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Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 Smartphone Review - The better Redmi 9 with a 64-MP quad cam

Small differences with large effects. On paper, the Redmi Note 9 is a slightly improved version of its Redmi 9 sibling. However, these small improvements in the spec sheet manifest in noticeable differences in everyday operation. Find out below how the Xiaomi smartphone fares in our test.
Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 smartphone

Xiaomi is the first manufacturer to use the new MediaTek Helio G85 in the Redmi Note 9. The Taiwanese chip manufacturer introduced this SoC in May of this year. Like the Redmi 9, the Note 9 also starts at a very affordable price in the German market. With 64 GB of internal storage and 3 GB of RAM, our test unit costs about 150 Euros (~$178). For the top version with 128 GB of RAM and 4 GB of working memory, you currently have to pay about 170 Euros (~$202).

In addition to the brand-new Helio chipset, buyers will receive a 1080p IPS display with a punch-hole design and a diagonal of 6.53 inches, as well as a quad-camera system that is equipped with a 48-MP main sensor. Similar to the Redmi 9 sibling, the battery is very large with a capacity of 5020 mAh.  

Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 (Redmi Note 12 Series)
Processor
Mediatek Helio G85 8 x 1.8 - 2 GHz, Cortex-A75 / A55
Graphics adapter
Memory
3 GB 
Display
6.53 inch 19.5:9, 2340 x 1080 pixel 395 PPI, capacitive touchscreen, IPS LCD, Gorilla Glass 5, glossy: yes, 60 Hz
Storage
64 GB eMMC Flash, 64 GB 
, 47.5 GB free
Connections
1 USB 2.0, Audio Connections: 3.5-mm audio port, Card Reader: microSD card, 1 Fingerprint Reader, NFC, Brightness Sensor, Sensors: proximity sensor, acceleration sensor, gyroscope, digital compass, USB C, Miracast, IR blaster, nano coating
Networking
802.11 a/b/g/n/ac (a/b/g/n = Wi-Fi 4/ac = Wi-Fi 5/), Bluetooth 5.0, GSM: B2/3/5/8; WCDMA: B1/2/4/5/8; FDD-LTE: B1/2/3/4/5/7/8/20/28, TDD-LTE: B38/40/41, Dual SIM, LTE, GPS
Size
height x width x depth (in mm): 8.9 x 162.3 x 77.2 ( = 0.35 x 6.39 x 3.04 in)
Battery
5020 mAh Lithium-Polymer
Charging
fast charging / Quickcharge
Operating System
Android 10
Camera
Primary Camera: 48 MPix (f/1.8, 26mm, 1/2.0", 0.8µm) + 8MP (f/2.2, 118˚, 1/4.0", 1.12µm) + 2 MP (f/2.4) + 2 MP (f/2.4), Camera2 API: full
Secondary Camera: 13 MPix (f/2.3, 29mm, 1/3.1", 1.12 µm)
Additional features
Speakers: mono, Keyboard: vỉrtual, modular charger, USB Type-C cable, SIM tool, user manual, warranty card, MiUI 12, 12 Months Warranty, Widevine L1, SAR (head: 0.8 W/kg, body: 1.14 W/kg) , fanless
Weight
199 g ( = 7.02 oz / 0.44 pounds), Power Supply: 87 g ( = 3.07 oz / 0.19 pounds)
Price
199 Euro
Note: The manufacturer may use components from different suppliers including display panels, drives or memory sticks with similar specifications.

 

Comparison devices

Rating
Date
Model
Weight
Drive
Size
Resolution
Best Price
79.9 %
09/2020
Xiaomi Redmi Note 9
Helio G85, Mali-G52 MP2
199 g64 GB eMMC Flash6.53"2340x1080
77.8 %
09/2020
Xiaomi Redmi 9
Helio G80, Mali-G52 MP2
198 g32 GB eMMC Flash6.53"2340x1080
80.7 %
05/2020
Xiaomi Redmi Note 9S
SD 720G, Adreno 618
209 g128 GB UFS 2.0 Flash6.67"2400x1080
76.4 %
08/2020
Samsung Galaxy A21s
Exynos 850, Mali-G52 MP1
192 g32 GB eMMC Flash6.50"1600x720
78.2 %
06/2020
Realme 6i
Helio G80, Mali-G52 MP2
199 g128 GB eMMC Flash6.50"1600x720
75.1 %
10/2020
Sony Xperia L4
Helio P22 MT6762, PowerVR GE8320
178 g64 GB eMMC Flash6.20"1680x720

Case - Xiaomi smartphone with a punch hole

Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 smartphone
Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 smartphone
Other colors of the Redmi Note 9
Other colors of the Redmi Note 9

The front of the Redmi Note 9 consists of scratch-proof Corning Gorilla Glass of the fifth generation that transitions smoothly into the frame. The 6.53-inch IPS display is bordered by relatively slim bezels on the sides, and thanks to the punch hole, the bezels on the top and bottom of the case also turn out fairly slim. The display-to-surface ratio is 83.5%, which is good for this price range.  

In our opinion, the slightly rounded back is not made of glass, but from plastic. However, the Chinese manufacturer doesn't specify anything on this. In terms of the colors, you can choose from Forest Green, Midnight Grey, Polar White, and Onyx Black. With its rounded sides, the 8.9-mm slim case feels good in the hand. The Note 9 is not waterproof and there is also no official IP certification about being splash proof. However, like in the other Redmi and Mi models, Xiaomi uses a nano-coating process, so that the Redmi Note 9 should be protected in the rain against water or against dust.  

The quality of the workmanship is at a very good level. The keys on the right side sit comfortably tight in their frames, and the case appears very stable. 

Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 smartphone
Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 smartphone
Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 smartphone
Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 smartphone
Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 smartphone
Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 smartphone

Size Comparison

165.8 mm / 6.53 inch 76.7 mm / 3.02 inch 8.8 mm / 0.3465 inch 209 g0.4608 lbs164.4 mm / 6.47 inch 75.4 mm / 2.97 inch 9 mm / 0.3543 inch 199 g0.4387 lbs163.7 mm / 6.44 inch 75.3 mm / 2.96 inch 8.9 mm / 0.3504 inch 192 g0.4233 lbs163.3 mm / 6.43 inch 77 mm / 3.03 inch 9.1 mm / 0.3583 inch 198 g0.4365 lbs162.3 mm / 6.39 inch 77.2 mm / 3.04 inch 8.9 mm / 0.3504 inch 199 g0.4387 lbs159 mm / 6.26 inch 71 mm / 2.8 inch 8.7 mm / 0.3425 inch 178 g0.3924 lbs148 mm / 5.83 inch 105 mm / 4.13 inch 1 mm / 0.03937 inch 1.5 g0.00331 lbs

Equipment - Redmi Note 9 with a 3.5 mm audio port

The equipment of the Xiaomi smartphone includes dual-SIM functionality, an IR blaster, and a classic 3.5-mm audio port. In addition, the Redmi Note 9 offers a preinstalled FM radio. Wireless transfer of the display contents to an external monitor via Miracast is also supported and worked without any problem in our test with an Android TV from Sony. 

