Xiaomi Mi 9: which model is better – a comparison of all versions of the flagship 2019

Xiaomi Mi 9 series, released in 2019, is still relevant for those who are looking for a powerful smartphone at a reasonable price. SE, Mi 9T (He's a Redmi. K20 Each model has unique features and the choice depends on your priorities: camera, performance, design or price.

In this article, we will compare all versions in detail, highlight their key differences, and help you determine which one is right for you, take into account not only the technical specifications, but also the real-world experience of using them, from autonomy to shooting quality in different conditions, and also figure out whether to buy the Mi 9 in 2026 or better look at newer models.

1. Overview of all Xiaomi Mi 9 series models: a brief comparison

The Mi 9 series includes four main models, each aimed at a different audience, and here is a brief description of them:

• 📱 Xiaomi Mi 9 is a classic flagship with a top-end Snapdragon 855 chipset, triple camera and bezel-less design. Suitable for gamers and photography enthusiasts.
• 📱 Xiaomi Mi 9 SE — A compact version with a Snapdragon 712, a smaller screen (5.97) and a more affordable price.
• 📱 Xiaomi Mi 9T (or Redmi K20) — front-facing, AMOLED-It's different from the Mi 9 in terms of design and processor Snapdragon 730.
• 📱 Xiaomi Mi 9 Pro – improved version with support 5G, More capacious battery (4000 mAh) and fast charging 40W. The rarest and most expensive model in the series.

All devices are working MIUI (Android-based 9/10 It's a little bit upgradeable, but there's some nuances that support new firmware versions. 9 Pro got it. MIUI 14, Mi 9 SE stopped MIUI 13.

To make it easier to compare, we have compiled a table with key parameters:

Important nuance: Mi 9T redmi K20 — It's the same device, but with different names for the global and Chinese markets.

2. Xiaomi Mi 9 vs Mi 9T: What is best for photography and games?

If you choose between Mi 9 and Mi 9T, The main differences are in processor, design and autonomy, so let's see which model is best for specific tasks.

📸 Camera Quality: Who Wins?

Both models are equipped with a 48-megapixel main camera (Sony sensor) IMX586), implementation is different:

• 🔹 The Mi 9 has a triple camera: 48 MP (main camera) + 12 MP (telephoto, 2x zoom) + 16 MP (ultra wide angle) This gives you more creative opportunities, especially in good lighting conditions.
• 🔹 Mi 9T offer 48+8+13 MP, where instead of telephoto used wide-angle module (13 MP) Zoom here is digital, which is worse for detail.

In the night shots, the Mi 9 is winning because of better processing and the presence of a telephoto module. 9T It is better able to cope with portrait photography due to the retractable frontal (20 MP vs 20 MP in the Mi 9, but without a cutout on the screen).

🎮 Performance: Snapdragon 855 vs 730

It's simple here.

• 🚀 The Mi 9 with the Snapdragon 855 is the best choice for gamers.It has no problem pulling the Genshin Impact at high settings, whereas the Snapdragon 730 in the Mi 9T may slow down.
• ⚡ Mi 9T Loses in benchmarks (e.g. in AnTuTu, the difference) ~30% in favor of Mi 9, but for everyday tasks (social networks, videos, easy games) its power will be enough.

So, if you want a smartphone for gaming or professional photography, take the Mi 9, AMOLED-screen without cutouts and modern design - Mi 9T.

💡

Mi 9 is better for games and photography, Mi 9T — for autonomy and design.

3. Xiaomi Mi 9 SE: compact flagship or stripped-down version?

Mi 9 SE It's often called the "small flagship," but it's actually more of a mid-range smartphone with a top-end design. Let's see who it's going to be.

✨ Pros of Mi 9 SE

• 📏 Compact: 5.97′′ diagonal at 155 g weight – one of the most convenient smartphones for one hand.
• 🎨 AMOLED-screen HDR10 and high brightness (up to 600 nits).
• 📸 48-megapixel camera with good detail during the day (but no telephoto).
• 💰 Price: The most affordable model in the series (from 8000) ₽ secondary-market).

⚠️ Cons, which are often ignored

Despite the attractive price, the Mi 9 is a SE There are critical flaws:

• 🔋 Weak battery (3070 mAh) – when used actively does not live to the evening.
• 🔥 Overheating with prolonged loads (for example, in the PUBG Mobile after 30 minutes of play the body heats up to 45°C).
• 📶 Absence 5G and weak module NFC (Contactless payment problems in some banks).
• 🛠️ No memory card slot – only built-in memory (maximum 128 GB).

⚠️ Note: If you are planning to use the Mi 9 SE For mobile photography, note that night mode is worse than older models, low light is noisy and detail is lost.

Who will the Mi 9 SE suit?

