Xiaomi Redmi 9 SE is a budget smartphone that is still in demand due to its balanced characteristics and affordable price. However, when choosing a device, many users are faced with the question: what processor is installed in this model, and how productive is it? The answer to this question is important not only for gamers or multi-tasking enthusiasts, but also for those who want to understand whether the smartphone will cope with everyday tasks in 2-3 years of operation.
In this article, we will take a closer look at the Redmi 9 SE processor, its architecture, technical parameters, and compare it with other brands, learn what tasks it pulls without lags, and where to expect braking, and analyze how its capabilities relate to the price of the device and whether it is worth overpaying for more powerful models of the Redmi series.
Official specifications of the Redmi 9 SE processor
The heart of the Xiaomi Redmi 9 SE is the MediaTek Helio G35 chipset, a budget processor released in 2020 that is built on a 12nm process, which is not a record for energy efficiency, but allows you to keep the price of the device at a low level. This chip belongs to the Helio G line, which is focused on entry-level gaming smartphones, but in Redmi 9 SE its potential is not fully realized due to memory and display limitations.
Key parameters of the Helio G35:
- 🔹 Central processing unit (CPU): 8 cores (4) × Cortex-A53 @ 2.3 GHz + 4 × Cortex-A53 @ 1.8 GHz in big.LITTLE configuration.
- 🎮 Graphics processor (GPU): PowerVR GE8320 680 MHz.
- 📱 Display support: up to HD+ (1600×720) frequent 90 Hz (in Redmi) 9 SE used 60 Hz).
- 📷 Camera: support for modules up to 25 MP (main) and 13 MP (additional).
- 🔋 modem: 4G LTE Cat-7 (up to 300 Mbps per download).
An important nuance: in some regions (e.g. India), the Redmi 9 SE was sold under the name Redmi 9i Sport with the same processor but with different memory options.
Architecture and Process: Why 12nm is a Compromise
The 12nm process technology on which the Helio G35 is built is considered obsolete today compared to the flagship chips at 4-5 nm. However, for the budget segment, this is a standard solution that allows you to reduce the cost of production.
- ⚡ Increased power consumption: the processor heats up more than modern analogues, which can lead to trottling (resetting frequencies) under prolonged loads.
- 🔋 Average autonomy: with active use (games, video) the battery 5000 mAh in Redmi 9 SE discharged in 6-8 hours.
- 💰 Low price: cheap production allows you to keep the cost of a smartphone within 10-15 thousand rubles.
By comparison, the flagship Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 or Dimensity 9000 chips are made with 4nm process technology, giving them an advantage in performance and energy efficiency. However, in the budget segment, the Helio G35 competes with the Snapdragon 460 (11 nm) and Helio G25 (12 nm), where the difference is minimal.
⚠️ Note: If you are planning to use Redmi 9 SE videotape 4K Or photo processing in Lightroom, be prepared for slowdowns.The processor does not physically support encoding the video above. 1080p@30fps.
Performance in Games and benchmarks
The PowerVR GE8320 graphics processor in the Helio G35 is a low-end processor and is not designed for modern games at maximum settings, but it does handle most popular projects in medium or low settings.
| Game. | Settings | FPS (medium) | Heating. | Autonomy (min) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PUBG Mobile | Balanced/HD | 30–35 | Moderate (up to 42°C) | 120–150 |
| Call of Duty: Mobile | Low/Mediocre | 40–45 | Strong (up to 45°C) | 90–110 |
| Genshin Impact | Minimum | 20–25 | Critical (up to 48°C) | 60–80 |
| Free Fire | Tall. | 50–55 | Weak (up to 38°C) | 180+ |
In synthetic tests, the Helio G35 shows the following results:
- 📊 AnTuTu 9: ~100,000-110 000 points.
- 🎯 Geekbench 5 (Single-Core): ~170-180 points.
- 🔄 Geekbench 5 (Multi-Core): ~900-950 points.
By comparison, the Snapdragon 460 (a competitor from Qualcomm) scores ~120,000 on AnTuTu, and the Helio G80 is ~200,000. The difference is noticeable, but in everyday tasks (social networks, YouTube, instant messengers), it is not critical.
