This writer has been using a Xiaomi Mi 9 as a primary smartphone for some time. What better opportunity to try a Mi 9T, which according to the characteristics on paper should be slightly lower due to the processor used. Is the difference between a Snapdragon 730 and an 855 that noticeable in everyday use?
Just out of the box, Xiaomi Mi 9T immediately shows its strong point: the display. Not only for the large 6.39-inch diagonal , for the FullHD resolution +, for the AMOLED technology used, but also and above all due to the complete absence of notches.
There is no front teardrop notch on the Mi 9, there is no hole in the display for the sensor: the screen body ratio is 86.1%, higher than that of the Mi 9 .
It is not a question of magic, but of the use of a pop-up front chamber, ie a retractable one, which protrudes from the frame of the terminal on the upper left side. Our first impressions are undoubtedly positive, both for how the camera works and for the excellent screen, which on a low cost terminal is absolutely unmatched.
Xiaomi Mi 9T features
We refer the details on how it goes to a complete review, wanting to dwell here only on the first impressions after taking it in hand the first time.
Beautiful, clean and elegant, a pity only for the weight: the 191 grams are felt by everyone, especially for those used to a Mi 9, which weighs 173 grams instead. Especially during longer sessions, such as videogames, the difference weighs.
On the other hand, what surprised us positively is the fluidity: in everyday use, to be honest, it didn't seem much slower than the Mi 9. In some rare cases, especially when typing fast texts, we just perceived a very slight difference, but it is such a small detail that it could also be a simple suggestion.
The pop-up room works very well: to unlock the device, in addition to being able to choose the classic under-screen imprint, it is sufficient to slide upwards from the lock screen, so as to bring up the room, which in the blink of an eye will unlock the terminal. Note that the option raises to wake up the display, present on Mi 9T, turns on the display, but does not automatically activate the front camera.
This means, for example, that while on Mi 9 it is sufficient to take the smartphone in hand to unlock it, with the front camera that will automatically activate the Face ID unlocking, on Mi 9T this will not happen: by lifting the screen you will have to slide towards the top for face unlock.
This is a necessary system, which aims to protect the camera, which will not be activated every time the smartphone is picked up, but only when the user decides.
On the other hand, if we have to be honest, in everyday use the drop notch of Mi 9 does not appear to be annoying in any case, which is why this pop-up room system, which also stands out as futuristic and very flashy, it could in the long run only be seen as an aesthetic element, but not so functional.
Of course, for those who play with the smartphone it is absolutely a pleasure not to have any disturbing element on the screen.
The price on GearBest of the two terminals differs by a few euros: 300 euros for the Mi 9T 6 + 128 GB, 335 euros for the Mi 9, always in the 6 + 128GB variant. Right from the start, the difference we want to emphasize the most is that relating to the weight, while in everyday life both seem to be splinters.
Click here to buy Xiaomi Mi 9T .
Click here to buy Xiaomi Mi 9 .