The 5020-mAh battery is charged via a USB C port at the bottom of the smartphone. The port supports USB OTG, allowing you to easily connect USB sticks to the Redmi Note 9, for example.  

In our test unit, the internal eMMC storage offers a capacity of 64 GB. You can also expand the storage of the dual-SIM smartphone by using a microSD card, without losing the dual-SIM option. The exFAT file system is supported.

Right side
Right side
Left side
Left side
Top
Top
Bottom
Bottom

Software - Xiaomi smartphone with MiUI 12

Google's Android 10 version is preinstalled on the Redmi Note 9 and complemented by the new MiUI 12 user interface. At the time of our testing, the security updates are at the level of August 2020.

As in its previous versions, MiUI offers numerous individual configuration options and a well-optimized system interface. Fans of the iOS design will now find an optional news center and an iOS-like app switcher in MiUI 12, and there are also numerous themes. 

Video content on Netflix, Amazon Prime Video and other video-streaming services can be viewed in HD quality, since the phone is Widevine L1 certified. 

Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 smartphone
Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 smartphone
Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 smartphone
Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 smartphone
Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 smartphone
Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 smartphone

Communication and GPS - Fast WLAN in the Redmi Note 9

Xiaomi has equipped its mid-range smartphone with a full-sized dual-SIM card slot for two nanoSIM cards. There is no 5G modem that would support the newest mobile communication standard.  

The Note 9 connects to the mobile Internet using the LTE standard with both card slots. However, the number of frequency bands that are supported by the Note 9 is relatively small. While the Xiaomi smartphone only supports 12 LTE bands, this includes all of the relevant frequencies for Germany, and band 28 as well as band 20 are supported.  

For wireless communication, Bluetooth version 5 is available, and there is also a chip for Near Field Communication (NFC), allowing you to use contactless payment via smartphone. 

The WLAN module in the Note 9 supports the IEEE 802.11a/b/g/n/ac standards and communicates in the 2.4 and 5 GHz frequency ranges, which ensures transfer rates of more than 300 Mb/s in our WLAN test - a very good value for a 150-Euro smartphone. The values we measure with our Netgear Nighthawk AX12 reference router also turn out to be constant.  

Networking
iperf3 transmit AX12
Xiaomi Redmi 9
Mali-G52 MP2, Helio G80, 32 GB eMMC Flash
348 (325min - 355max) MBit/s 0%
Xiaomi Redmi Note 9
Mali-G52 MP2, Helio G85, 64 GB eMMC Flash
347 (172min - 352max) MBit/s
Samsung Galaxy A21s
Mali-G52 MP1, Exynos 850, 32 GB eMMC Flash
310 (269min - 342max) MBit/s -11%
Xiaomi Redmi Note 9S
Adreno 618, SD 720G, 128 GB UFS 2.0 Flash
256 (247min - 263max) MBit/s -26%
Sony Xperia L4
PowerVR GE8320, Helio P22 MT6762, 64 GB eMMC Flash
109 (103min - 114max) MBit/s -69%
Realme 6i
Mali-G52 MP2, Helio G80, 128 GB eMMC Flash
66.5 (34min - 69max) MBit/s -81%
iperf3 receive AX12
Average of class Smartphone
  (last 2 years)
376 MBit/s +6%
Xiaomi Redmi Note 9
Mali-G52 MP2, Helio G85, 64 GB eMMC Flash
355 (327min - 366max) MBit/s
Samsung Galaxy A21s
Mali-G52 MP1, Exynos 850, 32 GB eMMC Flash
326 (280min - 333max) MBit/s -8%
Xiaomi Redmi 9
Mali-G52 MP2, Helio G80, 32 GB eMMC Flash
308 (290min - 337max) MBit/s -13%
Xiaomi Redmi Note 9S
Adreno 618, SD 720G, 128 GB UFS 2.0 Flash
286 (225min - 321max) MBit/s -19%
Sony Xperia L4
PowerVR GE8320, Helio P22 MT6762, 64 GB eMMC Flash
120 (106min - 124max) MBit/s -66%
Realme 6i
Mali-G52 MP2, Helio G80, 128 GB eMMC Flash
36.1 (9min - 57max) MBit/s -90%
020406080100120140160180200220240260280300320340360Tooltip
Xiaomi Redmi Note 9; iperf3 receive AX12; iperf 3.1.3: Ø350 (327-366)
Xiaomi Redmi Note 9; iperf3 transmit AX12; iperf 3.1.3: Ø341 (172-352)
GPS indoors
GPS indoors
GPS outdoors
GPS outdoors

The Redmi smartphone determines its position using the GPS, Galileo, BeiDou, and GLONASS satellite systems, as well as the satellite-based supplementary SBAS system. Even indoors, the satellite connection succeeds without any delay worth mention and with an accuracy of about 4 meters (~13 ft). 

In order to evaluate the locating accuracy of our test unit in practice, we record a route in parallel with the Garmin Edge 500 bike computer and the Note 9 for comparison. At the end of the almost 12 km test route (~7.5 miles), the difference between the route recordings from the affordable mid-range smartphone and the navigation device is about 210 meters (~689 ft), and the locating accuracy in our route is also good.

GPS Garmin Edge 500
GPS Garmin Edge 500
GPS Garmin Edge 500
GPS Garmin Edge 500
GPS Garmin Edge 500
GPS Garmin Edge 500
GPS Redmi Note 9
GPS Redmi Note 9
GPS Redmi Note 9
GPS Redmi Note 9
GPS Redmi Note 9
GPS Redmi Note 9

Telephone Functions and Voice Quality - Xiaomi smartphone with dual-VoLTE

Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 smartphone

The Note 9 supports the dual-VoLTE function, allowing you to make calls using the LTE net using both of the SIM card slots. You can also find Wi-Fi calling in the settings menu of our test unit.

The voice quality of the Redmi Note 9 is inconspicuous. Voices are reproduced clearly understandable and are also characterized by our conversation partner as clear. Video calls using the built-in front camera also work without any problems. The voice quality using the two built-in microphones also enables good communication via Skype.

Cameras - Redmi Note 9 with a quad-cam setup

Picture taken with the front camera of the Redmi Note 9
Picture taken with the front camera of the Redmi Note 9

The quad-camera module of the Redmi Note 9 includes a 48-MP main camera with an open aperture of f/1.79. The Xiaomi smartphone manufacturer does not specify anything on the exact choice of image sensor, but according to some reports it is the Samsung GM2 that is also used in the Redmi Note 9S. The sensor supports pixel binning, so that 2 x 2 adjacent pixels can be combined into a larger pixel. 

