Why Xiaomi Redmi 9 is still popular in 2026
Despite the release of new models, Xiaomi Redmi 9 continues to hold the position of one of the most popular budget smartphones. The reason lies in the balanced characteristics: the MediaTek Helio G80 processor, a capacious battery for 5020 mAh, and a quadruple camera with a main module for 13 MP. For most users, this is enough for everyday tasks - social networks, instant messengers, watching video and even non-demanding games.
Another plus is the stable firmware based on MIUI, which receives regular security updates. And thanks to optimization by Xiaomi, even 3-4 years after its release, the device works without critical lags. This makes the Redmi 9 an excellent choice for those who are looking for a reliable smartphone for up to 15,000 rubles.
But where do you buy this machine to avoid getting a fake or overpaying? We looked at all the options available, from official stores to marketplaces, and we identified the key criteria for choosing.
Xiaomiβs official stores: pros and cons of buying
Buying directly from the manufacturer is the most reliable way to get the original Redmi 9 with a full warranty.
- π¬ Mi Store β branded stores in major cities (Moscow, St. Petersburg, Yekaterinburg, etc.).
- π Official website mi.com/ru with delivery in the country.
- π Authorized resellers, such as Svyaznoy, M.Video, Eldorado (marked "Official Partner Xiaomi").
The main advantage is the guarantee 12 months from Xiaomi Russia, exchange / return within the 14 days, and the original firmware without the "custom" improvements, but the prices here are usually on the basis of the 10-15% It's higher than the dealers. 9 (4/64 GB is about 13 990 β½, While on the market place you can find 11 500β12 500 β½.
β οΈ Warning: Official stores often sell Redmi 9s in the Russian version (with support for LTE Band 20), whereas AliExpress or small stores may offer versions for Asia or Europe - check compatibility with local networks!
Another nuance is the limited range of colors, and if you want a rare Sunset Purple, for example, it might not be available from official vendors, and then you should consider alternative venues.
Marketplaces: Wildberries, Ozon, Yandex Market and others
Platforms like Wildberries, Ozon or Yandex Market offer Xiaomi Redmi 9 cheaper than official stores due to competition between sellers. Here you can find a device in the range 10 500β13 000 β½, depending on the modification (3/32 GB or 4/64 GB) and condition (new/bear).
How to choose a reliable seller?
- β Rating 4.8+ and photo/video reviews (especially pay attention to packaging and stickers).
- π¦ Original box with a Xiaomi hologram and factory film on the screen.
- π Check and warranty card (even if the seller is not an official dealer, he is obliged to provide documents).
- π Returns without question β check the terms of the platform (on Wildberries, for example, you can return the goods within 14 days).
Be wary of offers marked βGlobal Versionβ β this may mean that the smartphone is intended for another region. Check with the seller whether the model supports LTE Band 3 (1800 MHz) and Band 7 (2600 MHz), which are used in Russia.
| The playground | Average price (4/64 GB) | Guarantee | Pluses | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wildberries | 11 800 β½ | 12 months (at official sellers) | Quick delivery, easy return | Many fakes under the guise of "gray" supplies |
| Ozon | 12 200 β½ | 12 months (if the seller is an official partner) | Frequent discounts, cashback | It is more difficult to verify the originality. |
| Yandex Market | 12 500 β½ | Depends on the seller. | Convenient filter according to characteristics | Prices are often higher than on WB/Ozon |
| AliExpress | 9 500 β½ | No (or 3-6 months at top sellers) | Lowest price ever. | Long delivery, risk of customs |
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Before buying on the marketplace, check the IMEI of the smartphone through the service IMEI.info. If the seller refuses to provide IMEI before payment - this is a reason to be wary.
Buying from hands: Avito, Yula and groups in Telegram
If you have a budget, you can consider buying Xiaomi Redmi 9 hand-held. On Avito, Yule or in Telegram thematic chats, prices start from 7 000 β½ for the 3/32 GB model in good condition.
- π Worn battery β after 2-3 years of operation, the capacity may fall to 70-80% of the original.
- π οΈ Unofficial firmware β some vendors install custom ROM, which is no warranty.
- π¨ Stolen or locked devices β check through Settings β About Phone β Status (should be βOfficialβ).
How do you minimize the risks?
External inspection (no cracks, dents, traces of repair)
IMEI originality check (does it match the box?)
Battery test (in Settings β Battery see charging cycle)
Checking all modules (camera, speakers, microphone, sensors)
Reset to factory settings (to make sure the phone isn't locked)
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Best buy from sellers with a high rating (4.9+ on Avito) and a lot of reviews.Ask for video showing the phone working, including:
- Run heavy applications (such as Genshin Impact or PUBG Mobile).
- Camera test in different conditions (low light, macro mode).
- Check all physical buttons and connectors (Type-C, 3.5mm audio).
