Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 Pro remains one of the most popular smartphones in the budget segment even years after release. And if the processor, camera or battery is often the key criteria when choosing, the display often stays in the shadows โ although it determines how comfortable you will be using the device daily. How many hours a day do you look at the screen? Five? Ten? Now imagine that this watch passes with a blurred picture, flickering backlight or uncomfortable viewing angles...
In this article, we will discuss in detail what display is installed in the Redmi Note. 9 Pro, compare it to competitorsโ screens (including the newer Redmi Note models) 10/11), And we'll also answer the key questions: Should we buy this smartphone today for the screen, is it suitable for gaming, watching videos or working with graphics, and most importantly, what are the hidden shortcomings of the display that the manufacturer chose not to mention.
Technical characteristics of the display Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 Pro: official data
Starting with the dry numbers, according to Xiaomi specifications, the Redmi Note 9 Pro comes with the following display:
- ๐ฑ Type of matrix: IPS LCD (in some regions โ LTPS IPS, But it's basically the same. IPS energy-efficient)
- ๐ Size: 6.67 inches (diagonal)
- ๐ Permission: 2400 ร 1080 pixels (Full) HD+)
- ๐ Frequency of update: 60 Hz (no support) 90/120 Hz)
- ๐ Color scheme: 100% DCIP3 (by manufacturer)
- ๐ก Brightness: up to 450 nits (typical), peak - up to 600 nits in mode HBM (High Brightness Mode)
- ๐ก๏ธ Protection: Gorilla Glass 5 (with oleophobic coating)
On paper, the parameters look solid for the budget segment of 2020. However, the actual quality of the screen is determined not only by the characteristics, but also by their implementation. For example, the declared brightness of 450 nits in practice is often underestimated due to aggressive automatic adjustment, and color reproduction can vary depending on the batch of matrixes.
The Redmi Note 9 Pro is a feature of the IPS-matrix, not AMOLED, Like flagships or even some mid-range models (like the Redmi Note 10 Pro:
- โ Lower power consumption when displaying light images (e.g., web pages)
- โ No true black (backlights are always on, even on dark topics)
- โ Better visibility in the sun due to higher brightness (in theory)
- โ Less contrast compared to AMOLED (The ratio is usually not more than 1500:1)
pixel resolution and density: will Full HD+ be enough in 2026?
Redmi Note 9 Pro is equipped with a display with resolution 2400 ร 1080 pixels, which corresponds to the Full format HD+. Diagonally 6.67 This gives you a pixel density of about an inch. 395 PPI (In practice, this means that individual pixels are indistinguishable to the human eye at a standard reading distance (25โ30 centimeter).
But there are nuances:
- ๐ For text and interface: Full HD+ The fonts look sharp, the icons look no serrated.
- ๐ฎ For games: Some users note easy โpixelationโ in low-poly graphics games (for example, Minecraft or retro projects).
- ๐บ For video: when viewing content in resolution 1080p The picture will be perfect, but 4K-Video will have to downscale, which reduces the detail.
Compare it to the competition:
| Model | Permission | PPI | Type of matrix |
|---|---|---|---|
| Redmi Note 9 Pro | 2400 ร 1080 | 395 | IPS LCD |
| Redmi Note 10 Pro | 2400 ร 1080 | 395 | AMOLED |
| Samsung Galaxy M31 | 2340 ร 1080 | 394 | AMOLED |
| Realme 7 Pro | 2400 ร 1080 | 409 | AMOLED |
As you can see, the Redmi Note 9 Pro is not inferior to competitors in terms of pixel density, but it loses in matrix type. HD+ For a 6.67-inch screen, itโs already considered the minimum standard โ many new budgeters (like the Redmi Note 12) offer the same resolution, but with better optimization.
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If you plan to use your smartphone to watch high-resolution video, pay attention to models with support HDR10 (For example, the Redmi Note 11 Pro+). Note 9 Pro supports only the HDR without certification, which means limited color range in HDR-content.
Screen refresh rate: why 60Hz in 2026 is not enough?
One of the main drawbacks of the Redmi Note 9 Pro display is the refresh rate of 60 Hz. In 2020, when the smartphone was released, this was the norm for the budget segment. But today even devices for 15-20 thousand rubles (for example, Redmi Note 12 or Poco) X5) offer 90 Hz or 120 Hz.
What does that mean in practice?
- ๐ฎ Games: in dynamic shooters (for example, Call of Duty Mobile or PUBG) The difference between 60 and 90 Hz is noticeable โ the picture seems smoother, and the response to touch is faster.
- ๐ฑ Interface: Scrolling through social media feeds or menus looks less smooth compared to screens on 90+ Hz.
- ๐ Adaptive frequency: Note 9 Pro does not support Adaptive Sync technology, so the frequency is always fixed at 60 Hz, even if the content is static (which increases battery consumption).
Is there a way to trick the system into getting a higher frequency? Technically not. Some users are trying to turn on Force. 90Hz via the engineering menu (#36446337##) but this is:
โ ๏ธ Note: Forced change of refresh rate through the engineering menu can lead to image artifacts, overheating or even damage to the matrix. Xiaomi does not officially support this feature on the Redmi Note 9 Pro, and its activation deprives you of warranties.
If screen smoothness is critical to you, consider alternatives:
- ๐ฑ Redmi Note 11 Pro - 120Hz AMOLED (weaker processor)
- ๐ฑ Poco X3 Pro - 120 Hz IPS (but worse color reproduction)
- ๐ฑ Realme 9 Pro - 120Hz AMOLED (more expensive)
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60Hz is the minimum standard today, unless you've ever used a 90 smartphone.+ Hz, the difference may not be noticeable, but once you go to high frequency, it will be difficult to go back to 60 Hz.
