Choosing between the Xiaomi Redmi 9 (2020) and the iPhone 7 (2016) may seem strange: the first is a budget smartphone with modern “stuffing”, the second is a six-year flagship from Apple. But in 2026, both devices are actively sold in the secondary market at a similar price (from 8 000 to 15 000 rubles), which makes the comparison relevant for those who are looking for an inexpensive phone with a balance of characteristics.
At first glance, the Redmi 9 is winning with fresh hardware: the MediaTek Helio G80 processor, 4/64 GB of memory, a quadruple camera and a 5020 mAh battery. But the iPhone 7 still holds on to the streamlined iOS, Apple's ecosystem and premium design. Who will win in real use? Let's take a look at the items — from performance to durability — and answer the question: should we overpay for the brand if the technical specifications are outdated?
In this article you will find:
- 🔥 Comparative table of 12 key parameters (from screen to support updates).
- 📊 Performance tests: how both smartphones cope with gaming, social media and multitasking in 2026.
- 📷 Real examples of photos from the main cameras (daylight, night, portrait).
- ⚡ Battery analysis: who lives longer on a single charge and how fast it charges.
- 💰 Buying Tips: What to Consider When Choosing a Used Model.
Take your time to conclude! For example, did you know that the iPhone 7 with iOS 15 does not officially support 5G, but some carriers (like Beeline) allow you to connect to the network through workarounds? And Redmi 9, despite its budget, has a microSD slot up to 512 GB — a rarity for iPhones. Let's dig deeper.
1. Design and Ergonomics: Plastic vs Aluminum
At first glance, the iPhone 7 looks more premium: an aluminum case with anodized coating, symmetrical frames around the screen and a physical Home button (which, by the way, is no longer mechanical, but touch-sensitive with a tactile response). Redmi 9 is made of plastic with a texture under glass - this is both a plus (does not slide, does not beat), and a minus (collects prints, looks cheaper).
Both phones are compact in size, but the iPhone 7 is thinner (7.1 mm vs. Redmi’s 9.1 mm) and lighter (138 g vs. 198 g). However, Xiaomi has the advantage of having a 3.5 mm headphone jack that the iPhone doesn’t have (you’ll have to use an adapter or wireless headsets).
- 📏 Sizes: iPhone 7 — 138.3×67.1×7.1 mm; Redmi 9 — 163.3×77×9.1 mm.
- 🎨 Colors: iPhone has 5 options (including red and black); Redmi has 3 (gray, blue, green).
- 🔋 Protection: iPhone 7 has a class IP67 (Dust and moisture protection, Redmi 9 - only splash protection.
⚠️ Note: If you drop your phone a lot, the Redmi 9 will survive the fall better thanks to the plastic case. But the iPhone 7 will withstand a short-term immersion in water (up to 1 meter for 30 minutes), which is not the same as the budget from Xiaomi.
2.Screen: Retina HD vs IPS with droplet
The comparison is not in favor of the Redmi 9. iPhone 7 is equipped with a 4.7-inch Retina HD IPS display with a resolution of 1334×750 (326 ppi), which is still considered the benchmark of color reproduction and brightness for its time. The screen supports 3D Touch technology (although it is almost not used in new iOS) and has an oleophobic coating that longer repels greasy traces.
Xiaomi Redmi 9 offers a 6.53-inch IPS LCD with a resolution of 2340×1080 (395 ppi) and a “drop” (cut out for the front camera).
- 🌈 Color rendering: iPhone colors are more natural, Redmi – oversaturated (you can configure in the menu).
- 🔆 Brightness: maximum 625 nits for iPhone vs 400 nits for Xiaomi (in the sun the difference is noticeable).
- 🎮 Update frequency: 60 Hz for both, but Redmi 9 has Reading Mode, which reduces blueness.
| Parameter | iPhone 7 | Xiaomi Redmi 9 |
|---|---|---|
| Screen type | Retina HD IPS | IPS LCD |
| Diagonal | 4.7" | 6.53" |
| Permission | 1334×750 (326 ppi) | 2340×1080 (395 ppi) |
| Max. brightness. | 625 nits | 400 nits |
| Protection | 2.5D glass, oleophobic coating | 2.5D glass (without oleophobic layer) |
If you want a compact size and a high-quality picture, take the iPhone 7. If you need a large diagonal for video and games (even with the worst color reproduction) – Redmi 9.
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The iPhone 7 screen is better in brightness and color reproduction, but the Redmi 9 offers a larger diagonal and high pixel density.
3.Performance: A10 Fusion vs Helio G80
On paper, the MediaTek Helio G80 in Redmi 9 looks more modern than the quad-core Apple A10 Fusion (2016), but real-world tests show a different picture:
- 📱 Single-core performance: iPhone 7 overtakes Redmi 9 in Geekbench 5 (about 800 vs 350 points).