In daylight, it is possible to take pictures of an attractive quality and with good color reproduction with the Note 9. Due to the low dynamic range and image sharpness, some of the richness in detail is lost in the pictures. Also the image noise in the shaded areas deserves some negative mention and also confirms that a Samsung sensor is used. With increasing darkness, the pictures suffer increasingly from image noise and strong blurriness. However, the brightness is attractive, as is the photo quality of the main camera in general for this price class. 

The main camera is accompanied by an 8-MP ultra-wide angle with an f/2.2 aperture, as well as a 2-MP camera for recordings with the bokeh effect and a 2-MP macro lens. With sufficient light, you can achieve decent results with the ultra-wide angle lens, but compared to the main camera, you have to tolerate some compromises in terms of image sharpness and details. The exposure also leaves a lot of room for improvements.

With all cameras, moving images can only be recorded in Full HD and at 30 fps, similar to the Redmi 9. Seamless switching between the wide angle and standard lens during zooming is not possible.   

With a lot of light, the 13-MP camera in front is able to take decent selfies that appear slightly too soft. While the sharpness is at a solid level, there is some strong overexposure already in regular light conditions.

Ultra-wide angle
Ultra-wide angle
Wide angle
Wide angle
2x zoom
2x zoom
10x zoom (max)
10x zoom (max)
Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 smartphone
Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 smartphone
Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 smartphone
Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 smartphone

Image Comparison

Choose a scene and navigate within the first image. One click changes the position on touchscreens. One click on the zoomed-in image opens the original in a new window. The first image shows the scaled photograph of the test device.

Wide angleLow light5x ZoomUltra wide angleWide angle
click to load images

We evaluate the color reproduction of the Redmi Note 9 under controlled light conditions. Compared to the actual reference colors, the colors of the mid-range smartphone are brighter, but the color reproduction is attractive. The Xiaomi smartphone particularly captures white and black tones well. 

Pictures of the test chart confirm the impressions of a slightly low image sharpness, but this is hardly any worse in the edge areas. 

ColorChecker
7.5 ∆E
5.8 ∆E
5.2 ∆E
9.3 ∆E
4.9 ∆E
3.7 ∆E
4 ∆E
8.8 ∆E
5.6 ∆E
3.8 ∆E
4 ∆E
5.5 ∆E
6.1 ∆E
7 ∆E
7.9 ∆E
2.2 ∆E
3.2 ∆E
8.5 ∆E
2 ∆E
4.3 ∆E
6.3 ∆E
4.8 ∆E
2.2 ∆E
3.6 ∆E
ColorChecker Xiaomi Redmi Note 9: 5.26 ∆E min: 2 - max: 9.27 ∆E
ColorChecker
26.8 ∆E
45.8 ∆E
34.8 ∆E
38.4 ∆E
37.3 ∆E
53 ∆E
44.8 ∆E
27.7 ∆E
29.7 ∆E
23.2 ∆E
54.6 ∆E
56.6 ∆E
23.5 ∆E
43 ∆E
24.9 ∆E
59.1 ∆E
31 ∆E
40.3 ∆E
53.6 ∆E
55 ∆E
45.1 ∆E
34.8 ∆E
23.1 ∆E
13.8 ∆E
ColorChecker Xiaomi Redmi Note 9: 38.34 ∆E min: 13.83 - max: 59.12 ∆E

Accessories and Warranty - Xiaomi smartphone with fast charging

Modular 22.5-Watt charger of the Redmi Note 9
Modular 22.5-Watt charger of the Redmi Note 9

The Redmi Note 9 includes a modular 22.5-Watt charger, a USB cable, and a protective case. 

The warranty for the Xiaomi smartphone covers 12 months after the purchase date. However, the German legal requirements of a 24-month warranty are unaffected by this when purchasing it from a German vendor.

Input Devices and Operation - Redmi Note 9 with face unlocking

Inputs on the 6.53-inch IPS display are translated accurately up to the corners of the touchscreen. The active fingerprint sensor integrated on the back unlocks the Note 9 fairly reliably. However, the time it takes for the display to turn on from standby mode could have been a bit shorter. Face unlocking via the front camera also works reliably, but it is based on simple 2D face recognition.

Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 smartphone
Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 smartphone
Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 smartphone

Display - The IPS panel of the Redmi Note 9 is very rich in contrast

Subpixel grid
Subpixel grid
Slight shadows forming at the edges
Slight shadows forming at the edges

The 6.53-inch IPS LCD display of the Redmi Note 9 offers a resolution of 2340x1080 pixels in the 19.5:9 format. The achieved pixel density of about 400 ppi is absolutely sufficient in everyday usage.   

While our measured maximum brightness is at a good level for this price range, the brightness distribution could have been slightly more even. Particularly in the area around the front camera we see some darker shades.    

In automatic mode with the brightness sensor activated, the Redmi Note 9 achieves a maximum of 542 cd/m² with a pure white background. In the more realistic APL50 measurement, which simulates an even distribution of bright and dark areas on the panel, the maximum brightness is 551 cd/m². Note that the panel only achieves a maximum brightness of 458 cd/m² with manual brightness control. 

535
cd/m²
527
cd/m²
492
cd/m²
539
cd/m²
553
cd/m²
508
cd/m²
538
cd/m²
542
cd/m²
505
cd/m²
Distribution of brightness
tested with X-Rite i1Pro 2
Maximum: 553 cd/m² (Nits) Average: 526.6 cd/m² Minimum: 1.28 cd/m²
Brightness Distribution: 89 %
Center on Battery: 553 cd/m²
Contrast: 4608:1 (Black: 0.12 cd/m²)
ΔE Color 3.8 | 0.5-29.43 Ø5
ΔE Greyscale 2.2 | 0.57-98 Ø5.3
97.7% sRGB (Calman 2D)
Gamma: 2.3
Xiaomi Redmi Note 9
IPS LCD, 2340x1080, 6.53
Xiaomi Redmi 9
IPS LCD, 2340x1080, 6.53
Xiaomi Redmi Note 9S
IPS, 2400x1080, 6.67
Samsung Galaxy A21s
PLS, 1600x720, 6.50
Realme 6i
IPS, 1600x720, 6.50
Sony Xperia L4
IPS, 1680x720, 6.20
Screen
-68%
-63%
-71%
-62%
-63%
Brightness middle
553
476
-14%
622
12%
540
-2%
518
-6%
429
-22%
Brightness
527
436
-17%
612
16%
509
-3%
484
-8%
404
-23%
Brightness Distribution
89
86
-3%
94
6%
91
2%
89
0%
92
3%
Black Level *
0.12
0.67
-458%
0.56
-367%
0.36
-200%
0.26
-117%
0.26
-117%
Contrast
4608
710
-85%
1111
-76%
1500
-67%
1992
-57%
1650
-64%
Colorchecker dE 2000 *
3.8
3.51
8%
3.98
-5%
6.58
-73%
5.8
-53%
6.14
-62%
Colorchecker dE 2000 max. *
8.7
9.38
-8%
7.33
16%
11.55
-33%
11
-26%
10.51
-21%
Greyscale dE 2000 *
2.2
1.5
32%
4.5
-105%
6.4
-191%
7.3
-232%
6.6
-200%
Gamma
2.3 96%
2.166 102%
2.206 100%
2.206 100%
2.23 99%
2.23 99%
CCT
6727 97%
6485 100%
7361 88%
8482 77%
8037 81%
8346 78%
Color Space (Percent of sRGB)
114.9

