Xiaomi 9: Which smartphone is better to choose in 2026? full comparison of all models in the series

Xiaomi 9 series is still one of the most popular smartphone lineups of the brand, despite the release of newer models, these devices attract the optimal ratio of price to performance, as well as reliability, proven years of use. The choice among five versions is Mi 9, Mi 9. SE, Mi 9T, Mi 9 Pro and Mi 9 Lite – can baffle even the experienced user.

In this article, we will analyze the key differences of each model, analyze their relevance in 2026, compare them by basic parameters (processor, camera, battery, screen) and give specific recommendations depending on your needs. We will focus on software updates, maintainability and market value of used devices. If you are looking for a reliable smartphone for games, photos or everyday tasks, here you will find the answer to which nine is worth buying.

1. Xiaomi 9 Series Review: A Brief History and Relevance in 2026

Xiaomi 9 was introduced in the first quarter of 2019 and included five models, each of which is targeted at different categories of users:

• 📱 Mi 9 – flagship with a top-end Snapdragon 855 processor and a triple camera.
• 📱 Mi 9 SE — compact version with Snapdragon 712 processor and AMOLED-screen.
• 📱 Mi 9T (He's a Redmi. K20 In China, a model with a retractable front camera and a Snapdragon 730.
• 📱 Mi 9T Pro (sold in Russia as Mi 9 Pro) - improved version of Mi 9T with a Snapdragon 855 processor.
• 📱 Mi 9 Lite – budget version with Snapdragon 710 and 48-MP camera.

At the time of release, the series was considered revolutionary thanks to bezel-less screens, fast charging (up to 27 watts in the Mi 9 Pro) and innovative cameras (for example, Sony’s main sensor). IMX586 In 2026, these smartphones are no longer the flagship, but remain among the best options in the market for used technology in terms of price / quality, especially for those who are looking for a device for everyday tasks without overpaying for new models.

It is important to note that official support for updates MIUI For most models, the series ended in 2022-2023, but the Mi 9 and Mi. 9T Pro still receive unofficial firmware (for example, LineageOS or Pixel Experience), which prolongs their life cycle.

Comparison of technical characteristics: table of key parameters

To see the differences between the models, we've created a table with the main characteristics, and you can look at the processor, the battery size, and the type of screen, which are the most critical parameters to choose from.

The table shows that the most productive are the Mi 9 and Mi 9 Pro thanks to the Snapdragon 855 processor, while the Mi 9 is the most powerful. SE Mi 9 Lite is suitable for less demanding tasks. 9T — It combines a large screen, a capacious battery and a retractable camera, which is important for selfie lovers.

⚠️ Note: Models with a retractable front camera (Mi) 9T And the Mi 9 Pro have a mechanical element that can eventually fail. When buying a used device, be sure to check the mechanism's performance - it should be pushed smoothly, without creaking.

3. For whom each model is suitable: recommendations for selection

The choice of a particular model depends on your priorities, and below we will discuss who should pay attention to a particular Xiaomi 9.

🎮 Mi 9 and Mi 9 Pro: for gamers and power lovers

If you need a smartphone for heavy gaming (Genshin Impact, Call of Duty Mobile, PUBG The best choice is the Mi 9 or Mi 9 Pro with a Snapdragon 855 processor, both of which can handle modern games at mid-sets even in 2026, but there are nuances:

• ⚡ The Mi 9 Pro has an improved cooling system and a more capacious battery (4000 mAh vs 3300 mAh in the Mi 9), which is important for long gaming sessions.
• 🔋 The Mi 9 Pro supports fast charging of 30 watts, while the Mi 9 only has 27 watts.
• 📸 Both models have identical cameras, but the Mi 9 Pro has better optimizations for low-light shooting.

📸 Mi 9T: Best Choice for Photographers and Selfies

Mi 9T (or Redmi K20) — It's the gold standard of the budget photo smartphone of 2019:

• 📷 Triple main camera with Sony sensor IMX582 (48 MP) and wide-angle module.
• 🤳 Retractable front camera at 20 MP - no "bangs" or cutout, clean screen.
• 🔋 The battery at 4000 mAh is one of the most capacious in the series.

This smartphone is ideal for those who take a lot of pictures, but are not willing to overpay for flagship models, but keep in mind that the retractable mechanism is a potentially vulnerable place.

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Buying Mi 9T Check the condition of the retractable camera: ask the seller to record a video of its work. The mechanism should move smoothly, without jerks or extraneous sounds.

💼 Mi 9 SE: compact smartphone for work and travel

If you need a compact (5.97 screen diagonal) and a lightweight (155 g) smartphone, the Mi 9 is a good choice. SE — It's one of the few options on the market:

• 📊 Business correspondence and work with documents (convenient to hold with one hand).
• 🌍 Traveling – thanks to the small size and support of two SIM-map.
• 🎵 Music and multimedia (quality) AMOLED-screen and stereo speakers).

Cons: a small battery (3070 mAh) and a Snapdragon 712 processor, which can “brake” in modern games.

💰 Mi 9 Lite: budget version with a good camera

The Mi 9 Lite is the most affordable model in the series, but it also offers:

• 📸 48MP main camera (Sony sensor) IMX582) 32 MP frontal – better than many public sector workers in 2026.
• 🔋 Battery at 4030 mAh, which is enough for a day and a half of moderate use.
• 💎 AMOLED-screen HDR.

This is an ideal choice for those who are looking for an inexpensive (on the secondary market - from 8-12 thousand rubles), but a functional smartphone with a good camera.

