Xiaomi Redmi 9 or Redmi 10 - Which is better in 2026? Full comparison on 12 criteria

The choice between Xiaomi Redmi 9 and Redmi 10 budget smartphones is still relevant even in 2026 – both models continue to be sold in new and used states, offering excellent price-to-opportunity ratio. But which is better: the time-tested Redmi 9 with its record-breaking autonomy or the more modern Redmi 10 with an improved screen and processor?

In this comparison, we're going to look at 12 key things that really matter when you're choosing, from performance in games to quality in the dark, and you're going to see how much the models are different in real use, whether you should overpay for a Redmi 10, and when it's more profitable to take a Redmi 9 with savings, and then you're going to see 3 hidden flaws that are not mentioned in the reviews.

Processor and performance: How much faster is Redmi 10?

The main difference between the models is chipsets. Redmi 9 runs on the MediaTek Helio G80 (12 nm), and Redmi 10 got the Helio G88 (the same 12 nm, but with improved cores). On paper, the difference in performance is about 10-15% in favor of the new model, but in reality it is more complicated.

In everyday tasks (social networks, instant messengers, YouTube), you won’t notice the difference — both smartphones do smoothly.

• 🎮 PUBG Mobile: Redmi 9 holds 30 FPS on medium settings with rare friezes, Redmi 10 - stable 40 FPS same settings.
• 🏎️ Asphalt 9: Redmi 9 graphics will have to be reduced to average, and Redmi 10 pulls high settings without overheating.
• 📱 Multitasking: Redmi 10 Better holds background applications (up to) 8 against 5-6 Redmi 9).

But there's a nuance: Helio G88 If you play for more than an hour, Redmi. 9 It may be more reliable - its temperature is stable lower than 5-7°C.

2.Screen: Why does the Redmi 10 look more expensive?

Here, Redmi 10 is definitely winning.

• 📱 Diagonal: 6.5" vs. 6.53" for Redmi 9 (difference is slight).
• 🔍 Permission: FHD+ (2400×1080) vs HD+ (1600×720) — The difference is visible to the naked eye.
• 💡 Brightness: 400 nits in Redmi 10 vs 350 nits – in the sun the screen reads better.
• 🎨 Color Transfer: Support for Widevine L1 (Full HD Netflix) and more accurate calibration.

However, the Redmi 9 has one advantage: AMOLED-like color settings in MIUI, which make the picture more saturated (though this is subjective), and its screen is less prone to burnout when used for long periods at maximum brightness.

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To check the screen for broken pixels, set a monochromatic black background (for example, through the Screen Test app) and examine from different angles.

* In Russia and CIS Redmi 10 officially sold with 60 Hz screen. models with 90 Hz (Redmi 10 2022) – a rarity.

3. Camera: Who is better at shooting day and night?

On paper, the cameras are identical: both have 50 MP core modules (Samsung JN1), but in practice, Redmi 10 shoots better thanks to improved HDR processing algorithm and night mode.

Scenario comparison:

• 🌞 Daylight: Redmi 10 gives sharper edges and natural colors, Redmi 9 sometimes overexposure.
• 🌃 Night shooting: the difference is huge. Redmi 10 keeps the details in the shadows, Redmi 9 "blurred" the picture.
• 🎥 Video: Both filmed in 1080p@30fps, But Redmi 10 better stabilize.
• 👤 Selfie: frontal 8 MP the same, but the Redmi 10 wider dynamic range.

Example: when shooting against the sun, Redmi 9 often loses detail in the lights, and Redmi 10 retains the texture of the clouds. But there is a catch: the front camera Redmi 10 more smooths the skin, which is not popular.

Battery and Autonomy: Myths and Reality

Official specifications:

• 🔋 Redmi 9: 5020mAh, 18W charging.
• 🔋 Redmi 10: 5000 mAh, 18W charging (in some versions 22.5W).

In practice:

• ⏳ Working hours: Redmi 9 hold on 1-1.5 One hour longer thanks to a more energy-efficient processor and firmware.
• ⚡ Charging: both charge for ~2 hours to 100%, but Redmi 10 is faster gaining the first 50% (45 min vs 55 min).
• 🔄 Degradation: Redmi 9 loses in 2 years ~15% capacity, Redmi 10 – up to 20% (according to GSMArena tests).

