If you’re considering the Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 as a potential purchase or already own it, the question of screen refresh rate (Hz) is probably of interest to you. This characteristic directly affects the smoothness of the picture, the comfort of scrolling and even battery life. On the Internet, you can find conflicting information: somewhere it says 60 Hz, and somewhere it mentions 90 Hz or even 120 Hz. Let’s see what the screen frequency of the Redmi Note 9 actually has, why there is confusion, and what it means for the user.
Let’s immediately reveal the main secret: the basic model of Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 (codename merlin) is equipped with a screen with a refresh rate of strictly 60 Hz. This is the official specification, confirmed by both the manufacturer and independent tests. However, in the line of Redmi Note 9 there are other models - Redmi Note 9 Pro, Redmi Note 9S, Redmi Note 9T — This is what causes confusion, and we'll go through this in detail:
- 📱 Redmi Note 9’s Official Screen Specifications and Why 60Hz Is Not Always a Bad Thing
- 🔍 How to check the screen frequency on your smartphone (3 working methods)
- 🎮 The Impact of 60Hz on Games and Video: Worth It Worth It?
- ⚡ Comparison with competitors: what other brands in this price segment offer
- 🛠️ Is it possible to accelerate the screen to 90 Hz and what it threatens?
1.The official screen specs of the Redmi Note 9: what Xiaomi says
According to the manufacturer, Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 (model M2003J15SS for the global market) equipped IPS-diagonal 6.53 inch and resolution 2340 × 1080 pixels (Full) HD+). The screen refresh rate is fixed at the level 60 Hz. That's confirmed:
- 📄 Official Xiaomi website (specification section for the model)
- 📦 Documentation in the device box
- 🔧 Technical data in the service menu of the smartphone (we will talk about them below)
- 🧪 Independent tests from GSMArena, NotebookCheck and other reputable resources
It’s important to understand that 60Hz is the standard frequency for most budget and mid-range 2020 smartphones, providing smooth scrolling, comfortable video viewing, and adequate touch response. However, for dynamic games or high frame rate content (e.g., 120-frequency video) FPS) That may not be enough.
⚠️ Note: There are variations of the Redmi Note 9 for different regions (India, China, Europe) in some of which there may be minor differences in the firmware, but the screen frequency remains 60 Hz in all versions of the base model.
| Characteristics | Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 | Redmi Note 9 Pro | Redmi Note 9S |
|---|---|---|---|
| Screen frequency (Hz) | 60 | 60 | 60 |
| Type of matrix | IPS LCD | IPS LCD | IPS LCD |
| Permission | 2340 × 1080 | 2400 × 1080 | 2400 × 1080 |
| Brightness (thread) | 450 | 450 | 450 |
| Support for HDR | No. | No. | No. |
As you can see from the table, even the flagship models of the Note 9 line did not receive screens with increased refresh rates, this is due to Xiaomi’s policy on device segmentation: high frequencies (90 Hz and above) in 2020 were the prerogative of more expensive series, such as the TV series. POCO F2 Pro or Mi 10.
2. How to check the screen frequency on Redmi Note 9
If you're in doubt about your device's specifications, or if you want to make sure that the seller hasn't misled you, there are a few ways to check the actual screen refresh rate, all of which are free and don't require root rights.
Method 1: Through the Engineering Menu
This is the most reliable method, as the data is taken directly from the system:
- Open the Phone app and enter the combination: ##4636##.
- In the menu that appears, select Hardware Testing (or Hardware info).
- Scroll down to the Display section – there will be a Refresh rate bar with the current value.
Method 2: Applications for testing
Google Play has a tool that shows the frequency of the screen in real time.
- 📱 Display Tester – shows not only the frequency, but also other screen parameters (color gamut, reaction to touches).
- 🔍 Screen Refresh Rate is a minimalist application with a single screen and a Hz number.
- 📊 CPU-Z — In the Device section, displays information about the display.
When using third-party apps, consider that some may be the highest possible frequency, not the current one. For example, if your smartphone supports adaptive frequency (as in newer models), the application can output 90 Hz, although the screen actually runs at 60 Hz.
