The market for cheap smartphones has really changed over time, and has evolved to such an extent that it has moved the bar towards the mid-range. As a result, the mid-range has also moved more and more towards the high-end. On test today Redmi 9, Xiaomi brand, which over time has been able to conquer all market segments and that with Redmi 9 really tries to push on entry level models (costs just over 120 euros), addressing a young and dynamic audience.
Despite a very low list price, Redmi 9 does not give up four camera sensors, a Full HD display protected by Corning Gorilla Glass 3, USB-C, fast charging, reverse charging and an IR blaster that is always convenient to control the Living room TV.
Aesthetics
In terms of design, this Redmi 9 has nothing to envy to the most modern smartphones. In fact, it offers a large 6.53-inch FHD + screen with a teardrop notch, which seems to be among the most appreciable looks in this historical moment. On the back of the device there is the fingerprint sensor: although it may seem the cheapest solution to date, because it is not under the screen, it is still one of the most functional.
Redmi 9 is a good terminal also in terms of handling and usability. It measures 163.32 x 77.01 x 9.1 mm and has a weight of 198 grams. It is certainly not a featherweight, but it becomes one considering the current landscape of smartphones, increasingly large and heavier.
On the back it has a very thin striped pattern, which offers a nice touch and feel. The bright color makes it a very sunny terminal.
Screen
The screen has an aspect ratio of 19.5 9 and offers a resolution of 2,340 x 1,080. Brightness, colors and viewing angles are really good. You can adjust the color temperature in the settings by choosing between the different “warm” and “cool” options.
The Redmi 9 also supports sunlight mode, so as to allow you to increase the brightness when in direct sunlight. With this mode active, the device is also able to increase the visibility of darker areas, preventing already lighter areas from becoming washed out. It's a nice feature, especially on a low-end terminal like this one.
Technical features
Redmi 9 mounts the MediaTek Helio G80 processor, flanked by 4 GB of RAM and 64 GB of internal memory. A 3 + 32 GB version is also available on the market. The advice, for a few euros more, is to focus on the version we tested, where the 4GB allow the terminal to run more fluid, perhaps assisting the not too powerful processor.
It is, in fact, an octa-core processor with 2 2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 cores, 6 1.8 GHz Cortex-A55 cores and a Mali-G52 MC2 GPU.
If you look at this portion of the data sheet, of course, you understand that Redmi 9 is not a terminal for 3D gaming. For casual titles, however, it is absolutely enjoyable, but if you try to install Fortnite or PUBG you will notice very low frame rates, although the titles are hypothetically playable.
In everyday use, however, Redmi 9 does not give particular problems, on the contrary it is an excellent terminal to face the day, being able to fully enjoy the entire Android universe.
In addition to being reserved for a young audience, its use as a second terminal for business and productivity cannot be excluded, therefore to read emails, use social and messaging apps, web browsing, and in general any other activity that does not require power of excessive calculation.
As for the audio, the terminal obviously has a single speaker at the bottom, placed next to the USB-C port. The sound is appreciable, but certainly not too deep and not too full-bodied, tending towards cold notes. The 3.5mm headphone jack on the bottom edge is also available, which can certainly be helpful for both gaming and movie watching.
In terms of autonomy, Redmi 9 has a 5,020 mAh battery that supports up to 18W Quick Charge 3.0. In the package there is a 10 W charger that will take the device from 0% to 25% in less than 40 minutes, and reaches from 0% to 50% in about 70 minutes.
Cameras
On a multimedia level Redmi 9 has a four-camera configuration, a big step forward compared to Redmi 8. The main sensor is 13 MP with autofocus and f / 2.2 aperture, flanked by an 8 MP ultra wide-angle sensor, a macro sensor 5 MP and a 2 MP depth sensor.
Overall, the camera is above average when considering the selling price. Portrait mode works quite well with the rear camera, while Pro mode offers manual control over settings such as ISO and white balance, although we certainly believe this mode is the least used, considering this device's target is a younger audience, and who will mainly use the device for social media.
The 8MP ultra-wide-angle sensor is a nice addition and is still a good ally when it comes to taking landscape photos. However, the wide angle is fixed focus, which limits its use in some situations. Even in this case, however, it is an absolutely justifiable limitation.
To get good results in your photos you will have to look for good lighting conditions, while attempts to shoot in low light conditions will often culminate in noisy shots. The front camera works well, and will certainly support all users who want to post selfies on Instagram and other social networks.
Software
Redmi 9 arrives at home with the MIUI 11 based on Android 10. It is, also in this case, an absolutely updated, minimal and modern operating system, which reserves some pleasant surprises, such as the Google feed on the Home Screen. Obviously it will arrive at home ready to use, with the Play Store installed, all the services and G apps working, such as Gmail, YouTube, Google Maps, Google Photos and Google Assistant.
Conclusions
Redmi 9 is a trendy and modern mobile from any point of view. It costs less than 130 euros in its most powerful 4 + 64 GB version, which makes it a real best buy in this price range, which certainly removes interest in other lesser known and certainly less performing “Chinese guys”.
It is a young terminal, it is also perceived by the green and purple colors, which offers a multimedia department that is still pleasant when shooting in good lighting conditions. Fluid and reactive in standard everyday use, with an aesthetic that will not go unnoticed.
Prices and availability
You can buy it directly from here for about 128 euros in its 4 GB RAM variant. In addition to the youthful purple and green colors, a more serious gray color is also available. Click here to buy.
