The Xiaomi Mi 9, launched in February 2019, has become one of the brand’s most talked-about flagships. Even 5 years later, the device continues to be in demand in the secondary market – not least because of its “heart”: Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 855 processor. But why is this chip still considered powerful? And should you buy the Mi 9 in 2026 if performance is important to you?
In this article, we will discuss in detail:
Specifications of the Snapdragon 855 and its architecture.
Real performance in gaming, multi-tasking and everyday tasks.
Comparison with modern chips (e.g. Snapdragon 8 Gen 2).
The challenges and limitations faced by Mi 9 owners today.
Optimization tips to “squeeze” the most out of the old flagship.
If you’re considering the Xiaomi Mi 9 as a budget alternative to new smartphones or just want to understand what its processor is capable of, read on.
Snapdragon 855: Specifications and Architecture
Qualcomm Snapdragon 855
SM8150
TSMC
Snapdragon 845
Xiaomi Mi 8
The Snapdragon 855 architecture is built on three clusters of Kryo 485 cores:
- 1 × Cortex-A76 (2.84 GHz – Large core for heavy tasks.
- 3 × Cortex-A76 (2.42 GHz) – “medium” cores for balance of performance and energy efficiency.
- 4 × Cortex-A55 (1.80 GHz) – “small” cores for background processes.
The graphics accelerator is the Adreno 640, which at the time of release provided a performance gain of up to 20% compared to the Adreno 630 in the Snapdragon 845.
- LPDDR4X memory (up to 16 GB).
- UFS 2.1 and UFS 3.0 (in Mi 9 used in Mi 9) UFS 2.1).
- 5G-Modem (optional, but Mi 9 does not have it - only) 4G X24 LTE).
One of the key innovations was the Hexagon 690 neuroprocessor, which accelerated machine learning tasks (for example, photo processing in mode). AI The Snapdragon 855 was also the first chip to support voice recognition. HDR10+ Dolby Vision for mobile displays.
⚠️ Note: Xiaomi Mi 9 uses the Snapdragon 855 version without 5G-If you want to see the next generation of mobile Internet, pay attention to the Mi 9 Pro. 5G (chip-wise SM8150-AC modem X50).
Productivity in 2026: benchmarks and real use
On paper, the Snapdragon 855 looks impressive, but how does it show up today? we tested the Xiaomi Mi 9 in popular benchmarks and real-world scenarios.
Synthetic tests (benchmarks)
| Test | Results (2026) | Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 (2023) |
|--------------------|------------------------|------------------------------------------|
| AnTuTu 10 | ~350,000 points | ~1,300,000 points |
| Geekbench 6 | ~700 (single-core) | ~2,000 (single-core) |
| 3DMark Wild Life| ~2,500 points | ~10,000 points. |
| GFXBench (Aztec)| 25 fps (1440p) | 90+ fps (1440p) |
As you can see, the gap with today's flagships is huge, especially in graphics, but for most everyday tasks, the Snapdragon 855 is still enough.
Social networks (Telegram, VKontakte, TikTok) work smoothly.
- Video in the video 1080p/60fps Played without lag (including YouTube, Netflix).
Light games (Brawl Stars, Clash Royale, Among Us) are at maximum settings.
But with heavy games, the problems begin:
Genshin Impact is launched at low settings (30 fps, slowing down in battles).
- Call of Duty: Mobile requires reduced graphics to the average for stable 40-50 fps.
- PUBG Mobile on ultra-settings gives 20-25 fps (playable but uncomfortable).
The main problem is overheating. 20-30 minutes of the game session, the temperature of the processor reaches 70-75°C, which causes trottling (automatic frequency reduction). 9 There is no liquid cooling (unlike Black Shark). 2 with the same chip, so we recommend:
- Use the game mode in the settings (Settings) → Special facilities → Game turbo).
Disable background processes before starting the game.
Buy a cooling cover (for example, from Black Shark).
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If your smartphone is too hot, try limiting the maximum CPU frequency through the engineering menu ##4636##, Select Battery Information → Use the processor and lower the limit to 70-80%. This will reduce productivity but extend battery life.
Comparison with modern processors: should you upgrade?
If you’re thinking about switching from the Xiaomi Mi 9 to a new smartphone, let’s compare the Snapdragon 855 to the current chips.
Key differences from the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 (2023)
- 🔥 Productivity: 8 Gen 2 quicker 3-4 in single-core tasks and in 5-6 Once on schedule (thanks Adreno) 740).