* ... smaller is better

Screen Flickering / PWM (Pulse-Width Modulation)

To dim the screen, some notebooks will simply cycle the backlight on and off in rapid succession - a method called Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) . This cycling frequency should ideally be undetectable to the human eye. If said frequency is too low, users with sensitive eyes may experience strain or headaches or even notice the flickering altogether.
Screen flickering / PWM not detected

In comparison: 53 % of all tested devices do not use PWM to dim the display. If PWM was detected, an average of 18110 (minimum: 5 - maximum: 3846000) Hz was measured.

In our display measurements, the IPS-based panel achieves a very good black value of 0.12 cd/m². The contrast ratio is correspondingly high. Our APL-50 measurement hardly changes the very good contrast of the display (1:2041), since the black value is an also very attractive 0.27 cd/m².

The color analysis of the display is performed using a photo spectrometer and the CalMAN software. The deviations in the color (3.8) and grayscale reproduction (2.2) are very low for this product class. The color temperature of the panel (Standard profile) is also almost optimally calibrated at 6727 Kelvin.

CalMAN Color Accuracy (target color space: sRGB, profile: Automatic)
CalMAN Color Accuracy (target color space: sRGB, profile: Automatic)
CalMAN Color Space (target color space: sRGB, profile: Automatic)
CalMAN Color Space (target color space: sRGB, profile: Automatic)
CalMAN Grayscale (target color space: sRGB, profile: Automatic)
CalMAN Grayscale (target color space: sRGB, profile: Automatic)
CalMAN Saturation (target color space: sRGB, profile: Automatic)
CalMAN Saturation (target color space: sRGB, profile: Automatic)
CalMAN Color Accuracy (target color space: sRGB, profile: Standard)
CalMAN Color Accuracy (target color space: sRGB, profile: Standard)
CalMAN Color Space (target color space: sRGB, profile: Standard)
CalMAN Color Space (target color space: sRGB, profile: Standard)
CalMAN Grayscale (target color space: sRGB, profile: Standard)
CalMAN Grayscale (target color space: sRGB, profile: Standard)
CalMAN Saturation (target color space: sRGB, profile: Standard)
CalMAN Saturation (target color space: sRGB, profile: Standard)

Display Response Times

Display response times show how fast the screen is able to change from one color to the next. Slow response times can lead to afterimages and can cause moving objects to appear blurry (ghosting). Gamers of fast-paced 3D titles should pay special attention to fast response times.
       Response Time Black to White
25.6 ms ... rise ↗ and fall ↘ combined↗ 12.4 ms rise
↘ 13.2 ms fall
The screen shows relatively slow response rates in our tests and may be too slow for gamers.
In comparison, all tested devices range from 0.1 (minimum) to 240 (maximum) ms. » 56 % of all devices are better.
This means that the measured response time is worse than the average of all tested devices (21.6 ms).
       Response Time 50% Grey to 80% Grey
38.8 ms ... rise ↗ and fall ↘ combined↗ 19.6 ms rise
↘ 19.2 ms fall
The screen shows slow response rates in our tests and will be unsatisfactory for gamers.
In comparison, all tested devices range from 0.2 (minimum) to 636 (maximum) ms. » 53 % of all devices are better.
This means that the measured response time is worse than the average of all tested devices (33.9 ms).

Outdoors, the Redmi Note 9 works well. Thanks to the high contrast, the display contents can still be easily read in sunny light conditions, without having to use your hand to shade the display. 

Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 smartphone
Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 smartphone

The colors of the IPS panel remain fairly stable even when viewing from very steep angles, and during regular usage you hardly see any decrease in the color accuracy. While the decrease in brightness from steep viewing angles is limited, it is clearly noticeable.

Minimal light halos are noticeable
Minimal light halos are noticeable
Viewing angles
Viewing angles

Performance - Xiaomi smartphone with a Helio G85

The MediaTek Helio G85 in the Redmi Note 9 is produced in the 12-nanometer FinFET process and has eight CPU cores in two clusters. A glance into the datasheet of the Helio G85 shows that the SoC is practically identical with the Helio G80 of the Redmi 9. Two fast ARM Cortex-A75 performance cores with up to 2 GHz ensure the maximum performance of the SoCs, while six ARM Cortex-A55 cores with up to 1.8 GHz handle less-demanding tasks. Thanks to heterogeneous multi-processing, all eight cores are able to operate simultaneously. Compared to the Helio G80, the ARM Mali-G52 GPU of the Note 9 has a slightly higher clock speed at 1000 MHz. The built-in graphics unit is based on the Bifrost architecture and supports graphics APIs such as OpenGL ES 3.2 and Vulkan 1.0.

In the benchmarks, the MediaTek CPU offers a decent impression. However, in our benchmark package the Note 9 places slightly below the Qualcomm Snapdragon 720G in the Note 9S sibling model. We can only get a more detailed impression on the GPU using our gaming tests, since graphics tests, such as GFX Bench or 3DMark, have some problems running under the MiUI 12 software. But the Redmi Note 9 should still approximately achieve the level of a Realme 6i.     

In everyday operation, the new mid-range processor in combination with 3 GB of RAM ensure a decent system performance. However, due to the eMMC storage, the load times of applications are long. In demanding apps or as soon as it is busy with some background processes, the performance drops noticeably, and the Redmi Note 9 begins to stutter briefly. When apps that are demanding on the storage, such as games, are loaded into temporary storage, the MiUI software can hit its limits and the Redmi Note 9 freezes for several seconds - but this is using our 3-GB version. 

