapdragon 855 and AMOLED-But since 2019, technology has gone a long way: 120Hz displays, more energy-efficient chips, and cameras with optical zoom. 9T Pro began to slow down, discharge in half a day or just morally outdated – it’s time to look for a replacement.
In this article, we will analyze 10 modern alternatives for different budgets and needs, from flagships with a retractable camera (yes, they still exist!) to compact devices with better autonomy. Particular attention will be paid to compatibility with MIUI and the ability to unlock the bootloader – this is critical for fans of the Xiaomi ecosystem.
1.Why the Mi 9T Pro is obsolete: Key flaws in 2026
Despite the robust body and good MIUI optimization, the Mi 9T Pro has several critical downsides by modern standards:
- 🔋 4000 mAh battery – today even budget smartphones are equipped with 5000 mAh batteries+, a quick charge 27W looks faint 67W-120W new-model.
- 📱 60Hz screen – after using displays with 90Hz and above, it is difficult to return to the standard frequency: animations seem “twitchy”, scrolling – less smooth.
- 📸 No optical zoom – 48 MP main camera (Sony) IMX586) It's still good, but without a telephoto lens, the pictures are blurry.
- 🔒 Older version of Android – the latest official update to the MIUI 12.5 on Android 11 means no support for new features (like Android 14 with improved privacy).
Another problem is the retractable camera mechanism, which can become jammed over time by dust or wear on the gears, and it costs about 3,000 to 5,000 times a day to repair. ₽, What is comparable to the cost of a used smartphone.
⚠️ Attention: If your Mi is yours 9T Pro suddenly stopped recognizing SIM-It's not just age that's to blame for the cards. 2023 The company actively disables support 2G/3G favorably 4G/5G, Previous Xiaomi models may not work properly with new network standards.
2.TOP-3 alternatives with retractable camera: for nostalgic full-screen design
If you like clean, AMOLED-screen without cutouts and you are ready to sacrifice reliability for the sake of design – these models will keep the spirit of the Mi 9T Pro, but with modern "iron».
| Model | Processor | Screen. | Battery | Price (2026) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ZTE Axon 40 Ultra | Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 | 6.8" AMOLED, 120 Hz, 240 Hz (sensor) | 5000 mAh, 80W | ~55 000 ₽ |
| Oppo Find X5 Pro (b/y) | Dimensity 9000 | 6.7" LTPO AMOLED, 1-120 Hz | 5000 mAh, 80W | ~40 000 ₽ |
| Vivo X90 Pro+ | Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 | 6.78” AMOLED, 120 Hz, HDR10+ | 4700mAh, 80W | ~80 000 ₽ |
The ZTE Axon 40 Ultra is the only new smartphone with a retractable camera in 2026, equipped with a triple main camera (64+64+64 MP) with 5× and 35× hybrid optical zoom, but the model has drawbacks: weak software optimization and lack of official sales in Russia (you will have to order from China).
Oppo Find X5 Pro and Vivo X90 Pro+ are flagships with premium cameras (co-development with Hasselblad and Zeiss, respectively), but their retractable mechanisms are no longer as reliable as in the Mi 9T Pro. If you want a long life, it is better to consider options without moving parts.
3.The best replacements from Xiaomi: MIUI ecosystem and unlock bootloader
If you’re tied to MIUI’s branded shell or plan to install custom firmware, it makes sense to stay in the Xiaomi ecosystem. Here are three current models with the best price/quality ratio:
- 📱 Xiaomi 13T Pro – the flagship of 2023 with Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1, 120 Hz screen and 200 MP camera (Leica). 120W Charging (full charge in 19 minutes!) Minus - no memory card slot.
- 💰 Redmi Note 12 Pro+ 5G — Budget alternative with Dimensity 1080, 120 Hz AMOLED-200 MP screen and camera. Ideal for gamers: cooling with liquid metal paste.
- 🔋 Poco F5 Pro – “the killer of flagships” with Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1, 5160 mAh battery and 67W Supports Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos for moviegoers.
An important nuance for fans of custom firmware: all new Xiaomi models (starting with Xiaomi 12) use AB-partitions and FBE encryption, which makes it difficult to unlock the bootloader. For example, for Xiaomi 13T Pro you will have to wait 7 days after you link your Mi Account before unlocking.
Does the model have a global firmware (EEA/RU)|Does he support 5G in your region|Is there a memory card slot (if needed)|Is the model compatible with MIUI 15 (last)-->
⚠️ Attention: B 2026 Xiaomi has started blocking the unlocking of the bootloader for models sold in China (version with the C suffix (Global/EEA) check IMEI site mi.com/verify.