Critical nuance: at Redmi 10 There is no fast charging in the set - only 10A watt block. 18/22.5 I will have to buy the adapter separately (~1000₽).

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If autonomy is critical for you (e.g., long trips without sockets), the Redmi 9 is the best choice despite a weaker processor.

5 Memory and storage: what's more important, volume or speed?

Both models are available in 4/64GB and 4/128GB configurations, but there are key differences:

In practice, UFS 2.2 in Redmi 10 means:

• ⚡ Apps are opened faster (on the 20-30%).
• 📸 Instant viewing of photos in the gallery (without "uploading").
• 🎮 Less lag in heavy games when loading levels.

But if you only use your smartphone for calls and social media, you don't really feel the difference, but for video editing or mobile games, Redmi 10 is preferable.

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6. Design and Ergonomics: Which is more comfortable in the hand?

The models are almost identical, but there are nuances:

• 📏 Dimensions: Redmi 10 is 2 mm thinner (8.9 mm vs 9.1 mm) and 5 grams lighter (181 g vs 198 g).
• 🎨 Colors: Redmi 10 has more modern shades (e.g. Carbon Gray and Pebble White).
• 🔇 Connectors: both have a 3.5 mm audio jack and USB-C, Redmi 10 has better dust protection. IP-no certificate).
• 👆 The Redmi 9 has a fingerprint scanner that is higher, more convenient for larger hands.

The Redmi 10’s hidden flaw is that its back panel collects fingerprints more strongly (especially in black).

According to subjective feelings, the Redmi 10 is better in the hand due to the rounded edges, but the Redmi 9 is less slippery due to the matte inserts.

7.Software: MIUI and Updates

Both models originally came with the MIUI 12, but today (2026) the situation is as follows:

• 📱 Redmi 9: The latest version — MIUI 14 (Android 12) No more updates.
• 📱 Redmi 10: Got it. MIUI 14 (Android 13) and can upgrade to Android 14 (but not the fact).

Key differences in firmware:

• 🔒 Redmi 10 gets patches longer (until the end of 2026).
• 🎯 Functions: c MIUI 14 for Redmi 10 available Super Wallpapers and improved Game Turbo.
• 🗑️ Garbage: Both versions MIUI You can also use ads, but in Redmi 10 you can turn it off via Settings. → Memory. → Cleanup.

Important: If you buy a used model, check the MIUI version through Settings → About Phone. On Redmi 9 with MIUI 11 or lower, there may be compatibility issues with modern applications (for example, Tinkoff Bank or Sberbank Online).

8.Price and profitability of purchase in 2026

Current prices (new devices, June 2026):

• 💰 Redmi 9 4/64 GB: ~12 000–14 000 ₽ (new), ~8 000–10 000 ₽ (b).
• 💰 Redmi 10 4/64 GB: ~15 000–17 000 ₽ (new), ~11 000–13 000 ₽ (b).

When is the best time to buy Redmi 9:

• 📱 You need the longest possible time without recharging.
• 💸 Budget capped at 10,000 ₽ (b/w in excellent condition).
• 🎮 You don’t play hard games (Helio is enough). G80).

When to pay for Redmi 10:

• 📺 You want a clear screen (FHD+ vs HD+).
• 📸 You often take pictures in the dark.
• 🚀 We need a margin of productivity for 2-3 year-end.
• 🔄 Support for updates until 2026 is important.

3 situations when you should not take either:

⚠️ Attention, if you need it. 5G-Neither Redmi 9 nor Redmi 10 are suitable – they only support the connection. 4G. Consider the Redmi Note 11 or POCO M5.

⚠️ Attention! For professional-level mobile photography (e.g., Instagram blogging), it is better to look at the Redmi Note 10 Pro with a 108MP camera.

⚠️ If you plan to use a smartphone for longer than 3 years, consider the models of 2023-2026 (for example, Redmi 12 or the Redmi). POCO X5) — They already support Android 14 and have more advanced processors.

FAQ: Frequent questions about Redmi 9 redmi 10