Choosing between the Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 and Redmi Note 9 in 2026 is not an easy task. Both models remain relevant in the budget smartphone market, but are designed for different categories of users. Note 8, released in 2019, became a legend among low-cost devices due to balanced performance and reliability. Note 9 (2020) came to replace it with improved hardware, but not all the updates were uniquely useful.
In this article, we will discuss the key difference that makes Note. 9 lose-lose 30% We're going to analyze real-world performance tests, compare cameras under the same shooting conditions, and evaluate how relevant these models are through the use of a new technology. 3-4 And then we'll answer the question: should we overpay for the Note? 9, note 8 find cheaper?
1. Design and Ergonomics: Which is More Comfortable in 2026?
On the outside, the differences between the models are minimal - both smartphones are made in the corporate style of Xiaomi with a plastic body and a glass front panel.
- 📏 Dimensions: Note 9 is thicker (8.9 mm vs 8.35 mm in Note 8) and heavier (199 g vs 190 g.
- 🎨 Colors: The Note 8 offered classic options (black, white, blue), and the Note 9 added gradient shades, including the popular "Aurora Borealis".
- 🔍 Fingerprint scanner: In the Note 8, it is located on the back, in the Note 9 – in the power button (a more modern solution).
The Redmi Note 8 feels more comfortable in hand due to its lower weight, but the Note 9 looks more modern thanks to its gradient coloration and side scanner.
2. Screen: Who won as a quality?
Both models are equipped IPS LCD-displays with full resolution HD+ (2340×1080), But there are key differences:
| Parameter | Redmi Note 8 | Redmi Note 9 |
|---|---|---|
| Diagonal | 6.3" | 6.53" |
| Relationship of parties | 19.5:9 | 19.5:9 |
| Brightness (max.) | 450 nits | 450 nits |
| Protection | Gorilla Glass 5 | Gorilla Glass 5 |
| Frequency of update | 60 Hz | 60 Hz |
On paper, the Note 9 has the advantage of having a larger screen, but in practice, the difference of 0.23 inches is almost not noticeable. The main disadvantage of the Note 9 is the lower color quality due to the budget matrix. In tests, the DisplayMate Note 8 shows better contrast (1500:1 vs 1200:1 in the Note 9).
Both screens are good for video and gaming, but if color accuracy is important to you (like for photo processing), the Redmi Note 8 will be preferred. Note: The Note 9 doesn’t always have an AOD on, unlike later models in the series.
3.Performance: Snapdragon vs Helio
The Redmi Note 8 runs on the Qualcomm Snapdragon 665 (11 nm), and the Note 9 runs on the Mediatek Helio G85 (12 nm). At first glance, the Note 9 should be more powerful, but real tests show a different picture:
- 🎮 Games: IN PUBG Mobile both smartphones are holding ~30 FPS on average settings, but the Note 8 is less likely to warm up.The Note 9 can trott (lower performance) for long sessions.
- 📊 Benchmark: AnTuTu 9: Note 8 — ~180 000, Note 9 — ~200,000 Geekbench 5 (multi-core): Note 8 – 1300, Note 9 – 1250
- 🔄 Multitasking: Note 8 is better optimized for MIUI — less likely to kill background apps.
Critical difference: Helio G85 Note 9 does not support 4K-It's got codec issues, which can cause some high-resolution videos to be either unplayable or slow down. 4K If you are mounting a video, the Note 8 will be more reliable.
💡
For most tasks, the performance difference is not critical, but the Note 8’s Snapdragon 665 is more stable over the long run.
4 Cameras: megapixels vs real quality
On paper, the Redmi Note 9 won with a 48MP main sensor (against the Note 8's 48MP, but with different optics).
| Parameter | Redmi Note 8 | Redmi Note 9 |
|---|---|---|
| Main camera. | 48 MP, f/1.79, Sony IMX586 | 48 MP, f/1.79, Samsung GM1 |
| Ultrashire | 8 MP, 120° | 8 MP, 119° |
| Macro | 2 MP | 2 MP |
| Depth. | 2 MP | 2 MP |
| Video | 4K@30fps, 1080p@60fps | 1080p@30fps (no 4K!) |
Key observations: Daylight: Note 8 gives more rich colors and better detail thanks to the sensor Sony IMX586. Note 9 is prone to overlight. Low light: Both smartphones do not do well at night shooting without a tripod, but Note 8 less noise at ISO 3200+. Video: Note 9 can not shoot in 4K is a critical disadvantage for those who plan to record quality video.