Geekbench 5.5
Single-Core (sort by value)
Xiaomi Redmi Note 9
Mediatek Helio G85, Mali-G52 MP2, 3072
356 Points
Xiaomi Redmi 9
Mediatek Helio G80, Mali-G52 MP2, 3072
363 Points +2%
Xiaomi Redmi Note 9S
Qualcomm Snapdragon 720G, Adreno 618, 6144
559 Points +57%
Samsung Galaxy A21s
Samsung Exynos 850, Mali-G52 MP1, 3072
182 Points -49%
Realme 6i
Mediatek Helio G80, Mali-G52 MP2, 4096
387 Points +9%
Sony Xperia L4
Mediatek Helio P22 MT6762, PowerVR GE8320, 3072
150 Points -58%
Average Mediatek Helio G85
  (344 - 437, n=12)
360 Points +1%
Average of class Smartphone
  (119 - 2138, n=212, last 2 years)
902 Points +153%
Multi-Core (sort by value)
Xiaomi Redmi Note 9
Mediatek Helio G85, Mali-G52 MP2, 3072
1259 Points
Xiaomi Redmi 9
Mediatek Helio G80, Mali-G52 MP2, 3072
1281 Points +2%
Xiaomi Redmi Note 9S
Qualcomm Snapdragon 720G, Adreno 618, 6144
1690 Points +34%
Samsung Galaxy A21s
Samsung Exynos 850, Mali-G52 MP1, 3072
1081 Points -14%
Realme 6i
Mediatek Helio G80, Mali-G52 MP2, 4096
1348 Points +7%
Sony Xperia L4
Mediatek Helio P22 MT6762, PowerVR GE8320, 3072
883 Points -30%
Average Mediatek Helio G85
  (1184 - 1363, n=12)
1306 Points +4%
Average of class Smartphone
  (473 - 6681, n=212, last 2 years)
2950 Points +134%
Vulkan Score (sort by value)
Xiaomi Redmi Note 9
Mediatek Helio G85, Mali-G52 MP2, 3072
1179 Points
Xiaomi Redmi 9
Mediatek Helio G80, Mali-G52 MP2, 3072
1109 Points -6%
Samsung Galaxy A21s
Samsung Exynos 850, Mali-G52 MP1, 3072
565 Points -52%
Average Mediatek Helio G85
  (1163 - 1256, n=8)
1213 Points +3%
Average of class Smartphone
  (79 - 9992, n=90, last 2 years)
4078 Points +246%
OpenCL Score (sort by value)
Xiaomi Redmi Note 9
Mediatek Helio G85, Mali-G52 MP2, 3072
1198 Points
Xiaomi Redmi 9
Mediatek Helio G80, Mali-G52 MP2, 3072
1124 Points -6%
Samsung Galaxy A21s
Samsung Exynos 850, Mali-G52 MP1, 3072
593 Points -51%
Average Mediatek Helio G85
  (1148 - 1233, n=8)
1182 Points -1%
Average of class Smartphone
  (434 - 10711, n=82, last 2 years)
3875 Points +223%
PCMark for Android
Work performance score (sort by value)
Xiaomi Redmi Note 9
Mediatek Helio G85, Mali-G52 MP2, 3072
11421 Points
Xiaomi Redmi 9
Mediatek Helio G80, Mali-G52 MP2, 3072
11534 Points +1%
Xiaomi Redmi Note 9S
Qualcomm Snapdragon 720G, Adreno 618, 6144
9027 Points -21%
Samsung Galaxy A21s
Samsung Exynos 850, Mali-G52 MP1, 3072
7113 Points -38%
Realme 6i
Mediatek Helio G80, Mali-G52 MP2, 4096
12043 Points +5%
Sony Xperia L4
Mediatek Helio P22 MT6762, PowerVR GE8320, 3072
6909 Points -40%
Average Mediatek Helio G85
  (11421 - 11889, n=2)
11655 Points +2%
Average of class Smartphone
  (10884 - 19297, n=2, last 2 years)
15091 Points +32%
Work 2.0 performance score (sort by value)
Xiaomi Redmi Note 9
Mediatek Helio G85, Mali-G52 MP2, 3072
8698 Points
Xiaomi Redmi 9
Mediatek Helio G80, Mali-G52 MP2, 3072
8795 Points +1%
Xiaomi Redmi Note 9S
Qualcomm Snapdragon 720G, Adreno 618, 6144
7673 Points -12%
Samsung Galaxy A21s
Samsung Exynos 850, Mali-G52 MP1, 3072
5457 Points -37%
Realme 6i
Mediatek Helio G80, Mali-G52 MP2, 4096
8733 Points 0%
Sony Xperia L4
Mediatek Helio P22 MT6762, PowerVR GE8320, 3072
5251 Points -40%
Average Mediatek Helio G85
  (8655 - 8698, n=3)
8674 Points 0%
Average of class Smartphone
  (9101 - 12871, n=4, last 2 years)
10872 Points +25%
VRMark - Amber Room (sort by value)
Xiaomi Redmi Note 9
Mediatek Helio G85, Mali-G52 MP2, 3072
1375 Score
Xiaomi Redmi 9
Mediatek Helio G80, Mali-G52 MP2, 3072
1330 Score -3%
Xiaomi Redmi Note 9S
Qualcomm Snapdragon 720G, Adreno 618, 6144
2416 Score +76%
Samsung Galaxy A21s
Samsung Exynos 850, Mali-G52 MP1, 3072
994 Score -28%
Realme 6i
Mediatek Helio G80, Mali-G52 MP2, 4096
1352 Score -2%
Average Mediatek Helio G85
 
