Redmi Note 9
The Redmi Note 9 is a mid-range Android smartphone manufactured by Xiaomi under its Redmi sub-brand, featuring a 6.53-inch FHD+ IPS Dot Drop display, MediaTek Helio G85 octa-core processor, a 48 MP quad rear camera system, and a 5020 mAh battery with 18W fast charging support.[1][2] Released globally on May 12, 2020, it succeeded the Redmi Note 8 and was positioned as an affordable device emphasizing battery life, camera versatility, and everyday performance for budget-conscious consumers.[2] The device sports an Aura Balance Design with a 3D four-curved body, water wave texture on the back, and Corning Gorilla Glass 5 protection on the front, measuring 162.3 x 77.2 x 8.9 mm and weighing 199 grams, available in colors like Forest Green, Arctic White, and Midnight Grey.[1][3] It includes up to 6 GB of LPDDR4X RAM and 128 GB of eMMC 5.1 storage (expandable via microSDXC), running on Android 10 with MIUI 11 out of the box, later upgradable to Android 12 and MIUI 13 for enhanced security and features like side-mounted fingerprint sensor, IR blaster, and 3.5 mm headphone jack.[1][2] Notable for its camera array—a 48 MP main sensor paired with 8 MP ultra-wide (118° field of view), 2 MP macro, and 2 MP depth lenses for the rear, plus a 13 MP front camera—the Redmi Note 9 supports AI-enhanced photography modes and 1080p video recording.[1] Its Helio G85 chipset, with a 2.0 GHz max clock speed and 1000 MHz GPU, delivers an AnTuTu v8 benchmark score of around 209,956, making it suitable for gaming and multitasking in its price segment, while the P2i splash-proof coating adds minor water resistance.[1] Variants include 3 GB/64 GB and 4 GB/128 GB configurations, contributing to the Redmi Note series' status as one of the world's top-selling smartphone lines in 2020.[1][2]History and release
Development and announcement
The Redmi Note 9 series was positioned as the successor to the Redmi Note 8 lineup, serving as mid-range smartphones targeted at budget-conscious consumers by offering upgrades in camera performance and battery endurance while maintaining affordability.[4] Development of the series emphasized cost-effective hardware choices, with higher-end models like the Note 9 Pro and Note 9S built on Qualcomm Snapdragon platforms for robust performance in global markets, while the base Note 9 utilized the MediaTek Helio G85 chipset to enhance accessibility in regions including China.[5] Key manufacturing partnerships included assembly by Foxconn, particularly at facilities in India to meet local demand and comply with production regulations.[6] The series' rollout began with the announcement of the Redmi Note 9 Pro in India on March 12, 2020, marking the initial reveal for the lineup.[7] This was followed by the Redmi Note 9S unveiling on March 23, 2020, through an online event necessitated by the escalating COVID-19 pandemic.[8] The complete series, encompassing the vanilla Redmi Note 9, was fully revealed globally on April 30, 2020, via another virtual launch to accommodate ongoing restrictions.[9]Launch timeline and availability
The Redmi Note 9 series began its rollout in India with the launch of the Note 9 Pro on March 12, 2020, with sales starting on March 17, 2020, at a price of ₹12,999 for the 4GB/64GB variant.[7][10] This was followed by the Note 9 Pro Max, also announced on March 12, 2020, and made available from May 12, 2020, priced at ₹14,999 for the base model.[11] The initial launches in India were conducted online due to COVID-19 restrictions, which led to the cancellation of physical events and subsequent delays in sales for models like the Note 9 Pro Max amid supply chain disruptions.[12][13] Globally, the Note 9S was introduced on March 23, 2020, as an early international variant, with availability starting April 7, 2020, via platforms like AliExpress, priced from $249.[14] The core Note 9 and Note 9 Pro models received their global debut on April 30, 2020, with the Note 9 priced at €199 for the 3GB/64GB configuration and the Note 9 Pro at €309 for the 6GB/128GB variant.[15] These were released widely on May 12, 2020, and May 5, 2020, respectively.[2][16] In China, the series appeared as the rebranded Redmi 10X 4G, launched on May 26, 2020, starting at 999 yuan (approximately $140) for the 4GB/128GB model, targeting the domestic market exclusively under this name.[17][18] Later in the year, the Poco M2 Pro, a rebranded Note 9 Pro, was launched in India on July 7, 2020, with sales beginning July 14, 2020, emphasizing online channels like Flipkart.[19][20] The Note 10 Lite followed as a global variant on October 1, 2021, going on sale October 2, 2021, in regions including India.[21] The base Redmi Note 9 was launched in India on July 20, 2020, with sales starting July 24, 2020, priced at ₹11,999 for the 3GB/64GB variant.[22] Availability for the series was broad internationally through Xiaomi's Mi.com website and authorized retailers in Europe, Asia, and Latin America, but it was not officially distributed in the United States due to market strategy and carrier compatibility issues.[15] In India, sales focused heavily on e-commerce platforms to navigate pandemic-related restrictions.[22]Design
