Xiaomi 9: Which model to choose in 2026? Comparison of all versions of the series

Xiaomi 9 series is still one of the most popular lines of flagship smartphones of the brand, despite the release of newer models, in 2026 these devices are actively bought in the secondary market, and some modifications (for example, Mi Mi). 9T) They're still coming in updated versions, but how do you not get confused by the variety of options? Because under the generic name "Xiaomi 9" there are four fundamentally different devices at once: Mi 9, Mi 9. SE, Mi 9T mi 9T Pro (aka Mi 9 Pro in some regions).

Each model has unique features: from the compact body of the Mi 9 SE to the retractable front camera Mi 9T and the top-end processor in the Mi 9T Pro. They can vary by 1.5 to 2 times even in 2026, and in this guide, we will compare all versions in detail, highlight their strengths and weaknesses, and help determine which is best for gaming, photography, long-distance or budget purchases. Particular attention will be paid to current prices, the state of batteries on the secondary market and compatibility with modern standards (for example, the current market is not a problem, 5G or Wi-Fi 6).

1. Overview of all Xiaomi 9 series models: a brief comparison

Before we get into the technical details, it’s worth clearly distinguishing between all the devices in the series, which are often confused because of the similar name, but in fact, these are four different smartphones with unique characteristics:

• 📱 Xiaomi Mi 9 – the classic flagship of 2019 with a triple main camera and AMOLED-screen.
• 📱 Xiaomi Mi 9 SE — compact version with a smaller screen (5.97) and a medium processor Snapdragon 712.
• 📱 Xiaomi Mi 9T — "Little brother with a retractable selfie camera, but on a Snapdragon 730 chip (instead of the flagship 855).
• 📱 Xiaomi Mi 9T Pro (aka Mi 9 Pro in China) – top modification with Snapdragon 855, retractable camera and improved cooling.

It is important to understand that Mi 9T mi 9T The Pro is not just an updated version of the Mi 9, but a standalone model with a different design, cameras and even processors. 9T Pro is technically closer to the Mi 9 in “stuffing”, but externally completely copies the Mi 9T. This confusion often leads to mistakes when buying.

Key point: Mi 9T mi 9T The Pro is not just a Mi 9 with a retractable camera, but a separate device with different hardware and software optimization. 9T The Snapdragon 730 loses the Mi 9 in performance by 30-40%, but wins in autonomy thanks to a larger battery. 9T Pro combines the advantages of both: a top-end chip and a capacious battery.

2. Xiaomi Mi 9 vs Mi 9T Pro: Which flagship is better?

If you are looking for maximum performance, the choice comes down to two models: the Mi 9 and Mi. 9T Both run on the Snapdragon 855, but have key differences that affect the experience.

Xiaomi Mi 9 is a “clean” flagship with a classic design: a droplet on the screen, a glass case and a triple camera without retractable mechanisms.

• ⚡ Higher CPU Clock Frequency (up to 2.84 GHz vs 2.80 GHz at Mi) 9T Pro).
• 📸 Best Main Camera (48 MP Sony) IMX586 optically stabilized).
• 🔋 Support for wireless charging (20 watts).

But the Mi 9 has its downsides: a small battery (3300 mAh), which often needs to be replaced in 2026, and the lack of a 3.5 mm headphone jack. 9T Pro offers:

• 🔋 Battery at 4000 mAh (+21 percent capacity).
• 🎧 3.5mm audio jack.
• 📱 Frameless screen thanks to a retractable selfie camera.
• 💧 Protection against splashes (but not complete) IP68).

But there's a flip side to it: Mi. 9T The Pro is heavier (191 g vs 173 g) and its retractable camera mechanism may fail over time (especially if you buy a used one.

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If you want maximum performance and quality photos, take the Mi 9. If you want autonomy and modern design, Mi is more important. 9T Pro.

3. Xiaomi Mi 9 SE: compact but weak?

Xiaomi Mi 9 SE — It's a unique model in the lineup, and it's designed for the compact smartphone community. In the age of the 6.5 to 6.8-inch giants, its 5.97-inch screen seems like a rarity. But is it worth overpaying for the compactness in 2026?

Pros of Mi 9 SE:

• 📏 Convenient size: only 70.5 mm wide (vs 74.6 mm in Mi 9).
• 🖥️ AMOLED-screen HDR10.
• 📸 Good main camera (48 MP Sony) IMX586, like a senior model).
• 💰 The lowest price in the line (from 8 000) ₽ b/w).

However, the disadvantages of this model are more, and they are critical for many users:

• ⚠️ Snapdragon 712 processor is weakly pulls modern games (for example, Genshin Impact on medium settings gives a low pull on modern games). ~30 FPS).
• 🔋 The battery at 3070 mAh is one of the weakest in the series.
• 🚫 No stabilization in the main camera (videos are made "shivering").
• 🔌 No 3.5mm connector.

In 2026, Mi 9 SE It should be considered only as a second phone or device for undemanding tasks (social networks, calls, simple games). For the main use of its performance is not enough, and autonomy leaves much to be desired.

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If you want a compact Xiaomi, look for newer models: Xiaomi 12 Lite or Xiaomi. POCO F4 — They offer a better balance of size and performance.

4. Xiaomi Mi 9T: middle-of-the-road?

Xiaomi Mi 9T — It's the most controversial model in the lineup, and on the one hand, it offers a retractable selfie camera, a large battery, and a modern design, and on the other, its Snapdragon 730 processor was considered average in 2020, and in 2026, it's frankly weak for most tasks.