1375 Score 0%
Average of class Smartphone
  (1010 - 10071, n=14, last 2 years)
5281 Score +284%
BaseMark OS II
Overall (sort by value)
Xiaomi Redmi Note 9
Mediatek Helio G85, Mali-G52 MP2, 3072
2285 Points
Xiaomi Redmi 9
Mediatek Helio G80, Mali-G52 MP2, 3072
2273 Points -1%
Xiaomi Redmi Note 9S
Qualcomm Snapdragon 720G, Adreno 618, 6144
3542 Points +55%
Samsung Galaxy A21s
Samsung Exynos 850, Mali-G52 MP1, 3072
1644 Points -28%
Realme 6i
Mediatek Helio G80, Mali-G52 MP2, 4096
2216 Points -3%
Average Mediatek Helio G85
  (2138 - 2422, n=5)
2290 Points 0%
Average of class Smartphone
  (411 - 11438, n=158, last 2 years)
5704 Points +150%
System (sort by value)
Xiaomi Redmi Note 9
Mediatek Helio G85, Mali-G52 MP2, 3072
5010 Points
Xiaomi Redmi 9
Mediatek Helio G80, Mali-G52 MP2, 3072
4865 Points -3%
Xiaomi Redmi Note 9S
Qualcomm Snapdragon 720G, Adreno 618, 6144
6828 Points +36%
Samsung Galaxy A21s
Samsung Exynos 850, Mali-G52 MP1, 3072
3382 Points -32%
Realme 6i
Mediatek Helio G80, Mali-G52 MP2, 4096
4516 Points -10%
Average Mediatek Helio G85
  (4353 - 5010, n=5)
4622 Points -8%
Average of class Smartphone
  (2376 - 16475, n=158, last 2 years)
9621 Points +92%
Memory (sort by value)
Xiaomi Redmi Note 9
Mediatek Helio G85, Mali-G52 MP2, 3072
2536 Points
Xiaomi Redmi 9
Mediatek Helio G80, Mali-G52 MP2, 3072
2654 Points +5%
Xiaomi Redmi Note 9S
Qualcomm Snapdragon 720G, Adreno 618, 6144
4295 Points +69%
Samsung Galaxy A21s
Samsung Exynos 850, Mali-G52 MP1, 3072
1884 Points -26%
Realme 6i
Mediatek Helio G80, Mali-G52 MP2, 4096
2542 Points 0%
Average Mediatek Helio G85
  (2536 - 3437, n=5)
2917 Points +15%
Average of class Smartphone
  (670 - 12306, n=158, last 2 years)
6230 Points +146%
Graphics (sort by value)
Xiaomi Redmi Note 9
Mediatek Helio G85, Mali-G52 MP2, 3072
1845 Points
Xiaomi Redmi 9
Mediatek Helio G80, Mali-G52 MP2, 3072
1759 Points -5%
Xiaomi Redmi Note 9S
Qualcomm Snapdragon 720G, Adreno 618, 6144
3807 Points +106%
Samsung Galaxy A21s
Samsung Exynos 850, Mali-G52 MP1, 3072
1159 Points -37%
Realme 6i
Mediatek Helio G80, Mali-G52 MP2, 4096
1735 Points -6%
Average Mediatek Helio G85
  (1811 - 1960, n=5)
1861 Points +1%
Average of class Smartphone
  (697 - 58651, n=158, last 2 years)
13900 Points +653%
Web (sort by value)
Xiaomi Redmi Note 9
Mediatek Helio G85, Mali-G52 MP2, 3072
1198 Points
Xiaomi Redmi 9
Mediatek Helio G80, Mali-G52 MP2, 3072
1243 Points +4%
Xiaomi Redmi Note 9S
Qualcomm Snapdragon 720G, Adreno 618, 6144
1410 Points +18%
Samsung Galaxy A21s
Samsung Exynos 850, Mali-G52 MP1, 3072
990 Points -17%
Realme 6i
Mediatek Helio G80, Mali-G52 MP2, 4096
1211 Points +1%
Average Mediatek Helio G85
  (1028 - 1198, n=5)
1132 Points -6%
Average of class Smartphone
  (10 - 2145, n=158, last 2 years)
1487 Points +24%
Jetstream 2 - Total Score
Average of class Smartphone (13.8 - 351, n=167, last 2 years)
104.5 Points +249%
Xiaomi Redmi Note 9S (Chrome 81)
48.53 Points +62%
Average Mediatek Helio G85 (29.2 - 52.8, n=6)
34.2 Points +14%
Xiaomi Redmi 9 (Chrome 85)
30.52 Points +2%
Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 (Chrome 85)
29.95 Points
Realme 6i (Chrome 81)
28.96 Points -3%
Samsung Galaxy A21s (Chrome 84)
19.15 Points -36%
JetStream 1.1 - Total Score
Average of class Smartphone (66.1 - 414, n=3, last 2 years)
194.9 Points +262%
Xiaomi Redmi Note 9S (Chrome 81)
89.5 Points +66%
Average Mediatek Helio G85 (53.9 - 58.9, n=4)
56.6 Points +5%
Realme 6i (Chrome 81)
54.3 Points +1%
Xiaomi Redmi 9 (Chrome 85)
54 Points 0%
Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 (Chrome 85)
53.9 Points
Samsung Galaxy A21s (Chrome 84)
28.01 Points -48%
Speedometer 2.0 - Result
Average of class Smartphone (14.9 - 445, n=151, last 2 years)
105.7 runs/min +291%
Xiaomi Redmi Note 9S (Chome 81)
44.1 runs/min +63%
Average Mediatek Helio G85 (27 - 40.6, n=5)
30.2 runs/min +12%
Xiaomi Redmi 9 (Chrome 85)
28.1 runs/min +4%
Realme 6i (Chrome 81)
27.7 runs/min +3%
Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 (Chrome 85)
27 runs/min
Samsung Galaxy A21s (Chome 84)
15 runs/min -44%
WebXPRT 3 - Overall
Average of class Smartphone (37 - 304, n=119, last 2 years)
131.8 Points +193%
Xiaomi Redmi Note 9S (Chrome 81)
69 Points +53%
Average Mediatek Helio G85 (43 - 47, n=5)
45.2 Points 0%
Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 (Chrome 85)
45 Points
Xiaomi Redmi 9
45 Points 0%
Realme 6i (Chrome 81)
43 Points -4%
Samsung Galaxy A21s (Chrome 84)
35 Points -22%
Octane V2 - Total Score
Average of class Smartphone (4633 - 89112, n=202, last 2 years)
33525 Points +226%
Xiaomi Redmi Note 9S (Chrome 81)
17303 Points +68%
Average Mediatek Helio G85 (10299 - 13977, n=10)
12223 Points +19%
Realme 6i (Chrome 81)
10485 Points +2%
Xiaomi Redmi 9 (Chrome 85)
10432 Points +1%
Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 (Chrome 85)
10299 Points
Samsung Galaxy A21s (Chrome 84)
4976 Points -52%
Mozilla Kraken 1.1 - Total
Samsung Galaxy A21s (Chrome 84)
9174 ms * -135%
Xiaomi Redmi 9 (Chrome 85)
4076 ms * -4%
Realme 6i (Chrome 81)
3938 ms * -1%
Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 (Chrome 85)
3901 ms *
Average Mediatek Helio G85 (2967 - 3939, n=6)
3536 ms * +9%
Xiaomi Redmi Note 9S (Chrome 81)
2794 ms * +28%
Average of class Smartphone (388 - 9999, n=165, last 2 years)
1653 ms * +58%

* ... smaller is better

Xiaomi Redmi Note 9Xiaomi Redmi 9Xiaomi Redmi Note 9SSamsung Galaxy A21sRealme 6iSony Xperia L4Average 64 GB eMMC FlashAverage of class Smartphone
AndroBench 3-5
-23%
20%
-13%
4%
-22%
-24%
266%
Sequential Read 256KB
306.6
289.9
-5%
496.6
62%
307
0%
309.5
1%
293.4
-4%
273 ?(95.6 - 704, n=201)
-11%
1467 ?(215 - 4512, n=210, last 2 years)
378%
Sequential Write 256KB
248.1
119.8
-52%
214.8
-13%
104.3
-58%
256.4
3%
165
-33%
176.8 ?(40 - 274, n=201)
-29%
1077 ?(57.5 - 3678, n=210, last 2 years)
334%
Random Read 4KB
65.1
49.09
-25%
137
110%
77.2
19%
73.5
13%
61.2
-6%
59.1 ?(9.58 - 148.5, n=201)
-9%
241 ?(22.2 - 543, n=210, last 2 years)
270%
Random Write 4KB
146.9
60.7
-59%
123.6
-16%
89.5
-39%
150.9
3%
22.5
-85%
31.7 ?(2.34 - 146.9, n=201)
-78%
265 ?(13 - 709, n=210, last 2 years)
80%
Sequential Read 256KB SDCard
84.4 ?(Toshiba Exceria Pro M501)
84.4 ?(Toshiba Exceria Pro M501)
0%
74.5 ?(Toshiba Exceria Pro M501)
-12%
80 ?(Toshiba Exceria Pro M501)
-5%
84.6 ?(Toshiba Exceria Pro M501)
0%
83.5 ?(Toshiba Exceria Pro M501)
-1%
77.4 ?(21.1 - 107.6, n=144)
-8%
Sequential Write 256KB SDCard
63.5 ?(Toshiba Exceria Pro M501)
65 ?(Toshiba Exceria Pro M501)
2%
54.9 ?(Toshiba Exceria Pro M501)
-14%
66.4 ?(Toshiba Exceria Pro M501)
5%
64.5 ?(Toshiba Exceria Pro M501)
2%
62.5 ?(Toshiba Exceria Pro M501)
-2%
58.3 ?(11.2 - 83.3, n=144)
-8%

