Xiaomi Redmi 9 or Redmi 9T - which is better to buy in 2026?

Introduction: two budget hits from Xiaomi under the magnifying glass

Choosing between the Xiaomi Redmi 9 and Xiaomi Redmi 9T is a typical dilemma for those looking for an inexpensive but productive smartphone. Both models are released only a few months apart (June and January 2021, respectively), but have key differences that can outweigh the scales in favor of one of the devices. In this article, we will analyze them according to 12 criteria — from hardware to software — so you know exactly which model will suit you.

Both smartphones are budget (price for 2026 ranges from 8,000-12,000 rubles), but Redmi 9T is positioned as an "updated" version. However, "updated" does not always mean "best" - let's figure it out.

1. Design and ergonomics: plastic vs plastic, but with nuances

Both models are made of plastic (body and frame), but the Redmi 9T received a more modern design with a texture under the glass on the back, which collects less fingerprints. Redmi 9 looks simpler - glossy plastic that quickly becomes covered with scratches and traces.

The difference in dimensions is minimal:

- Redmi 9: 163.3 × 77 × 9.1 mm, 198 s

- Redmi 9T: 162.3 × 77.3 × 9.6 mm, 198 s

Note: Redmi 9T thicker by 0.5 mm, but due to rounded edges lies in the hand more comfortable.

• 🔹 Redmi 9: classic "block" design, slippery body, 4 colors (gray, green, purple, blue).
• 🔹 Redmi 9T: matte texture, less than stamps, 4 colors (black, blue, green, orange).
• 🔹 Common: Both have a 3.5mm headphone jack, IR-Port for control equipment and slot for 2 SIM + microSD.

⚠️ Attention: Redmi's 9T There's no backlight of the unlock button, it's harder to find in the dark. The Redmi 9 has backlights.

2. Screen: Who's brighter and sharper?

Both smartphones are equipped with IPS-displays with a resolution of 2340×1080 (FHD+) and a diagonal of 6.53 inches, but there are important differences:

The Redmi 9T is better for brightness and contrast, and HDR10 support makes it more attractive for watching videos on Netflix or YouTube. However, the difference in real use is not critical – both screens dim in the sun, and for comfortable viewing you will have to increase the brightness to the maximum.

Another nuance: Redmi 9 has a cooler color temperature by default, and Redmi 9T has a closer color temperature to natural. In the settings of both smartphones, you can select a profile (Settings → Display → Color Mode).

3.Performance: Snapdragon 460 vs Snapdragon 600-series

Here's the key difference: Redmi 9 runs on Qualcomm Snapdragon 662 (11 nm), and Redmi 9T runs on Snapdragon 662 (also 11 nm) It's the same processor! Yes, you heard it -- despite the different names of the models, their brains are identical.

But there’s a nuance: the Redmi 9T uses faster UFS 2.2 memory (versus UFS 2.1 in Redmi 9), which gives an increase of ~10-15% when downloading applications. In synthetic tests (AnTuTu, Geekbench), the difference is minimal, but in real use Redmi 9T feels slightly more responsive.

• 🎮 Games: both cope with PUBG Mobile on the "Balanced" settings (30) FPS), but Redmi 9T less likely to slow down in dynamic scenes.
• 📱 Multitasking: 4GB of RAM in both models is enough for 5-7 background apps, but Redmi 9 more often reboots them when returning.
• 🔋 Heating: Redmi 9T heats less thanks to an optimized cooling system (copper substrate under the processor).

⚠️ In 2026, both smartphones will not receive an update to Android 13 – the latest version of the software for them — MIUI 14 is Android 12-based. Keep this in mind if long-term support is important.

4 Cameras: megapixels vs real quality

On paper, the cameras look the same:

- Basic: 13 MP (f/2.2) + 8 MP (ultra-wide, 118°) + 5 MP (macro) + 2 MP (depth sensor)

- Front: 8 MP (f/2.0)

But in practice, Redmi 9T takes a little better pictures thanks to the updated AI processing algorithm Scene Detection 2.0.

