Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 Pro: analysis of characteristics, tests and hidden features

Redmi Note 9 Pro still remains one of the most talked about smartphones in the budget segment, despite the release of newer models. The reason is simple: the combination of powerful hardware, long battery life and an affordable price made it a bestseller. But is this device so good in 2026? Is it worth buying it now or is it better to look at alternatives?

In this analysis, we won't just list technical specifications - we'll analyze real-life performance. Redmi Note 9 Pro in games, benchmark tests, we will evaluate the quality of shooting on the main and front cameras, and also reveal MIUI hidden features, which are silent in official reviews. We will pay special attention problem with overheating of the Snapdragon 720G processor under prolonged loads and how it can be minimized.

Technical specifications: what's under the hood of Redmi Note 9 Pro

The heart of the smartphone is an 8-core processor Qualcomm Snapdragon 720G with a clock frequency of up to 2.3 GHz. This is one of the most balanced chipsets in its class, which ensures smooth operation both in everyday tasks and in most modern games. However, there is a nuance: under long-term loads (for example, in Genshin Impact or Call of Duty Mobile) the processor starts throttling — artificial decrease in performance due to overheating.

There is 6 GB of RAM (in the top version), and 128 GB of permanent memory, expandable via microSD up to 512 GB. The manufacturer paid special attention to the screen: this IPS matrix with a diagonal of 6.67 inches, resolution 2400×1080 (Full HD+) and a refresh rate of 60 Hz. The brightness reaches 450 nits, which is enough for comfortable use outdoors, but in sunny weather you may have problems reading text.

• 🔋 Battery: 5020 mAh with support for 30 W fast charging (charger included!). A full cycle from 0 to 100% takes about 1 hour 15 minutes.
• 📸 Main camera: quad 64 MP (main) + 8 MP (wide-angle) + 5 MP (macro) + 2 MP (depth sensor).
• 🤳 Front camera: 16 MP with support for HDR and video shooting 1080p@30fps.
• 🔒 Sensors: fingerprint scanner (built into the power button), infrared port, gyroscope, compass.

⚠️ Attention: In some batches Redmi Note 9 Pro There is a defect with the microphone during calls - the interlocutor hears an echo or noise. The problem can be solved by flashing it or replacing it under warranty.

Performance and benchmarks: what the Snapdragon 720G is capable of

In synthetic tests Redmi Note 9 Pro shows the following results:

Test	Result	Comparison with competitors
AnTuTu 9	~280,000 points	15% worse than Snapdragon 732G (in Poco X3 NFC)
Geekbench 5 (Single-Core)	~560 points	Inferior Helio G95 by 10%
Geekbench 5 (Multi-Core)	~1700 points	Compare with Kirin 820 (in Huawei Nova 7i)
3DMark Wild Life	~1400 points	20% weaker Dimensity 800U

In real conditions Snapdragon 720G pulls confidently PUBG Mobile on settings HDR + Ultra with stable 40 FPS, but in Genshin Impact At maximum graphics settings, stuttering begins. The problem is solved by reducing the parts to Average or turning on the mode Performance Balance in MIUI settings.

One of the main disadvantages is lack of 5G support. In 2026, this could become critical for those who plan to use a smartphone for longer than 2–3 years. It is also worth noting that Redmi Note 9 Pro does not support Wi-Fi 6, which limits the connection speed to modern routers.

Cameras: honest photo and video test

Main module 64 MP (Samsung GW1) in the daytime shows excellent results: detail is high, colors are saturated, but without excessive processing. However, in low light conditions, typical problems of budget smartphones appear: noise at ISO above 1600 and loss of detail in the shadows.

The wide-angle module (8 MP) suffers from severe distortion at the edges of the frame and a noticeable drop in sharpness. The macro lens (5 MP) is more of a marketing ploy - the shooting quality is worse than that of the main camera in zoom mode. The depth sensor (2MP) only works to create bokeh effects in portrait mode, but often fails at blurring edges.

• 🌄 Camera Pros:
  • Good detail in daylight.
  • Stable autofocus performance.
  • Acceptable video shooting in 4K@30fps (but without stabilization).
• 🌙 Camera cons:
  • Weak night photography without use Night Mode.
  • Lack of optical stabilization.
  • Video in 1080p@60fps has artifacts when moving.

How to enable hidden Pro Mode in the camera?

Go to Camera Settings → Advanced → Modes → Enable Pro Mode. This will open manual settings for shutter speed, ISO and white balance.

The 16MP front camera can take selfies in good lighting, but photos in the dark turn out grainy. There is support HDR, but it doesn’t always work correctly—sometimes it overexposes faces. It is important for video bloggers: the maximum video resolution from the front camera is 1080p@30fps, without electronic stabilization.

Autonomy and charging: how long does a 5020 mAh battery last?

Battery capacity of 5020 mAh is one of the main advantages Redmi Note 9 Pro. With moderate use (social networks, instant messengers, calls, 2–3 hours of video per day), the smartphone will easily survive 1.5–2 days without recharging. With active use (games, video shooting, navigation), the operating time is reduced to 12–15 hours.

The included 30W fast charging is a nice bonus. A full charging cycle takes:

• 0–50%: ~30 minutes
• 50–100%: ~45 minutes

However, after a year of use, many users note battery degradation up to 80–85% of the original capacity. This is normal for lithium polymer batteries, but something to consider when purchasing a used model.

⚠️ Attention: When using non-original chargers (especially from AliExpress) Redmi Note 9 Pro may not enable fast charging mode. This leads to heating of the cable and increases the charging time to 3-4 hours.

