The mid-range market is undoubtedly where Xiaomi excels. Despite its strong performance with devices like the Mi 10 series, which aim to compete with the very best, it's in the €200-€300 price range where it truly shines. I've been testing the Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 Pro for a few weeks now, and what a surprise ! In this post, you can read our detailed review, as well as watch our video impressions.
Video analysis
| Features | Notes redmi 9 Pro |
|---|---|
| Processor | Qualcomm Snapdragon 720G |
| Conference proceedings | 6 GB RAM |
| Storage | 64 / 128 GB UFS 2.1 |
| Screen | 6,67" FHD+ IPS LCD at 60Hz |
| Battery | 5.020 mAh + fast charge 30W |
| Frontal camera | 16MP f2.5 |
| Rear camera | 64MP wide f1.9 8 MP wide angle f2.2 5MP macro f2.4 2 MP depth of field f2.4 |
| Connectivity | WiFi, BT 5.0, A-GPX, Galileo, Glonass, BDS and NFC |
| Connections | USB C and headphone jack |
| Extras | IR Port, FM Radio |
No risky designs
The Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 Pro is one of those devices that doesn't take any risks aesthetically, nor is it expected to . It simply aims to meet the minimum requirements that many brands in general, and Xiaomi in particular, have accustomed us to. Therefore, what you find here is a device with generous dimensions and a weight of 209 grams, but it's still comfortable to hold. Unless you're used to smaller phones, you won't take long to get used to it.
Regarding material and finishes, well, more of the same. The glass back offers a good touch and without being very slippery, its only problem is none other than the already classic fingerprints. But since it is possible that you take it with the cover that it includes, which will protect it against possible falls or scratches, then the problem resulted.
Of the most nothing to highlight. They are somewhat generous, but in these price ranges they are usually the norm. Well, yes, there is something that you are still interested in knowing. At the top you have an IR port with which, together with the remote control application, you can control your television among other devices. And at the bottom, next to the speaker and USB C connector, you find a 3,5mm Jack connector so you can use your usual wired headphones.
By the way, on the right side is the fingerprint reader integrated into the power button itself. Its operation is fast and precise. You have to get used to its position, but it is not annoying at all. Along with the facial recognition system, two fast and effective unlock options.
No screen at 90 Hz but solvent
If you want to be price-competitive, you have to compromise on certain things. One of those things in mid-range phones is the screen. Xiaomi isn't going to give you a 90Hz panel, which is so fashionable right now. However, its 6,67-inch IPS LCD screen is quite good in almost every respect.
Both by color, as well as the level of contrast or angles, the experience of use during these days has been satisfactory for me. Again, as happened to me with the Mi 10 Lite, a little more brightness would have been great in certain outdoor situations, but in general terms it is enjoyed when using the system, viewing multimedia content or when taking pictures and record a video.
However, the only thing that still doesn't appeal to me is the hole-punch cutout for the front camera. The shadow it casts around it doesn't convince me. To a certain extent, I'd prefer a teardrop notch like the one in the previous generation, but this is simply a matter of personal taste and easily remedied once you get used to it.
In general, if we remove the brightness issue, the screen is more than correct and you will be able to enjoy all kinds of content and games, because the response is also adequate even in those titles where you have to react faster.
enough power for everything
Keeping track of the different Qualcomm processors is becoming increasingly complex, as was already the case with those from Intel or AMD. What makes the Snapdragon 765G different from the 720G and compared to previous models? Is not easy.
For this reason, I am not going to bombard you with technical data or benchmarks that are making less and less sense. As much as there are those who like that topic of comparing numbers. Here I am going to talk about sensations and real experience on a day-to-day basis.
The Redmi Note 9 Pro is powered by a Snapdragon 720G , and all you need to know is that it's more than enough for everyday tasks . The operating system and most apps will run smoothly. I say most because there will be some apps that, due to their higher processing demands, will take longer to run compared to the speeds offered by Qualcomm's latest processor, the 865.
This difference is mainly due to the difference in graphic power. Here the 765G would have given it an extra point, but we would already talk about another terminal and another price. Therefore, my user experience has been good and I was able to do everything I wanted at all times. Sometimes with a little more patience, but without any kind of real problem such as crashes, exaggerated slowness, etc.
Logically, this performance is aided by its 6GB of RAM and UFS 2.1 storage , which, while not the fastest, allows for sufficiently fast loading times to avoid any noticeable poor experience.
If we add to this the multiple options of the MIUI and the optimization work done by Xiaomi itself, you must be very demanding so that this phone does not meet your day-to-day needs. And if that happens, then what you should not have done is buy this option.
Sound, better with headphones
The Redmi Note 9 Pro's sound is one thing that won't win you over . Its speakers make noise, but that's about it. I'm not saying they're terrible—you have to turn the volume up quite high before it starts to distort—but it's true that the sound lacks depth and nuance.
That is why I say that if you want to enjoy multimedia content, from series, movies to music, podcasts or video games, you will have to opt for headphones. Here the advantage is that you can use wireless or wired models. you say And as with the screen, MIUI's sound customization options will allow you to have a little more control and customization over how they will sound.