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If you want a smartphone exclusively for social networks, calls and simple tasks, the Mi 9 Lite is the best choice for the price. 9T Mi 9 Pro

4. Relevance of software updates: what with support MIUI 2026?

One of the key issues when buying a used smartphone is support for updates. Unfortunately, the official updates for the Xiaomi 9 series have long been discontinued, but there are nuances:

• 📱 Mi 9 and Mi 9T Pro (Mi 9 Pro) has received the latest major update to the MIUI 14 powered by Android 12 in 2023.Further security updates unlikely.
• 📱 Mi 9 SE, Mi 9T and the Mi 9 Lite stopped at MIUI 13 (Android 11).
• 🔄 All models (except Mi 9 Lite) support unofficial firmware (LineageOS, Pixel Experience, ArrowOS), which allows you to upgrade to Android 13-14.

If you are critical to the relevance of the software, the best choice is the Mi 9 or Mi 9 Pro, as more custom firmware is available for them. However, installing unofficial software requires unlocking the bootloader and may not warranty (if it is still valid).

⚠️ Note: When buying a used Xiaomi 9, check the version MIUI in settings (Settings) → The phone. → Version. MIUI). If the device has not been updated for a long time (it is worth it). MIUI 11 or lower), this may indicate a problematic past (e.g., resetting to factory settings after a breakdown).

5. Repairability and typical breakdowns: what to look for?

When buying a used Xiaomi 9 smartphone, it is important to be aware of the typical problems of each model to avoid hidden defects.

The most problematic in terms of repair - models with a retractable camera (Mi) 9T It costs 3,000 to 5,000 to 5,000 to replace the mechanism. ₽, And some services refuse to take on this repair because they don't have any spare parts. SE The Mi 9 Lite is easier to build.

When inspecting the used device, be sure to check:

Battery status (health) > 80%)

The performance of all cameras and sensors

The absence of yellow pixels on AMOLED-screen

Smoothness of the retractable camera (for Mi) 9T/Pro)

Charging speed (must reach the declared values)

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6.Secondary Market Prices: How Much Does Xiaomi 9 Cost in 2026?

The cost of Xiaomi 9 smartphones in the secondary market varies depending on the state, configuration and region. Below are the current prices (according to Avito, Yula and Facebook Marketplace for mid-2026):

• 💰 Mi 9: 12 000–18 000 ₽ (depending on the memory and battery status).
• 💰 Mi 9 SE: 8 000–13 000 ₽ — budget-most option in the series.
• 💰 Mi 9T: 10 000–15 000 ₽ (Mi 9 Pro is cheaper because of the processor).
• 💰 Mi 9 Pro: 15 000–22 000 ₽ — most expensive model in the series.
• 💰 Mi 9 Lite: 7 000–12 000 ₽ — Best Price/Quality Rate for the Budget.

When buying, pay attention to the package: the original power supply (especially for models with fast charging), cable and box increase the cost by 10-15%, and it is also worth checking whether the bootloader is unlocked - this may indicate past firmware attempts.

If you need a warranty, consider buying refurbished devices from official stores (for example, at the Back Market or Avito Devices), which are tested and cost 20-30% more, but with a warranty of 6-12 months.

7. Xiaomi 9 alternatives in 2026: Should new models be considered?

If you are in doubt about buying a used Xiaomi 9, it is worth looking at new smartphones in the same price range (10,000-20 000). ₽). Here are a few alternatives:

• 🆕 Redmi Note 12 Pro+ (~18 000 ₽) — Modern Dimensity 1080 processor, 200MP camera, 120Hz screen.
• 🆕 Poco X5 Pro (~16 000 ₽) — Snapdragon 778G, AMOLED 120Hz, quick charging 67W.
• 🆕 Redmi 12 (~12 000 ₽) — budget with a 90 Hz screen and good autonomy.

Advantages of the new models:

• ✅ Update software (update support for another 2-3 years).
• ✅ More modern processors (best optimization for new games).
• ✅ Warranty (1-2 years in official stores).

However, Xiaomi 9 still wins in the following aspects:

• 💪 Metallic body (new ones) Redmi/Poco — plastic).
• 📸 Best color reproduction AMOLED-screen (new budget models often have budgets) IPS).
• 🔧 More information on repairs (for Xiaomi 9 there are detailed guides and spare parts).

If you need a smartphone right now and don’t want to mess around with used hardware, consider new models, and if you’re willing to spend time looking for a good Xiaomi 9, you’ll get a premium device for the same amount of money.

8.The final verdict: which Xiaomi 9 to choose in 2026?

We will summarize and give specific recommendations depending on your needs:

• 🎮 For gaming and performance: Mi 9 Pro (best processor and cooling) or Mi 9 (cheaper but with less battery).
• 📸 For photo: Mi 9T (Best Main Camera or Mi 9 Lite (budget version with a good selfie camera).
• 💼 For work and compactness: Mi 9 SE (small size, comfortable to wear).
• 💰 For savings: Mi 9 Lite (lowest price with good performance).

If you choose between Mi 9T and Mi 9 Pro, then:

• 🔋 Mi 9 Pro is better for gaming and multitasking (Snapdragon 855 processor)+).
• 📷 Mi 9T cheaper and has the same screen/camera, but weaker in performance.

If you choose between Mi 9 and Mi 9 SE, piece:

• ⚡ Mi 9 is more powerful and will be more relevant for gaming.
• 👍 Mi 9 SE It is more compact and cheaper, but loses in autonomy.

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Best universal choice in 2026 - Mi 9T. It offers balanced specs, a good camera and an affordable price. If you want maximum performance, take the Mi 9 Pro, if the budget is limited - Mi 9 Lite