Which is better: Xiaomi Redmi Note 8T or Redmi Note 9?

Choosing between the Xiaomi Redmi Note 8T and Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 is often a challenge for users looking for a balance between price and functionality. These two devices are iconic mid-range models that came out at different times but are still relevant in the secondary market and in the budget segment. Redmi Note 8T was released as an updated version of the popular Note 8 with improved communication modules, while Redmi Note 9 became a full-fledged representative of the new generation with a larger screen and battery.

When making a purchase decision, it is important to consider not only technical specifications, but also real-world scenarios of the gadget. Xiaomi traditionally offers excellent performance for its cost, but differences in the generations of processors and types of display arrays can be decisive factors. In this article, we will make a detailed comparison so you know exactly which device will suit you.

Design and ergonomics of housings

The look of smartphones has undergone notable changes with the release of the ninth series. Xiaomi Redmi Note 8T has retained the classic proportions with a fairly wide bezels on the top and bottom of the screen, which was the standard for its time.

In turn, the Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 received a more modern design with a hole for the front camera right in the matrix, which allowed to increase the usable area of the display. The case became more rounded and pleasant to the touch, and the fingerprint scanner moved to the side edge integrated into the on button. This made unlocking more natural and faster.

• 📐 Screen size: 6.3 inches y 8T vs. 6.53 inches on the 9th model.
• ⚖️ Weight of the device: 190 grams vs 199 grams, respectively.
• 🔘 Scanner location: behind the camera against the side power button.

The ergonomics of the Redmi Note 9 are subjectively better thanks to the rounded edges that are nicer in the palm of your hand.However, the Redmi Note 8T is more compact, which could be a plus for users with small palms or those who prefer to control a smartphone with one hand.

⚠️ Note: The back cover of the Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 has a glossy coating that can slide in the hand without a protective case.

Display and multimedia quality

The screen is one of the main elements of interaction with the smartphone, and here the differences between the models are significant. - Xiaomi Redmi Note 8T fitted IPS-resolution-matrix 1080×2340 The color reproduction here is natural, but the viewing angles and maximum brightness are inferior to newer solutions.

Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 also received a IPS-display, but the diagonal increased to 6.53 inches while maintaining FullHD+ The pixel density has remained high, providing a clear image, and the important advantage is the presence of Corning Gorilla Glass 5, which increases protection against damage.

The sound system in both smartphones is one loud speaker and one spoken speaker. However, in the Redmi Note 9, engineers have managed to slightly improve the volume reserve and the purity of high frequencies.

• 🎨 Type of matrix: IPS LCD both-model.
• 🛡️ Protection: Gorilla Glass 3 y 8T Gorilla Glass 5 at 9.
• 💡 Maximum brightness: higher in the Redmi Note 9, which is better for use in the sun.

Productivity and gaming opportunities

The heart of the Xiaomi Redmi Note 8T is the Qualcomm Snapdragon 665 processor, a time-tested chipset that does a great job of everyday tasks, social networks and navigation, but in demanding games it may not perform the best results at maximum graphics settings.

The Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 is powered by the MediaTek Helio G85, which is marketed as a budget gaming processor, and in the synthetic tests AnTuTu and Geekbench, it shows a performance gain of about 15-20% compared to rival Qualcomm, which allows you to run heavier applications with greater comfort.

Comparison of benchmarks (example values):


Redmi Note 8T: ~170,000 AnTuTu v9 points




Redmi Note 9: ~205,000 AnTuTu v9 points

It’s worth noting that optimizing the MIUI shell on both devices works consistently, but on the Helio G85, the interface may seem a little more responsive when switching between heavy apps.

⚠️ Note: MediaTek Helio processor G85 It can heat up with prolonged loading. It is not recommended to play heavy games while charging the device to avoid trottling.

Photo and videotape

The main camera Xiaomi Redmi Note 8T is built on the sensor Sony IMX586 with a resolution of 48 MP. It is a legendary module that is still able to take great pictures in good lighting. photo processing algorithms are well detailed objects and build HDR correctly.

Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 has a 48 MP core module (Samsung GM2). Despite the similar resolution, the quality of the images may vary depending on the shooting conditions. Night shooting on the 9th model is improved thanks to software algorithms, but the physical size of the pixel is smaller here.

Video is available in 4K at 30 frames per second on both smartphones, but image stabilization works mediocrely. For video shooting in motion, it is better to use additional accessories or tripods to avoid "twitchy" pictures.

• 🌙 Night mode: better implemented on Redmi Note 8T Thanks to the Sony sensor.
• 🤳 Front camera: 13 MP for both models, the quality of the selfie is comparable.
• 🎥 Stabilization: electronic (EIS) present in both cases.

Autonomy and charging speed

One of the biggest advantages of the Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 is its 5020mAh battery, a significant step up from the 4,000mAh of the Redmi Note 8T. In real use, this means a day and a half to two of moderate workload versus one full day of its predecessor.

The charging speed is also different.The Redmi Note 9 supports fast charging with 18W, but the 22.5W unit is often included.The Redmi Note 8T also supports fast charging of 18W. The 8T battery takes about 2 hours to fully charge, whereas the 9th model takes a little longer due to the larger capacity.

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For maximum life of lithium polymer battery try not to discharge the smartphone to 0% and do not keep on charging constantly after reaching 100%.

The energy efficiency of the Helio G85 processor paired with a huge battery makes the Redmi Note 9 the undisputed leader in the category of autonomy. If you are often on the road and do not have the ability to recharge the device, this factor can be decisive.

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The Redmi Note 9 benefits in autonomy thanks to a 5020mAh battery, providing up to 2 days of non-recharging.

Communications and additional functions

The “T” in the Xiaomi Redmi Note 8T stands for NFC support, a critical feature for users who are used to paying with a smartphone or using a transport card, and the presence of NFC in this model makes it unique in its price segment at the time.

The Xiaomi Redmi Note 9, unfortunately, lacks the NFC module in the global version. Instead, it received an IR port for managing household appliances, which is also present in the 8T. The lack of contactless payment can be a serious disadvantage for many buyers.

Both smartphones feature a 3.5mm headphone jack and a USB Type-C port. Support for 4G networks (LTE) is fully implemented, but the Redmi Note 8T often has a wider range of supported frequencies (B20), which is important for stable signal reception in rural areas.

⚠️ Note: Before buying Xiaomi Redmi Note 9, be sure to check availability NFC, If you need this feature, most regions don't have the global version.

Final comparison of characteristics

To organize the information, we can bring the key parameters into a single table, which will help you quickly navigate the main differences and make an informed decision.

As you can see from the table, the choices are based on priorities. If you want NFC and compactness, look towards the 8T. If you want the screen, the battery and the power reserve, go for the 9th model.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)