Surprises with their cameras
Just like with the Mi 10 Lite, the Redmi Note 9 Pro offers five cameras . A main camera module comprised of four sensors plus a 16MP front-facing camera. While the five-camera setup sounds impressive, only three are truly essential. Although you could easily use just two: the 16MP front camera and the 64MP rear camera.
The front camera performs well in selfies, also in video, although in both cases I still think that Xiaomi's processing is lacking in sharpness. Or it will be me who is used to another type of look that attracts me more. Even so, it is a camera that behaves quite correctly even when the light is somewhat less. It is true that the colors are somewhat more pasted and with a slight watercolor effect, but there are much more expensive proposals that behave the same and that has more crime.
In any case, it's the main camera that will interest most people, and here, pay attention to the Redmi Note 9 Pro's camera. I'm assuming it's a mid-range phone and one of the more affordable options, costing around €210 to €220. Therefore, considering that price and setting aside the issue of it having too many sensors, as I mentioned before, I've been pleased with this device's performance.
Both in good light and when we are facing somewhat more complex scenes, the 64 MP main sensor is capable of achieving quite attractive photos. Good on display, color rendering and sharpness. What's more, we can even do a 2X zoom by playing with the cutout of the sensor itself.
There are times when it naturally falls short, but a large percentage of users will be more than satisfied with a device that's capable of delivering impressive results with all kinds of photos. And if you add a little post-processing , you not only salvage the more complex shots by disguising potential flaws like excessive noise or lack of detail, but you also make the technically superior ones even more appealing.
That said, if you ignore how eye-catching it is to say you have a phone with five cameras, the truth is that the Redmi Note 9 Pro includes two sensors that are convincing and makes it a fairly solid proposition for those looking for a capable device in terms of photography (with its own limitations due to price) without having to invest either 500 or the 1.000 euros that are asked for high-end phones.
Regarding the video, it complies, but it does not convince me at all. This is why I admit that I have never been able to find an Android phone capable of capturing video like virtually any iPhone on the market, including the 2020 iPhone SE.
Redmi Note 9 Pro, an easy phone to recommend
When I tried the Xiaomi Mi 10 Lite, which was already beginning to see its first offers, I thought that this would be the phone between 200 and 300 euros that I was going to recommend without fear of regretting it. Now that I have tried this Redmi Note 9 Pro I have to say that it is not so easy anymore.
While the Mi 10 Lite might be superior in some aspects, the Redmi Note 9 Pro isn't far behind and can also be found at a very good price. Therefore, it's obviously a decision you'll have to make if you're more interested in one or the other for a specific reason, but I can tell you that if you choose it, you won't regret it.
In addition, they do not comply well with everything mentioned above, also in the following sections:
- Loose battery to withstand the day and a half of use calmly and even two. It is undoubtedly one of its great characteristics although it is not given much hype
- Screen offers a good size and adequate resolution to view multimedia content, video games and texts to read through the web or social network applications
- For power you will not have a problem and it will be more than enough for habitual uses and tasks from day to day
- The cameras and you have seen it
- Both the fingerprint reader placed on the side and the easy recognition are very convenient and effective unlocking solutions.
So, I admit that yes, I quite liked the Redmi Note 9 Pro. At its current price of €249 (at the time of publication of this review) , it's one of the most attractive devices in its price range.
Redmi Note 9 Pro vs. bit x3
Xiaomi's business model is quite peculiar. Instead of focusing on a few products like Apple does, the Chinese company does quite the opposite. Xiaomi launches dozens of very similar terminals so that you don't think for a moment about buying a mobile from the competition.
Along these lines, the Pocophone X3 is a device also released by Xiaomi that rivals the Redmi Note 9 in terms of features. The Poco model came out a few months later, and therefore has a slightly more powerful processor: the Qualcomm Snapdragon 732G. The screens are similar, although the X3 has the edge here, as its panel refreshes at up to 120 Hz.
Out of the box, the Poco X3 has less storage: 64 GB compared to the Redmi's 128 GB. However, the Poco also has the advantage in battery life, boasting 6.000 mAh, slightly more than the Redmi Note 9's 5.020 mAh. The Poco's main camera also has more megapixels than the Redmi's. Overall, both are excellent phones. Whichever you choose, you won't regret it.
Is it still a good terminal?
It's been a couple of years since this mobile went on the market. And the phone continues to have its sales and is still in stock at many stores. Is it worth buying or is it better to go for a newer model?
Within Xiaomi's lineup, the successor to this model is the Xiaomi Redmi 11 Pro+, a smartphone with very good specifications, but with a significantly higher price tag than the Redmi 9 Note Pro had when it was released. If you need a phone for everyday use and don't require a lot of power or the latest processor, the Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 Pro remains a viable option. Currently, you can buy it for just over €200 in its 128GB version.
Furthermore, after all this time, you can find far more reviews of this phone than of a new one. The Amazon website we've linked below is full of positive reviews for this smartphone, boasting a 4,5 out of 5-star rating with over 22.000 reviews. Without a doubt, the Redmi Note 9 Pro still has plenty of life left in it.
See offer on AmazonThe Amazon link in this post is an affiliate link. Output may receive a commission if a purchase is made through it, although this will not affect the price you pay for the item. The decision to include the link is made based on editorial criteria and without considering any requests from the brands mentioned.