Xiaomi Redmi 9: First impression
Launched in 2020, Xiaomi Redmi 9 has become one of the brand’s most popular budget phones thanks to its balanced performance and memorable design. Its appearance combines modern trends and practicality: there are no revolutionary solutions, but every element is thought out to the smallest detail. The body is made of plastic, which is typical for the budget segment, but the texture of the rear panel mimics glass, giving the device a more premium look.
The smartphone’s dimensions — 163.3 × 77 × 9.1 mm — make it comfortable for one hand, despite its large 6.53-inch screen. The weight of 198 grams does not feel as burdensome, although it can make itself felt with prolonged use. Xiaomi designers have focused on ergonomics: the rounded edges of the case and slightly curved rear panel provide a comfortable grip.
The Redmi 9 color scheme includes four options: classic black, versatile gray, bright green and delicate purple. The latter two colors look especially advantageous thanks to the glossy coating that plays in the light, creating a "gradient effect." However, it is worth remembering that the gloss is more stamps - fingerprints and small scratches on it are more noticeable than on the matte versions.
Back panel: camera module and logo
The most visible element of the back panel is the square camera module located in the upper left corner, which protrudes about 1-1.5 mm above the body, which protects the lenses from scratch when placing the smartphone on the table, but requires the use of a case for complete safety.
- 📷 Main camera. 13 diaphragm-based MP f/2.2
- 🌄 Wide-angle lens 8 MP (view angle 118)°)
- 🔍 Macro lens 5 MP for shooting from a distance of 4 cm
- 💡 2 MP depth sensor for portrait mode
Next to the camera module is a double LED-It's interesting that in some regions (like India) the smartphone was sold under the name Redmi 9 Prime, and its back panel had an additional texture in the form of a geometric pattern that improves grip.
⚠️ Note: When buying a case for Redmi 9, pay attention to the notch for the camera - some universal models can overlap the lenses, which will lead to darkening of the images at the edges.
The back material, despite its visual similarity to glass, is actually a glossy polycarbonate, which makes the body less fragile when it falls, but more prone to microcracks when it is used for a long time.
- 🔊 Dynamics (one of two in a stereo system)
- 🎵 Noise-cancellation microphone
- 🔌 Connector. USB Type-C (version 2.0)
- 📡 Antenna lines for 4G and wifi
Front part: screen and frames
The Redmi front 9 dominant IPS-diagonal 6.53 inch and resolution 2340 × 1080 pixels (Full) HD+). Relationship of parties 19.5:9 It provides easy viewing of videos and work with applications. 83.2% The front panel, which for the budget segment in 2020 The year was a very competitive indicator.
The upper frame contains:
- 📞 Speaker for conversations (also used as second stereo speaker)
- 👁️ Front camera 8 MP in a drop-shaped neckline
- 🔦 Approximation and illumination sensors
The unique feature of Redmi 9 is the presence of TÜV Rheinland certification to protect the eyes from blue light, which is rare in budget smartphones. the lower frame is much wider than the top (about 8 mm vs. 3 mm), but this is typical for devices in this price segment. The side frames are about 3.5 mm wide and slightly rounded for comfortable holding.
| Screen characteristics | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Type of matrix | IPS LCD with Reading Mode support |
| Brightness | Up to 400 nits (automatic adjustment) |
| Contrast | 1500:1 (typical for IPS) |
| Support for HDR | No, only Widevine. L1 for HD-content) |
| Protection | Gorilla Glass 3 Glass |
⚠️ Note: Redmi 9 screen does not support high refresh rate (only 60 Hz).If you want smooth scrolling, consider Redmi Note 10 models and newer ones.
Side faces: buttons and connectors
The right side of the smartphone contains:
- 🔘 Power button (with integrated fingerprint scanner)
- 🔊 Volume Controller (two separate rockers)
The left face is equipped with:
- 📶 Tray for 2 nano-SIM + microSD (hybrid slot)
The upper and lower edges are symmetrical:
- Upstairs: 🎧 3.5 mm audio jack and 🔊 second-mic
- Niz: 🔌 USB Type-C, 🔊 fundamental, 🎤 main microphone
The power button is located at a comfortable height for the thumb, and its texture is different from the rest of the body, making it easy to find by touch. The fingerprint scanner works quickly, but in high humidity conditions (for example, after a shower) recognition errors can occur.
Power button is not a luftite|Volume control is clearly fixed|Tray for SIM effortlessly|Type-C connector doesn't stagger-->
Comparison with other Xiaomi models
The Redmi 9’s design echoes that of other models in the lineup, but has several key differences:
- 🆚 Redmi 8: Redmi 9 has a larger screen (6.53" vs 6.22"), and the camera module is square (Redmi 8 has a vertical stripe)
- 🆚 Redmi Note 9: Note-version body thinner (8.9 mm), and the camera is located in the center
- 🆚 POCO M2: almost identical design, but POCO M2 It has a different software and logo on the back.
Compared to the Redmi 9A and 9C, the base model of the Redmi 9 stands out:
- ✅ The presence of a fingerprint scanner (y) 9A/9C He's gone)
- ✅ Stereodynamics (Y) 9A monosound)
- ✅ Full HD+ screen 9C — 720p)
If you are interested in premium look, pay attention to the Redmi Note 9 Pro – its glass back panel and metal inserts look more expensive, but the cost is higher by 30-40%.
How to tell the difference between a fake Redmi 9?
Designer chips and hidden details
A few little obvious elements make the Redmi 9 unique:
- The antenna lines: they were placed on the sides of the body and disguised as decorative stripes. In Redmi 8, they were more prominent.
- Brighten buttons: Navigation buttons (if enabled) are illuminated in white, but brightness is not regulated.
- Protection against splashes: despite the lack of official IP-rating, the body has rubber gaskets under the covers of the connectors.
Fun fact: some Redmi 9 shipments used a different plastic for the back for the European market — it's less slippery, but it's duller — and that's due to local safety standards.
If you look at the camera module, you can see that the lenses are not symmetrical: the main camera is shifted closer to the edge of the module, and this is done to optimize the interior space where the sensors are placed.
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To check the originality of the rear panel, illuminate the flashlight at an angle - on fakes, bubbles are often visible under a glossy coating.
Covers and accessories: what will fit the design
Due to the popularity of the model, a huge number of accessories are available for the Redmi 9:
- 🛡️ C.LICcover: emphasize the color of the body, but may turn yellow over time
- 🧲 Magnetic-mounted covers: convenient for attaching to the holder in the car
- 💎 Glass protective films: mandatory for glossy versions (especially green and purple)
- 🔋 Battery cases: increase the working time on 30-50%, add weight
When choosing a cover, consider:
- 🔹 The camera cutout must match the module exactly.
- 🔹 Covers with "ears" in the corners are better protected when falling
- 🔹 For USB Type-C is suitable for any charger with Quick Charge 3.0 support
The original accessories from Xiaomi can be identified by:
- 🏷️ Hologram on the package
- 📦 The inscriptions Mi or Redmi on the cover
- 🔍 Accurate matching of microphone and speaker holes
⚠️ Caution: Cheap cases made of untested materials can cause smartphones to overheat, especially for transparent silicone models that are often made from low-quality plastic.
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Redmi 9 is one of the few budget smartphones with stereo speakers and fingerprint scanner in one device.