Xiaomi Mi 9T Pro is one of those smartphones that, even 5 years after its release, continue to amaze with the balance of price, performance and functionality. Released in 2019 as the flagship of the mid-segment, it still remains in demand in the secondary market, and its successor is Redmi. K20 The Pro has become a cult among Android customization enthusiasts, but why? Because over the years, dozens of new models have come out with more modern chips and cameras.
The case is a unique combination: retractable front camera (without "blocks"), AMOLED-screen-in-screen HDR, The flagship Snapdragon 855 processor and the ability to unlock the bootloader for custom firmware installation, which in 2026 can be bought for 15-25,000 rubles - the amount for which new smartphones offer only basic functionality. What are its weaknesses, how to extend the life of the battery, and whether today to take Mi 9T Pro instead of budget new products like Redmi Note 13 Pro+.
Features of Xiaomi Mi 9T Pro: What's withstanding the time?
On paper, Mi. 9T Pro looks like a typical flagship of 2019, but some parameters are still not inferior to budget new products:
- 🔥 Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 855 (7 nm) – the same chip that was in the Samsung Galaxy S10 In 2026, it still pulls the Genshin Impact on medium settings and will cope with most everyday tasks.
- 📱 Screen: Super AMOLED 6.39", permit 2340×1080, support HDR10. For comparison, the Redmi Note 12 Pro (2023) screen AMOLED, without HDR.
- 📸 Main camera: three modules – 48 MP (SONY IMX586) + 8 MP (telephoto) + 13 MP (width) is second only to night shooting in 2026.
- 🔋 Battery: 4,000 mAh with 27W fast charging. Modern public sector employees often offer 5,000 mAh, but without fast charging.
The main disadvantage is the absence 5G and the old version of Bluetooth (5.0) if you are critical to connect to fifth-generation networks or use modern headphones with a high-end headphone. LE Audio, this phone won't work, but it does have something that the new public sector doesn't:
| Parameter | Xiaomi Mi 9T Pro (2019) | Redmi Note 13 Pro (2026) |
|---|---|---|
| Retractable front camera | ✅ Available (20 MPP) | ❌ "Bangs or holes |
| Support HDR screen-on | ✅ HDR10 | ❌ Only Widevine. L1 |
| Unlocking the loader | ✅ Officially supported | ❌ Limited by Xiaomi's policy |
| 3.5mm audio jack | ✅ There is. | ❌ No. |
| Price (2026, b/y) | 15-25,000 rubles. | 25-35,000 rubles (new) |
Xiaomi officially stopped supporting updates for Mi 9T Pro in 2022. Latest version MIUI — 12.5 based on Android 11. However, thanks to an active community, there are unofficial firmware on Android 13-14 (LineageOS, Pixel Experience).
Comparison with analogues: which is better in 2026?
If you choose between Mi 9T With the Pro and other smartphones, it's important to understand what it's best for. Let's look at three scenarios:
1.For gaming and performance
The Snapdragon 855 is still a powerful chip for most games, for example, in Call of Duty: Mobile it gives stable 60. FPS at high settings, and in PUBG Mobile - up to 40 FPS For comparison: Snapdragon 7 Gen 2 (from Redmi Note 12 Pro)+) In the same conditions, it shows 50-55 FPS into COD 30 FPS into PUBG ultra.
The advantage of Mi 9T Pro is a liquid cooling feature not found in most budget smartphones from 2023 to 2026, which means that it will warm less with long gaming sessions than, for example, Poco. X5 Pro.
2. For the photograph
The Mi camera 9T Pro built on a sensor SONY IMX586 — The same one used in Google Pixel 3a In the daytime, it shoots no worse than the cameras of public sector workers in 2026, but at dusk and at night loses due to the lack of hardware stabilization and weak night mode.
If you are looking for a better picture, you should take a closer look at the Redmi Note 13 Pro.+ with a 200MP camera or Poco F5 64MP Sony IMX686. But if you shoot mostly during the day, Mi 9T Pro is quite competitive.
3. For customization and experimentation
Here's Mi. 9T This is one of the last Xiaomi smartphones to officially unlock the bootloader:
- 🤖 LineageOS 20 (Android 13)
- 📱 Pixel Experience (Pure Android with Google chips)
- ⚡ MIUI Pro (modified version) MIUI publicity)
- 🔧 TWRP Recovery for backups and manual firmware management
For comparison, new Xiaomi smartphones (such as the Redmi Note 13) have a locked bootloader, and unlocking requires waiting 7-15 days after filing an application.
Which smartphone is better for custom firmware in 2026?
Weaknesses and Typical Problems: What to Look for When Buying
Even the most reliable smartphone will eventually get "diseases." 9T Pro has a few common problems you should know before buying:
⚠️ Attention: The most common malfunction is the front camera's retractable mechanism, and if the smartphone falls or is stored in a dusty place, the mechanism can jam or break.
Other common problems:
- 🔋 Battery degradation: In 4-5 years, battery capacity can fall to 70-80% of its original capacity. → Battery status or AccuBattery application.
- 📶 Problems with LTE: Some instances eventually "fly" the settings of the mobile network, solved by resetting to the factory or reflashing.
- 🔊 Weak speaker: The monodynamics on the bottom end are quiet and easily drowned out by the hand. In games or video, the sound can be distorted at maximum volume.