β οΈ Warning: If a merchant asks for payment via a card transfer or e-wallets (Qiwi, YuMoney) without a face-to-face meeting, it is 100% fraud. Use only secure methods of settlement: cash at a meeting or a secure transaction on the platform.
AliExpress and overseas stores: is it worth the risk?
On AliExpress, Xiaomi Redmi 9 can be found for 8000-10,000 β½, which is 30% cheaper than Russian prices.
- Long delivery - from 2 weeks to 2 months (depending on the method of shipment).
- Customs duties β if the cost is declared below 200 β¬, the risk of inspection is minimal, but if exceeded, you will have to pay 15-30% of the price.
- No guarantee β even if the seller promises β1 yearβ, it is almost impossible to implement it in Russia.
If you decide to buy, choose sellers with:
- π Top Brand or Official Store (Icons on the store page)
- π 98%+ positive reviews (minimum 1000+ sales).
- π¦ Free shipping and buyer protection AliExpress Standard Shipping.
Note the modification of the smartphone. For example, Redmi 9 (India) does not support LTE Band 20, which is critical for some Russian operators (for example, Tele2).
Supported frequencies Xiaomi Redmi 9 by region
If you come across Redmi 9 without Russian in the firmware, it can be reflashed on the Internet. MIUI Global via Fastboot, but that voids the warranty and requires skill. ROMorEEAΒ» (European Economic Area).
Large electronics networks: "M. Video", "Eldorado", "Svyaznoy"
Network electronics stores often hold promotions where Xiaomi Redmi 9 can be bought at a discount of up to 20%. For example, in M. Video there are regular sales with promo codes, and in Svyaznoy there is a trade-in (you take out an old smartphone and get a discount on a new one).
Advantages of buying on networks:
- π Exchange/refund within 14 days without explanation.
- π³ Instalments 0-0-24 (e.g., in Eldorado or Citilink).
- π Official warranty of Xiaomi (if the store is an authorized partner).
However, prices are rarely lower than on the marketplace.
- Black Friday (November) and Cyber Monday.
- The birthday of the network (for example, M.Video has a discount in March).
- Shares with bank cards (cashback up to 10% from Sberbank, Tinkoff, etc.).
β οΈ Warning: The networks sometimes sell Redmi 9 in the "For Russia" configuration with pre-installed operator services (MTS, Beeline), these applications can be removed, but they take up space in memory. Check with the consultant if the phone has "extra" software.
Check before buying to see if the device is refurbished, which can be sold under the guise of new, but are marked "Like New" or "Refurbished" in the documentation. They are difficult to distinguish, but the warranty period is usually reduced to 6 months.
Price comparison: where is the cheapest place to buy Xiaomi Redmi 9 in 2026?
To avoid overpaying, compare prices across all sites, here are the current data for June 2026 (for the 4/64GB version):
| Place of purchase | Price (β½) | Guarantee | Time of delivery | Risks. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Official Xiaomi website | 13 990 | 12 months. | 2-5 days | Minimum |
| Wildberries (official seller) | 12 490 | 12 months. | 1-3 days | Counterfeiting from unofficial sellers |
| Ozon (top seller) | 11 990 | 6-12 months. | 2-4 days | It is difficult to verify the originality. |
| AliExpress (Global Version) | 9 200 | No. | 15-45 days | Customs, lack of security |
| Avito (b/u, excellent condition) | 7 500β9 000 | No. | 1 day | Battery wear, hidden defects |
As you can see from the table, the lowest price for AliExpress, but taking into account the risks and delivery time, it is most profitable to buy on Wildberries or Ozon from trusted sellers. If you want maximum reliability, take it from the Mi Store or from official partners.
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The optimal balance of price and reliability is to buy on Wildberries or Ozon from sellers with a rating of 4.9+ and a guarantee of 12 months.
How to check the originality of Xiaomi Redmi 9 after buying?
Even if you bought a smartphone in an official store, it is not superfluous to make sure that it is authentic.
- Packaging check: The box must have a Xiaomi hologram with a changing pattern when tilted.The serial number on the box and under the battery (or in the SIM slot) must match.
- IMEI Check: Dial *#06# and IMEI will appear on the screen. Compare it to the number on the box and check it on IMEI.info.
- Firmware check: Go to Settings β About phone. The line "MIUI version" should indicate Global or EEA (for Europe). If you see China or India - firmware is not official in Russia.
- Hardware Component Test: Install the AIDA64 app and check the processor model (Helio G80) and memory capacity. Run the Throttling Test CPU to make sure the processor is not overclocking (a common sign of gray devices).
If any of the items do not match, you are likely to have a fake or a βgrayβ import, in which case, contact the seller immediately with a request for a return or replacement.
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Take a photo of the serial number and IMEI of the smartphone immediately after purchase, which will help prove the authenticity of the device during warranty repair.