Xiaomi Mi 9: Which to choose in 2026? detailed comparison of all models of the series

The Xiaomi Mi 9 lineup, launched in 2019, is still relevant for those looking for a powerful smartphone at a reasonable price. But how not to get confused with models? Mi 9, Mi 9 SE, Mi 9T (aka Redmi K20 in China) and Mi 9 Pro – each has its pros and cons. In this article, we will analyze which model will suit gamers, photographers or those who appreciate long work without recharging.

5 years after the release, these phones can be bought on the secondary market for 5,000-15,000 rubles, which makes them a great alternative to budget innovations. However, not all models are equally good in 2026: some are already outdated, others are still dragging on modern tasks. We analyzed real-world performance tests, owner reviews and prices for Avito / Yule to help you make the right choice.

1. A brief overview of the Xiaomi Mi 9 lineup: what are the differences between the models?

All Mi 9 series smartphones are built on the Qualcomm Snapdragon processor, but their capabilities vary greatly.

• 🔹 Xiaomi Mi 9 is a flagship with a AMOLED- screen, a triple camera 48+12+16 MP and support for 20W fast charging. Perfect for photography and gaming.
• 🔹 Xiaomi Mi 9 SE is a compact version with a diagonal of 5.97, a weak battery of 3070 mAh, but with the same chipset Snapdragon 712.
• 🔹 Xiaomi Mi 9T (aka Redmi K20) is a retractable flagship with a mechanical frontal, AMOLED- display without a cutout and a 4000 mAh battery.
• 🔹 Xiaomi Mi 9 Pro is a rare model with support for 5G, 40W ultrafast charging and improved camera.

The main question is: what task should your smartphone solve? If you need a compact device for social networks - take the Mi 9 SE. For games and video shooting, the Mi 9 or Mi 9T is better. But the Mi 9 Pro should be considered only if 5G support is critical for you (but note that in Russia the fifth generation network has not yet been deployed en masse).

Xiaomi Mi 9 vs Mi 9T: Which is better for games, photos and batteries?

These two models are the ones that are most often compared, and let's look at who's outplaying whom in key ways.

For games: the Mi 9 with the Snapdragon 855 confidently beats the Mi 9T on the Snapdragon 730. in PUBG Mobile or Genshin Impact, the difference will be noticeable - the Mi 9 is higher than FPS and less heat. However, if you play casual games (for example, Brawl Stars), the Mi 9T will cope no worse.

For photo: Mi 9 has a more advanced main camera (Sony) IMX586 against IMX582), Mi 9T It's a retractable frontal (20 MP vs. 20 MP for the Mi 9, but without a cutout on the screen). If you take selfies or stream often, take the Mi. 9T.

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On the Mi 9T, you can turn on Game Turbo mode in settings (Settings → Special Features → Game Turbo) to reduce lag in games.

3. Xiaomi Mi 9 SE: Should you buy in 2026?

The Mi 9 SE was marketed as a compact flagship, but in reality it is more of an average with ambition.

• 📱 Comfortable size: 5.97" diagonal (vs. 6.39" in other models).
• 🔋 Lightweight: just 155 g (20–30 g lighter than competitors).
• 🎯 Good main camera: 48 MP (Sony IMX586) - the same as the older Mi 9.

However, there are also critical disadvantages:

• 🔋 Weak 3070 mAh battery – enough for a maximum of 4-5 hours of active screen.
• 🔥 Overheating under load: The Snapdragon 712 throttliliya in games after 20-30 minutes.
• 💰 Overpriced secondary: often asked for 9,000-12,000 ₽, although the characteristics are not justified.

Who's good for Mi 9 SE? Only for those who:

1. He values compactness above all else.

In all other cases, it is better to consider the Mi 9T or even the POCO X3 NFC (a more recent budget battery with a 5160 mAh battery).

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The Xiaomi Mi 9 SE is the worst choice for gaming and long-term autonomy. Its only advantage is size.

4. Xiaomi Mi 9 Pro: Rare bird with 5G and super-fast charging

The Mi 9 Pro is the most mysterious model in the lineup, and it's only available in China, so it's rare in secondary markets. What's it interesting about?