- 🎮 Games: On iPhone 7 PUBG Mobile launches on the “Balanced” settings (30) FPS), And on Redmi 9, on «HD» (40 FPS). But the iPhone still holds. FPS steady.
- 🔄 Multitasking: iOS 15 is optimized so that even 2 GB of RAM in the iPhone 7 is enough for smooth operation, while Redmi 9 with 4 GB of RAM can slow down when 10 open+ Chrome tab.
The iPhone 7’s biggest asset is long-term support. Despite its age, it received iOS 15 (2021) and still gets security updates. Redmi 9 is stuck on MIUI 12.5 (Android 10) and is unlikely to get new versions.
⚠️ Note: If you plan to use your phone for longer than 1-2 years, the iPhone 7 will last longer due to updates. Redmi 9 is already outdated and in a year may become unsafe (no patches for new vulnerabilities).
Results of the AnTuTu test (2026)
Cameras: one vs four
On paper, Redmi 9 won: quadruple camera (13 MP main) + 8 MP ultra-wide-angle + 5 MP macro + 2 MP depth) vs. single 12 MP module in the iPhone 7. ≠ quality.
Main camera:
- 📸 iPhone 7 takes more detailed and natural pictures during the day thanks to better image processing (ISP).
- 🌃 Redmi 9 loses at night: no night mode, and noise cancellation works worse.
- 👤 Portrait mode: iPhone it appeared with iOS 11 and still works better than the software simulation on Redmi.
Additional modules:
- 🌄 Redmi 9’s 8MP ultra-wide angle camera gives 118 field of view°, The quality of the photos is much worse than the main one.
- 🔍 Macro-lens (5 MP) allows you to shoot from a distance of 4 cm, but the detail is weak.
- 🎥 Video: iPhone 7 shoot off 4K@30fps, Redmi 9 — Full only HD@30fps (stabilization).
Examples of photos (clickable):
- 🌞 Daylight: iPhone 7 transmits shadows better.
- 🌙 Redmi 9 is a “blotting out” of details.
- 👨 Portrait: iPhone has a more accurate cropping background.
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If the camera is critical to you, consider the iPhone 8 (it already has a dual camera and a better processor) for the same money.
5. Battery and autonomy: 5020 mAh vs 1960 mAh
Here Xiaomi Redmi 9 wins unconditionally: the battery at 5020 mAh against 1960 mAh iPhone 7.
- 📱 Redmi 9: 2 days of moderate use (social networks, calls, 3-4 hours of screen).
- 🍎 iPhone 7: 1 day (when used actively discharges in the evening).
But there are nuances:
- ⚡ Fast charging: Redmi 9 has support 18W (charging in 2 hours, at the iPhone — 5W (3+ hour).
- 🔋 Battery wear: Used iPhone 7 batteries are often worn 70-80% (check before buying through Settings) → Battery).
- 🔄 Replacement: Redmi 9 battery is cheaper (from 1000) ₽), iPhone: 3,000 ₽.
⚠️ Note: If you buy an iPhone 7 b/d, be sure to check the battery charging cycle. If the value is above 500 cycles, the battery requires replacement (Apple service center will refuse warranty repair if the phone is swollen due to the battery).
☑️ What to check when buying a used iPhone 7
6.Price and what to choose in 2026
In the secondary market, prices for both phones start from 8000 rubles, but there are nuances:
| Criteria | Xiaomi Redmi 9 | iPhone 7 |
|---|---|---|
| Average price (b/y, 2026) | 9 000–12 000 ₽ | 10 000–15 000 ₽ |
| Cost of screen repair | 3 000–4 000 ₽ | 6 000–10 000 ₽ |
| Cost of battery replacement | 1 000–1 500 ₽ | 3 000–5 000 ₽ |
| Support for updates | No (Android 10) | Yes (iOS 15, security patches) |
Who will be the best Xiaomi Redmi 9:
- 🎮 Gamers on a budget (better keep it) FPS mid-set).
- 📺 Lovers of the big screen and long-term autonomy.
- 💾 Those who need a microSD slot and 3.5mm audio.
Who will suit the iPhone 7:
- 🍎 Fans of the Apple ecosystem (AirDrop, iMessage, synchronization with Mac).
- 📸 Those who appreciate high-quality camera and stable work.
- 🔒 Who needs security updates (for example, for mobile banking).
Critical: If you plan to use your phone for mobile payments (Apple Pay vs Google Pay), consider that from 2026, some banks (like Tinkoff) are refusing to support Android devices older than 2 years due to security vulnerabilities.
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The Redmi 9 wins in terms of repair costs and autonomy, the iPhone 7 in terms of durability and ecosystem, and the choice depends on the priorities: hardware vs. software.