Xiaomi Mi 9, released in February 2019, became one of the most striking flagships of the brand at the time. This smartphone is remembered not only for its powerful “stuffing”, but also for its stylish design, which favorably distinguished it from the competition. If you are planning to buy a used model or just interested in the history of Xiaomi, it is important to know exactly what the Mi 9 looks like, so as not to confuse it with other devices in the series (for example, with the Mi 9 SE or Mi 9T).
In this article, we will take a closer look at the Xiaomi Mi 9, from the body materials and color options to the location of buttons, camera and logos, and learn how to distinguish the original from the fake by visual features and what to look for when buying.
Design and materials of the case: glass + metal
The Xiaomi Mi 9 is designed in the style of the flagship: a combination of aluminum frames and glass panels in the front and rear. 3D-It's a gradient pattern that shimmers at different lighting angles, and this effect is achieved by layering it up, making it visually more premium than plastic.
It is important to note that the glass on the back is not only aesthetics, but also functionality: it allows you to implement wireless charging (Qi standard is supported up to 20 watts). However, there is a disadvantage to this solution: the case is easily dirty (fingerprints remain) and more susceptible to scratches than metal. To maintain its original appearance, it is recommended to use a cover or film.
- 🔹 Frame material: aluminum alloy (anodized)
- 🔹 Rear panel: Gorilla Glass 5 with gradient coating
- 🔹 Front panel: Gorilla Glass 6 (more durable)
- 🔹 Weight: 173g (lighter than many flagships of 2023-2026)
⚠️ WARNING: If you buy the Xiaomi Mi 9 with your hands, check the integrity of the glass on the back.Microcracks may not be noticeable on a cursory inspection, but over time they will lead to layering of the coating.
Color options: from classic to exclusive
Xiaomi Mi 9 was produced in three main colors, each of which had a unique gradient pattern:
- Lavender Violet is the most popular option with a smooth transition from lilac to silver.
Later, a special version of the Mi 9 Transparent Edition with a transparent rear panel, under which you can see the internal components (for example, the cooling system), was released in a limited edition and is now a collector's version.
| Colour | Characteristics of the gradient | Rareness (2026) |
|---|---|---|
| Lavender purple | The transition from dark purple to silver | Frequently |
| Ocean blue | Deep blue with blue highlights | Medium |
| Amber black. | Black with golden tint | Rarely (often fake) |
| Transparent version | You can see the insides, blue. LED-lighting | Very rarely. |
When buying, pay attention to the uniformity of the gradient: on fakes, color transitions can be sharp or asymmetrical. Also, the original models have a holographic sticker on the back (near the Xiaomi logo), which changes color when tilted.
Location of buttons, connectors and speakers
The ergonomics of the Xiaomi Mi 9 are thought out to the smallest detail, all the controls are arranged so that they are convenient to use with one hand (despite the large screen).
- 📡 Tray for SIM — On the left, supports 2 nano-SIMs (no microSD slot!).
Note that the Mi 9 doesn’t have a 3.5mm audio jack — a groundbreaking solution for 2019 that many manufacturers have adopted, and if you’re used to using wired headphones, you’ll have to use a Type-C → 3.5mm adapter.
Where is the microphone in Xiaomi Mi 9?
Another feature is the infrared port at the top of the case, which allows you to use your smartphone as a remote for household appliances (TVs, air conditioners, etc.), a feature that is still relevant in 2026, despite the proliferation of smart homes.
Screen: frameless AMOLED with a drop
Xiaomi Mi Display 9 — it 6.39-inch AMOLED-resolution-screen 2340 × 1080 (Full HD+) side-relation 19.5:9. The main feature is the minimal frame and drop-shaped cutout for the front camera (the so-called dewdrop notch). 2019 This design was an innovation, and now looks retro against the background of modern smartphones with “holes” or underscreen cameras.
Key characteristics of the screen include:
- 🌈 Support HDR10 — Improved color reproduction for video.
- ☀️ Brightness up to 600 nits - clearly visible in the sun.
- 🔄 Update frequency of 60 Hz (in 2026 it is not enough, but for 2019 was the standard).
- 🖲️ Built-in fingerprint scanner in display (optical, non-ultrasound).
The fingerprint scanner works fast but is less reliable than physical buttons. For example, in bright sunlight or wet fingers, false positives can occur. If you are used to modern ultrasonic scanners (like the Samsung Galaxy S23), the optical one in the Mi 9 will seem less accurate.
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To improve fingerprint recognition in the Xiaomi Mi 9, add the same finger twice at different angles.
Triple camera: what the module looks like and what it can do
The rear camera module is one of the most memorable design details of the Xiaomi Mi 9, which is vertically located in the upper left corner and consists of three lenses arranged in one row, a design that became the hallmark of Xiaomi in 2019 and was later borrowed by other brands.
Camera characteristics:
- 📸 Basic: 48 MP (Sony sensor) IMX586, diaphragm f/1.75).
- 🔍 Telephoto: 12 MPP (2x diaphragm f/2.2).
- 🌄 Wide-angle: 16 MP (viewing angle) 117°, diaphragm f/2.2).
There's a double module on top. LED-It's a flash, and next to it, laser autofocus, which helps you focus faster in low light, and it's important to note that the camera module protrudes about 1 to 1.5 mm above the body, so it will swing a little when you place the smartphone on the table. This is normal for most flagships, but it is worth considering when choosing a case.
The front has a 20-MP f/2.0 aperture camera that supports face unlock, but in 2026, its accuracy is inferior to modern solutions (like Face ID in iPhone), especially in the dark.
How to distinguish the original from the fake in appearance
The used-tech market often sees fake Xiaomi Mi 9s, especially in the color variants “amber black” and “lavender purple.” Here are the visual features of the original, which are worth paying attention to:
Xiaomi logo on the back is metal, with clear faces|Gradient pattern smooth, without sharp transitions|The camera is evenly, without backlash.|Holographic sticker changes color when tilted|The serial number on the box and in the settings is the same-->
Another reliable way to check is weight and balance. The original Mi 9 weighs exactly 173 grams, and counterfeits are often lighter (150-160 grams) due to the use of cheap materials. Also pay attention to the build quality: the original has no backlashes between the glass and the frame, and the buttons are pressed with a clear tactile response.
⚠️ Warning: If a seller refuses to show a smartphone on or only shows a photo, this is a reason to be wary.
For additional verification, you can use the MIUI System Ad app (available in Settings → About Phone). In the original devices, it displays correct information about the model and region, whereas in fakes it can give an error or data from another model (for example, the Redmi Note 7).
Comparison with other Xiaomi models: Mi 9 vs Mi 9 SE vs Mi 9T
The Xiaomi Mi 9 is often confused with other models in the series, and here are the key visual differences:
| Model | Screen size | Camera (back) | Screencutting | 3.5 mm connector |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mi 9 | 6.39″ | Triple (vertically) | A drop | No. |
| Mi 9 SE | 5.97″ | Triple (horizontal) | A drop | There is. |
| Mi 9T | 6.39″ | Triple (vertically) | Retractable camera | There is. |
The main difference between the Mi 9T and the retractable front camera, thanks to which the screen is completely frameless. The Mi 9 SE camera is horizontal, and the smartphone is more compact. If you want compactness, the Mi 9 SE is the best choice, but the performance is inferior to the older brother.
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The Xiaomi Mi 9 is the only model in the series with wireless charging and glass back. If these features are critical, check them when you buy.