Build materials and dimensions
The Redmi Note 9 employs a plastic frame and rear panel for its build, paired with a Corning Gorilla Glass 5 front cover to enhance scratch resistance.[3][2] This construction balances affordability with durability, featuring a 3D four-curved body design for a more premium feel.[3] The device measures 162.3 × 77.2 × 8.9 mm and weighs 199 g, making it compact yet substantial for a mid-range smartphone.[2] It includes P2i nano-coating for splash resistance, providing protection against everyday spills and light rain but without an official IP rating for submersion.[23] The Gorilla Glass 5 offers improved drop and scratch durability compared to prior generations, as verified by Corning's testing standards. Ergonomically, the device features rounded edges for comfortable one-handed use, a side-mounted fingerprint sensor embedded in the power button on the right edge for quick access, and an IR blaster positioned at the top for remote control functionality.[2]Color options
The Redmi Note 9 is available in three primary color options globally: Midnight Grey, Forest Green, and Polar White.[2] In India, an additional Scarlet Red variant was introduced in August 2020, featuring a vibrant red finish exclusive to that market.[24] All variants utilize a matte plastic rear panel with glossy accents around the camera housing, providing a non-slip texture without premium materials like leather or glass.[2]Hardware
Processor and memory
The Redmi Note 9 series features two primary system-on-chip (SoC) options, tailored to different models within the lineup, providing a balance of performance and efficiency for mid-range tasks such as multitasking, streaming, and light gaming.[2] The base Redmi Note 9 and its Chinese equivalent, the Redmi Note 10X 4G, are powered by the MediaTek Helio G85 SoC, manufactured on a 12 nm process. This octa-core processor includes two Cortex-A75 performance cores clocked at up to 2.0 GHz and six Cortex-A55 efficiency cores at up to 1.8 GHz, paired with a Mali-G52 MC2 graphics processing unit (GPU).[25][2] The Helio G85 is designed for everyday use, offering improved power efficiency over previous MediaTek chips in its class through its HyperEngine technology, which optimizes resource allocation for gaming and app switching.[26] In contrast, higher-end variants such as the Redmi Note 9S, Note 9 Pro, Note 10 Lite, and Poco M2 Pro utilize the Qualcomm Snapdragon 720G SoC, built on an 8 nm process for better thermal efficiency and power management. This octa-core chip comprises two Kryo 465 Gold performance cores (based on Cortex-A76 architecture) at up to 2.3 GHz, six Kryo 465 Silver efficiency cores (Cortex-A55) at 1.8 GHz, and an Adreno 618 GPU, enabling smoother handling of demanding applications compared to the Helio G85.[27] The Snapdragon 720G's architecture supports advanced features like Game Quick Touch for reduced latency in touch inputs during gameplay. Memory configurations vary across the series to match the SoCs and target markets. For Helio G85 models, options include 3 GB or 4 GB of LPDDR4X RAM paired with 64 GB or 128 GB of eMMC 5.1 storage, all expandable up to 512 GB via a dedicated microSDXC slot.[2] Snapdragon 720G variants offer more robust setups, such as 4 GB, 6 GB, or 8 GB LPDDR4X RAM with 64 GB, 128 GB, or 256 GB UFS 2.1 storage, also supporting microSDXC expansion. These configurations ensure sufficient headroom for running multiple apps, though the eMMC storage in base models results in slightly slower read/write speeds than UFS in premium variants.[28] Performance benchmarks highlight the series' mid-range positioning. The Helio G85 achieves AnTuTu v8 scores around 206,000 points, reflecting solid CPU and GPU capabilities for casual use but limitations in intensive multitasking.[29] The Snapdragon 720G scores approximately 278,000 on AnTuTu v8, with stronger GPU performance enabling better frame rates in graphics-heavy tasks.[30] Both SoCs support gaming titles like PUBG Mobile at medium settings with 30-40 frames per second (FPS), though prolonged sessions may require adjusted graphics for stability on the Helio G85.[31][32] Regarding thermal management, the 8 nm Snapdragon 720G demonstrates superior efficiency, maintaining lower temperatures during extended use compared to the 12 nm Helio G85, which can warm up noticeably under load but avoids severe throttling in standard scenarios.[27][33] This efficiency contributes to better battery longevity in power-intensive activities across the series.[30]| Model Variant | SoC | RAM Options | Storage Options | Expandable Storage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Base Note 9 / 10X | MediaTek Helio G85 | 3 GB, 4 GB | 64 GB, 128 GB | Yes (microSDXC up to 512 GB) |
| Note 9S / Pro / 10 Lite / Poco M2 Pro | Qualcomm Snapdragon 720G | 4 GB, 6 GB, 8 GB | 64 GB, 128 GB, 256 GB | Yes (microSDXC up to 512 GB) |
