The Xiaomi Redmi 9 is one of the consumers' most highly sought smartphones to date. We already know that Xiaomi is a very popular brand when it comes to budget-friendly-capable devices, and the Redmi 9 falls into that category.
Xiaomi Redmi 9 Review; 9 for Outstanding
But what are the features that make it one of the top picks in the very crowded entry-level segment? If you do not know the answer yet, that is okay, just read on with our Xiaomi Redmi 9 review, and we will tell you all those things. So, let's start!
Any person without the knowledge of how much it really costs will definitely think that the Xiaomi Redmi 9 is priced way more expensive than it actually is. That is because it looks elegant overall, not to mention it has a unique circular design around its four rear camera modules and a fingerprint sensor that gives it a refreshing look. It also has a textured back panel that minimizes fingerprint smudges, and it is available in three gradient colors, namely Carbon Grey, Ocean Green, and Sunset Purple.
Carbon Grey Textured Back Design
But, it is not just visually cool, it also actually feels great. And to be honest, when we first get hold of it, we could hardly believe that its asking price is within the Php7K range.
6.53-inch FHD+ Display
On the front, it has the same screen size and resolution as the Xiaomi Redmi Note 9, both of which have a 6.53-inch display with 2340 x 1080 pixels and are topped with Corning Gorilla Glass 3 for protection. Both also have a fullscreen display, albeit the Redmi 9 has a small notch up top wherein the 8MP selfie camera is located, while the Redmi Note 9 uses a punch-hole panel.
Going through the sides, the top holds the IR blaster that allows users to control home appliances with their phones and the Noise-Cancelling Microphone that filters ambient noise for better reception. The right side has the volume keys and power button; the left has the triple-slot card tray, and the bottom is quite busy with the 3.5mm audio jack, primary microphone, USB Type-C port, and loudspeaker.
Xiaomi Redmi 9 Unboxing and Hands-on
The retail box contains the unit itself, the 10-watt charger, USB-C cable, ejector pin, and paper documents, and Xiaomi is generous enough to include a free case in the package. Please watch the above unboxing and hands-on video to learn more about its physical appearance.
SOFTWARE:
The Xiaomi Redmi 9 runs on MIUI 11 based on Android 10. Just like the previous versions, the MUI 11 is a feature-rich operating system that offers lots of added functionality and a stable experience. However, if you are coming off from other smartphone brands, there is a little learning curve at first before you can fully master navigating through the interface. But that's the beauty in it - a different kind of experience that separates it from other brands and gives it a unique identity of its own.
Software
By the way, MIUI 12 was recently launched, but we are not sure if the Redmi 9 will receive it. Just in case you want to know more details about it, visit https://en.miui.com/.
PERFORMANCE:
The Xiaomi Redmi 9 is powered by MediaTek Helio G80 Gaming Chipset, the same chipset found on its rival - the realme 6i. It has a 2GHz octa-core CPU paired with ARM Mali-G52 MC graphics. Technically speaking, it is almost the same as the MediaTek Helio G85 chip inside the Redmi Note 9, except for a very minimal 50MHz faster clock rate of the G85.
CPU-Z Info
In terms of memory, the one we have for review has 3GB of RAM and 32GB of ROM, while the other one has 4GB of RAM and 64GB of ROM. The difference in price between the two variants is only 500 pesos, so if you can spare additional yellow paper money, then you better get the one with 4GB RAM. Moreover, if you want to save some bucks, wait for the sale on Lazada, which seems to happen every month.
We run it through our favorite benchmarking tools, and the results are as follows.
Benchmark Scores
Benchmark
realme 6i
realme C3
Xiaomi Redmi 9
Antutu
205,996
179,857
185,616
Geekbench 5 (Single-Core)
360
365
363
Geekbench 5 (Multi-Core)
1,293
1,271
1,319
Geekbench 5 (RenderScript)
1,118
958
1,122
PC Mark
9,008
8,649
8,766
3D Mark Sling Shot
1,769
1,619
1,740
3D Mark Sling Shot (Vulcan)
1,342
1,180
1,320
3D Mark Sling Shot (OpenGL)
1,349
1,190
1,338
As you can see from the above table, the scores are on par with the realme 6i, which has the same chipset, and slightly better than the realme C3 which has a MediaTek Helio G70 chip. In addition, the results are in a similar range to the Helio P90 chipset found inside the OPPO Reno3.
