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Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 review

In the competitive world of budget smartphones, the Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 emerges as a strong contender, offering an impressive array of features for a price point that’s hard to beat. Priced at around £200, this phone is designed to cater to users who demand great battery life, a large display, and a decent camera without breaking the bank. While it may not be the most stylish device on the market, the Redmi Note 9 more than makes up for it with its performance where it truly counts.

Design and Build: Function Over Form

Let’s start with the design. The Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 might not win any awards for aesthetics, but it’s certainly functional. The all-plastic body isn’t as premium as some of its metal or glass counterparts, and the phone’s dimensions are on the heftier side, which some users might find cumbersome. However, this design choice is understandable given the focus on durability and cost-effectiveness. The phone is built to last, and despite its bulk, it feels solid in hand.

Where the Redmi Note 9 really shines in terms of design is on the front. The thin bezels and the tidy hole-punch notch give the phone a modern look, maximizing the screen real estate without resorting to clunky design elements. This is a budget phone that understands the importance of screen space, and Xiaomi has done well to ensure that the front of the device feels as premium as possible within the constraints of its price range.

Display: Big, Bright, and Crisp

One of the standout features of the Redmi Note 9 is its display. The 6.53-inch LCD panel is bright, vibrant, and sharp, thanks to its FHD+ resolution. While it’s true that this isn’t an OLED display, which would offer deeper blacks and more vivid colors, it’s important to remember that this is a sub-£200 phone. In this price range, the display is more than adequate, delivering a viewing experience that’s perfect for watching videos, browsing social media, and playing games.

The screen’s brightness levels are commendable, ensuring good visibility even in outdoor settings. The colors are well-balanced, and the FHD+ resolution means that text and images are crisp and clear. Whether you’re streaming your favorite shows or reading articles online, the Redmi Note 9’s display won’t disappoint.

Performance: A Mixed Bag

When it comes to performance, the Redmi Note 9 offers a somewhat mixed experience. Powered by the MediaTek Helio G85 CPU, the phone handles most tasks reasonably well, but it doesn’t always deliver the smoothest experience. The processor is a cut-price option, which means that while it’s capable of running the latest apps and games, you might notice occasional lag or stutter, especially with more demanding applications.

For everyday tasks like messaging, browsing, and streaming, the Redmi Note 9 performs adequately. However, if you’re a heavy user or someone who frequently multitasks, you might find the performance a bit underwhelming. That said, it’s important to put this into context—this is a budget phone, and within its price range, the performance is acceptable. It’s not going to match the fluidity of more expensive devices, but for the average user, it’s more than sufficient.

Gaming on the Redmi Note 9 is a decent experience as well. While it may not be able to run the latest titles at the highest settings, it can handle most games reasonably well, making it a good option for casual gamers. Just don’t expect flagship-level performance, and you won’t be disappointed.

Camera: Surprisingly Capable

One area where the Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 truly impresses is the camera. While Xiaomi advertises a quad-camera setup, it’s important to note that the term “quad-camera” might be a bit generous here. The primary 48-megapixel sensor is the star of the show, delivering genuinely decent shots, especially in good lighting conditions. The level of detail, color accuracy, and dynamic range are all commendable for a phone in this price range.

The additional cameras include an 8-megapixel ultra-wide lens, a 2-megapixel macro lens, and a 2-megapixel depth sensor. While these extra lenses add some versatility, they’re not as impressive as the main sensor. The ultra-wide shots are useful for capturing more in a single frame, but the quality drops in lower light conditions. The macro lens is fun for close-up photography, but it’s more of a novelty than a must-have feature. The depth sensor helps with portrait shots, providing decent background blur effects.

Overall, the Redmi Note 9’s camera setup is better than expected for a budget device. It’s not going to replace a dedicated camera or even match the quality of higher-end smartphones, but for everyday photography needs, it’s more than capable.

Battery Life: A True Champion

Perhaps the most impressive feature of the Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 is its battery life. With a massive 5,020mAh battery, this phone is built to last. Xiaomi has taken a brute-force approach to battery capacity, and it pays off handsomely. The Redmi Note 9 can easily last two full days on a single charge, even with moderate to heavy usage.

Whether you’re streaming videos, playing games, or using the phone for navigation, you won’t find yourself reaching for the charger by midday. This kind of battery life is rare even in more expensive smartphones, making the Redmi Note 9 a standout in its category. The trade-off, of course, is the phone’s somewhat chunky dimensions, but for many users, the extended battery life will more than make up for it.

Charging the Redmi Note 9 is also a straightforward affair, thanks to the 18W fast charging support. While it’s not the fastest charging technology available, it’s more than adequate for a budget device, allowing you to top up the battery quickly when needed.

Software: Improved but Not Perfect

Xiaomi has made strides with its MIUI 12 Android skin, which comes as an update straight out of the box with the Redmi Note 9. The latest iteration of MIUI is sharper, more flexible, and generally better-looking than its predecessors. The user interface has seen a significant polish, with smoother animations, more customization options, and a cleaner overall design.

However, MIUI 12 isn’t without its flaws. One of the most persistent issues is the amount of bloatware and app duplication. Out of the box, the phone comes pre-installed with several apps that most users might never use, and there’s some redundancy with Google’s suite of apps. While some of these can be uninstalled or disabled, it’s an annoyance that detracts from the otherwise smooth experience.

That said, the overall software experience is positive. The integration of useful features like dark mode, floating windows, and enhanced privacy controls adds value, making MIUI 12 one of the better custom Android skins available today.

Final Verdict: A Strong Budget Contender

All things considered, the Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 is an excellent option for anyone looking for a budget smartphone that doesn’t skimp on essential features. Its standout attributes are undoubtedly its stellar battery life and surprisingly capable camera, both of which punch above their weight class for a device in this price range.

While it may not be the most powerful or stylish phone out there, it delivers where it counts, making it a great choice for users who prioritize practicality over aesthetics. If your main concerns are battery life, a decent display, and a capable camera, the Redmi Note 9 should be high on your list.

That said, it’s worth considering your specific needs before making a purchase. If you value a more refined build quality and a slicker software experience, you might want to take a look at alternatives like the Moto G8. However, if you’re looking for a reliable and affordable smartphone that gets the job done without fuss, the Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 is hard to beat.