Xiaomi Mi9 2026: Should you buy or choose? Mi10, Mi11 or Redmi Note 12?

Choosing a Xiaomi smartphone and wondered whether the flagship of 2019 is relevant — Mi9 — This is one of the best machines in the lineup, but the technology is not standing still. Mi9 inferior to modern models like Mi10, Mi11 Or even a budget Redmi Note 12 Pro+, And whether it's worth buying now.

In this article, you will find an honest comparison on key metrics: performance, camera, autonomy and upgrade support. We will also analyze the prices of the used market and give recommendations on who will suit the needs of the market. Mi9, And who better to look at newer devices, don't miss the comparison table and the real-world tests!

1. Xiaomi Mi9 2026: technical characteristics and relevance

Xiaomi Mi9 It was released in early 2019 and at that time was the top smartphone with a Snapdragon 855 processor, a triple camera and a frameless smartphone. AMOLED-But it's been 5 years -- what it looks like in the background of modern devices?

Main characteristics Mi9:

• 📱 Screen: 6.39" AMOLED, 2340×1080, 60 Hz, HDR10+
• 🔥 Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 855 (7 nm)
• 📸 Camera: 48 MP (main, Sony) IMX586) + 12 MP (telephoto) + 16 MP (width)
• 🔋 Battery: 3300mAh, fast charging 27W
• 🤖 OS: Android 10 (last official version)

On the one hand, Mi9 It is still able to cope with everyday tasks: social networks, video in the Internet. 1080p, It's easy to play, but there's nuance:

• ⚠️ No updates: Xiaomi has stopped supporting Mi9 Android 10: This means no new features and security vulnerabilities.
• ⚠️ Weak autonomy: 3300 mAh in 2026 is very little even for a compact smartphone.
• ⚠️ No. 5G: If you want to support the next generation of networks, Mi9 won't fit.

2.Comparison with Xiaomi Mi10 and Mi11: What has changed in 2 years?

If Mi9 It seems outdated, it is logical to compare it with its successors — Mi10 (2020) and Mi11 (The difference is huge, especially in performance and screen.

Key conclusion: Mi11 faster Mi9 2-2.5 times in gaming and multitasking thanks to the Snapdragon 888 and 120-hertz screen, Mi10 It may be a middle ground, it’s cheaper. Mi11, but it's already 5G It has a more modern camera.

And yet, Mi9 It is losing even in the basic scenarios:

• 🎮 Games: Snapdragon 855 pulls Genshin Impact on mid-sets, while Snapdragon 888 in mid-tune Mi11 It allows you to play at maximum.
• 📸 Photo Photo: 108 MP in Mi10/Mi11 provide more detailed images, especially in low light conditions.
• 🔋 Autonomy: 4,780 mAh per Mi10 vs. 3300 mAh Mi9 — difference of 1.5-2 times in working time.

💡

If you need a smartphone for a photo, pay attention. Mi11 Ultra with an optional display on the back for selfies to the main camera.

3. Xiaomi Mi9 vs Redmi Note 12 Pro+: budgetary alternative

Paradoxically, but in 2026, the Redmi Note 12 Pro+ (It was released in 2023 and is much better. Mi9, And despite the lower price tag, let's see why.

Comparison Mi9 Redmi Note 12 Pro+:

• 🔥 Processor: Dimensity 1080 (6nm) vs Snapdragon 855 (7nm) – more modern process technology means better energy efficiency.
• 📸 Camera: 200 MP (main) + 8 MP (width) + 2 MP (macro) vs 48 MP + 12 MPs + 16 MP On paper Note 12 Pro+ It will be beneficial, but in practice, the software will be Mi9 maybe better.
• 🔋 Battery: 5000 mAh vs 3300 mAh – no options here.
• 💰 Price: Redmi Note 12 Pro+ stock market ≈20,000-25,000 rubles, while Mi9 — 15-18,000 rubles.