• 👍 Those looking for a compact smartphone with AMOLED-screen.
• 👍 Fans of one-handed control (convenient for messengers and social networks).
• 👎 Not suitable for gamers, photographers and those who travel a lot (fast discharge).

💡

If you like the design of the Mi 9 SE, But there is not enough power, look at the Xiaomi 11 Lite 5G NE — It is compact, but equipped with Snapdragon 778G and a 4,250 mAh battery.

Xiaomi Mi 9 Pro: Is it worth overpaying for 5G fast-charging?

The Mi 9 Pro is the rarest and most expensive model in the series, and it was a limited edition model that was marketed as a premium option, but is it that good in 2026?

🚀 What makes the Mi 9 Pro special?

• 📶 Support 5G (Snapdragon module X50). In 2026, this is true, but the coverage of networks leaves much to be desired.
• ⚡ Fast charging. 40W — Charges 4,000 mAh to 100% in 45 minutes (against) 27W Mi 9).
• 🖥️ 12 GB of RAM in the top version is rare for 2019.
• 🎮 Snapdragon processor 855+ (run-up 855) — on 10-15% more efficient.

❌ Why the Mi 9 Pro may be a disappointment?

Despite the top features, the model has serious shortcomings:

1. Price: In the secondary market, the Mi 9 Pro is almost like a new mid-range smartphone (20,000 – 30,000). ₽).
2. There is no memory card slot – only built-in memory (maximum 512GB).
3. Firmware problems: some users complain of bugs in the MIUI due to rare updates.
4. 5G-Module is outdated: modern networks operate on other frequencies, so the speed may be lower than that of new smartphones.

⚠️ If you are buying the Mi 9 Pro for the sake of 5G, Make sure your operator supports the ranges n41 (2500 MHz) and n78 (3500 MHz otherwise the difference with 4G you won't notice.

Who is the Mi 9 Pro for?

• 👍 Xiaomi collectors and fans who want a rare model.

5. Autonomy: Which model holds the charge longer?

One of the key parameters when choosing a smartphone is battery life. Mi 9 series is the leader. 9T It has a 4,000mAh battery, but let’s look at the real-world tests.

The table shows that Mi 9T — But there's a caveat: despite the large battery, the Mi 9 Pro runs out faster because of the powerful processor and the power of the battery. 5G-module.

Tips for extending the life of the battery:

6.Should you buy the Xiaomi Mi 9 in 2026?

The Mi 9 series was the top of the list in 2019, but it's been 5 years, so let's see if these smartphones are relevant today.

✅ Pros of buying in 2026

• 💰 Low price in the secondary market (you can find in perfect condition for 10 000 - 15 000) ₽).
• 📱 AMOLED-High-resolution screens still look modern.
• 🎮 Snapdragon 855 performance still pulls most games on mid-range settings.
• 📸 Cameras are not outdated – 48 MP with good optics cope better than many public sector employees in 2023.

❌ Cons and pitfalls

The main problems are associated with the obsolescence of hardware and software:

• 🔄 No updates: latest versions MIUI (13-14) They work with lags, and Android 13/14 unsupported.
• 🔋 Battery degradation: through 5 The battery capacity may have decreased by 20-30%.
• 📡 Outdated communication modules: no Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.2+, 5G It is only available in the Mi 9 Pro.
• 🛠️ Repair difficulties: parts (such as displays) become scarce.

Alternatives in 2026:

• 🆕 Xiaomi Poco F5 (Snapdragon 7+ Gen 2, 67W charging, ~25 000 ₽) — better in all respects.
• 🆕 Redmi Note 12 Pro+ (200 MP camera, 120W charging, ~22 000 ₽).
• 💰 Xiaomi 12T (b, ~20 000 ₽) — Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1, 108 MP camera.

⚠️ Note: If you buy the Mi 9 handheld, be sure to check the battery status through the AccuBattery app. Capacity below 80% of nominal - an excuse to bargain or refuse to buy.

7. Where to buy and what to look for?

If you’re looking for a new Mi 9, here’s where to look:

🛒 Where to buy?

• 🌍 Avito / Yula – the biggest choice, but a high risk of running into a “killed” device.
• 🛡️ SberMegaMarket / Yandex Market - there is a return guarantee (14 days).
• 📦 AliExpress / Gearbest – you can find new (unpacked) instances, but wait a long time.
• 🏬 Local service centers – sometimes sell refurbished phones with warranty.

🔍 What to check before buying?

Average prices (2026, Russia, used in good condition):

• Mi 9 SE: 8 000 — 12 000 ₽
• Mi 9: 12 000 — 18 000 ₽
• Mi 9T: 15 000 — 20 000 ₽
• Mi 9 Pro: 20 000 — 30 000 ₽

Important: If the seller claims that the phone is “like new” but the price is well below the market, it is most likely a fraud (possibly a device in collateral or stolen).

FAQ: Frequent questions about Xiaomi Mi 9