Why Xiaomi Redmi 9 is the best choice in the budget segment: an analysis of 7 key advantages

Xiaomi Redmi 9, released in June 2020, is still one of the most talked-about budget smartphones on the market. At a price below 10,000 rubles (on the secondary market in 2026), it offers features that are difficult to find from competitors even for 15,000-20 000. ₽. But why is this model, which is now 4 years old, still in demand?

It's not just about the low price. Redmi 9 has become a benchmark for balance: there's also a powerful MediaTek Helio processor. G80, and a capacious battery for 5020 mAh, and a quadruple camera (albeit with reservations), and even NFC In this article, we will discuss 7 objective reasons why Redmi 9 is still worth considering buying – and who exactly will not be the right one for it.

Spoiler: If you want a smartphone for calls, social media, YouTube, and light games like Brawl Stars or Clash Royale, it's going to do great. But there's a nuance of updates, durability, and the camera, all in order.

1. Helio processor. G80: Why is it still pulling games and multitasking?

The heart of Redmi 9 was 8-core chipset MediaTek Helio G80 (12nm, which was marketed as a budget game at the time of release, still performs better than many modern Chinese today at the same price?

Architecture Cortex-A75 + Cortex-A55 with a clock speed of up to 2.0 GHz provides:

• 🎮 Stable 40-50 FPS into PUBG Mobile on the "Balanced" settings (graphics — «HD»).
• 📱 Smooth work. MIUI 14 (last available version) without braking when switching between 5-7 background applications.
• 🔄 Quickly open heavy messengers like Telegram X or VK Even after a few hours in the background.

For comparison: modern smartphones for 10 000 ₽ (For example, Realme. C53 or Samsung Galaxy M14 4G) They are often equipped with weak chips like Helio. G35 or Snapdragon 480+, loser G80 Benchmark at 20-30%.

But there are downsides:

⚠️ Warning: For long gaming sessions (over 40 minutes), Redmi 9 warms up to 45-48°C is normal for a public sector employee, but it can be uncomfortable. Solution: use a heat sink case or reduce graphics in games.

Battery 5020 mAh: real tests of autonomy in 2026

One of the main trump cards of the model is a battery with a capacity of 5020 mAh, which even today remains a rarity in the segment up to 15 000. ₽. Based on the test results (including our internal measurements), Redmi 9 shows the following results:

For comparison: Samsung Galaxy A14 (2023, 5000 mAh) in the same tests loses by 15-20% due to less optimized software. Secret sauce Redmi 9 - a combination of a capacious battery with an energy-efficient processor and MIUI, which aggressively closes the background processes.

How to extend the life of the battery in 2026?

Turn off Auto Brightness and set a fixed 40-60%|Activate Battery mode in settings (Settings) → Battery. → Battery mode)|Turn off background activity for social networks (Settings) → Annexes → Permits → Auto-start)|Use the charger. 10W (Original unit – fast charging reduces battery life-->

Important: After 4 years of operation, the battery capacity of Redmi 9 on average drops by 20-25%. If the smartphone discharges in 4-5 hours, it is time to replace the battery (cost) ~1 500 ₽).

3. 13MP Quad Camera: An honest overview of the possibilities in 2026

The camera is the Redmi 9's weakest point, but it's also a little bit nuanced.

• 📷 Primary sensor 13 MPP (f/2.2, PDAF) — main-worker».
• 🌃 Wide-angle 8 MPP (118°, f/2.2) — useful for landscapes, but distortions around the edges are strong.
• 🔍 Macro 5 MPP (f/2.4) — Pure marketing, shooting from a distance 4 pointless.
• 💡 2 MP depth sensor – helps with portrait mode, but often “cuts” hair.

Real examples of photos (daylight):

✅ In good light, the main camera gives acceptable shots with sufficient detail for social networks «AI out.»).

❌ At dusk and at night, Redmi 9 loses even to public sector workers in 2023: noise is suppressed aggressively, details are lost. Night Mode works, but requires a stable hand (exposure to 3 seconds).

Video: Maximum - Full HD @ 30 FPS It's good for TikTok or Stories, but it's not for serious photography.

⚠️ Attention: After updating to MIUI 14 Some users have a pink-tinted bug in the photo.Solution: reset the camera settings (Settings) → Annexes → Camera. → Warehouse → Clear the data).

4. NFC And other “hidden” chips: what can Redmi 9, what is not talked about in the reviews

Many buyers do not know that Redmi 9 (in the version) NFC) supportive:

• 💳 Contactless payments via Google Pay and SberPay (works even with a locked screen).
• 🔑 Emulation of transport cards (for example, Troika or Arrow) through the Metro app.
• 📶 Support for Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) Bluetooth 5.0 is a rarity for budget workers in 2020.
• 🎧 3.5 mm headphone connector (in 2026 it is already a luxury).

How to check for availability NFC?

Externally, the model NFC They're not different without it:

1. In settings: Settings → Connection and exchange → NFC.
2. By marking on the box: look for the inscription «NFC» barcode.
3. Through AIDA64: The “Network” section should have a paragraph «NFC».

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If NFC not working after the update, reset the network settings: Settings → System system → Resetting settings → Resetting Wi-Fi, Mobile Network and Bluetooth.

5. MIUI 14 on Redmi 9: Should it be upgraded in 2026?

Xiaomi officially ends support for Redmi 9 MIUI 13, but unofficial ports MIUI 14 (based on Android 12) are stable and are stable?

Pros of the update:

• ⚡ Improved memory optimization: apps are less likely to fly out of the background.
• 🔒 New privacy features (e.g., “Surveillance Protection»).
• 🎨 Updated design with Material You support.

Cons and risks:

• ⚠️ Camera bugs are possible (pink, see above).
• 🔋 Energy consumption increased slightly (by 5-7%).
• 🛠️ Requires unlocking the bootloader (risk of "bricking»).

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If you are critically interested in stability, stay on the MIUI 12.5 (the latest official version for Redmi 9) Use custom firmware like Pixel Experience (Android 13) to experiment with).

6.Comparison to 2026 competitors: why Redmi 9 is still at the top

Let’s honestly compare Redmi 9 with current budget players (prices for June 2026):

Redmi 9 loses to modern models in screen and support 5G, but wins:

1. Price/productivity ratio.
2. Autonomy (through optimization) MIUI).
3. Availability NFC and 3.5 mm connector.

7 Who Should NOT Buy Redmi 9 in 2026?

Despite all the advantages, this model is categorically not suitable if you need:

• 📸 High-quality camera for shooting in the dark or professional photos.
• 🎮 Games on maximum settings (Genshin Impact, Call of Duty: Warzone Mobile).
• 📶 Support 5G — Redmi 9 It only works on networks. 4G/LTE.
• 🔄 Long-term updates — MIUI 14 was the last version available.
• 💎 Premium design – a plastic case, thick frames around the screen.

Who's good?

• 👵 Older people (simple interface, large battery).
• 🎓 Students (cheap, tenacious, available) NFC pass-through).
• 🏠 For home use (calls, YouTube, social networks).
• 🚗 As a second phone (for example, for a navigator in a car).

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Redmi 9 is the perfect choice for those who need a reliable “workhorse” for minimal money. If you want games, a camera or a status gadget, consider models from 15,000. ₽.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions about Xiaomi Redmi 9