Method 3: Visual Test with Camera
This is a “old-fashioned” method that works without software, but requires a second camera (for example, from another smartphone):
- Turn on the Redmi Note 9 white image on the full screen (you can open an empty document in Google Docs).
- Point the camera of another phone to the screen and make a video in slow-motion.
- When you play the video, you'll see the screen flicker. Count the number of flashes per second, and that's the frequency in Hz.
⚠️ Note: This method is approximate and may give an error ±5 Hz. Use the first two methods for accurate data.
Check the smartphone model in the settings (Settings) → The phone. → Model)
Make sure that the device is not installed custom firmware
Compare the serial number with official Xiaomi data
Contact the service center if you suspect a fake.-->
3.60Hz vs 90Hz: How critical the difference is for the Redmi Note 9
Many users worry that 60Hz is “little” compared to today’s 90Hz or 120Hz smartphones. Let’s see how important this is in everyday use.
Pros of 60 Hz:
- ⚡ Energy efficiency: the screen consumes less energy, which has a positive effect on battery life.
- 💰 Below the price: smartphones with 60 Hz are usually cheaper than high-frequency counterparts.
- 🎬 Content Compatibility: Most videos and games are optimized for 60Hz (Netflix, YouTube, most mobile games).
60 Hz downsides:
- 🎮 Less smoothness in dynamic games (e.g, PUBG Mobile or Call of Duty: Mobile).
- 📱 Less responsive interface when scrolling fast (for example, in TikTok or when leafing the tape in social networks).
- 👀 Eye fatigue with prolonged use due to less smooth picture.
In practice, the difference between 60 Hz and 90 Hz is not noticed by all users. According to the study by Android Authority, only 30% of respondents were able to distinguish 90 Hz from 60 Hz in a blind test without prompts. 8T), Getting back to 60 Hz can be frustrating.
💡
If you play mobile games frequently, pay attention to the graphics settings. Many games (such as Genshin Impact) automatically limit the game. FPS Up to 60 on 60Hz smartphones to avoid frame tearing).
4 Comparison with Competitors: What Other Brands Offer
When the Redmi Note 9 came out in 2020, the market for budget smartphones was very competitive. Let's see what alternatives with different screen frequencies were offered by other manufacturers in this price segment.
| Model | Screen frequency (Hz) | Price in 2020 (note) | Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Redmi Note 9 | 60 | ~15 000 ₽ | IPS, Full HD+, 450 nits |
| Realme 6 | 90 | ~16 000 ₽ | IPS, Full HD+, 430 nits |
| Samsung Galaxy M31 | 60 | ~18 000 ₽ | Super AMOLED, Full HD+, 420 nits |
| POCO X2 | 120 | ~17 000 ₽ | IPS, Full HD+, 450 nits |
| Motorola Moto G8 Power | 60 | ~16 000 ₽ | IPS, Full HD+, 390 nits |
As you can see from the table, the Redmi Note 9 was not the leader in screen frequency, but also did not lag far behind the competition. M31 s AMOLED-It also had 60 Hz, but it offered better colors and contrast. POCO X2 (In 2020, Xiaomi also offered 120 Hz, which was revolutionary for the budget segment.
If you are critical to high screen frequency, you should pay attention to the models. POCO But the Redmi Note 9 won in other aspects:
- 🔋 Battery 5020 mAh (one of the most capacious in the class).
- 📸 Four-chamber system with a main module of 48 MP.
- 💪 Helio processor G85, play-optimized.
💡
In 2020, 60Hz was the norm for a budget smartphone. Only single models (e.g., a low-end smartphone, POCO X2) High frequencies were offered, but often due to other characteristics (e.g. autonomy).
5.Can the Redmi Note 9 screen be overclocked to 90Hz
This is a question often asked by enthusiasts who want to get the most out of their smartphone. Unfortunately, it is not possible to overclock the Redmi Note 9 screen to 90 Hz hardware. The refresh rate is determined by the physical characteristics of the matrix and the display controller, which do not support higher values.