💡
To reduce the heat during games, turn off the background apps and reduce the brightness of the screen by up to 50%, which will extend battery life by 15-20%.
Comparison with competitors: who is better?
In the budget segment, the Helio G35 competes with several popular chips, and below is a comparison table of key parameters:
| Processor | Technique | CPU (core) | GPU | AnTuTu 9 | Support for 5G support |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Helio G35 (Redmi 9 SE) | 12 nm | 4×2.3 + 4×1.8 GHz | PowerVR GE8320 | ~100 000 | ❌ No. |
| Snapdragon 460 (Redmi 9A) | 11nm | 4×1.8 + 4×1.6 GHz | Adreno 610 | ~120 000 | ❌ No. |
| Helio G80 (Redmi 9) | 12 nm | 2×2.0 + 6×1.8 GHz | Mali-G52 MC2 | ~200 000 | ❌ No. |
| Dimensity 700 (Redmi Note 10 5G) | 7nm | 2×2.2 + 6×2.0 GHz | Mali-G57 MC2 | ~300 000 | ✅ Yes. |
The table shows that the Helio G35 loses even the Snapdragon 460 in performance, not to mention the more modern chips with support for 5G. However, in the Redmi 9 SE, it is compensated:
- 💾 Large amount of memory (up to) 6/128 GB in the top version).
- 🔋 A large battery (5000 mAh).
- 📸 Good main camera (13 MP with support) HDR).
⚠️ Attention: If you need support 5G, Redmi 9 SE It is not suitable, it is set up only for modems. 4G LTE. Check out the Dimensity 700 or later.
Real productivity in everyday tasks
Unlike games where the Helio G35 shows its weaknesses, it shows a stable performance in everyday use.
- 📱 Simultaneous work of Telegram, WhatsApp, Instagram and YouTube (up to 10 background applications).
- 🎥 Watching a video in Full HD on YouTube or Netflix (without overheating).
- 📷 Take photos in 13 MP with processing in Google Photos.
- 📄 Work with documents in Word or Excel (without lags when editing tables up to 1000 lines).
However, there are limitations:
- ❌ Multitasking: when switching between 15+ applications start hanging (RAM 4 GB quickly fills up).
- ❌ Video editing: Programs like CapCut or KineMaster work, but rendering takes 2-3 times longer than on the Snapdragon 662.
- ❌ AR-Applications: games with augmented reality (Pokémon GO, Harry Potter: Wizards Unite is slowing down due to a weaker version GPU.
Disable animation in developer settings |Limit background processes |Use Easy Mode in MIUI|Cache once a week |Disable auto-update applications-->
Should I buy the Redmi 9 SE in 2026?
At the time of its release (2021), the Redmi 9 SE was one of the best budget smartphones, but today its position has weakened due to the emergence of more modern alternatives.
Pros:
- ✅ Price: even in 2026, the device can be found for 9-12 thousand rubles (new or used in perfect condition).
- ✅ Autonomy: 5000 mAh battery provides 1.5-2 days of operation with moderate use.
- ✅ MIUI: The firmware is updated regularly (last version — MIUI 14 based on Android 12).
Cons:
- ❌ Outdated processor: Helio G35 No longer pulling new games and heavy apps.
- ❌ No. 5G: In the context of the active development of fifth-generation networks, this is a serious disadvantage.
- ❌ HD-display: resolution 720p It looks a bit blurry compared to Full. HD+ modern-day.
Alternatives to Redmi 9 SE in 2026:
- 📱 Redmi 12C (Helio G85, 6.71" HD+, price ~13 thousand rubles.) - better processor and display.
- 📱 Poco M6 Pro (Snapdragon 4 Gen 2, 5G, price ~15 thousand rubles.) - a modern chip with support 5G.
- 📱 Samsung Galaxy M14 (Exynos 1330, 90Hz, price ~16 thousand rubles.) - the best screen and cameras.
💡
If you want a smartphone solely for calls, social media and YouTube, the Redmi 9 SE is still relevant. For everything else, consider models with processors no older than 2022.