Xiaomi Mi 9: which model to choose in 2026 – a comparison of all versions

Xiaomi Mi 9 series, released in 2019, still remains relevant for many users – especially if you are looking for a powerful smartphone at an adequate price. SE, Mi 9 Pro, Mi 9T mi 9T Pro – each model has its own characteristics, and the choice depends on your priorities: camera, performance, design or autonomy.

In this article, we will look at all versions of the Xiaomi Mi 9 in detail, from specs to real user experiences, you will learn which model is suitable for gaming, which is for photography, and which will be the best option for price-quality ratio, and we will compare the Mi 9 with competitors and give tips on whether to buy this series in 2026.

Review of all models Xiaomi Mi 9: a brief comparison

The Mi 9 series includes five major modifications, each focused on different tasks, and these are the key differences:

• 📱 Xiaomi Mi 9 – flagship model with top-end chipset Snapdragon 855, triple camera and AMOLED-screen.
• 📱 Xiaomi Mi 9 SE — A compact version with the Snapdragon 712, suitable for those who appreciate the convenience of one hand.
• 📱 Xiaomi Mi 9 Pro – improved version with Snapdragon 855+, fast-charging 40W and a more capacious battery.
• 📱 Xiaomi Mi 9T — model with a retractable front camera, Snapdragon 730 and frameless design.
• 📱 Xiaomi Mi 9T Pro - top version of the Mi 9T Snapdragon 855 with improved camera.

To make it easier to compare, we have compiled the key parameters in a table:

As you can see from the table, Mi 9 Pro and Mi 9T The Pros are the most advanced versions, but they are also more expensive. If you want a balanced version, look for the Mi 9 or Mi. 9T.

Xiaomi Mi 9 vs Mi 9 Pro: Is it worth overpaying for "+"?

The main difference between the Mi 9 Pro and the base model is the Snapdragon 855 processor.+, It's 15 percent more powerful than the standard Snapdragon 855:

• ⚡ Larger battery (4000 mAh vs 3300 mAh).
• ⚡ Fast charging. 40W (1 hour to 100% vs. 1.5 hours Mi 9).
• 📦 Options with 12 GB of RAM and 512 GB of memory.
• 🔧 Improved cooling system.

But do we need these improvements?

• 🎮 Genshin Impact, Call of Duty Mobile – Mi 9 Pro will be more stable.
• 📸 Shoot a lot of video – a larger battery and fast charging will come in handy.
• 💰 Ready to overpay ~30-40% For a small increase in productivity, yes.

In other cases, Mi 9 For example, in benchmarks, the difference between Snapdragon and the Snapdragon. 855 and 855+ minimally, about 5-10% synthetically.

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If you are not racing in top games at maximum settings, Mi 9 The Pro will not live up to its price. It's better to save money and take the basic model with the 8/128 GB memory.

Xiaomi Mi 9 SE: for whom compact flagship?

Mi 9 SE — The only model in the series with a screen diagonal of 5.97 inches, which makes it ideal for the future:

• 👩‍💼 Women or people with small hands.
• 🎭 Fans of single-button control (you can reach all the elements with your thumb).
• 💼 Business audiences who value compactness.

However, the price for miniature was:

• ⚠️ Snapdragon 712 processor is weaker than other models in the series.
• ⚠️ The 3070 mAh battery is one of the smallest in the lineup.
• ⚠️ No optical stabilization in the main camera.

If you need a compact smartphone with AMOLED-It is a good screen and a good camera, but you don’t play heavy games – Mi 9 SE If performance is important, consider the Mi 9 or Mi. 9T Pro.

Xiaomi Mi 9T mi 9T Pro: frameless design and retractable camera

Models of Mi 9T mi 9T Pro stands out from the rest:

• 📸 Retractable front camera (20 MP) - no "bangs" or cutout.
• 🔋 The 4000 mAh battery is one of the most capacious in the series.
• 🎨 AMOLED-screen HDR and always active display.

The main difference between the Pro version is the Snapdragon 855 processor (the usual Mi). 9T — Snapdragon 730. That means:

If you choose between these models, focus on budget and objectives:

• 💰 If you don’t have enough money, but want a frameless design – take Mi. 9T.
• 🎮 If you are playing or editing a video, only Mi. 9T Pro.

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Retractable camera in Mi 9T mi 9T Pro is not just a design solution, it's also a downside to reliability, and if you fall, it can break down and repair it at a cost.

Camera: Which model shoots better?

All Mi 9 models have triple main camera, but their capabilities are different.

• 📷 Mi 9 / Mi 9 Pro / Mi 9T Pro: 48 MP core module (Sony) IMX586) optically stabilized.
• 📷 Mi 9 SE / Mi 9T: 48 MP core module (Samsung) GM1) — worse in low light conditions.

The real tests show:

• 🌃 The best performances are the Mi 9 Pro and Mi. 9T Pro with a more powerful processor and better processing.
• 🎥 For the Mi videotape. 9T Preferably, it supports 4K@60fps.
• 👤 For the Mi selfie 9T mi 9T Pro win due to the retractable camera 20 MP (the rest – 20 MP, but in the cutout).

Examples of photos in different conditions:

🔹 Sony's core module IMX586 better than Samsung GM1

🔹 Optical stabilization is available only in Mi 9, Mi 9 Pro and Mi 9T Pro

🔹 Night mode works better on models with Snapdragon 855/855+

🔹 Video in the video 4K@60fps available only on Mi 9T Pro-->

Autonomy and charging: which model lives longer?

If battery life is important to you, pay attention to:

1. Mi 9 Pro and Mi 9T/9T Pro - battery 4000 mic.
2. Mi 9 – 3300 mAh (the weakest in the series)
3. Mi 9 SE — 3070mAh (even worse).

Real working time (at mixed load):

• 🔋 Mi 9 Pro/Mi 9T Pro: 6-7 screen-clock.
• 🔋 Mi 9: 4.5-5.5 hours.
• 🔋 Mi 9 SE: 4-5 hours.

The charging speed is also important:

• ⚡ Mi 9 Pro: 40W (0-100% post ~1 hour).
• ⚡ Mi 9/Mi 9T Pro: 27W (~1.5 hour).
• ⚡ Mi 9T/Mi 9 SE: 18W (~2 hour).

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If you often forget to charge your phone, take the Mi 9 Pro or Mi. 9T Their batteries are not only capacious, but also support fast charging.

Should you buy Xiaomi Mi 9 in 2026?

The Mi 9 series was released in 2019, and a lot has changed in 5 years.

Pros:

• ✅ Excellent price-quality ratio in the secondary market.
• ✅ AMOLED-screen-screen HDR They still look modern.
• ✅ Snapdragon 855 still pulls most games and apps.
• ✅ Good cameras (especially Mi 9 Pro and Mi) 9T Pro).

Cons:

• ❌ No official support for Android 13+ (last-minute — MIUI 14 based on Android 12).
• ❌ Batteries in many instances are already worn out (replacement is needed).
• ❌ No. 5G (But in 2026, this is not critical for most regions).
• ❌ Mi 9T mi 9T Pros have a retractable camera – a potentially unreliable mechanism.

Conclusion:

• 💰 If the budget is limited (15,000 – 25,000) ₽), Mi 9 or Mi 9T Pro is a great choice.
• 📱 If you need a smartphone for many years, it is better to look at new models (Xiaomi 13, Redmi Note 12 Pro).+).

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In 2026, the Xiaomi Mi 9 will be suitable for everyday tasks, but not for long-term use.+ It is better to consider newer models.

FAQ: Frequent questions about Xiaomi Mi 9