Benefits of Mi 9T:

• 🔋 Battery at 4000 mAh - the best in the series in capacity.
• 🎧 Availability of 3.5 mm connector.
• 📱 Full-screen design without cutouts (thanks to the retractable camera).
• 💧 Splash protection (P2i).

Disadvantages:

• ⚠️ The Snapdragon 730 loses 855 in performance by 30-40% (in games and multitasking, this is noticeable).
• 📸 Main camera is inferior to Mi 9 in detail (no telephoto lens).
• 🔄 Retractable camera mechanism – a potential point of failure (especially on used devices).

The question is whether to pay more for the Mi. 9T compared to the Mi 9 SE? If you want a big screen and autonomy, yes. If performance matters, no. In 2026, Mi will be able to do it. 9T It makes sense to buy only at a price of up to 15 000 ₽, Otherwise, it is better to pay for the Mi. 9T Pro or consider newer models, for example, POCO X3 Pro).

5. Current prices and where to buy in 2026

Prices for the Xiaomi 9 Series vary greatly depending on condition, configuration and region, and below are the average prices in the secondary market (according to Avito, Yula and AliExpress as of May 2026):

Where to buy it?

• 🛒 Avito/Yula is the biggest choice, but the risk of running into “killed” batteries or faulty mechanisms (especially Mi Mi) is high. 9T).
• 🌍 AliExpress – you can find new (unpacked) Mi 9T priced ~20 000 ₽, but delivery will take 2-4 weeks.
• 🏬 Official retailers (for example, Svyaznoy or M. Video) - sometimes come across certified used devices with a guarantee.

What to look for when buying a b/d?

It is especially important to be careful about Mi. 9T mi 9T Pro – their retractable mechanisms often break down when falling, and be sure to check the battery status: if its health (Battery Health) is below 80%, it is better to look for another instance.

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To check the actual status of the battery, install the AccuBattery app and see the "Health" setting. If it's below 85%, the battery will soon have to be changed (replacement cost). ~2 000 ₽).

6. Which Xiaomi 9 to choose for specific tasks?

The choice of model depends on what purpose you buy a smartphone for, and below are recommendations for different use cases.

🎮 For games (PUBG, Genshin Impact, Call of Duty):

• 🏆 Mi 9T Pro or Mi 9 – only they will pull modern games on medium-high settings.
• ❌ Mi 9 SE mi 9T — weak processors will be slowed down.

📸 For the photo:

• 🏆 Mi 9 is the best camera with optical stabilization.
• 🥈 Mi 9T Pro is almost the same level, but without stabilization.
• 🥉 Mi 9 SE — Good for its size, but weak in video.

🔋 For maximum autonomy:

• 🏆 Mi 9T or Mi 9T Pro - battery for 4000 mAh.
• ❌ Mi 9 SE — The weakest battery (3070 mAh).

💰 Budget option (up to 10 000) ₽):

• 🏆 Mi 9 SE — The only option in this price segment.
• ⚠️ Be prepared for poor productivity.

📱 For compactness:

• 🏆 Mi 9 SE — The only compact version in the series.

🆕 For long-term use (3).+ year-end):

• 🏆 Mi 9T Pro – the best balance of performance and autonomy.
• ❌ Mi 9 SE mi 9T — already morally obsolete.

If you need a smartphone for everything, then Mi 9T The Pro is the best choice in the lineup, and it combines a top-end processor, a big battery, and a modern design. The Mi 9 is for photographers, and the Mi 9 is for photographers. SE — Those who value compactness and are willing to put up with limitations.

7. Frequent problems and how to avoid them

All Xiaomi 9 series smartphones have typical “diseases” that you should know about before buying.

🔋 Rapid battery wear:

After 3-4 years of battery life, the battery loses 30-50% of its capacity, especially the Mi 9 and Mi 9. SE Tip: When you buy a used device, check the charging cycle in Settings → Battery status. If the value exceeds 500 cycles, the battery will soon have to be changed.

📱 Problems with the retractable camera (Mi) 9T/9T Pro):

The mechanism can jam due to dust or after falls. Tip: do not buy devices with signs of repair mechanism - this is a temporary solution, and the camera will break again.

🔌 Problems with wireless charging (Mi 9):

A wireless charging module often fails after 2-3 years of use. Tip: if you do not use this feature, turn it off in the settings to extend the life of the module.

📡 Weak Wi-Fi and Cellular Signal:

All models in the series suffer from mediocre reception, especially in metal cases, POCO F3).

🔄 Problems with updates:

Official support MIUI So, for these models, it ended in 2022. Tip: if you want to get up-to-date software, you'll have to install custom firmware (like LineageOS), but that requires unlocking the bootloader.

If you buy a Xiaomi 9 in 2026, be prepared for the fact that some features may not work as well, for example, not all models support modern standards.

• ❌ No. 5G (in all models only 4G LTE).
• ❌ No Wi-Fi 6 (only Wi-Fi 5).
• ❌ No fast charging above 27W (except for the Mi 9 Pro with 30W).

8.Alternatives to Xiaomi 9 in 2026

If you are not sure about the choice, consider more modern alternatives that offer the best price/quality ratio:

If your budget is limited to 15,000–20,000 ₽, piece POCO X3 Pro or Redmi Note 11 Pro+ They will be a better choice than any Xiaomi 9.They offer more modern processors, better screens and support. 5G. If you want a camera or a compact device, the Mi 9 or Mi 9 is a good choice. SE It may be a justified choice.

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In 2026, Xiaomi 9 makes sense to buy only if you need specific features (compact, retractable camera, AMOLED-screens that are not available in new budget smartphones.

FAQ: Frequent questions about Xiaomi 9