Xiaomi Mi 9 or Mi 10: a detailed comparison of flagships 2019 and 2020

Choosing between the Xiaomi Mi 9 and Xiaomi Mi 10 is not just a comparison of two smartphones, but the confrontation of two eras of mobile technology. The first appeared in early 2019 as a revolutionary flagship with a triple camera and a frameless display, the second debuted a year later with a top-end Snapdragon 865 chipset and 5G support. But is it worth overpaying for a novelty if the “old man” is still in the top sales? This article will help you figure out which of the devices will be better suited for you – taking into account the budget, tasks and expectations from the gadget.

We analyzed 12 key parameters, from performance to ergonomics, real-world tests and feedback from owners, and current prices for 2026. At the end of this article, you'll find a checklist for final selection and answers to frequent questions. Don't jump to conclusions from the first paragraphs: sometimes the difference lies in the little things that become critical with daily use.

1. Display: AMOLED vs AMOLED+ - is there a difference?

Both smartphones are equipped AMOLED-The technology is different, but the technology is different. 9 got 6.39-inch-screen 2340×1080 (403 ppi, whereas Mi 10 got started 6.67-inch AMOLED+ resolution-screen 2340×1080 (386 Paradox: with a larger size, the pixel density of the novelty is lower, but in practice, the difference will not be noticed unless a professional designer.

The main differences lie in another:

• 🔹 Mi 10 supports HDR10+ (against HDR10 Predecessor, which gives more saturated colors in compatible videos.
• 🔹 The brightness of the novelty is higher - 1120 nits against 600 nits in the Mi 9, which is critical when used in the sun.
• 🔹 Upgrade frequency: 60 Hz for both, but the Mi 10 received 180 Hz touch response (vs. 120 Hz), which is important for gamers.

The subjective feeling is that the Mi 10 screen looks more modern due to smoother animations and better color reproduction. HDR-content and not playing dynamic games, the difference may seem insignificant.

2. Performance: Snapdragon 855 vs 865 - how critical is the difference?

Here it's simple: the Mi 9 runs on the Snapdragon 855 (7 nm), and the Mi 10 runs on the Snapdragon 865 (7 nm+). On paper, the difference in performance is about 20-25% in favor of the new product, but in real tasks it does not always manifest itself:

In everyday tasks (social networks, instant messengers, video), both smartphones appear to be equally fast, and the difference becomes noticeable:

• 🎮 In heavy games (Genshin Impact, Call of Duty Mobile) - Mi 10 holds FPS steady.
• 📸 Processing RAW-Photo or video rendering - the novelty will cope with 30-40% faster.
• 🌐 In the future, Mi 9 It is no longer receiving updates. MIUI, Mi 10 still 1-2 year will be supported.

⚠️ Note: If you plan to use a smartphone for longer than 2 years, the Mi 9 may start to "brake" on new versions of Android due to outdated hardware.

3. Cameras: triple vs quadro - who takes better pictures?

On paper, the Mi 10 won by adding a fourth module (macro), but in practice it's more complicated.

Main camera:

• 📷 Mi 9: 48 MP (Sony) IMX586), f/1.75, OIS
• 📷 Mi 10: 108 MP (Samsung) HMX), f/1.69, OIS

Ultrashirik:

• 🌄 Mi 9: 16 MP, 117°, f/2.2
• 🌄 Mi 10: 13 MP, 123°, f/2.4

Telephoto:

• 🔍 Mi 9: 12 MP, 2x zoom, f/2.2
• 🔍 Mi 10:2 MP (!), depth only, no zoom

The critical difference is that the Mi 10 lost optical zoom, replacing it with software, which greatly worsened the quality when approached, but the novelty copes better with night shooting due to the larger pixel size (0.8 μm vs 1.6 μm in binning mode).

Bottom Line: If you want zoom, take the Mi 9. If you're most automatic and like nighttime photos, take the Mi 10.

4. Battery and charging: 3300mAh vs 4780mAh - how critical is that?

Here, the Mi 10 has definitely won: battery capacity has increased from 3300 mAh to 4,780 mAh (by 45%!).

Autonomy:

• 🔋 Mi 9: 4-5 screen time (when used actively)
• 🔋 Mi 10: 7-8 screen time (under the same conditions)

Fast charging:

• ⚡ Mi 9: 27 Watt (0-100% post ~65 minute)
• ⚡ Mi 10: 30 Watt (0-100% post ~55 minute) + wireless charging 30 Watt

⚠️ Warning: Despite the larger battery, the Mi 10 warms up more when charged due to the more powerful processor.This can shorten battery life when used intensively.

If you're a bit more self-driving (like you're a lot of traveller), the Mi 10 is a clear choice, but remember: a bigger battery = longer charge from low-power powerbanks.

5. Design and ergonomics: glass vs glass, but different

Both smartphones are made of glass (Gorilla Glass 5 Mi 9, Gorilla Glass 6 Mi 10), but differ in size and weight:

Size comparison:

• 📏 Mi 9: 157.5×74.7×7.6 mm, 173 s
• 📏 Mi 10: 162.6×74.8×9.0 mm, 208 s

The Mi 10 is noticeably heavier and thicker, as you can feel with prolonged one-handed holding.

• 🎨 More premium finishing of the back panel (gradient colors)
• 🔊 Symmetrical speakers (stereo sound vs mono in Mi 9)
• 🔒 Optical fingerprint scanner in the screen (vs. ultrasonic under the screen on the Mi 9)

If you want a compact size, the Mi 9 is more convenient. If you want a big smartphone with good sound, the Mi 10.

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To reduce the strain on your arm when using a heavy Mi 10, use a finger-cut or ring-holder case.

6.Price and relevance in 2026

At the time of writing (2026), the prices on the used market are as follows:

• 💰 Xiaomi Mi 9 (6/128 GB): ~15 000–18 000 ₽
• 💰 Xiaomi Mi 10 (8/128 GB): ~22 000–28 000 ₽

The difference is 7,000-10,000. ₽ justified?

• ✅ Yes, if you need to: 5G, Better autonomy, more modern processor.
• ❌ Not if: You don't play heavy games, you don't shoot professionally, and you're good enough. 4G.

⚠️ Attention: Both smartphones are already out of production, so you should buy them only in trusted places with a guarantee. 9 He could have degraded to 70-80% capacity 4-5 years.

Alternatively, instead of the Mi 10, consider the Xiaomi 11 Lite 5G NE (2021) – it’s cheaper but has a more modern processor and 5G support.

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If the budget is limited to 20,000 ₽, Mi 9 is the best choice for price/quality. Over 25,000 ₽ It is worth looking at newer models.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions