Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 Smartphone Review - The better Redmi 9 with a 64-MP quad cam
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.
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 g | 64 GB eMMC Flash | 6.53" | 2340x1080 | |
77.8 % | 09/2020 | Xiaomi Redmi 9 Helio G80, Mali-G52 MP2 | 198 g | 32 GB eMMC Flash | 6.53" | 2340x1080 | |
80.7 % | 05/2020 | Xiaomi Redmi Note 9S SD 720G, Adreno 618 | 209 g | 128 GB UFS 2.0 Flash | 6.67" | 2400x1080 | |
76.4 % | 08/2020 | Samsung Galaxy A21s Exynos 850, Mali-G52 MP1 | 192 g | 32 GB eMMC Flash | 6.50" | 1600x720 | |
78.2 % | 06/2020 | Realme 6i Helio G80, Mali-G52 MP2 | 199 g | 128 GB eMMC Flash | 6.50" | 1600x720 | |
75.1 % | 10/2020 | Sony Xperia L4 Helio P22 MT6762, PowerVR GE8320 | 178 g | 64 GB eMMC Flash | 6.20" | 1680x720 |
Case - Xiaomi smartphone with a punch hole
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.
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.
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.
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 | |
Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 | |
Samsung Galaxy A21s | |
Xiaomi Redmi Note 9S | |
Sony Xperia L4 | |
Realme 6i | |
iperf3 receive AX12 | |
Average of class Smartphone (last 2 years) | |
Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 | |
Samsung Galaxy A21s | |
Xiaomi Redmi 9 | |
Xiaomi Redmi Note 9S | |
Sony Xperia L4 | |
Realme 6i |
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.
Telephone Functions and Voice Quality - Xiaomi smartphone with dual-VoLTE
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
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.
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 angleWe 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.
Accessories and Warranty - Xiaomi smartphone with fast charging
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.
Display - The IPS panel of the Redmi Note 9 is very rich in contrast
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.
|
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)
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.
Display 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.
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.
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 | |
Xiaomi Redmi 9 | |
Xiaomi Redmi Note 9S | |
Samsung Galaxy A21s | |
Realme 6i | |
Sony Xperia L4 | |
Average Mediatek Helio G85 (344 - 437, n=12) | |
Average of class Smartphone (119 - 2138, n=212, last 2 years) | |
Multi-Core (sort by value) | |
Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 | |
Xiaomi Redmi 9 | |
Xiaomi Redmi Note 9S | |
Samsung Galaxy A21s | |
Realme 6i | |
Sony Xperia L4 | |
Average Mediatek Helio G85 (1184 - 1363, n=12) | |
Average of class Smartphone (473 - 6681, n=212, last 2 years) | |
Vulkan Score (sort by value) | |
Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 | |
Xiaomi Redmi 9 | |
Samsung Galaxy A21s | |
Average Mediatek Helio G85 (1163 - 1256, n=8) | |
Average of class Smartphone (79 - 9992, n=90, last 2 years) | |
OpenCL Score (sort by value) | |
Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 | |
Xiaomi Redmi 9 | |
Samsung Galaxy A21s | |
Average Mediatek Helio G85 (1148 - 1233, n=8) | |
Average of class Smartphone (434 - 10711, n=82, last 2 years) |
PCMark for Android | |
Work performance score (sort by value) | |
Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 | |
Xiaomi Redmi 9 | |
Xiaomi Redmi Note 9S | |
Samsung Galaxy A21s | |
Realme 6i | |
Sony Xperia L4 | |
Average Mediatek Helio G85 (11421 - 11889, n=2) | |
Average of class Smartphone (10884 - 19297, n=2, last 2 years) | |
Work 2.0 performance score (sort by value) | |
Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 | |
Xiaomi Redmi 9 | |
Xiaomi Redmi Note 9S | |
Samsung Galaxy A21s | |
Realme 6i | |
Sony Xperia L4 | |
Average Mediatek Helio G85 (8655 - 8698, n=3) | |
Average of class Smartphone (9101 - 12871, n=4, last 2 years) |
VRMark - Amber Room (sort by value) | |
Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 | |
Xiaomi Redmi 9 | |
Xiaomi Redmi Note 9S | |
Samsung Galaxy A21s | |