There are a few nuances, however:
- 🔧 Firmware with “fictitious” 90 Hz: some custom firmware (for example, based on LineageOS) can show in the settings of 90 Hz, but in fact the screen will continue to work at 60 Hz.
⚠️ Note: If you see instructions on the Internet to “overclock the screen” Redmi Note 9 to 90 Hz or 120 Hz, know: this is either fraud or methods that will lead to the failure of the device.
The only way to get 90Hz on the Redmi Note 9 is to buy another model.
- 📱 Redmi Note 10 Pro (120 Hz, AMOLED)
- 📱 POCO X3 NFC (120 Hz, IPS)
- 📱 Realme 7 Pro (60Hz but Super) AMOLED)
Why Xiaomi didn’t release the Redmi Note 9 with 90Hz?
6. Optimizing the screen at 60 Hz: tips for gamers and moviegoers
If you already own a Redmi Note 9 and don’t plan to change your smartphone, you can optimize your smartphone to 60Hz to get maximum comfort.
For gamers:
- 🎮 Enable Game Turbo mode in Settings: Settings → Special facilities → Game Turbo. This will reduce input delays.
- 🔧 Limit it. FPS in games: in the settings of the graphics of many games (for example, PUBG Mobile can set the limit to 60 FPS, to avoid frame-breaking.
- 📵 Turn off background processes: Close all unnecessary apps through Recent Tasks before playing.
To watch the video:
- 🎥 Use apps with 60 support FPS: YouTube, Netflix and Amazon Prime Video all have 60-frame content that will play perfectly smoothly.
- 🔊 Set up the sound: in Settings → Sound on, sound enhancement. MIUI dive.
- 🌓 Activate a dark theme: this will reduce the load on the eyes during long viewing.
For everyday use:
- 📱 Increase the speed of animation: in Settings → The phone. → Version. MIUI (tap 7 times to open Developer Mode, then to Settings → Additionally. → For developers, set the animation to 0.5x).
- 🔄 Update. MIUI: New firmware versions often optimize interface smoothness.
These simple settings will help make the Redmi Note 9 more comfortable, even with a 60Hz screen. Of course, this will not replace high frequencies, but will reduce the irritation from possible "slowdowns".
💡
If you watch YouTube videos often, install the NewPipe app from F-Droid, which allows you to force playback at 60. FPS Supported videos, even if the standard YouTube app doesn’t offer it.
7. Frequent Myths About Redmi Note 9 Screen Frequency
There are a lot of myths surrounding the Redmi Note 9 screen frequency, and we'll take a look at some of the most common ones and figure out what's true and what's fiction.
Myth 1: “In some regions, the Redmi Note 9 comes from 90Hz.”
🚫 Reality: No, in all official versions of the Redmi Note 9 (including the Indian version) M2003J15SI global M2003J15SS) The confusion arises due to the fact that in some countries, called Redmi Note 9 sold Redmi Note 9 Pro (for example, in Indonesia).
Myth 2: “After the MIUI update, the screen is running at 90 Hz.”
🚫 Reality: Firmware updates can't physically change the frequency of the matrix. If the 90Hz option appears in the settings after the update, it's either an interface bug or a bogus option (as in some custom firmware).
Myth 3: 60 Hz damages the eyes more than 90 Hz
🚫 Reality: There is no scientific evidence that 60Hz is more harmful to vision. Eye fatigue depends on many factors: brightness, contrast, time of use and individual characteristics. 90Hz can reduce fatigue when working with dynamic content for a long time (for example, text scrolling), but the difference is not critical.
Myth 4: Redmi Note 9 supports adaptive screen frequency
🚫 Reality: Adaptive frequency (automatic switching between 60Hz and 90Hz) only appeared in newer Xiaomi models, starting with the Redmi Note 10 (2021.
If you find information that contradicts these facts, check the source. Often, unscrupulous sellers or authors of articles deliberately exaggerate the characteristics to increase interest in the device.