The Xiaomi Mi 9T (also known as the Redmi K20 in China and India) is one of the brand’s most talked-about smartphones to have made a splash in 2019, a model that combined flagship features, innovative design and a democratic price point that made it a bestseller in the global market. But when exactly did the Mi 9T come out, and why was it such a big deal for Xiaomi fans?
In this article, we will examine not only the exact release date of the Xiaomi Mi 9T, but also the context of its appearance: how the model fits into the brand lineup, what was different from the Mi 9 and Mi 9T Pro, and what technical solutions made it so popular. If you are planning to buy a used device or just interested in the history of Xiaomi smartphones, this information will be useful.
The official release date of Xiaomi Mi 9T: the chronology of events
The Xiaomi Mi 9T was announced on June 12, 2019 at a special event in Beijing, where the Redmi K20 Pro (known outside of China as the Mi 9T Pro) was also unveiled.
- 📅 June 12, 2019 — Redmi K20 and K20 Pro launch in China.
- 🌍 June 20, 2019 — Redmi K20 launches in India under the same name.
- 🇪🇺 July 12, 2019 — Xiaomi Mi 9T is officially announced for the global market (including Europe and Russia).
- 🛒 July 17, 2019 — The Mi 9T will start selling in Russia and CIS countries.
Xiaomi used different brands for the same model: in China and India, the smartphone was sold as Redmi. K20, And in the global market, like Mi. 9T. This was due to the company’s marketing strategy, which in 2019 began separating the Mi (premium devices) and Redmi (budget/medium-budget). 9T He was considered an exception, and was described as a “premium average budgetary".
The release date of the Mi 9T coincided with the peak of popularity of retractable front-facing cameras. In 2019, such solutions were considered innovative, and Xiaomi became one of the first brands to offer them in the segment up to 40 000 rubles.
Xiaomi Mi 9T Technical Specifications: What Makes It Unique?
The Xiaomi Mi 9T was not a flagship in the classic sense, but its “stuffing” impressed against the background of competitors.
| Characteristics | Description |
|---|---|
| Processor | Qualcomm Snapdragon 730 (8 cores, 2.2 GHz) is one of the best mid-segment chipsets in 2019. |
| RAM | 6 GB LPDDR4X (in the base version). |
| Memory. | 64/128 GB UFS 2.1 (without memory card support) |
| Screen. | 6.39" Super AMOLED, 2340×1080 resolution, no cutout (thanks to the retractable camera). |
| Main camera. | Triple module: 48 MP (SONY IMX582) + 8 MP (telephoto) + 13 MP (wide-angle). |
Special attention deserves a retractable front camera at 20 MP. This solution made the screen completely frameless (without bangs or holes), which was rare in 2019. 9T I got it.
- 🔋 A 4000 mAh battery with fast charging support of 18W.
- 🎮 Game Turbo 2.0 is a performance optimization technology for gaming.
- 🔒 In-screen fingerprint scanner (optical, 5th generation).
- 📶 Support for NFC (in European and Russian versions).
Xiaomi Mi 9, released six months before the Mi 9T, It had a flagship Snapdragon 855, but a smaller battery (3300 mAh) and a camera in a drop-shaped neckline. 9T Offered more balanced performance for less money.
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If you buy a used Xiaomi Mi 9T, be sure to check the state of the retractable mechanism of the camera. Over time, it can start to catch up due to dust or wear of springs.
Xiaomi Mi 9T from Mi 9T Pro: which smartphone is better?
Many users confuse the Mi 9T and Mi 9T Pro (aka Redmi K20 Pro), although there are fundamental differences between the two.
| Parameter | Xiaomi Mi 9T | Xiaomi Mi 9T Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Processor | Snapdragon 730 | Snapdragon 855 (flagship chip of 2019) |
| RAM/Memory | 6/64 or 6/128 GB | 6/64, 6/128 or 8/256 GB. |
| Main camera. | 48 MP (SONY IMX582) | The 48 MP (SONY IMX586) is a more advanced sensor. |
| Price at launch | ~25 000–30 000 ₽ | ~35 000–40 000 ₽. |
Who was the Mi 9T? was the perfect smartphone for users who needed:
- ✅ High-quality AMOLED- screen without cutouts.
- ✅ Good performance for everyday tasks and easy games.
- ✅ Long battery life.
- ✅ Modern design with retractable camera.
Who should choose the Mi 9T Pro? This model is suitable for those who:
- 🎮 Plays heavy games (Snapdragon 855 will do better).
- 📸 Requires better photo quality (the IMX586 sensor is superior to IMX582).
