Xiaomi Mi 9T: year of release, specifications and how not to make a mistake when buying

Xiaomi Mi 9T is one of the brand’s most popular smartphones, and is still in demand in the aftermarket. But many buyers are faced with confusion: what year of release is this model? There are conflicting information on the Internet — some sources indicate 2019, others 2020.

This article will not only answer the question about the year of release, but also help to understand the nuances of how to distinguish the first batch from the later ones, what changes the model has undergone during production, and what to look for when buying a used device, we will also analyze whether this model is relevant in 2026 and what tasks it will be best for.

Official year of release Xiaomi Mi 9T: understand the dates

The Xiaomi Mi 9T (codenamed davinci) was announced on June 12, 2019, at a presentation in Spain, but there is an important caveat: the announcement date and the start date of sales in different regions may differ, for example, in China, a model called Redmi K20 (the full analogue of the Mi 9T) went on sale on May 28, 2019 – two weeks before the global release.

In Russia and the CIS, official sales started in July 2019, which explains why some users mistakenly believe that the smartphone was released in 2020 – just the peak of popularity came at the beginning of next year, when the model became widely available in retail chains.

• 📅 May 28, 2019 – Redmi release K20 in China (analogue of Mi) 9T).
• 🌍 June 12, 2019 – the global announcement of Xiaomi Mi 9T.
• 🛒 July 2019 – start of sales in Europe and Russia.
• 🔄 2020 – the appearance of a restyled version of the Mi 9T Pro (not to be confused with the basic model!).

It’s important to understand that the Mi 9T wasn’t limited to 2019, Xiaomi continued to release a batch of devices in 2020, but without significant changes in hardware, the main differences of the later batches are the updated software out of the box and possible minor improvements in the build.

How to determine the year of release of your Xiaomi Mi 9T: 3 reliable ways

If you already own a Mi 9T or are considering buying a used device, you can pinpoint the date of its production.

1. By serial number (S/N). On the box or in settings (Settings → Phone → General information), find the serial number. The first two digits after the letters S/N indicate the year, the next two - the week of production. For example, 9L9A... means 2019, 39th week (end of September).
2. By build date in engineering mode. Enter the code ##4636## in the phone application, go to the Phone Information tab and find the Build date line - there will be the exact date of firmware factory software.
3. According to the version. MIUI "The first batches of the Mi 9T walk away MIUI 10 based on Android 9, while the devices of 2020 already had MIUI 11 or 12.

Note that if a vendor claims that the phone is “new, it was in stock” but the serial number is 2019, it’s a good idea to be wary, and it’s likely that the device was already in use or was stored in improper conditions (which affects the battery status).

Technical characteristics of Xiaomi Mi 9T: what has changed over the years of production

Although the Mi 9T's hardware remained unchanged, some components may have differed by batch.

The only significant difference between the batches is the NFC version. The first devices (2019) used the NXP PN80T chip, while the later ones could stand NXP SN100T. This affects compatibility with some payment systems (for example, with Google Pay in some countries).

⚠️ Note: If you are buying a Mi 9T For contactless payments, check with the seller version NFC-The chips, the models PN80T Google Pay in Russia and Ukraine may not be supported without additional manipulation.

Xiaomi Mi 9T vs Mi 9T Pro: What’s the difference and whether to overpay

Many people confuse the Mi 9T with its older brother, the Mi 9T Pro, which came out later.

• 🔥 Processor: Mi 9T The Pro is equipped with the Snapdragon 855 (vs Snapdragon 730 in the base model), the difference in performance is up to 40% in favor of the Pro version.
• 📸 Camera: The main module in the Pro version has a Sony sensor IMX586 (48 MP) with optical stabilization, while in Mi 9T Sony is worth it. IMX582 stabilised.
• 🔋 Charging: Mi 9T Pro supports fast charging of 27 watts (vs. 18 watts in the base model).
• 💰 Price: In the secondary market, the difference in cost between models is ~30-40%.

Should you overpay for the Pro version in 2026? Only if you are critically interested in gaming performance or stabilizing video. For everyday tasks (social media, video, high-light photography), the Mi 9T is more than enough.

You need maximum performance in games → Mi 9T Pro|

It's important to stabilize the video. → Mi 9T Pro|

Budget is limited, basic functions are required → Mi 9T|

Planning to use your smartphone 3+ year-end → Mi 9T Pro (better productivity margin)-->

Relevance of Xiaomi Mi 9T in 2026: pros and cons

It's been almost 5 years since the release - is it worth buying the Mi 9T today? Let's weigh the pros and cons:

The advantages of the model in 2026:

• 💪 AMOLED-A screen with excellent color reproduction (even by modern standards).
• 📷 Triple camera with wide-angle module is a rarity in the budget segment even now.
• 🔋 A powerful battery of 4000 mAh, which, when used carefully, keeps the charge all day.
• 🔒 Retractable front camera - no "brows" or cutout, full-screen design.

Cons and limitations:

• 🐢 The Snapdragon 730 no longer pulls modern games at maximum settings (for example, Genshin Impact will lay down the game).
• 📶 Absence 5G — If you want to have a fast internet connection, it is a critical disadvantage.
• 🔄 Closed bootloader and difficulties with custom firmware (Xiaomi tightened the policy of unlocking).
• ⏳ Outdated software: the latest official update MIUI It was released in 2022 (Android 11).

Critical: Xiaomi has stopped releasing security updates for the Mi 9T since 2023, meaning vulnerabilities in the system are not patched, which could be a risk when using banking applications or storing sensitive data.

💡

If you are buying the Mi 9T in 2026, be sure to check the battery status through the AccuBattery app. Capacity below 80% of nominal (3200 mAh) - an excuse to bargain or refuse to buy.

How not to run into a fake: 5 signs of the original Xiaomi Mi 9T

There are many clones and gray devices in the aftermarket, posing as originals. Here's how to tell the difference between a real Mi 9T:

1. Packaging: The original box has a holographic sticker with a serial number that must match the number in the phone settings, and the sticker must not unstick when you try to tamper with it.
2. Retractable camera mechanism: When opened/closed, it should emit a quiet click, without creaking or backlash. Counterfeits often have a plastic mechanism with a rough stroke.
3. Firmware: Original Settings → The phone is listed as MIUI Global Stable (for international version) or MIUI China Stable (for Chinese), and "Custom ROM" or unknown versions of the software are signs of forgery.
4. IMEI: Must match on the box, under the battery (if you remove the back cover) and in the settings (*#06#). In fakes. IMEI frequently duplicated or absent.
5. Price: If the device is sold cheaper than 6000-8000 rubles (2026) in good condition - this is a reason for suspicion. the average market price of the used Mi 9T - 8000-12000 rubles.

⚠️ Note: Mi is especially often counterfeited 9T under the guise of the "European version" with NFC. Check contactless payments before purchase – many clones have a non-functioning one. NFC-The module, despite its availability in the specifications.

Frequently Asked Questions About Xiaomi Mi 9T

💡

Xiaomi Mi 9T It is a viable option in 2026 for users who need quality services. AMOLED-It's a screen, a good camera, and long-term autonomy at an affordable price, but for gamers or those who need it. 5G Long-term support for the software should be considered newer models.