| 64 GB 4 GB RAM | $ 219.00 | $ 216.30 |
| 128 GB 4 GB RAM | $ 228.77 |
$ 234.99 |
| Show all prices | ||
Introduction and unboxing
Redmi Note 9T is a slightly toned down version of the China-exclusive Redmi Note 9 5G. It is already available in Europe with an extremely competitive € 199 “early-bird” special price and a regular MSRP promised to start with just € 229 for the base 4 / 64GB version and go up to € 269 for the 4 / 128GB.
The Redmi Note 9T is clearly designed to meet the new budget 5G niche in the global markets. Its priorities are clear and they certainly required some other specifications and feature offerings along the way. And that’s completely understandable.
Not all phones should be a universally loved budget offer like Xiaomi’s Poco line. There is value in meeting specific needs and interests, such as the current 5G trend, while still sticking to a tight budget. Plus, specs nitpicking aside, the Redmi Note 9T manages to deliver a well-rounded and competent modern smartphone experience.
Overview of Xiaomi Redmi Note 9T specifications:
- Body: 161.2×77.3×9.1mm, 199g; Glass front (Gorilla Glass 5), plastic back, plastic frame; Water-repellent coating.
- Screen: 6.53 “IPS LCD, 450 nits (type), 1080x2340px resolution, 19.5: 9 aspect ratio, 395ppi.
- Chipset: MediaTek Dimensity 800U 5G (7 nm): Octa-core (2×2.4 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6×2.0 GHz Cortex-A55); Mali-G57 MC3.
- Memory: 64 GB 4 GB RAM, 128 GB 4 GB RAM; UFS 2.1 – 64GB, UFS 2.2 – 128GB; microSDXC (dedicated slot).
- OS / software: Android 10, MIUI 12.
- Rear camera: Wide (head): 48 MP, f / 1.8, 26 mm, 1 / 2.0 “, 0.8 µm, PDAF; Macro: 2 MP, f / 2.4; Depth: 2 MP, f / 2.4.
- Front camera: 13 MP, f / 2.3, 29 mm (standard), 1 / 3.1 “, 1.12 µm.
- Video recording: Rear camera: 4K @ 30fps, 1080p @ 30 / 60fps; Front camera: 1080p @ 30 fps.
- Battery: 5000mAh; Fast charging 18W, 33% in 30 min.
- Various: Fingerprint reader (side mounted); NFC; FM radio, recording; Infrared port; 3.5 mm jack plug.
While the Redmi Note 9T price tag falls entirely within budget territory, it is important to put it in proper context. Some aspects of the Redmi Note 9T’s spec sheet range from just OK (such as the modest 60Hz wide-edge LCD panel and a large hole-in-the-hole self-cam) to disappointing (like the efficient single-use main camera).
Clearly, the Redmi Note 9T is not the best deal. You can get a better screen, better raw performance or a clearly better camera setup or even a combination of these, all while still staying within a budget of € 250. Getting 5G connection for that kind of money outside of China is however, still difficult.
MediaTek has worked overtime to make 5G more affordable, especially with the introduction of its 5G-equipped Dimensity series of chipsets. The future also looks bright in the Qualcomm camp with recent announcements like the Snapdragon 480. For now, however, it’s silicon like the Dimensity 800U inside the Xiaomi Redmi 9T that has 5G enthusiasts excited as MediaTek’s affordable 5G hardware finally seeps out of the domestic market.
Unboxing of Xiaomi Redmi Note 9T
Let’s start things off by unpacking the phone. After all, given the recent developments in terms of included phone chargers and an ever-shrinking set of accessories in general, we’re a little eager to see the inside of a Redmi box in 2021. Fortunately, the Redmi Note 9T comes with a pair treats in tow.
You get a wall charger. In fact, one rated at 22.5W (5V @ 3A, [email protected], [email protected], [email protected]) of Quick Charge 3+ output – more than 18W Redmi Note 9T can charge at. Xiaomi basically decided to standardize its basic chargers at some point, and now many of its devices get the same wall adapter in the box. Less variation means lower total production costs.
The included USB-A to USB Type-C cable is nothing special, but still feels sturdy and thick enough to last. The same goes for the included clear TPU case.
It’s nice to see that you’re pretty much ready to start using the Redmi Note 9T right out of the box.
