Xiaomi Mi 9 Pro is the flagship of 2019, and still attracts the interest of mobile enthusiasts. The main “heart” of this device was the processor that determines its performance, energy efficiency and capabilities in games or multitasking. But what chipset is hidden under the body of the Mi 9 Pro, and how it differs from the counterparts in other flagships of the period?
Many users confuse the Mi 9 Pro with the base model Mi 9 or the Mi 9T Pro version, which used different processors. In this article, we will analyze the specifications of the chipset, compare with competitors (including the Apple A13 and Kirin 990), and give recommendations on how to optimize the processor to extend the life of the smartphone, paying special attention to overclocking, cooling and typical problems faced by owners.
If you are planning to buy a used Mi 9 Pro or just want to squeeze the most out of your device - this article will help you understand the nuances of its "iron" without unnecessary technical jargon.
Official characteristics of the Xiaomi Mi 9 Pro processor
The Xiaomi Mi 9 Pro features Qualcomm’s flagship Snapdragon 855+ (SM8150-AC), an upgraded version of the Snapdragon 855 released in the second quarter of 2019, which is Qualcomm’s response to the growing performance demands of mobile games and AR/VR-enabled apps.
Key features of the Snapdragon 855+:
- 🔹 Process technology: 7 nm (TSMC), This provided 20% less power consumption compared to the previous generation of 10nm chips.
- 🔹 Central processing unit (CPU): 8 core-configuration 1+3+4: 1 Kryo core 485 Prime (modified) Cortex-A76) clockwise 2.96 GHz 2.84 GHz in base 855). 3 Kryo core 485 Gold, too. Cortex-A76) on 2.42 GHz. 4 Kryo core 485 Silver (Cortex-A55) on 1.8 GHz for energy efficient tasks.
- 🔹 Graphics processor (GPU): Adreno 640 with 672 MHz (15 percent higher than the Snapdragon 855).
- 🔹 Neural processor (NPU): Hexagon 690 with support for speeding up AI tasks (for example, in the camera or voice assistants).
- 🔹 Modem: Snapdragon X24 supportive LTE Cat.20 (download speed up to 2 Gbps).
Importantly, the Mi 9 Pro was one of the first 5G smartphones (in the Mi 9 Pro 5G version), but the 5G module was not available in the standard version.
Comparison of Snapdragon 855+ with 2019 competitors
In 2019, the market was dominated by three flagship chipsets: Snapdragon 855+, Apple A13 Bionic (in iPhone 11) and Huawei Kirin 990 (in the Mate 30 Pro).
| Characteristics | Snapdragon 855+ | Apple A13 Bionic | Kirin 990 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Technique | 7 nm (TSMC) | 7 nm+ (TSMC) | 7 nm+ (TSMC) |
| Max. CPU frequency. | 2.96 GHz | 2.65 GHz | 2.86 GHz |
| GPU | Adreno 640 | Apple GPU (4 cores) | Mali-G76 MP16 |
| Performance in AnTuTu (medium) | ~480 000 | ~550 000 | ~460 000 |
| Support for 5G support | Only with external modem (X50) | No. | Yeah (embedded modem) |
The table shows that the Snapdragon 855+ was inferior to the Apple A13 in synthetic tests, but surpassed the Kirin 990 in CPU frequency and energy efficiency. The main advantage of the chipset from Qualcomm was a wide range of overclocking and optimization for Android games (for example, PUBG Mobile or Call of Duty: Mobile).
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Note: In real-world conditions, the performance difference between these chipsets is often offset by software optimization. For example, the iPhone 11 on the A13 could have shown better interface smoothness than the Mi 9 Pro, despite the lower CPU frequency.
Real performance: tests and benchmarks
To evaluate the capabilities of the Snapdragon 855+ in the Xiaomi Mi 9 Pro, we turn to the results of popular benchmarks and real tests:
- 📊 AnTuTu 8: ~470,000–490,000 (depending on the software version and chip temperature) compared to the Snapdragon 865 (2020) ~580,000 points.
- 🎮 3DMark (Sling Shot Extreme): ~6,500 points (GPU). This allowed to run games at maximum settings with a frame rate of 60 FPS.
- 📱 Geekbench 5: Single-Core: ~750-800 points. Multi-Core: ~2,600-2,800 points.
- 🔋 Energy efficiency: In the PCMark Work 2.0 test (imitation of office work), the Mi 9 Pro showed the time of autonomy ~9-10 hours with active use.
In games, Snapdragon 855+ showed stable 60 FPS in PUBG Mobile (HDR + Ultra settings) and Call of Duty: Mobile (maximum quality).However, long sessions (over 40 minutes) saw trottling - a decrease in performance due to overheating. This was a typical problem for many flagships in 2019 without active cooling.