Realme 6i | |
Average Mediatek Helio G85 | |
Average of class Smartphone (1010 - 10071, n=14, last 2 years) |
Jetstream 2 - Total Score | |
Average of class Smartphone (13.8 - 351, n=167, last 2 years) | |
Xiaomi Redmi Note 9S (Chrome 81) | |
Average Mediatek Helio G85 (29.2 - 52.8, n=6) | |
Xiaomi Redmi 9 (Chrome 85) | |
Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 (Chrome 85) | |
Realme 6i (Chrome 81) | |
Samsung Galaxy A21s (Chrome 84) |
JetStream 1.1 - Total Score | |
Average of class Smartphone (66.1 - 414, n=3, last 2 years) | |
Xiaomi Redmi Note 9S (Chrome 81) | |
Average Mediatek Helio G85 (53.9 - 58.9, n=4) | |
Realme 6i (Chrome 81) | |
Xiaomi Redmi 9 (Chrome 85) | |
Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 (Chrome 85) | |
Samsung Galaxy A21s (Chrome 84) |
Speedometer 2.0 - Result | |
Average of class Smartphone (14.9 - 445, n=151, last 2 years) | |
Xiaomi Redmi Note 9S (Chome 81) | |
Average Mediatek Helio G85 (27 - 40.6, n=5) | |
Xiaomi Redmi 9 (Chrome 85) | |
Realme 6i (Chrome 81) | |
Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 (Chrome 85) | |
Samsung Galaxy A21s (Chome 84) |
WebXPRT 3 - Overall | |
Average of class Smartphone (37 - 304, n=119, last 2 years) | |
Xiaomi Redmi Note 9S (Chrome 81) | |
Average Mediatek Helio G85 (43 - 47, n=5) | |
Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 (Chrome 85) | |
Xiaomi Redmi 9 | |
Realme 6i (Chrome 81) | |
Samsung Galaxy A21s (Chrome 84) |
Octane V2 - Total Score | |
Average of class Smartphone (4633 - 89112, n=202, last 2 years) | |
Xiaomi Redmi Note 9S (Chrome 81) | |
Average Mediatek Helio G85 (10299 - 13977, n=10) | |
Realme 6i (Chrome 81) | |
Xiaomi Redmi 9 (Chrome 85) | |
Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 (Chrome 85) | |
Samsung Galaxy A21s (Chrome 84) |
Mozilla Kraken 1.1 - Total | |
Samsung Galaxy A21s (Chrome 84) | |
Xiaomi Redmi 9 (Chrome 85) | |
Realme 6i (Chrome 81) | |
Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 (Chrome 85) | |
Average Mediatek Helio G85 (2967 - 3939, n=6) | |
Xiaomi Redmi Note 9S (Chrome 81) | |
Average of class Smartphone (388 - 9999, n=165, last 2 years) |
* ... smaller is better
Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 | Xiaomi Redmi 9 | Xiaomi Redmi Note 9S | Samsung Galaxy A21s | Realme 6i | Sony Xperia L4 | Average 64 GB eMMC Flash | Average 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 ? -11% | 1467 ? 378% |
Sequential Write 256KB | 248.1 | 119.8 -52% | 214.8 -13% | 104.3 -58% | 256.4 3% | 165 -33% | 176.8 ? -29% | 1077 ? 334% |
Random Read 4KB | 65.1 | 49.09 -25% | 137 110% | 77.2 19% | 73.5 13% | 61.2 -6% | 59.1 ? -9% | 241 ? 270% |
Random Write 4KB | 146.9 | 60.7 -59% | 123.6 -16% | 89.5 -39% | 150.9 3% | 22.5 -85% | 31.7 ? -78% | 265 ? 80% |
Sequential Read 256KB SDCard | 84.4 ? | 84.4 ? 0% | 74.5 ? -12% | 80 ? -5% | 84.6 ? 0% | 83.5 ? -1% | 77.4 ? -8% | |
Sequential Write 256KB SDCard | 63.5 ? | 65 ? 2% | 54.9 ? -14% | 66.4 ? 5% | 64.5 ? 2% | 62.5 ? -2% | 58.3 ? -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
Real Racing 3
Dead Trigger 2
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.
(+) 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.
Speaker
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.
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.
Off / Standby | 0.02 / 0.23 Watt |
Idle | 0.74 / 2.17 / 2.2 Watt |
Load |
4.17 / 6.11 Watt |
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 ? -29% | 0.891 ? -20% | |
Idle Average * | 2.17 | 1.7 22% | 2.1 3% | 2.1 3% | 1.62 25% | 1.628 ? 25% | 1.448 ? 33% | |
Idle Maximum * | 2.2 | 2.1 5% | 2.5 -14% | 2.9 -32% | 1.69 23% | 2 ? 9% | 1.63 ? 26% | |
Load Average * | 4.17 | 5.7 -37% | 5.2 -25% | 4.6 -10% | 3.61 13% | 4.35 ? -4% | 5.57 ? -34% | |
Load Maximum * | 6.11 | 8.5 -39% | 7.5 -23% | 6.6 -8% | 5.9 3% | 6.95 ? -14% | 8.27 ? -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.
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
Cons
Verdict on the Redmi Note 9 - Excellent entry into the smartphone world
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
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09/16/2020 v7
Marcus Herbrich