4. Alternatives from other brands: Samsung, Realme, OnePlus
If you’re ready to move away from MIUI, consider these options with better software optimization and updates:
| Model | Pluses | Cons | Price. |
|---|---|---|---|
| Samsung Galaxy S22+ (used) | 4 years of updates, 120Hz LTPO-screen, IP68 | Ecosin processor (weaker than Snapdragon), no IR port | ~45 000 ₽ |
| Realme GT Neo 5 | Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1,144Hz screen, 150W charging | Weak camera, no wireless charging | ~35 000 ₽ |
| OnePlus 11 | Snapdragon 8 Gen 2, 120Hz LTPO3, Hasselblad camera | No memory card slot, expensive repairs | ~60 000 ₽ |
The Samsung Galaxy S22+ is the best choice for those who appreciate long-term support (updates to Android 17) and water protection. However, its Exynos 2200 loses to the Snapdragon in performance and autonomy. If you need power, take the OnePlus 11 with UFS 4.0 and 16 GB of RAM.
The Realme GT Neo 5 is ideal for gamers: thanks to the 144 Hz screen and stack cooling, it does not overheat even in the Genshin Impact at maximum settings. But the camera is a weak spot here: the main module at 50 MP (Sony IMX890) is inferior even to the Mi 9T Pro in detail.
💡
Before buying a used flagship, check the battery status using the AccuBattery app or the command ##4636## (the menu "Battery Information"). If the capacity has fallen below 80%, the smartphone will last no more than a year.
5 Budget replacements: cheaper than 25,000 ₽
If the budget is limited, but you want to get modern chips, pay attention to these models:
- 💎 Poco X5 Pro 5G — Snapdragon 778G, 120 Hz AMOLED, 67W Minus: plastic case.
- 📷 Redmi Note 12 Pro 5G — Dimensity 1080, 50MP camera (Sony) IMX766), IP53. Best Choice for Photography on Budget.
- 🔋 Samsung Galaxy M54 — 7000mAh battery (!), 120Hz screen, 6 years of updates. Perfect for travel.
The Poco X5 Pro and Redmi Note 12 Pro are hardware twins, but Poco has better optimization for games (Game Turbo settings), and Redmi has an optical stabilizer camera. The Galaxy M54 stands out with a record battery, but its Exynos 1380 processor is weaker than its competitors.
In this segment, avoid models with Helio G99 or Snapdragon 680 processors – they will not pull up modern games and will slow down in a year or two. Also check for 5G: some budget smartphones (for example, Redmi 12) are sold in two versions – with 5G support and without.
How to save money on buying?
6. Which is better: a new budgetary or a used flagship?
This question depends on your priorities, and let's look at the pros and cons of both options:
| Criteria | New budgetary (~25 000 ₽) | B/U flagship (~30 000–40 000 ₽) |
|---|---|---|
| Productivity | Snapdragon 7xx or Dimensity 1000 (enough for social networks and light gaming) | Snapdragon 8 Gen 1/2 (will pull any games at maximum) |
| Autonomy | Battery 5000 mAh+, but poor software optimization | Battery 4000-4500 mAh, but the best software (for example, OxygenOS from OnePlus) |
| Updates | 2–3 years (e.g. Redmi Note 12) | 3–4 years (e.g. Samsung S21) |
| Risks. | No (1-year warranty) | Battery wear and tear, possible defects (check before buying!) |
If you need a smartphone for 3-4 years, it is better to take a used flagship (OnePlus 9 Pro, Xiaomi 12 Pro). If you plan to change the device in a year or two, the new budget phone (Poco X5 Pro, Realme 10 Pro+) will be more reliable.
Where do you buy used flagships?
- 🛒 Avito – Check the seller’s reviews and ask for a check.
- 🌍 Swappa (for imported models) – all devices are moderated there.
- 🏬 Salons (MTS, Beeline) - sometimes sold "as new" with a guarantee.
Battery condition (capacity must be >85%).
2. the performance of all cameras and sensors (gyroscope, NFC).
3. the original box and documents (for guarantee).
Status by IMEI (Shouldn't be on the blacklist).-->
7. Features of the transition from Mi 9T Pro: what will change?
When changing your smartphone, you will find several key differences:
- 🔌 Fast charging: new models support 67W–150W, but require a proprietary charger (normal) 18W Mi 9T Pro's not gonna work).
- 📡 5G: If your carrier supports a fifth-generation network, the Internet speed will increase by 2-3 times.
- 🎮 Gameplay: Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 or Dimensity 9000 processors allow you to play Genshin Impact at maximum settings from 60 FPS.
- 🔒 Security: Newer versions of Android (13–14) have improved surveillance and virus protection, but may not support older apps (e.g. Xposed).
One of the most frustrating things is data portability, with new Xiaomi smartphones using MIUI 14/15, where the settings menu and the logic of some features have changed.
- To enable USB debugging, you now need to go to Settings → About Phone → MIUI version (stamp 7 times), and then go back to Additional Settings → For Developers.
- The function Double applications (cloning messengers) moved to Settings → Applications → Double applications.
- The Game Turbo mode is now called Game Turbo and has a separate menu in the notification curtain.
If you’ve used custom firmware on the Mi 9T Pro, be prepared for the challenges: many new Xiaomi models block unlocking the bootloader for Chinese versions, and global firmware (EEA) may not support some features (e.g. IR Blaster in some regions).