Redmi 8 vs Redmi 9: a detailed comparison of two budget hits Xiaomi

Why is the comparison still relevant in 2026?

Xiaomi’s Redmi 8 and Redmi 9 budget smartphones are still some of the most popular models in the aftermarket, despite the release of newer versions. The reason is simple: both offer balanced specs for a minimal price, making them ideal for a first smartphone, a spare device or a gift. But which one is better to choose today?

At first glance, the difference between the two models is small — they both belong to the same line, have similar designs and are positioned as “workhorses.” However, detailed analysis reveals that the Redmi 9 outperforms its predecessor in 7 of 10 key parameters, but the Redmi 8 retains one important advantage that many forget. In this article, we will break down the specifications, test results and real-world experience to help you make an informed choice.

The peculiarity of the 2026 comparison is that both smartphones are already out of production, but they are easy to find at sites like Avito or in service centers after repair, which means that the main criterion for choosing is not so much “which is more powerful” as “what is more profitable to buy used one with regard to wear.”

1. Design and ergonomics: plastic vs plastic, but with nuances

Both models are made in a plastic body, but the approach to the design is different. Redmi 8 follows the classic scheme with straight edges and noticeable bezels around the screen, while Redmi 9 has more modern rounded edges and a reduced lower frame. The difference in weight is only 5 grams (188 g for Redmi 8 vs 198 g for Redmi 9), but the distribution of mass makes the "nine" subjectively more comfortable in the hand.

An important point for used buyers: the Redmi 8 has more scratches on the back of the glossy finish, while the Redmi 9 has a matte coating that better masks the traces of use. Both devices feature a 3.5 mm headphone jack and a Micro-USB (yes, this is not a typo – even in 2020, Xiaomi saved on Type-C in the budget line).

• 📏 Dimensions: Redmi 8 — 156.3×75.4×9 mm; Redmi 9 — 163.3×77×9.1 mm
• 🎨 Colors: Redmi 8 - black, red, blue; Redmi 9 - gray, green, purple, blue
• 🔒 Defense: Both without official IP-Ratings, but Redmi 9 has hydrophobic coating

⚠️ Warning: When buying used, be sure to check the integrity of the Micro-USB connector - it often shatters when used intensively. Redmi 9 has a less common problem due to the reinforced mounting.

Screen: diagonal vs quality

Here Redmi 9 clearly wins in three parameters: the diagonal increased from 6.22" to 6.53", the resolution increased from 720×1520 to 1080×2340 (Full HD+), and the brightness is now maximum 400 nits against 350 nits from its predecessor. However, there is a nuance: despite the greater resolution, the pixel density of Redmi 9 is lower (395 ppi vs 270 ppi in Redmi 8), which is associated with an increase in the diagonal.

In practice, the difference is noticeable when watching video or reading text — the Redmi 9 is more detailed, but the automatic brightness control works worse than the Redmi 8. In sunny weather, both screens dim, but the eight behaves more predictable. Both displays use IPS LCD technology, so the viewing angles are wide, but black looks gray.

3.Performance: Snapdragon 439 vs Helio G80

This is a key difference between the models. Redmi 8 is equipped with a Qualcomm Snapdragon 439 chipset (12 nm), while Redmi 9 received MediaTek Helio G80 (12 nm). On paper, the difference in performance is about 30% in favor of Redmi 9, but in reality it depends on the tasks:

• 🎮 Games: Helio G80 cope PUBG Mobile in the settings "Balanced" (30 FPS), whereas Snapdragon 439 giveaway 20-25 FPS even on "Low".
• 📱 Multitasking: Redmi 9 remember 1-2 more (4-5 against 3-4 Redmi 8).
• 🔋 Energy efficiency: Despite higher performance, Helio G80 consume 10-15% more energy when loaded.

It’s important to consider that both smartphones run on MIUI, which over time “slows down” due to background activity. On Redmi 8, this is more pronounced – after a year of use, many users complain of hanging when opening the camera or switching between applications. Redmi 9 in this regard is more stable, but also requires periodic cleaning of the cache.

⚠️ Note: When buying a used Redmi 9, check the body temperature in a stress test (for example, in the case of a redmi). 3DMark). Some batches of Helio chips G80 warm up to 50°C at long load, which reduces the battery life.