Brightness and visibility in the sun: Is it true that IPS is better than AMOLED?
One of the key advantages IPS-Matrix - high brightness. Xiaomi claims peak brightness Redmi Note 9 Pro at 600 nits (in mode) HBM). In practice, this means:
- โ๏ธ Outdoors: the screen remains readable even under direct sunlight (at maximum brightness).
- ๐ In the dark: Minimum brightness may be too high for comfortable reading at night (typical problem) IPS).
- ๐ Autobrightness: works imperfectly โ often understates brightness in rooms with uneven lighting.
For comparison: AMOLED-screens (for example, in the Redmi Note 10 Pro) usually have less peak brightness (about 400-500 nits), but due to contrast and deep black, they are perceived subjectively brighter, AMOLED It is better adapted to the dark due to the ability to turn off pixels completely.
The test for visibility in bright sun (according to user reviews):
| Conditions | Redmi Note 9 Pro (IPS) | Redmi Note 10 Pro (AMOLED) |
|---|---|---|
| Direct sunlight | Readability 7/10 (upon 100% brightness) | Readability 5/10 (glare-driven) |
| Cloudy weather | Readability 9/10 | Readability 8/10 |
| The dark room | Readability 6/10 (low-light) | Readability 9/10 (perfect-black) |
If you use your smartphone frequently on the street, IPS Note 9 Pro is the preferred one, but for those who like reading in the dark or watching movies in bed. AMOLED clearly comfortable.
How to check the actual brightness of the screen?
Color Rendering and Calibration: How Accurate is the Screen?
The claimed color gamut Redmi Note 9 Pro โ 100% DCI-P3. In practice, this means a wide color gamut, but not always accurate calibration. By default, the smartphone uses a Vivid profile (saturated), which overstates contrast and blue shades.
How to customize the screen to your needs:
- Go to Settings โ Display โ Color mode.
- Choose Standard for more natural colors or Vivid for a rich picture.
- Activate reading for a warm hue (good in the evening).
- Turn on Auto Brightness, but adjust it manually if necessary.
For professional color work (e.g. photography or design), external calibrators are recommended, as the Note 9 Proโs factory calibration gives deltaE about 3-5 (ideal less than 2).
Comparison with competitors:
- ๐จ Redmi Note 10 Pro: deltaE ~2.5 (preferably calibrated, but blue in Vivid profile)
- ๐จ Samsung Galaxy M31: deltaE ~3.2 (Cold Color Temperature by Default)
- ๐จ Realme 7 Pro: deltaE ~4.1 (inflated saturation of green)
Games: Color mode - Vivid, brightness - 80%|
Reading: Color mode โ Reading, brightness โ 30-40%|
Photo/video: Color mode - Standard, brightness - 50-60%|
Outside: Brightness - 100%, turn off autobrightness
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Next Next post: Should I Buy the Redmi Note 9 Pro in 2026?
If you choose between the Redmi Note 9 Pro and newer models (like the Note 11 or Note 12), the display is one of the key factors.
| Parameter | Redmi Note 9 Pro (2020) | Redmi Note 11 Pro (2022) | Redmi Note 12 Pro (2023) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Type of matrix | IPS LCD | AMOLED | AMOLED |
| Frequency of update | 60 Hz | 120 Hz | 120 Hz |
| Brightness (peaky) | 600 nits | 700 nits | 900 nits |
| Support for HDR | No certification | HDR10 | HDR10+ |
| Price (2026, b/y) | ~10-12 thousand rubles. | ~15-18,000 rubles. | ~20-25,000 rubles. |
Conclusions:
- ๐ฐ Budget up to 12 thousand rubles: Note 9 Pro โ a smart choice if you need a reliable smartphone with a good one IPS-screen-screen.
- ๐ฎ For games: it is better to pay for the Note 11 Pro for 120 Hz and AMOLED.
- ๐บ For multimedia: Note 12 Pro offers better color reproduction and brightness, but price difference may be unjustified.
Critical point: if you find Redmi Note 9 Pro at a price below 10 thousand rubles. in good condition, its purchase is justified only as a spare phone or for non-display-intensive tasks (calls, instant messengers, simple content).
Typical Display Problems with Redmi Note 9 Pro: What to Look for?
Despite its reliability, the Redmi Note 9 Pro has a few common issues to be aware of before buying:
- ๐ "Flickering" at low brightness: some users complain of noticeable flickering at brightness below 20%. ~240 Hz. Sensitive people can cause eye fatigue.
- ๐จ Screen yellow: early games had a defect with a yellowish tint (especially noticeable on a white background), the problem is solved by replacing the matrix under the warranty.
- ๐ Dead/hot pixels: rare but common, and can be checked using a YouTube test video (search for "dead pixel test").
- ๐ ๏ธ Sensor detachment: when falls or overheating, the touchscreen may detach (symptoms: "waves" when touched, non-functioning zones). Repair costs 3-5 thousand rubles.
โ ๏ธ Note: If you buy a Redmi Note 9 Pro from hand, be sure to check the screen for gradient transitions (such as gray background). IPS-The matrices of this smartphone sometimes show "dirty" shades of gray (the effect of "dirty screen"), which can not be fixed programmatically.
How do you minimize the risks?
- ๐ Buy only with a guarantee (even b/w).
- ๐ Check the screen for uniformity of the lighting in a dark room.
- ๐ฑ Use a screen-protected cover (even if you have a glass cover).