- 📲 Overheating when charging: If you use a non-original power supply, the smartphone can warm up a lot.Recommended charging power of no more than 18 watts.
Before buying, be sure to check:
Smoothness of front camera extension (without jamming)
Battery condition (capacity) > 3,000 mAh)
All cameras (especially telephotos)
Absence of "broken" pixels on AMOLED-screen
Speed of operation (no lags when opening applications)-->
If you plan to buy a smartphone for long-term use, prepare to replace the battery (cost) ~2000-3000 rubles.) and, possibly, the retractable mechanism (~5000-7000 rubles.).
How to prolong the life of Xiaomi Mi 9T Pro in 2026?
To make your smartphone last for a few more years, follow these tips:
1. Optimization of productivity
Over time, the Snapdragon 855 may start to slow down due to clogged memory and application backgrounds.
- 🧹 Turn off animation: go to Settings → The phone. → Version. MIUI (Tap 7 times to enable Developer Mode, then in Settings → Additionally. → For developers, set the scale of the animation window, the scale of the animation transition and the scale of the duration of the animator on the 0.5x or off.
- 🗑️ Clean the cache regularly: use the built-in Security app or SD Maid.
- 🔄 Turn off unnecessary background processes: C Settings → Annexes → Application management limit auto-run for underutilized programs.
2. Battery care
Lithium polymer batteries degrade even without use, but you can slow down the process.
- 🔌 Don’t keep your smartphone charging more than 80% (use AccuBattery for control).
- ⚡ Avoid full discharge (charge at 20-30%).
- 🌡️ Do not use your smartphone in temperatures below 0°C and above 35°C.
⚠️ Warning: If the smartphone suddenly turns off with 20-30% charge, this is a sign of severe battery degradation, in which case replacement is required, otherwise you risk losing data due to a sudden shutdown.
3. Firmware update
Official updates for Mi 9T Pro has long been discontinued, but there are alternatives:
- 📦 LineageOS 20 (Android 13) is the most stable custom firmware.
- 🤖 Pixel Experience – Pure Android with Monthly Security Updates.
- 🔄 MIUI Pro - modified MIUI free of advertising and unnecessary services.
To install custom firmware will require:
- Unlock the bootloader (via Mi Unlock Tool).
- Install TWRP Recovery.
- Backup the current firmware.
- Switch new firmware and GApps (if you need Google services).
Detailed instructions are available on the forums 4PDA XDA-Developers.
💡
If you don't want to mess around with firmware but need security updates, install the Bromite SystemWebView app from F-Droid. It updates the Chrome engine that many apps use to display web content.
Repair and Upgrade: What Can I Improve?
Xiaomi Mi 9T The Pro is one of the most repairable smartphones of its time. Here's what you can do for its upgrade:
1. Battery replacement
The cost of a new battery is about 1500-2500 rubles. It is important to choose a high-quality battery (for example, from Baseus or Remax) and entrust the replacement to a professional, since with a careless installation, you can damage the plume of the retractable camera.
2. Increased memory
Officially Mi 9T Pro doesn’t support memory cards, but there’s a workaround:
- Use it. OTG-drive (up to 1 TB) with support NTFS exFAT.
- Connect externally SSD through USB-C hub (e.g. Samsung) T7 Shield).
- Transfer applications to OTG-storage App2SD (Root rights are required).
Replacement of the screen
The cost of the original AMOLED-Cheap analogues (from 3000 rubles) often have the worst viewing angles and color reproduction.When changing the screen, be sure to check the fingerprint scanner (it is built into the display).
4. Camera modding
With Google Camera (GCam), you can significantly improve the quality of your photos.
- BSG GCam (best processing) HDR).
- Greatness GCam (optimized for Snapdragon 855)
You can install GCam without root rights, but some features (like Night Sight) require a config file for Mi. 9T Pro.
💡
If you are not sure about your repair skills, you should contact the service.Incorrect replacement of the battery or screen can damage the retractable mechanism of the camera, which costs almost like the smartphone itself.
Where to buy Xiaomi Mi 9T Pro in 2026?
The new Mis 9T Pro's out of the market, but there's a lot of choice in the secondary market:
- 🛒 Avito: The biggest choice, but the highest risk of running into a "killed" device. Always ask for a video showing the retractable camera and the state of the screen.
- 📦 Yandex Market (used): Here sellers often give a guarantee of 7-14 days. the average price is 18-22 thousand rubles.
- 🌍 AliExpress (Refurbished): Can be found in a "like new" condition with a 1-year warranty priced at $200-250 (including delivery).
- 🤝 Telegram chats: For example, Xiaomi Buy/Sell Or Android Flip. It's a place where people who are enthusiastic about how they're doing things.
Average prices for Mi 9T Pro in 2026:
| Status. | Price (rupe) | What to check |
|---|---|---|
| Perfect (as new) | 22 000–25 000 | Battery capacity (> 3800 mAh), no scratching |
| Good (small rubbing) | 18 000–22 000 | All cameras, no broken pixels |
| Satisfactory (scratches, chips) | 15 000–18 000 | State of the battery, retractable mechanism |
| Parts (faulty) | 5 000–10 000 | Screen and motherboard integrity |
⚠️ Note: Redmi is often sold on Avito and similar sites K20 Pro under the guise of Mi 9T It's the same model, but Redmi. K20 The Pro may have other firmware (without Google services in the Indian version). → The phone. → Model (should be) M1903F10G global version).