Examples:

Ultra-wide angle: Redmi 9T has less edge distortion (fish-eye effect).

Macro: both shoot poorly (blurred, difficult focusing), but Redmi 9T somehow copes with objects at a distance of 3-5 cm.

Portrait Mode: Redmi 9 often “cuts” hair or ears, Redmi 9T defines the boundaries more accurately.

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For the best photos on both smartphones, use the Google Camera (GCam) configurable app for the Snapdragon 662. Download the 4PDA forum on your model's theme.

5. Battery and autonomy: who will live longer without a power outlet?

One of the key points of comparison:

Redmi 9: battery 5020 mAh, support for fast charging of 18 W (charging included).

Redmi 9T: 6000 mAh battery (19% more!), but 22.5 W charging (block included).

In tests:

Redmi 9: 1.5 days of active use (social networks, messengers, 3-4 hours of screen time).

Redmi 9T: 2 days (up to 5-6 hours of screen time)

The difference is notable!

Redmi 9T

• ⚡ Fast charging: Redmi 9T Charges up to 50% in 30 minutes, Redmi 9 in 40 minutes.
• 🔌 Reverse charging: only Redmi has 9T (You can charge headphones or another smartphone over a cable).
• 📉 Standby: Redmi 9 has higher consumption due to less optimized software.

6. Memory and Extensibility: How much space is there for photos and apps?

Both models are available in 4/64GB and 4/128GB configurations, but there are important nuances:

Redmi 9 uses eMMC 5.1, a slow memory that slows down when multitasking.

Redmi 9T is equipped with UFS 2.2 - the difference in read/write speed up to 2x!

In practice:

Apps on Redmi 9T open faster (for example, Instagram loads in 1.5 seconds versus 2.5 seconds on Redmi 9).

- File transfer (e.g., copying 1GB of photo) takes ~20 seconds on Redmi 9T and ~35 seconds on Redmi 9.

Both smartphones support microSD up to 512GB, but:

Redmi 9 slot is hybrid (instead of the second SIM).

Redmi 9T is a separate slot, you can use 2 SIM + microSD at the same time.

7. Additional chips: NFC, stereo speakers and other

Here, Redmi 9T is taking off with a few important "blows":

• 💳 NFC: It's only in Redmi. 9T — You can pay by phone (Google Pay, SberPay).
• 🔊 Stereodynamics: Redmi's 9T two dynamics (upper) + The Redmi 9 has one (bottom), the difference in volume and sound quality is huge!
• 📶 5G: There are no models (both of which are supported only) 4G LTE).
• 🎧 Audio jack: 3.5mm present in both but Redmi 9T has an improved DAC (Digital Analog Converter) for cleaner sound.

Another bonus of the Redmi 9T is that the light sensor works more accurately, so the automatic brightness adjustment of the screen works smoothly.

⚠️ Attention: Redmi 9 doesn't have a proximity sensor to automatically turn off the screen during a call.

8.Price and relevance in 2026: which is more profitable?

At the beginning of 2026, prices for new devices in official stores:

- Xiaomi Redmi 9 (4/64 GB): ~8 000–9 500 ₽

- Xiaomi Redmi 9T (4/64 GB): ~10 000–12 000 ₽

Difference between 1,500 and 2,500 ₽ It is only justified if you are critical:

✅ Large battery (6000 mAh)

✅ NFC contactless

✅ Stereodynamics

✅ Best camera (even if not much)

If these chips are not important, the Redmi 9 will be more than enough, especially since both smartphones are no longer receiving software updates, so the difference in hardware will be offset over time.

Alternatives in the same price range:

POCO M4 Pro (best screen 90Hz, but weaker battery)

- Redmi Note 10 (AMOLED-screen, but more expensive by 2-3 thousand. ₽)

Samsung Galaxy A13 (worst performance but brand)

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If the budget is limited to 9,000 ₽ — Take Redmi 9 if you're willing to pay extra for it. NFC And the battery, Redmi. 9T.

FAQ: Frequent questions about Redmi 9 redmi 9T