Software: MIUI 14 based on Android 12

At the time of release Redmi Note 9 Pro worked for MIUI 11 with Android 10, but now an update to MIUI 14 based on Android 12. Upgrade to Android 13 unlikely - Xiaomi stopped supporting the model in 2023.

MIUI offers a lot of useful features:

• 🔄 Dual Applications — the ability to create a clone of the messenger (for example, two WhatsApp or Telegram).
• 🔒 Second space — a separate desktop with its own applications and data (useful for separating personal and work).
• 🎮 Game mode — Blocks notifications and optimizes performance during gameplay.
• 📱 Smart Assistant — quick access to frequently used functions (flashlight, calculator, QR scanner).

However, there are also disadvantages:

• 🗑️ Advertising in system applications (can be disabled in settings).
• 🐢 Interface slowdowns after a year of use (solved by resetting to factory settings).
• 🔄 Forced updates through MIUI Updater, which cannot be undone.

Comparison with competitors: is it worth buying in 2026?

In 2026 Redmi Note 9 Pro competes with newer models, but still holds its own thanks to its low price on the secondary market. Main alternatives:

Model	Pros	Cons	Price (used)
Redmi Note 10 Pro	AMOLED screen, 120 Hz, best camera	Weaker autonomy	18 000–22 000 ₽
Poco X3 NFC	120 Hz, best processor (732G)	Plastic body, no wide-angle camera	15 000–18 000 ₽
Samsung Galaxy M31	AMOLED, 6000 mAh, One UI	Weak processor (Exynos 9611)	16 000–20 000 ₽

Who will benefit from Redmi Note 9 Pro in 2026?

• 💰 For those who are looking for maximum value for money (up to 15,000 ₽).
• 🎮 Gamers who care about gaming performance PUBG Mobile or Free Fire.
• 📸 For those who like to take pictures during the day (but not at night).
• 🔋 For those who need long autonomy.

Who is it not suitable for?

• 📶 For those who want 5G or Wi-Fi 6.
• 🖥️ For lovers of a smooth interface (no 90/120 Hz).
• 🌙 Night photographers (the camera does not cope well in the dark).

Hidden features and lifehacks for Redmi Note 9 Pro

MIUI hides many useful features that few people know about:

1. Reading mode: turns on via Settings → Display → Reading mode. Reduces eye strain and saves battery.
2. Double tap to wake up: activated in Settings → Lock screen → Double tap to wake.
3. Hidden Gestures: in Settings → Advanced → Gestures You can configure swipes to quickly launch the camera or flashlight.
4. Power Saving Mode: in Settings → Battery → Modes there is an option Ultra mode, which disables background processes and extends the operating time to 3–4 days.

For fans of customization:

• 🎨 Topics: in Topics You can download alternative icons, wallpapers and fonts.
• 🔧 Developer Settings: turn on via About phone → MIUI version (press 7 times). There you can disable animation or enable USB debugging.

How to unlock the bootloader?

1. Get permission to unlock on the Xiaomi website. 2. Install Mi Unlock Tool. 3. Connect your phone in Fastboot (press Power + Vol−). 4. Follow the program instructions. ⚠️ This will void the warranty!

Common problems and ways to solve them

Despite the reliability, Redmi Note 9 Pro there are typical bugs:

1. Overheating when charging:

   If your phone gets very hot while charging, try:

   • Use original power supply.
   • Close all applications before connecting the charger.
   • Remove the cover (if there is one).

2. Spontaneous reboots:

   Most often associated with a faulty memory card or damaged cache. Solution:

   1. Удалите microSD и проверьте работу.
   2. Сбросьте кэш через Recovery (зажмите Power + Vol+).
   3. Если не поможет — выполните сброс к заводским настройкам.

3. Poor network reception:

   The problem is typical for some regions. Helps:

   • Firmware update.
   • Manual selection of operator in Settings → SIM cards and mobile networks.
   • Replacing the SIM card with a newer one (for example, with VoLTE support).

⚠️ Attention: If the sensors (gyroscope, accelerometer) stop working after a fall, do not try to disassemble the phone yourself - Redmi Note 9 Pro the cables are very fragile. Contact the service center.

FAQ: answers to popular questions

❓ Does Redmi Note 9 Pro support wireless charging?

No, Redmi Note 9 Pro does not have a wireless charging module. However, you can use adapters with Qi receiver, which are connected to the connector USB-C, but the charging speed will be lower than the original unit.

❓ Is it possible to install custom firmware (for example, LineageOS)?

Yes, but for this you need:

1. Unlock the bootloader.
2. Install custom recovery (for example, TWRP).
3. Flash compatible firmware (for example, Pixel Experience or LineageOS 19).

⚠️ Please note that this will void your warranty and may result in unstable operation of the camera or sensors.

❓ How to check the originality of the battery?

Enter in the application Phone code *#*#4636#*#*, then go to Battery information. The original battery should have a capacity close to 5020 mAh and a temperature of no higher than 35°C when charging. Also pay attention to the label - the original has a hologram and a serial number.

❓ Why do FPS drop in games?

The reasons may be different:

• 🔥 Overheat: Snapdragon 720G starts throttling at temperatures above 45°C. Try using a cooling case or playing in a cool room.
• 🗑️ System load: Close background applications via Settings → Applications → Running.
• 🔄 Outdated firmware: Update MIUI to the latest version.
• 🎮 Graphics settings: In some games (for example, PUBG Mobile) must be set manually Balanced mode in graphics settings.

❓ How much does it cost to replace a screen?

The cost of replacing the display at service centers varies from 5,000 to 8,000 rubles depending on the region. An original screen with a touchscreen will cost more (about 10,000 ₽), but will last longer. If the phone is under warranty, a replacement will be made free of charge in case of mechanical damage (if it is not the fault of the user).