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To reduce trottling, use game modes in MIUI settings or utilities like Game Turbo. Also help disable background processes through Settings → Battery → Optimizing power consumption
Typical Processor Problems and Their Solutions
Despite its power, the Snapdragon 855+ in the Xiaomi Mi 9 Pro may have encountered a number of problems, especially after 2-3 years of operation.
- 🔥 Overheating: The temperature of the chip could reach 60-70°C when loading. Solutions: Remove the case during games. Use cooling stands or fans (such as Black Shark FunCooler Pro). Limit the maximum frequency CPU through the engineering menu (requires root).
- 🐢 Slowdown: Over time, there may have been a lag of the interface. Causes: Full memory (clear the cache in Settings) → Storage. Outdated firmware (update) MIUI Background processes (disable auto-run applications).
- 🔋 Fast battery discharge: The culprit was often unoptimized software or high power consumption. GPU. Help: Activate Power Saving Mode in Settings. Disable Always-On Display. Replace the Thermopast (when disassembling the device).
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Note: If the smartphone suddenly turns off when loaded, this may indicate battery degradation or power problems with the processor, in which case it is recommended to check the status of the battery through the AccuBattery application or contact the service center.
Check the temperature in AIDA64|Clean the dust charger connector|Update the firmware to the latest version|Reset the settings to factory (if the lags are critical)|Contact the service at temperatures above 70°C-->
How to Overclock the Xiaomi Mi 9 Pro Processor (for Power Users)
The Snapdragon 855+ chipset has hidden overclocking potential, but this requires caution. Overclocking is only possible on custom firmware (like LineageOS or Pixel Experience) with a kernel that supports overclocking.
Basic methods:
- Dispersal CPU: Increase the frequency of cores through Kernel Audiutor or set_cpu_freq into ADB. Maximum safe limit — 3.0–3.1 GHz for Kryo 485 Prime.
- GPU overclocking: Increase Adreno 640 frequency to 700-750 MHz (standard - 672 MHz), the risk of overheating increases by 30-40%.
- Optimizing the scheduler: Replacing the standard schedutil with performance or ondemand to reduce delays.
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Warning: Overclocking reduces the life of the chip and can cause permanent damage if not cooled, and is recommended only on devices with a replaced heat paste and external cooler.
Example of command to overclock through ADB (root rights required):
echo "performance" > /sys/devices/system/cpu/cpu0/cpufreq/scaling_governor
echo 3072000 > /sys/devices/system/cpu/cpu0/cpufreq/scaling_max_freqWhat happens if you exceed the safe limits?
Refrigeration and modifications to improve performance
One of the main drawbacks of the Xiaomi Mi 9 Pro is passive cooling, which could not cope with the heat generation of the Snapdragon 855+ at peak loads.
- ❄️ Thermopaste replacement: Standard paste on the chip dries over time. Popular alternatives: Arctic MX-4 (tenure ~5 years). Thermal Grizzly Kryonaut (for extreme conditions).
- 🛠️ Installation of copper plate: Additional radiator on the chip and RAM (requires disassembly).
- 🌬️ External coolers: Black Shark FunCooler 2 Pro reduces temperature by 10-15°C.
- 🔄 Software Tweaks: Disabling Background Processes Through ADB: adb shell settings put global hidden_api_policy 1 (Unlocks hidden energy saving settings).
After modifications, the load temperature can drop from 65-70 °C to 50-55 °C, which will positively affect the stability of FPS in games and battery life.
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Replacing thermopaste is the most effective way to improve cooling without losing warranty (if the device is no longer warranty-worthy).
Should you buy Xiaomi Mi 9 Pro in 2026?
5 years after the release of Xiaomi Mi 9 Pro remains relevant for certain categories of users, but has a number of limitations:
- ✅ Pros: Excellent performance for everyday tasks and easy games, support for custom firmware (including Android 13 via LineageOS 20). AMOLED-screen HDR10+.
- ❌ Cons: No official updates (last version) MIUI — Weak autonomy (4,000 mAh battery degrades to 70-80% capacity in 3-4 years) Lack of support 5G standardized.
💰 Price segment (2026):
- B/U in perfect condition: ~15 000–20 000 ₽.
- With traces of use: ~10 000–15 000 ₽.
- On spare parts (with broken screen): ~5 000–8 000 ₽.
🔹 Who's good for:
- Gamers who play MOBA or strategy games (but not Genshin Impact at maximum settings).
- Custom firmware enthusiasts.
- Those looking for a budget flagship with a good camera (48 MP Sony IMX586).
🔹 Who doesn't fit:
- Those who need long-term autonomy or 5G.
- Users who depend on official security updates.
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The Xiaomi Mi 9 Pro in 2026 is a great option for the aftermarket, if you don’t need the latest features and are ready for self-optimization.