If the camera is your priority, take the Redmi Note 8 without hesitation. Its sensor is still used in smartphones costing 30,000+ rubles.
Why doesn't the Note 9 shoot 4K?
5: Battery and autonomy: who lives longer?
On paper, the Redmi Note 9 should lose due to the lower battery capacity (5020 mAh vs 4000 mAh in the Note 8), but in practice it all depends on the use case:
- 🔋 Capacity: 5020 mAh Note 9 vs 4000 mAh Note 8 – a difference of 25%.
- ⚡ Charging: Both support 18W Quick charging, but Note 9 comes with a more powerful adapter (22.5W).
- ⏱️ Real-life running times: Note 8: 6-7 The screen clock at mixed load. Note 9: 7-8 time-performance MIUI 12+.
Paradoxically, despite the smaller battery, the Note 8 sometimes lasts longer because of the more energy-efficient Snapdragon 665 processor.The Note 9 with the Helio G85 heats up more, leading to increased charge consumption in games.
⚠️ Note: If you buy a used smartphone, check battery wear using ##4636## → "Battery information. Capacity below 80% of nominal capacity - an excuse to bargain or refuse to buy.
6. Software and support
Both models originally ran on Android 9 (Note 8) and Android 10 (Note 9), but today the situation is as follows:
- 🤖 Update version: Note 8: MIUI 14 (Android 12) - the latest official update. Note 9: MIUI 14 (Android 13) - Support ends in 2023.
- 🔄 Both smartphones are supported by LineageOS and Pixel Experience projects, but the Note 8 has more stable builds.
- 🔒 Security: None of the models gets monthly security patches.The last patch for the Note 9 came out in January 2026.
If you care about updates, none of the models are good for long-term use, but the Note 9 has a slight advantage thanks to Android 13 support, which allows you to install newer versions of apps.
💡
To extend the life of your smartphone without updates, disable the installation of applications from unknown sources (Settings → Privacy → Special Permissions) and use an antivirus (for example, Dr.Web Light).
7.Price and relevance in 2026
In the secondary market, prices vary greatly depending on the state:
- 💰 Redmi Note 8 (b/y) good condition: 8,000 to 12,000 ₽
- 💰 Redmi Note 9 (b/y) good condition: 10,000 – 15,000 ₽
- 📦 New (if you find one): ~18 000 ₽ Note 9, Note 8 in the new state is no longer sold.
Should you pay more for the Note 9? Only if you're critical:
- Larger screen (6.53" vs 6.3").
- Side print scanner.
- Android 13 (but no update guarantee)
In all other cases, the Redmi Note 8 is a more balanced choice: it is cheaper, more reliable in games, shoots better and has fewer problems with overheating.
⚠️ There are many fake Redmi Notes on the market 8/9 You're looking for new ones. IMEI through *#06# And check it against the data on the box. IMEI It doesn’t match or the site imei.info shows a different model – you have a fake.
☑️ What to check before buying a used Xiaomi?
8. Alternatives in 2026: Should we consider?
If the budget allows, look for newer models:
- 📱 Redmi Note 11 (from 15,000) ₽ b/y) – 90 Hz screen, Snapdragon 680, the best cameras.
- 📱 POCO M4 Pro (from 16,000) ₽) — AMOLED-display, Helio G96, support 5G.
- 📱 Redmi 10C (12,000 ₽) — Snapdragon 680, large battery (5000 mAh), modern design.
If the budget is tightly limited to 10,000 ₽, The Redmi Note 8 is the best option among the two models under consideration, and is easier to repair (less parts are cheaper), more stable, and has fewer software bugs.
💡
In 2026, the Redmi Note 8 and Note 9 can only be recommended as a temporary solution or a second smartphone. For basic use, it is better to consider models no older than 2021.