Games - A faster GPU than in the Redmi 9

The integrated position sensors work without any problems during gaming operation, and the touchscreen also responds accurately. The graphics performance of the Mali-G52 MP2 offers sufficient power for smooth reproduction of demanding games, such as PUBG Mobile, at 30 fps, but you have to accept some drops in the frame rate. With slightly reduced graphics, you can even see 40 fps.

Less graphically demanding games, such as the Dead Trigger 2 shooter or Real Racing 3, can be played at high graphics settings with some isolated frame drops close to the native frame rate of the 60-Hz panel. We measure our frame rates using the GameBench app.

PUBG mobile
PUBG mobile
Real Racing 3
Real Racing 3
Dead Trigger 2
Dead Trigger 2
PUBG mobile
0510152025303540Tooltip
Xiaomi Redmi Note 9; Smooth: Ø39.6 (35-42)
Xiaomi Redmi Note 9; Balanced: Ø39.8 (38-41)
Xiaomi Redmi Note 9; HD: Ø29.9 (28-31)
Real Racing 3
051015202530354045505560Tooltip
Xiaomi Redmi Note 9: Ø53 (23-60)
Dead Trigger 2
051015202530354045505560Tooltip
Xiaomi Redmi Note 9: Ø59.3 (47-60)

Emissions - The Redmi Note 9 stays cool

Temperature

Under constant load, the Redmi Note 9 warms up to barely 36 °C (97 °F). In everyday operation, heat development is therefore no problem in the Xiaomi smartphone. We usually also analyze the temperature behavior of the MediaTek SoC during constant load using the battery test of the GFXBench app. However, unfortunately this app currently does not work under the MiUI software of the Redmi Note 9.   

Max. Load
 35.8 °C
96 F
35.1 °C
95 F
34.2 °C
94 F
 
 34.8 °C
95 F
34 °C
93 F
34.5 °C
94 F
 
 33.5 °C
92 F
32.4 °C
90 F
32.2 °C
90 F
 
Maximum: 35.8 °C = 96 F
Average: 34.1 °C = 93 F
30.5 °C
87 F
32.5 °C
91 F
34.4 °C
94 F
30.3 °C
87 F
31.2 °C
88 F
33.5 °C
92 F
30.7 °C
87 F
32.4 °C
90 F
32.5 °C
91 F
Maximum: 34.4 °C = 94 F
Average: 32 °C = 90 F
Power Supply (max.)  23.1 °C = 74 F | Room Temperature 21.8 °C = 71 F | Fluke t3000FC (calibrated) & Voltcraft IR-260
(±) The average temperature for the upper side under maximal load is 34.1 °C / 93 F, compared to the average of 32.7 °C / 91 F for the devices in the class Smartphone.
(+) The maximum temperature on the upper side is 35.8 °C / 96 F, compared to the average of 35 °C / 95 F, ranging from 21.9 to 56 °C for the class Smartphone.
(+) The bottom heats up to a maximum of 34.4 °C / 94 F, compared to the average of 33.8 °C / 93 F
(+) In idle usage, the average temperature for the upper side is 29.5 °C / 85 F, compared to the device average of 32.7 °C / 91 F.
Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 smartphone
Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 smartphone

Speaker

Pink Noise speaker test
Pink Noise speaker test
Pink Noise audio port
Pink Noise audio port

As customary in this price class, the Redmi Note 9 has to be content with a single speaker. But according to Xiaomi, this speaker is supposed to convince with its high volume and good sound. Indeed, at a maximum volume of more than 92 dB, the mono speaker is very loud. In addition, the sound quality is not bad for an affordable mid-range smartphone. Our measurements show a relatively linear frequency curve for the mids and the high frequencies are also represented well. 

Those who also want some bass in the sound spectrum can use wired or wireless headphones. In addition to the classic 3.5-mm audio port, the Bluetooth 5.0 standard is supported. The sound output is clean and powerful.

dB(A) 0102030405060708090Deep BassMiddle BassHigh BassLower RangeMidsHigher MidsLower HighsMid HighsUpper HighsSuper Highs2036.934.5252941.43121.939.4402241.75029.942.8632245.48019.343.710016.343.71251445.816016.951.320014.952.525014.155.93151058.84001163.150011.768.263010.97280011.973.710001180.1125010.279.7160011.478.9200012.879.5250012.980.9315012.581.740001384.9500013.184.5630013.478.2800015.775.21000013.576125001474.31600013.763.2SPL24.892.4N0.691.6median 13median 75.2Delta1.39.139.738.937.336.229.230.932.430.83237.323.624.521.72021.923.322.523.918.528.614.837.112.343.112.550.611.956.113.159.114.561.918.762.219.36718.269.216.46914.368.714.96814.664.715.466.316.165.116.769.717.772.818.664.819.450.320.352.763.728.779.518.1144.9median 16.7median 61.9median 62.22.91417.3hearing rangehide median Pink NoiseXiaomi Redmi Note 9Samsung Galaxy A21s
Frequency diagram (checkboxes can be checked and unchecked to compare devices)
Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 audio analysis

(+) | speakers can play relatively loud (92.4 dB)
Bass 100 - 315 Hz
(-) | nearly no bass - on average 23.8% lower than median
(+) | bass is linear (4.1% delta to prev. frequency)
Mids 400 - 2000 Hz
(±) | reduced mids - on average 5.2% lower than median
(+) | mids are linear (4.6% delta to prev. frequency)
Highs 2 - 16 kHz
(±) | higher highs - on average 5% higher than median
(+) | highs are linear (3.7% delta to prev. frequency)
Overall 100 - 16.000 Hz
(±) | linearity of overall sound is average (17.1% difference to median)
Compared to same class
» 7% of all tested devices in this class were better, 5% similar, 88% worse
» The best had a delta of 12%, average was 38%, worst was 134%
Compared to all devices tested
» 26% of all tested devices were better, 8% similar, 67% worse
» The best had a delta of 4%, average was 25%, worst was 134%