Based on our realme C3 review, the G70 chipset is better than the Qualcomm Snapdragon 665-powered devices, such as the OPPO A9 2020 and Realme 5. This simply means that the Xiaomi Redmi 9 also edges out these devices.
In real-life usage, the MediaTek Helio G80 is more than enough for the usual day-to-day tasks, even with 3GB of RAM, just like our unit. Playing games with it is enjoyable, too, albeit you will experience hiccups and lags occasionally. We are not sure if the performance is the same with 4GB of RAM, but again, if you have spare 500 pesos, go for it.
CAMERA:
Aside from a very capable chipset, its rear quad-camera set-up is another highly of the Xiaomi Redmi 9. It is one of the very few phones under the Php7K price segment to have four shooters on its back. The upper-most camera is the 8MP f/2.2 fixed-focus 118-degree ultra-wide-angle module, followed by the 13MP f/2.2 autofocus primary shooter and then the 2MP FF f/2.4 depth sensor. The small one above the LED flash is the dedicated 5MP FF f/2.4 for macro shots.
AI 13MP Quad Camera
Meanwhile, the one in the front is an 8MP f/2.0 27mm-wide selfie snapper.
8MP Front Camera
The camera interface is pretty straightforward and easy to use. However, it is missing one feature that always comes in handy when taking shots in dark environments - the dedicated night mode. Yes, it has PRO mode to tweak some parameters, but not all are techy about composting night shots using it. Hopefully, future updates will bring it to the Redmi 9.
Camera Samples:
Day, Pool, Normal
Day, Pool, HDR
Day, Trees, Normal
Day, Trees, HDR
Night, PedXing, Primary
Night, PedXing, Ultrawide
Night, Playground, Primary
Night, Playground, Ultrawide
Selfie
Given its asking price, the Xiaomi Redmi 9 camera outputs are considered above average. Images produced with proper lighting are very much usable, especially when HDR is turned on. In our samples above, you can quickly notice that the skies are much more visible and detailed with HDR. At night, the output images have lesser details, but the subject in focus is still apparent.
CONNECTIVITY:
The Xiaomi Redmi 9 comes with basic wireless connectivity features, namely 4G LTE for mobile data, WiFi for home connection, Bluetooth for pairing earphones and other accessories, plus a bonus - the Infrared Sensor. The IR Blaster lets you control home appliances using the Mi Remote app, we tried it, and it works just fine.
For wired connections, it has a USB Type-C port that supports OTG and reverse charging and a 3.5mm for those more comfortable using wired earphones.
BATTERY:
Another attractive feature of the Xiaomi Redmi 9 is its massive 5,020mAh battery that supports up to 18W fast charging. However, the charger included in the box only has a 10W (5V2A) output. Based on our test using the supplied charger, in 2 hours, it reaches 80%, 2.5 hours at 94%, and it needs almost 2 hours and 55 minutes to fully charge from 0%.
PC Mark Battery Test Score
In the PC Mark Battery Test, it scored 15 hours and 41 minutes, which is already quite impressive. However, it is 4 hours and 1 minute lower when compared to realme C11 with a 5,000mAh battery that got a score of 19 hours and 40 minutes.
As our secondary device, which we usually use for a few minutes of calls, 10 texts or so, and an hour of social media browsing, it always lasts more than two days.
FINAL WORDS:
Xiaomi Redmi 9
The Xiaomi Redmi 9 is an elegant-looking smartphone that offers excellent value for money. It has an affordable price tag, 1080p display, AI quad-camera, capable internals, and a large battery that supports fast charging - features that will surely attract budget-conscious consumers.
How much is the Xiaomi Redmi 9 in the Philippines?
The Xiaomi Redmi 9 prices Philippines are Php6,990 for the 3GB + 32GB model and Php7,490 for the 4GB + 64GB variant.