- 📱 Energy efficiency: 4nm process technology vs 7nm from 855 – modern chips heat less and last longer.
- 🎮 8 Gen 2 supports ray tracing and 144 fps in most projects, while 855 barely pulls 60 fps.
- 📶 Network: 855 limited 4G (LTE Cat.20), 8 Gen 2 is working with the 5G (modem X70) and Wi-Fi 7.
- 📸 AI and photography: Neuroprocessor Hexagon 690 in 855 inferior to Hexagon 780 in processing speed HDR night-shot.
However, there are scenarios where the Snapdragon 855 is still competitive:
- Emulation of old games (PS2, Nintendo 64 through AetherSX2 Dolphin – the chip copes better than many budget modern smartphones.
- Work with documents (Word, Excel, PDF) — There is almost no difference with new chips.
- Multimedia - video playback 4K/60fps no-no-no-no-no-no-no-no-no-no-no-no-no-no-no-no-no-no-no-no-no-no-no-no-no-no-no-no-no-no-no-no-no-no-no-no-no-no-no-no-no-no-no-no-no-no-no-no-no-no-no-no-no-no-no-no-no-no-no-no-no-no-no-no-no-no-no-no-no-no-no-no-no-no-no-no-no-no-no-no-no-no-no-no-no-no-no-no-no-no-no-no-no-no-no-no-no-no-no-no-no-no-no-no-no-no-no-no-no-no-no-no-no-no-no-no-no-no-no-no-no-no-no-no-no-no-no-no.
Critical information: Xiaomi Mi 9 Snapdragon 855 Doesn't support Android 14 new versions MIUI due to Qualcomm's restrictions.The latest official firmware — MIUI 14 Android-based 12. This means that through 1-2 The device will no longer receive security updates.
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If you need modern games, 5G Or long-term update support -- the Snapdragon 855 is obsolete, but for everyday tasks, emulation and multimedia, it's still a great choice, especially at a price tag. ~15 000 ₽ secondary-market.
Typical Processor Problems in Xiaomi Mi 9 and How to Solve Them
Even the most reliable chip will eventually slow down, and here are the most common complaints from Mi 9 owners and how to fix them:
1. Heavy heating and trottling
As mentioned, the Snapdragon 855 is prone to overheating due to lack of liquid cooling.
- Dust-filled radiator (in Mi 9 it is located under the back cover).
- The thermopaste dried (through) 3-4 year-end).
- Background processes (e.g, MIUI Optimizer or Google Play Services is loading the processor.
Decisions:
- Dust Cleansing: Carefully remove the back cover (need a mediator and hair dryer) and blow the radiator with compressed air.
- Thermopaste replacement: Use a high-temperature paste (e.g. Arctic) MX-6).
- Disconnection of unnecessary services:
adb shell pm disable-user --user 0 com.miui.analytics
adb shell pm disable-user --user 0 com.xiaomi.midrop2. Slowing down through 1-2 year-end
A common problem is memory clogging due to fragmentation UFS Indications:
- Long download of applications.
- Hanging when switching between tasks.
- Slow file copying.
Decisions:
Reset to factory settings (save data!).
Disabling animation (accelerates the interface):
Settings → The phone. → Version. MIUI (tap 7 times) → Additionally. → Animation. = 0.5x
Use of light firmware (e.g. Pixel Experience based on Android 13).
Clear the cache in Settings → Warehouse → Clear the cache
Disable the autoload of unnecessary applications
Install a light launcher (for example, Nova Launcher)
Activate Performance Mode in Settings → Battery → Performance Mode
Update the firmware to the latest version MIUI-->
3.The battery is fast running out
The Snapdragon 855 isn't the most energy-efficient chip, especially if the battery is worn out.
- Install the AccuBattery app.
If the capacity has dropped below 80%, it is time to change the battery.
How to extend autonomy:
- Activate the energy saving mode (Settings) → Battery → Energy saving regime).
Limit background activity for social networks.
- Use dark themes (AMOLED-The Mi 9’s screen uses less energy).
⚠️ Note: If the smartphone suddenly turns off when 20-30% The battery is bloated, replace it immediately, continue to use it is dangerous (risk of fire).
Xiaomi Mi 9 Modifications: Which Processor Is In Each Version?