• 🔋 40W Superfast charging: 100% in 45 minutes.

But there are nuances:

⚠️ Warning: Mi 9 Pro doesn't officially support Russian in firmware. To add it, you'll have to install a custom MIUI or global version via Fastboot. This is risky for beginners!

The Mi 9 Pro starts at 15,000 ₽, which is comparable to new smartphones like the Redmi Note 12 Pro+. Should you overpay? Only if you are critically interested in:

• 🔌 40W Charging (relevant for those who are constantly on the road).
• 📶 5G (but the network is not yet developed in Russia).
• 🛠️ Possibility of firmware experiments.

For most users, the Mi 9 Pro is an unnecessary luxury. It's better to take the Mi 9 and buy the powerbank.

5. Current prices and where to buy in 2026

Prices for Xiaomi Mi 9 are highly dependent on condition, configuration and region. Here are the current data on popular sites (June 2026):

Where to buy? We recommend the following sites (from best to worst):

1. Local VK groups (e.g., “Xiaomi [your city]”) are often sold hand-held with a guarantee of exchange.
2. Avito/Yula – but only for sellers with a rating above 4.8 and reviews.
3. FB Marketplace – sometimes you get good deals from people who go abroad.
4. SberMegaMarket/Ozone (used) is more expensive, but there is a guarantee of 14 days.

⚠️ Warning: When buying the Mi 9 Pro, be sure to check for Russian frequencies 4G! Some Chinese versions don't catch Beeline or Tele2 at full capacity. Checked through the command ##4636## → Network Information.

The IMEI in the settings coincides with the box|Screen for broken pixels (test on YouTube)|Battery (in Settings) → The state of the battery should be >80%)|All cameras and sensors (gyroscope, compass)|Original RAM (especially for the Mi 9 Pro)-->

6. Xiaomi Mi 9 Alternatives in 2026: Which is the Best Buy?

If you're considering the Mi 9 just because of the price, it might be worth looking at more modern alternatives. Here's what you can buy for the same 10,000-15,000 ₽:

• 📱 POCO X3 NFC (Snapdragon 732G, 5160 mAh, 120 Hz screen) is the best choice for gaming.
• 📱 Redmi Note 10 Pro (AMOLED 120 Hz, 108 MP camera) – for photographers.
• 📱 Realme 8 Pro (108 MP camera, SuperDart 50W charging) – if fast charge is important.
• 📱 Samsung Galaxy A51 (Exynos 9611, 4,000 mAh) - if you need a brand.

When should I take the Mi 9? Only in three cases:

1. You need a compact AMOLED- smartphone (Mi 9 SE).
2. You found the Mi 9 Pro for up to 12,000 ₽ (which is unlikely).
3. You are a fan of Xiaomi and are ready to put up with outdated hardware.

In all other cases, it’s better to spend the same money on more recent models, such as the POCO X3 NFC in 2026, surpasses the Mi 9 in performance, autonomy and screen.

7. Frequent problems Xiaomi Mi 9: what to look for

Even the most reliable smartphones eventually start to “glut”, the Mi 9 series has typical diseases that you should know about before buying:

• 🔋 Battery degradation: after 3-4 years, the capacity drops to 70-75%, especially the Mi 9 SE.
• 📸 Camera freeze: The frontal retractable module sometimes flies on the Mi 9T, solved by rebooting.
• 🔥 Overheating: The Mi 9 and Mi 9 Pro warm up in games to 45–50°C. Removal of the case is recommended.
• 📶 Network problems: Chinese versions of the Mi 9 Pro may not work VoLTE on Russian sims.

How to extend the life of a smartphone? Follow these tips:

• 🔄 Once every six months, reset to factory settings (Settings → About Phone → Reset).
• 🔋 Calibrate the battery: discharge to 0%, then charge to 100% without interruption.
• 🛡️ Install custom recovery (TWRP) and backup before upgrades.

⚠️ Warning: If the front camera is no longer extending on the Mi 9T, don't try to open it manually! This can damage the plume. Better put it in service (repair costs 1,500-2,500 ₽).

FAQ: Answers to popular questions