Display
The Redmi Note 9 series features IPS LCD displays across its variants, providing vibrant colors and wide viewing angles suitable for mid-range smartphones. The base Redmi Note 9 utilizes a 6.53-inch IPS LCD panel with a resolution of 1080 x 2340 pixels, achieving a pixel density of approximately 395 ppi and a 19.5:9 aspect ratio.[2] In contrast, higher-end variants such as the Redmi Note 9S, Note 9 Pro, and Note 9 Pro Max employ a larger 6.67-inch IPS LCD display with a resolution of 1080 x 2400 pixels, maintaining the same 395 ppi density but adopting a taller 20:9 aspect ratio for an enhanced immersive experience.[16] All models incorporate a punch-hole design for the front-facing camera, maximizing screen real estate while integrating seamlessly with the DotDisplay technology. Brightness levels reach up to 450 nits (typical) on all variants, ensuring decent visibility in various lighting conditions, though the displays do not support high dynamic range beyond standard capabilities in the base model.[2] The Pro models, including the Note 9 Pro and Note 9 Pro Max, add HDR10 support, enabling better contrast and color depth for compatible video content.[34] Additionally, the entire lineup carries TÜV Rheinland certification for low blue light emission, reducing eye strain during prolonged use.[25] Unlike subsequent series, none of the Redmi Note 9 displays feature a 90Hz refresh rate, sticking to a standard 60Hz for smooth but not ultra-fluid scrolling and animations.[16] For durability, all models are protected by Corning Gorilla Glass 5 on the front, offering resistance to scratches and minor drops.[28] This combination of features positions the displays as reliable workhorses for everyday tasks like streaming, gaming, and browsing, balancing performance with affordability in the mid-range segment.[35]Camera system
The Redmi Note 9 features a quad-camera setup on the rear, consisting of a 48 MP main wide-angle sensor (Samsung S5KGM1) with an f/1.8 aperture, 26mm focal length, 1/2.0-inch sensor size, and 0.8 µm pixel size, supporting phase detection autofocus (PDAF).[36][2] This is accompanied by an 8 MP ultrawide-angle lens with an f/2.2 aperture, 118° field of view, 1/4.0-inch sensor size, and 1.12 µm pixels; a 2 MP macro camera with autofocus; and a 2 MP depth sensor for portrait effects.[2] The front-facing camera is a 13 MP sensor with an f/2.0 aperture, 1/3.06-inch size, and 1.12 µm pixels, positioned in a punch-hole cutout.[2] In contrast, the Redmi Note 9 Pro and Pro Max upgrade to a 64 MP primary wide-angle sensor (Samsung ISOCELL GW1) with an f/1.9 aperture, 26mm focal length, 1/1.72-inch sensor size, and 0.8 µm pixels, also featuring PDAF and a 6-element lens.[16][30] Their rear arrays include an identical 8 MP ultrawide camera (f/2.2, 119° FOV, 1/4.0-inch sensor, 1.12 µm pixels), a 5 MP macro lens with autofocus, and a 2 MP depth sensor.[16] For selfies, the Note 9 Pro uses a 16 MP front camera (f/2.4, 1/3.06-inch sensor, 1.0 µm pixels), while the Pro Max employs a higher-resolution 32 MP sensor (f/2.5, 1/2.8-inch size, 0.7 µm pixels).[16][37][38] All variants support 4K video recording at 30 fps from the rear cameras and 1080p at 30 fps from the front, with hardware-level AI scene detection to optimize settings based on detected subjects.[2][16][37]Battery and charging
The Redmi Note 9 series features a non-removable lithium-polymer (Li-Po) battery, with most models equipped with a 5020 mAh capacity designed for extended daily usage. This includes the base Redmi Note 9, Note 9S, Note 9 Pro, Note 9 Pro Max, and Note 10 Lite variants. The Poco M2 Pro rebrand, however, uses a slightly smaller 5000 mAh Li-Po battery.[2][39][16][37][20] In endurance testing, the 5020 mAh battery in the base Redmi Note 9 delivers up to two days of moderate use, including a mix of browsing, calls, and light app activity, with an overall endurance rating of 124 hours. Video playback endurance reaches approximately 20 hours at standard settings. Similar performance is observed across the Pro and Pro Max variants, benefiting from efficient Snapdragon processors.[40][41][30] Charging is supported via USB Power Delivery (PD) 3.0 with wired fast charging capabilities varying by model: the base Note 9, Note 9S, and Note 10 Lite support 18W fast charging, while the Note 9 Pro and global Pro Max offer 30W, and the India-specific Pro Max and Poco M2 Pro reach 33W, achieving 50% charge in about 30 minutes. None of the models include wireless charging. Reverse wired charging is available at up to 9W on the base Note 9 for powering accessories like earbuds.[2][25][16][37][20][42]| Model/Variant | Battery Capacity | Fast Charging | Reverse Charging |
|---|---|---|---|
| Redmi Note 9 / Note 9S / Note 10 Lite | 5020 mAh Li-Po | 18W | 9W (Note 9 only) |
| Redmi Note 9 Pro | 5020 mAh Li-Po | 30W | None |
| Redmi Note 9 Pro Max (Global) | 5020 mAh Li-Po | 30W | None |
| Redmi Note 9 Pro Max (India) / Poco M2 Pro | 5020 mAh / 5000 mAh Li-Po | 33W | None |