Xiaomi Mi 9: What are the versions and how are they different?

Why Xiaomi Mi 9 is still relevant?

The Xiaomi Mi 9, launched in 2019, is still in demand today thanks to its balanced specs, flagship Snapdragon 855 chipset and affordable price in the secondary market. But what many don’t know is that the Mi 9 brand hides a whole line of devices – from the budget Mi 9 SE to the premium Mi 9 Pro 5G.

In this article, we will examine all the official versions of the Xiaomi Mi 9, their key differences, pros and cons, you will learn which model is suitable for gaming, which is for photography, and which is the best to buy in 2026, and compare them with competitors of the time and give recommendations for choosing.

Xiaomi Mi 9 Official Versions: Full List

Xiaomi has released 5 major modifications called Mi 9.

• 📱 Xiaomi Mi 9 – basic version with triple camera and AMOLED-screen.
• 📱 Xiaomi Mi 9 SE — compact version with Snapdragon 712 chipset and smaller screen.
• 📱 Xiaomi Mi 9 Transparent Edition – limited edition with transparent rear panel.
• 📱 Xiaomi Mi 9 Pro – improved version with Snapdragon 855+ and 40-watt charging.
• 📱 Xiaomi Mi 9 Pro 5G — flagship with support for fifth generation networks.

Each model has unique features, but they are all united by the design and branded shell MIUI. Next, let’s look at each in more detail.

Xiaomi Mi 9: the basic version with flagship characteristics

Xiaomi Mi 9 is the first model in the lineup, introduced in February 2019.

• 🔹 6,39-inch AMOLED-resolution-screen 2340×1080 frequency 60 Hz.
• 🔹 Qualcomm Snapdragon 855 (7 nm) processor with clock speeds up to 2.84 GHz.
• 🔹 Triple main chamber: 48 MP (main) + 16 MP (wide-angle) + 12 MP (telephoto).
• 🔹 Battery 3300 mAh with support for wireless charging (20 W) and fast wired (27 W).

The main advantages of the basic version are excellent performance in games (even in 2026 pulls Genshin Impact on medium settings) and a quality camera with optical zoom.

⚠️ Note: The basic version of the Mi 9 does not have a microSD card slot and only supports 4G. If you need an expandable memory or 5G, Consider other models.

Xiaomi Mi 9 SE: compact flagship for fans of small smartphones

The Mi 9 SE is a smaller version of the flagship, released for fans of compact devices.

• 📏 Screen size – 5.97 inches (vs. 6.39) in the base version).
• 🔋 Snapdragon 712 processor is less productive than older models, but powerful enough for everyday tasks.
• 📷 Triple chamber: 48 MP (main camera) + 13 MP (wide-angle) + 8 MP (telephoto).
• 🔌 3070 mAh battery with 18W charging (no wireless charging).

The main advantage of the Mi 9 SE is the convenience of one hand and a relatively low price in the secondary market.

⚠️ Note: Due to the weak processor Mi 9 SE It can slow down in heavy games (like Call of Duty Mobile at high settings), and it doesn't have water protection (IP-certificate).

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If you want a compact smartphone with better performance, consider the Xiaomi 12 Mini or Asus Zenfone 10 – they’re new but keep a small size.

Xiaomi Mi 9 Pro and Mi 9 Pro 5G: top versions with improvements

The Mi 9 Pro and Mi 9 Pro 5G are upgraded versions of the base model released in September 2019.

• ⚡ Snapdragon 855 processor+ (accelerated to 2.96 GHz against 2.84 GHz at the usual 855).
• 🔋 Battery 4000 mAh (vs. 3300 mAh in the basic version) with 40-watt fast charging.
• 📶 Mi 9 Pro 5G supportive 5G (module X50 Qualcomm).
• 🎮 Improved cooling due to graphite heat pipe.

These models are ideal for gamers and those who want maximum performance, but there are nuances:

⚠️ Note: In the secondary market Mi 9 Pro 5G It is often sold for a new budget smartphone. Check the battery status before buying (if the capacity is below 80%, it is better to abandon the deal).

Xiaomi Mi 9 Transparent Edition: exclusive for collectors

The Mi 9 Transparent Edition is a limited edition base model with a transparent back panel, under which you can see the internal components.

• 🔧 You can see the memory chip, the camera and part of the motherboard.
• 🎨 Unique design with holographic effects when light is hit.
• 📦 It was supplied in a special box with additional accessories (for example, a transparent case).
• 💰 In the secondary market is 1.5-2 times more expensive than the usual version.

This model is interesting primarily to collectors and fans of unusual design, and it is identical in characteristics to the base Mi 9, so overpaying for it for performance does not make sense.

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The Mi 9 Transparent Edition is not a separate technical modification, but a design version. All the "iron" characteristics coincide with the base model.

Comparison of Xiaomi Mi 9 with competitors of 2019

In 2019, Xiaomi Mi 9 competed with flagships such as:

• 📱 Samsung Galaxy S10 (Exynos 9820, dynamic AMOLED, 128GB ROM).
• 📱 Huawei P30 Pro (Kirin 980, camera with 10x zoom, 4200 mAh).
• 📱 OnePlus 7 Pro (Snapdragon 855, 90 Hz screen, 4000 mAh).
• 📱 Apple iPhone 11 (Apple A13 Bionic, 12MP camera, but without 5G).

In terms of price/quality, the Mi 9 was one of the leaders, but it was inferior to competitors in some aspects:

The main advantage of the Mi 9 was the price. It was almost 2 times cheaper than competitors with comparable performance. However, the camera and autonomy lost Huawei P30 Pro, and the smoothness of the screen – OnePlus 7 Pro.

Which Xiaomi Mi 9 version will you choose in 2026?

The choice of the model depends on your needs:

You need it. 5G → Mi 9 Pro 5G

Compact size is important → Mi 9 SE

Maximum productivity is required → Mi 9 Pro

You want to save money. → baseline Mi 9

I love unique design. → Transparent Edition-->

If you’re buying a smartphone for gaming, the best choice is the Mi 9 Pro (thanks to the Snapdragon 855+ and improved cooling). Any model will do for photography, but the Mi 9 Pro 5G has slightly better image processing.

For everyday tasks (social networks, calls, videos) the basic version or Mi 9 SE is enough. The latter is beneficial for those who prefer small smartphones.

⚠️ Attention: There are often fakes under the Mi 9 Transparent Edition in the secondary market.The original has a serial number on the box and the Xiaomi holographic logo on the back. IMEI pre-purchase!

FAQ: Frequent questions about Xiaomi Mi 9