Camera: megapixels vs real quality

On paper, Redmi 9 is back in front: the main camera is 13 MP (versus 12 MP in Redmi 8), frontal 8 MP (versus 5 MP), plus additional modules (wide-angle, macro and depth).

• 📸 Daytime shots: Redmi 9 gives more detailed photos thanks to better image processing, but Redmi 8 more often retains natural colors.
• 🌙 Night shooting: Both smartphones do not cope well with the lack of light, but Redmi 9 somehow tries to highlight the frames due to software processing.
• 🎥 Video: Maximum resolution — 1080p@30fps Both, but Redmi's. 9 less noise when shooting indoors.

The main catch: the additional modules in the Redmi 9 (2 MP macro and 2 MP depth) are almost useless. Macro gives a blurry picture from a distance of 5 cm, and the depth sensor only works in portrait mode, which is already simulated software.

5. Battery and autonomy: Capacity vs Optimization

Redmi's here. 8 Takes revenge: his battery on 5000 mh against 5020 Redmi's a lot. 9 It takes longer to run in real-world tests, and it's because of the more energy-efficient Snapdragon chipset. 439 and a less voracious screen with resolution HD+. Moderate use (social networks, instant messengers, calls) Redmi 8 live 10-15% longer:

• 📞 Conversations: Up to 32 hours (Redmi 8) vs 28 hours (Redmi 9)
• 🎬 Video: Up to 18 hours (Redmi 8) vs 16 hours (Redmi 9)
• 🎮 Games: 6-7 hours 8) vs 5-6 hours 9)

Both smartphones support fast 18W charging, but come with 10W adapters. The full charging cycle takes about 2.5 hours. The key point for used: the batteries in the Redmi 8 and Redmi 9 begin to deteriorate noticeably after 300-400 charging cycles, losing up to 20% of capacity. Before buying, be sure to check the battery status through the engineering menu (#4636##) or the AccuBattery app.

Ask the seller to show the operating time from full charge|Install AccuBattery and check the "Battery Health"|Check the body for bloating (especially in the area of the camera)|Charge your smartphone 100% and see how fast the charge drops in the first 10 minutes-->

6. Software and updates

Both smartphones originally ran on Android 9 Pie with a MIUI 10 shell, but Redmi 9 got an upgrade to MIUI 12 based on Android 10, while Redmi 8 stopped at MIUI 11.

• 🔄 Redmi 9 has a more modern interface with support for dark theme and navigation gestures.
• 🛡️ Security: The last security patch for Redmi 8 came out in 2021, for Redmi 9 in 2022.
• 📱 Some newer versions of programs (such as Google Maps or WhatsApp) may not support Android 9 on Redmi 8.

Important: Xiaomi has officially stopped supporting both smartphones, so they won’t get any updates, which poses risks to app compatibility and security vulnerabilities, and if you’re planning to use your smartphone for payments or sensitive data storage, it’s best to consider newer models.

⚠️ Note: Redmi 8 with Android 9 cannot install Google Pay due to lack of StrongBox support. Redmi 9 does not face this issue.

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If you bought Redmi 8 and faced compatibility issues, try installing custom firmware based on Android 10+ (For example, LineageOS. You can find instructions on the forum. 4PDA.

7.The price in the secondary market: which is more profitable in 2026?

At the time of writing (June 2026), the average prices for models in good condition are:

• 💰 Redmi 8 (32GB) – 4,000–5,500 ₽
• 💰 Redmi 8 (64GB) – 5,000–6,500 ₽
• 💰 Redmi 9 (32GB) – 6,000–7,500 ₽
• 💰 Redmi 9 (64GB) - 7,000–8,500 ₽

The difference is 2,000-3,000 ₽ Only if you are critically important:

1. More modern screen (FHD+ instead of HD+)
2. Best Performance in Games and Multitasking
3. Support for new versions of applications

In all other cases, Redmi 8 It offers the best price/quality ratio, especially if you find an instance with a low-worth battery. 2 000 ₽ When buying a b/w, it can mean a difference. 1-2 year of additional service (if you spend the saved money on battery replacement).

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If you have a budget, choose a Redmi 8 with 64GB of storage, which is the best option for price/feature ratio. ₽ Compared to the 32GB version, it pays off the ability not to think about the place for photos and apps.

FAQ: Answers to popular questions