The main question is why to buy Mi9, If you can buy a newer Redmi for the same money, the answer is simple: only if you need a compact smartphone (6.39" vs 6.67" from the Note 12 Pro+) Or you're a design fan. Mi9 gradient-back.

4. Performance: benchmarks and real-world tests

To assess objectively Mi9 In 2026, we tested it in popular benchmarks and real-world scenarios:

The results speak for themselves: Mi9 lags behind Mi10 40 to 60 percent in performance, but more importantly, how he behaves in real life?

• 📱 Social networks and instant messengers: it works smoothly, but with prolonged use it warms up.
• 🎥 Video: playback 4K@60fps No problem, but video rendering in Adobe Premiere Rush takes a 2 time-consumer Mi11.
• 🎮 Call of Duty Mobile at high settings – 40–50 FPS (drawdown to 30 FPS In battle. Mi10 stable 60 FPS.

💡

If you need a smartphone for games or video editing, Mi9 It's not going to work for everyday tasks, but with the reservations of autonomy and no updates.

5.Camera: Is 48 MP worth in 2026?

The camera was one of the main trump cards. Mi9 But today, 48 MPs (up to 12 MP pixels) are modest compared to 108 to 200 MPs in the new models. Mi9 today.

The camera's upsides Mi9:

• 🌄 Daytime photos: good detail and color rendering thanks to the Sony sensor IMX586.
• 🔍 Telephoto: 2x 12 MP optical zoom gives clear shots without digital artifacts.
• 🌃 Night mode: one of the best in his generation, but inferior Mi11 Night Mode 2.0.

Cons:

• 🚫 Video 4K@60fps: No stabilization, the picture "trembles" when moving.
• 🚫 Portrait mode: often mistaken with blurring the edges (hair, small details).
• 🚫 HDR: in complex scenes (contrast light) loses to new smartphones.

For comparison, the Redmi Note 12 Pro+ With a 200MP camera, it takes more detailed pictures during the day, but loses. Mi9 And we're doing color processing and night photography. Mi11 confidently leading in all disciplines.

Originality of the battery (in settings in CIT → Battery)

Screen state (whether there are broken pixels or yellow spots)

All cameras (especially telephotos)

Availability of boxes and documents (affects price)-->

6. Battery and autonomy: the main weakness Mi9

3300 mAh in 2026 is critically low. Even with moderate use. Mi9 It requires charging by the evening, and if you're an active user (games, navigator, video), you'll have to carry a powerbank with you.

Results of the tests of autonomy (60 Hz screen, brightness 50%):

• 📱 Social media. + Messaging: 4-5 hours of active use.
• 🎮 Games: 2-2.5 hours (PUBG Mobile at high settings).
• 🎥 Video (YouTube, 1080p): 6-7 hours.
• 📍 Navigation (Google Maps): 3-4 hours.

For comparison, the Redmi Note 12 Pro+ It's going to last 1.5 to 2 times longer from 5,000 mAh, if you're critical to autonomy, Mi9 — not the best choice.

⚠️ Note: In the used market often sell Mi9 Check the capacity through the AccuBattery app, if it is below 2800 mAh, you should give up the purchase.

7.Price and Alternatives: What to Choose in 2026?

In the secondary market Xiaomi Mi9 well-maintained 15–18 thousand rubles (6/128 GB: For that money, more modern alternatives can be considered:

Who's good for it? Mi9 2026?

• 👍 Those looking for a compact smartphone (6.39′ vs 6.67′′ in most new models).
• 👍 Design fans Mi9 (gradient back panel, frameless screen).
• 👍 Buyers with a limited budget (up to 15 thousand rubles), who need a reliable camera for day shooting.

Who better to choose another model?

• 👎 Gamers and those who make a lot of videos.
• 👎 For those who are interested in autonomy or 5G.
• 👎 Customers who want long-term support for updates.

FAQ: Frequent questions about Xiaomi Mi9