When Xiaomi Redmi 9T came out: release date, model history and first sales

Xiaomi Redmi 9T has become one of the most popular budget models of the brand, combining performance, long battery life and an affordable price. But when exactly this model came to market? the release date of the Redmi 9T often raises questions among potential buyers, especially when it comes to finding original firmware, warranty service or comparing with other devices in the series.

In this article, we will discuss the official release date, the features of the first announcement, the differences between the global and Chinese versions, and how the release date affects update support and accessories compatibility. If you are planning to buy a used model or just interested in the history of the development of the Redmi line, this information will be useful.

The official release date of Xiaomi Redmi 9T

Xiaomi Redmi 9T was officially unveiled on January 8, 2021, as part of the global announcement, and was one of the company’s first new products in the new year, designed to strengthen the brand’s position in the budget segment.

• 🌍 Global Market: 8 January 2021 (online presentation)
• 🇨🇳 China (Redmi 9 Power): December 22, 2020 (under another name)
• 🇷🇺 Russia and CIS: end of January 2021 (start of sales)
• 🇪🇺 Europe: February 2021 (deliveries to retail)

Interesting fact: in China, the model was sold under the name Redmi 9 Power, while for the international market the name Redmi 9T was chosen. This is a typical practice for Xiaomi, which often adapts the names to local features, while the "stuffing" of the devices remained identical.

The first sales in Russia started on January 28, 2021 through official distributors and partners of the company, such as the Svyaznoy, M. Video and Wildberries. The price at the start was about 12,990 rubles for the version with 4/64 GB of memory, which made the model one of the most affordable in the lineup with support for NFC and a large battery.

Redmi 9T Differences from Redmi 9 Power: Why Different Dates?

Many users confuse the Redmi 9T and Redmi 9 Power as different devices, but with different names for different markets, and the difference in release dates is due to Xiaomi’s marketing strategy:

The main reason for the difference in dates is firmware localization and certification. the Chinese version (Redmi 9 Power) was released earlier, as it did not require adaptation to international standards (for example, support for additional support for additional software). LTE-The global model (Redmi) 9T) I had to take some tests, which took two weeks.

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If you are buying a used Redmi 9T, check the model by settings (Settings → About Phone → Model).If it says M2010J19SG is the global version (9T), and M2010J19SI is the Indian version (9 Power).

Update chronology: how the release date affects support

The release date is directly related to the update support lifeline. Xiaomi's policy is that budget models receive 2 major MIUI updates and 3 years of patch security since release. For Redmi 9T, this means:

• 📅 MIUI 12 - pre-installed "out of the box"
• 🔄 MIUI 12.5 - Update in 2021
• 🛡️ MIUI 13 - The Last Major Update (2022)
• ⚠️ End of support: January 2026 (3 years from release date)

Important: After January 2026, Xiaomi officially stopped releasing security updates for the Redmi 9T. This does not mean that the phone will stop working, but new Android vulnerabilities will not be fixed.If you use the device for payments or storing sensitive data, we recommend you consider switching to a newer model.

⚠️ Note: Some sellers in the secondary market claim that the firmware will be upgraded to MIUI 14." That's a lie - Redmi. 9T Does not physically support new versions due to the limitations of the Qualcomm Snapdragon 662 processor and Xiaomi policy.The maximum that can be installed is custom firmware (for example, LineageOS), but this requires unlocking the bootloader and voids the warranty.

How the release date affects the price and availability of spare parts

More than 3 years have passed since the Redmi 9T was released, and this has affected the cost of the new device and the availability of spare parts.

Prices for new devices (as of 2026):

• 📱 Official dealers: sales stopped (model discontinued)
• 🛒 Marketplaces (Wildberries, Ozon): 9,000–11,000 ₽ (warehouse-storage)
• 🔄 Used market (Avito, Yula): 5,000–8,000 ₽ (conditionally)

As for spare parts, the situation is as follows:

⚠️ Note: When buying a redmi 9T Check battery status through the engineering menu (#4636##.) If Battery health is below 80%, the battery needs to be replaced.

Compared to other Redmi 9 series models: what to choose today?

If you’re considering the Redmi 9T as an option to buy in 2026, it’s worth comparing it to other Redmi 9 models that came out in the same period.

• 📱 Redmi 9A (June 2020 – cheaper, but weaker (Helio processor) G25, no NFC, camera 13 MP)
• 📱 Redmi 9C (June 2020 – similarly 9A, but with a slightly better screen
• 📱 Redmi 9 (June 2020) – Helio G80, but a battery of 5020 mAh (vs. 6000 mAh) 9T)
• 📱 Redmi 9 Pro / 9S (August 2020 - Snapdragon 720G, but more expensive and with less battery

In terms of price/quality ratio, the Redmi 9T is still one of the best options in the budget segment, especially if you care about:

• 🔋 Long work (6000 mAh – record for public sector workers)
• 📶 Support NFC (contactless)
• 🎮 Performance (Snapdragon) 662 better than Helio G25/G80 into 9A/9C)

Where to buy the original Redmi 9T in 2026?

Since the model is out of production, official sales channels are closed, but there are several reliable ways to purchase the Redmi 9T today:

1. Official Residues: Some marketplaces (e.g. Wildberries or Ozon) may still have leftovers of new devices in their packages, priced higher than the secondary market, but you get a warranty (usually 12 months), check the seller's reviews and pay attention to the delivery date - if the phone has been in storage for more than 2 years, the battery may have degraded.
2. Certified used: Platforms like Back Market or Avito Trusted sellers offer quality-checking devices, often refurbished and sold with a 6-12 month warranty. Average price: 6,000 to 8,000 ₽.
3. Private Ads: Offers from 5,000 can be found on Avito, Yule or local bulletin boards ₽. Be sure to check. IMEI (*#06#) on imei.info to make sure the phone is not blacklisted (stolen/pawned).

⚠️ Be careful with the vendors that offer Redmi. 9T"as new" priced below 7,000 ₽. Often, these devices have hidden defects: a replacement battery of poor quality, a non-original display or sensor problems. Always ask for a photo of the package, check and test the phone before buying (especially if you want to buy one). NFC camera).

Redmi 9T alternatives in 2026: should we overpay?

If the Redmi 9T doesn’t suit you in terms of specifications or you’re looking for something newer, consider the following models from the current Xiaomi lineup (as of 2026):

If your budget is limited to 10,000 ₽, redmi 9T It is still one of the best options thanks to a 6,000 mAh battery and NFC. If you’re willing to spend 30 to 50 percent more, consider the Redmi Note 12 or Poco. M6 Pro – They offer more modern screens, fast charging and long-term support for updates.

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The Redmi 9T in 2026 is suitable for those who need maximum autonomy and NFC at a minimum price. For games, photography or long-term use, it is better to choose a newer model (2022-2026).

FAQ: Frequent questions about Redmi's release date 9T