- 🚀 Wants maximum performance for multitasking.
In 2026, the price difference between the Mi 9T and Mi 9T Pro may be negligible, so when buying, focus on the state of the battery and the camera mechanism.
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Unless you need extreme performance or a top-end camera, the Mi 9T remains a better choice even 5 years after its release.
Why Xiaomi Mi 9T has become a cult smartphone?
The Xiaomi Mi 9T didn't just sell well, it became a symbol of the era. Here are a few reasons why it was so popular:
- Perfect price-performance balance: In 2019, the smartphone offered specs comparable to the flagships for 25,000-30,000 ₽, which was an unprecedented ratio.
- Innovative design: The retractable camera and the fully frameless screen made the model recognizable, and the Samsung Galaxy S10 was 2 to 3 times more expensive at the time.
- AMOLED- screen in the middle segment.Mi 9T such displays were the prerogative of flagships.
- Long support for updates. Xiaomi released for the MIUI 12.5 model and promised an upgrade to Android 11 (which was not bad for 2019).
The Mi 9T was also the first Xiaomi smartphone to be sold in Europe under the Mi brand, rather than the Redmi brand, which helped strengthen the company’s position in the global market.
There was also some curiosity about the mechanical retractable camera, which some users feared would break, but in practice, it was reliable, and it lasted for years if it was used properly.
Myths about the Mi 9T retractable camera
How much did the Xiaomi Mi 9T cost when it came out and how did its price change?
At the start of sales in Russia Xiaomi Mi 9T was worth:
- 💰 24 990 ₽ is a version of 6/64 GB.
- 💰 27 990 ₽ is a version of 6/128 GB.
By comparison, the Mi 9T Pro cost 34,990–39,990 ₽ and the flagship Mi 9 cost 39,990–44,990 ₽. Thus, the Mi 9T offered 80% of the flagship’s capabilities at 60% of the price.
Today (2026) the Mi 9T used can be found at the following prices:
- 📱 8,000-12,000 ₽—The device is in good condition, undamaged.
- 📱 5,000–8,000 ₽ is a smartphone with scratches or a worn-out battery.
- ⚠️ Less than 5,000 ₽ — High probability of camera or battery problems.
⚠️ Attention! When buying a used Mi 9T, be sure to check: Retractable camera condition (it should be smoothly extended without creaking); Battery capacity (optimally at least 80% of the original); Fingerprint sensor performance (it can blunt after changing the screen).
Interestingly, in 2020, after the release of the Mi 10 and Redmi K30, the prices of the Mi 9T fell by 30-40%, but demand remained stable due to reliability and good cameras.
The relevance of Xiaomi Mi 9T in 2026: is it worth buying?
5 years after the release of the Mi 9T can still be considered as a budget option, but with reservations.
| Pluses | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✔️ Excellent AMOLED- screen. | ❌ The outdated Snapdragon 730 (does not pull modern games at high settings). |
| ✔️ A good main camera (for its time) | ❌ There is no official support for Android 12+. |
| ✔️ Long-term autonomous operation. | ❌ A mechanical chamber is a potential point of failure. |
| ✔️ NFC and fast charging. | ❌ There is no memory card slot. |
Who will be the Mi 9T in 2026?
- 📸 Photography enthusiasts (the camera will still do better than many public sector workers in 2023).
- 🎬 For those who watch a lot of video (AMOLED- screen with good viewing angles).
- 💼 Users who need a reliable smartphone for calls, instant messengers, and easy tasks.
Who better to choose something else?
- 🎮 Gamers (the chipset won't pull Genshin Impact or Call of Duty Mobile at high settings).
- 🔄 Those who want long-term support for updates.
- 📲 Users who need a memory card slot.
If you’re willing to put up with outdated hardware, the Mi 9T may still be a good choice – especially if you find the device in excellent condition.
Retractable camera status | Battery capacity (via ##4636##)|Prince scanner performance |NFC (if important)|Screen condition (no broken pixels)
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Xiaomi Mi 9T Problems and How to Solve Them
Like any smartphone, the Mi 9T has typical "diseases" that manifest over time, and here are the most common ones and ways to treat them:
- 📶 Bad Network Signal: In some regions, Mi 9T is not catching 4G well due to the lack of support for some ranges.
⚠️ Warning! If your smartphone stopped turning on after a fall, don't try to disassemble it yourself - the Mi 9T has a fragile motherboard, and careless repairs can make the problem worse.
To diagnose problems, you can use the engineering menu: type in the dial number ##4636## and select Battery Information or Equipment Testing.