The Xiaomi Mi 9, initially released in February 2019, has continued to stand the test of time as a true budget flagship. As the smartphone market evolves rapidly, it’s intriguing to revisit this device and assess how it performs in the long run. In this in-depth review, we’ll delve into the Mi 9’s design, display, camera capabilities, performance, battery life, software updates, and more to determine whether it remains a worthy contender in today’s competitive smartphone landscape.
Design and Build Quality
The Xiaomi Mi 9 boasts an elegant and premium design with Gorilla Glass on both the front and back, which exudes a sense of quality. Its slim profile and curved edges make it comfortable to hold, and the device feels well-constructed. Available in eye-catching colors like Ocean Blue and Piano Black, the Mi 9’s aesthetics have held up well over time. It’s also worth noting that the phone features an in-display fingerprint sensor, which adds to its modern appeal.
Display
The Mi 9 features a 6.39-inch Super AMOLED display with Full HD+ resolution. This screen continues to deliver vivid and punchy colors, deep blacks, and excellent contrast, providing an immersive visual experience. The device is well-suited for various tasks, including media consumption, web browsing, and gaming. While the absence of a high refresh rate display may disappoint some, the overall display quality is still competitive, especially when considering its budget-friendly nature.
Camera Capabilities
Xiaomi’s camera setup on the Mi 9 is a strong suit that has held up well over time. The triple-camera system on the back includes a 48 MP primary sensor, a 12 MP telephoto lens, and a 16 MP ultra-wide-angle camera. These cameras deliver sharp and vibrant photos with good dynamic range in various lighting conditions. Xiaomi’s camera software improvements have further enhanced the user experience with features like AI scene detection and various shooting modes. The 20 MP front camera captures excellent selfies and supports quality video calls.
Performance
Under the hood, the Xiaomi Mi 9 is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 855 processor, combined with 6GB or 8GB of RAM, depending on the model. This hardware configuration continues to offer snappy and responsive performance for everyday tasks. The device handles multitasking and gaming with ease, showcasing its flagship-grade performance. The Mi 9’s fluid user experience is a testament to Xiaomi’s optimization and the Snapdragon 855’s capabilities.
Battery Life
The Mi 9 is equipped with a 3,300mAh battery, which may seem relatively modest compared to some modern smartphones. However, the device still manages to provide satisfactory battery life for a full day of moderate use. Heavy users might find themselves reaching for a charger earlier in the evening, but the 27W fast charging support ensures that you can quickly top up the battery when needed.
Software Updates
Xiaomi has been consistent in providing software updates for its devices. The Mi 9, while initially launched with Android 9 Pie, has received subsequent updates, including Android 10 and MIUI 12. Xiaomi’s MIUI is known for its feature-rich interface and customization options, and ongoing software support ensures that users continue to benefit from the latest features and security patches.
Conclusion
The Xiaomi Mi 9 is a budget flagship smartphone that has managed to maintain its appeal in the long run. Its combination of premium design, impressive display, capable camera system, strong performance, and regular software updates has helped it stand the test of time.
In summary, the Xiaomi Mi 9 is a testament to the enduring value of budget flagships. While it may not offer all the latest bells and whistles, it delivers a well-rounded smartphone experience that’s still competitive today. If you’re looking for a cost-effective option that doesn’t compromise on performance or camera capabilities, the Xiaomi Mi 9 is a compelling choice even after several years since its initial release.