Samsung Galaxy A21s audio analysis

(±) | speaker loudness is average but good (79.5 dB)
Bass 100 - 315 Hz
(-) | nearly no bass - on average 62.2% lower than median
(+) | bass is linear (0% delta to prev. frequency)
Mids 400 - 2000 Hz
(-) | nearly no mids - on average 62.2% lower than median
(+) | mids are linear (0% delta to prev. frequency)
Highs 2 - 16 kHz
(-) | nearly no highs - on average 62.2% lower than median
(+) | highs are linear (0% delta to prev. frequency)
Overall 100 - 16.000 Hz
(-) | overall sound is not linear (128.9% difference to median)
Compared to same class
» 98% of all tested devices in this class were better, 2% similar, 0% worse
» The best had a delta of 12%, average was 38%, worst was 134%
Compared to all devices tested
» 99% of all tested devices were better, 1% similar, 0% worse
» The best had a delta of 4%, average was 25%, worst was 134%

Battery Life - Xiaomi smartphone with some endurance

Power Consumption

The Redmi Note 9 uses a large 5020 mAh battery that can be completely recharged in little over 2 hours using the included charger.

The power consumption during idle operation is fairly inconsistent and therefore quite high on average. 

Power Consumption
Off / Standbydarklight 0.02 / 0.23 Watt
Idledarkmidlight 0.74 / 2.17 / 2.2 Watt
Load midlight 4.17 / 6.11 Watt
 color bar
Key: min: dark, med: mid, max: light        Metrahit Energy
Currently we use the Metrahit Energy, a professional single phase power quality and energy measurement digital multimeter, for our measurements. Find out more about it here. All of our test methods can be found here.
Xiaomi Redmi Note 9
5020 mAh
Xiaomi Redmi 9
5020 mAh
Xiaomi Redmi Note 9S
5020 mAh
Samsung Galaxy A21s
5000 mAh
Realme 6i
5000 mAh
Sony Xperia L4
3580 mAh
Average Mediatek Helio G85
 
Average of class Smartphone
 
Power Consumption
-28%
-32%
-30%
23%
-3%
-6%
Idle Minimum *
0.74
1.4
-89%
1.5
-103%
1.5
-103%
0.37
50%
0.957 ?(0.7 - 1.7, n=6)
-29%
0.891 ?(0.42 - 2.37, n=157, last 2 years)
-20%
Idle Average *
2.17
1.7
22%
2.1
3%
2.1
3%
1.62
25%
1.628 ?(0.9 - 2.9, n=6)
25%
1.448 ?(0.69 - 4.26, n=157, last 2 years)
33%
Idle Maximum *
2.2
2.1
5%
2.5
-14%
2.9
-32%
1.69
23%
2 ?(1.3 - 3, n=6)
9%
1.63 ?(0.79 - 4.45, n=157, last 2 years)
26%
Load Average *
4.17
5.7
-37%
5.2
-25%
4.6
-10%
3.61
13%
4.35 ?(3.5 - 5.3, n=6)
-4%
5.57 ?(2.4 - 16.5, n=157, last 2 years)
-34%
Load Maximum *
6.11
8.5
-39%
7.5
-23%
6.6
-8%
5.9
3%
6.95 ?(6.11 - 8.5, n=6)
-14%
8.27 ?(4.32 - 20.8, n=157, last 2 years)
-35%

* ... smaller is better

Battery Life

In our WLAN test with the display brightness adjusted to 150 cd/m², the Redmi Note 9 is able to convince and we measure a runtime of almost 14.5 hours. If the WLAN module is deactivated, the Xiaomi smartphone lasts about 4 hours longer in the endless video loop test.

Battery Runtime
Idle (without WLAN, min brightness)
38h 14min
WiFi Websurfing
14h 27min
Big Buck Bunny H.264 1080p
18h 36min
Load (maximum brightness)
5h 14min
Xiaomi Redmi Note 9
5020 mAh
Xiaomi Redmi 9
5020 mAh
Xiaomi Redmi Note 9S
5020 mAh
Samsung Galaxy A21s
5000 mAh
Realme 6i
5000 mAh
Sony Xperia L4
3580 mAh
Battery Runtime
-2%
10%
-4%
52%
-10%
Reader / Idle
2294
2337
2%
2263
-1%
2009
-12%
H.264
1116
1171
5%
1269
14%
1087
-3%
WiFi v1.3
867
804
-7%
1187
37%
943
9%
1318
52%
783
-10%
Load
314
289
-8%
279
-11%
287
-9%

Pros

+ 1080p IPS panel rich in contrast
+ fast WLAN
+ design and workmanship
+ long battery life
+ triple SIM slot
+ solid SoC with...

Cons

- ...slow storage (eMMC)
- dark shadow around the punch hole
- no UHD video option

Verdict on the Redmi Note 9 - Excellent entry into the smartphone world

In review: Redmi Note 9. Test unit provided by notebooksbilliger.de.
In review: Redmi Note 9. Test unit provided by notebooksbilliger.de.

Xiaomi advertises its affordable mid-range smartphone with the words: "All that you need." The Chinese manufacturer from Shenzhen isn't completely wrong with its advertising slogan, since the Redmi Note 9 offers a really good smartphone experience at a street price of about 150 Euros (~$178) – however, we clearly recommend investing the 20 Euros (~$24) more to get the 4-GB version. 

When looking for an affordable smartphone for less than 200 Euros (~$237), you should definitely consider the Redmi Note 9.

Compared to the Redmi 9, the Note model uses the better speaker and nicer main camera. The brighter IPS panel that has clearly more contrast and more stable viewing angles brings a visible advantage particularly in everyday operation. In addition, the Note 9 includes the fast charger by default.       

However, the Redmi Note 9 still is and remains an entry-level smartphone. Accordingly, you have to make some compromises in the choice of the processor, the quality of the camera - particularly the ultra-wide angle camera - as well as the storage and WLAN speeds.

Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 - 09/16/2020 v7
Marcus Herbrich

Chassis
87%
Keyboard
67 / 75 → 89%
Pointing Device
89%
Connectivity
50 / 70 → 72%
Weight
88%
Battery
91%
Display
87%
Games Performance
14 / 64 → 22%
Application Performance
64 / 86 → 74%
Temperature
92%
Noise
100%
Audio
77 / 90 → 85%
Camera
66%
Average
75%
80%
Smartphone - Weighted Average

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> Expert Reviews and News on Laptops, Smartphones and Tech Innovations > Reviews > Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 Smartphone Review - The better Redmi 9 with a 64-MP quad cam
Marcus Herbrich, 2020-09-17 (Update: 2020-09-19)