The Xiaomi Mi 9 came in a few versions, and not all of them were equipped with the Snapdragon 855.
| Model | Processor | Features |
|----------------------|-------------------------|-----------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| Mi 9 (standard) | Snapdragon 855 (SM8150) | 6/128 GB, 27W No charging 5G. |
| Mi 9 SE | Snapdragon 712 | A stripped-down version with a 48MP camera and a 5.97 screen". |
| Mi 9 Pro 5G | Snapdragon 855+ (SM8150-AC) | Support 5G (modem X50), 40W charging, 4500mAh battery. |
| Mi 9 Lite | Snapdragon 710 | Budget version of the C AMOLED-screen and 4030 mAh. |
| Mi 9T (Redmi K20)| Snapdragon 730 | Retractable camera, without wireless charging. |
| Mi 9T Pro | Snapdragon 855 | The analogue of the standard Mi 9, but with a retractable camera and a large screen.|
Only Mi 9 (standard), Mi 9 Pro 5G mi 9T The Pro received the Snapdragon 855. The remaining models were equipped with Snapdragon 700 series chips, which are weaker in performance, but more energy efficient.
If you want maximum power, choose between:
- Mi 9 (cheaper but no) 5G).
- Mi 9 Pro 5G (More expensive, but with the support of new generation networks).
- Mi 9T Pro (retractable camera, but worse cooling due to thick body).
How to distinguish Mi 9 from Mi 9 SE Mi 9 Lite?
Xiaomi Mi 9 with Snapdragon 855: What to choose in 2026?
If you’re interested in the Snapdragon 855, but the Xiaomi Mi 9 isn’t suitable for some reason, consider these models (all 2019, but with a similar chip):
- 📱 OnePlus 7 Pro: Best screen (90Hz, QHD+), But a weak camera and no wireless charging.
- 🎮 Black Shark 2: Gaming smartphone with liquid cooling and physical triggers. perfect for gamers.
- 📸 Samsung Galaxy S10+: Best camera on 855 devices, but more expensive with a closed ecosystem.
- 💰 Redmi K20 Pro (Mi 9T Pro: Cheap Mi 9 with a retractable camera and AMOLED-screen.
- 🔋 Asus ZenFone 6: Unique camera rotary module, but weak software (few updates).
Price range (2026, secondary market):
- 10 000 — 15 000 ₽: Redmi K20 Pro, Xiaomi Mi 9 (with traces of use).
- 15 000 — 20 000 ₽: OnePlus 7, Black Shark 2 (good condition).
- 20 000 — 25 000 ₽: Samsung Galaxy S10+, Asus ZenFone 6 (rare instances).
Tip: If you need a smartphone solely for gaming, take Black Shark 2 – its cooling system is head overhead than the Mi 9. S10+, For the budget option, Redmi K20 Pro.
Xiaomi Mi 9: Should You Buy in 2026?
Xiaomi Mi 9 with Snapdragon 855 is a great choice for the secondary market, but only under certain conditions.
Who should buy it?
✅ For gamers on a budget, for PUBG Mobile, Call of Duty or emulators will be enough with the head.
✅ Photography lovers – 48MP main camera (Sony) IMX586) It is still competitive.
✅ Those looking for a smartphone to work with – performance is enough for office tasks, video calls and multimedia.
✅ Fans. MIUI — Xiaomi firmware is one of the most customized.
Who shouldn't?
❌ For those who want to 5G — No version of the Mi 9 (except the Pro) supports next-generation networks.
❌ Fans of long updates after Android 12 official support ended.
❌ Those who play in the modern world AAA-Genshin Impact, Diablo Immortal or Honkai: Star Rail will be the games that will be played.
❌ Fans of stock Android — MIUI It is heavily overloaded with unnecessary functions.
Final verdict:
- If the budget is up to 15,000 ₽ — Xiaomi Mi 9 is one of the best options.
- If you need something new, look at it. POCO F5 (Snapdragon 7+ Gen 2) or Redmi Note 12 Pro+ (Dimensity 1080).
- If it matters 5G — Take the Mi 9 Pro 5G or a modern smartphone, for example, POCO X6 Pro).
⚠️ Note: Xiaomi Mi is often sold in the secondary market 9 With a low-quality battery replaced. Check before buying: - Battery life (should be at least 4-5 - Condition of the body (scratches on the back can talk about disassembly). - Work of all cameras and sensors (especially NFC and IR-port).