Xiaomi Mi Note 9 Review

Using the Mi Note 9 has been quite an experience. After all, it is not every day that we get to enjoy a flagship device from China, especially one that has the capability of being able to handle a lot of things. In this review, we will be taking a closer look at what this phone can do and what it can be expected to deliver.

Camera

Compared to its predecessor, the Redmi Note 8, the Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 features an updated front and rear camera setup. The front camera is embedded in the upper left corner of the display. It can shoot 1080p videos at 30fps.

The main camera has a 48-megapixel sensor that captures decent pictures. There’s a 2x zoom feature for taking pictures with a wider angle. The screen has a 19.5:9 aspect ratio and a 400 PPI pixel density. It’s protected by a smooth layer of Gorilla Glass 5.

The Redmi Note 9 has two built-in microphones for clear voice recording. It’s also got a better speaker. The display has good color reproduction and a bright IPS panel.

Performance

Powered by the new MediaTek Helio G85 chip, the Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 delivers impressive performance and graphics. The smartphone also has an impressive camera and a big display.

The phone has a 6.53-inch IPS display with a 2340×1080 pixel resolution. The IPS panel is bright and retains accurate color at steep angles. The screen also has a 19.5:9 aspect ratio, which makes it suitable for widescreen viewing.

In the graphics department, the Redmi Note 9 has a decent output, achieving a 38fps score in PCMark Work 2.0. Unfortunately, it also had random freezes when running demanding apps. However, it’s worth noting that the GFXBench app doesn’t work with the MiUI.

Design

Despite being a budget smartphone, the Redmi Note 9 boasts a number of notable features. This includes dual SIM support, MIUI skin, an IR remote, an SD card slot, and a small fingerprint reader. The display is also a major upgrade over the previous version. It has a screen resolution of Full HD+, and it has a peak brightness of 450 nits. It also has a dual-speaker system, which is a first for the Note series.

The Xiaomi Redmi Note 9’s triple-slot tray houses two nano-type SIMs and a dedicated microSD slot. It also features an anti-oil protective coating. The back is made of polycarbonate.

IR emitter on the top

IR blaster is a technology that allows your smartphone to control various electronic devices. The device can be used as a remote control for your television, set-top box, DVD player, and more.

If you are planning to purchase a phone with an IR blaster, then you must check its specifications first. Some phones have the feature built-in while others must be purchased separately. If you have a phone without an IR blaster, you can buy an infrared adapter to use the device.

The IR blaster is found on some of the phones of the Xiaomi family. These phones include the Xiaomi Mi 4, Mi 4, Note 4, and Note 4X.

Speaker output

Getting the best speaker output from your smartphone can be tricky. Most devices only offer limited speaker options, but some phones can be tricked out with dual stereo speakers. The Samsung Galaxy Note 9 is no different.

Aside from the obvious volume control on the side, there are several other ways to get the best output from your device. There are also several software fixes available that can help you improve the sound quality of your phone.

The first and most obvious solution is to clean the speaker. To do this, you’ll need to swab the holes in the phone. You can purchase a swab at an office supply store or buy one online. Rub it around in circular motions to remove any excess debris.

Battery life

Considering the price tag, the battery life of the Mi Note 9 is impressive. With 5200 mAh, you will get two full days out of it with average use.

The big battery is made to last, and the power-efficient chipset helps. You can also turn on the non-interactive mode to save battery when you aren’t using your phone.

The screen on the Mi Note 9 has a good resolution, providing a decent viewing experience for videos. It isn’t as good as Samsung’s Super AMOLED displays, but it does the job.

The MIUI 12 UI is sharper than its predecessor and has more flexibility. It can also be configured to perform more functions, and it contains a few interesting features.