Introduction and unpacking
The Redmi Note 9T is a slightly toned down version of the China exclusive Redmi Note 9 5G. It is already available in Europe, with a € 199 special early-bird price and regular MSRP promised to start at only 229 € for the 4 / 64GB basic version and go up to 269 € for the 4 / 128GB version.
The Redmi Note 9T is clearly designed to meet the new 5G budget niche in global markets. Its priorities are clear, and they certainly required further specs and sacrifices along the way. And this is perfectly understandable.
Not all phones have to be a universally beloved budget offering like Xiaomi’s Poco line. It helps to meet specific needs and interests, like the current 5G trend, while staying on a tight budget. Plus, specs aside, the Redmi Note 9T manages to deliver a well-rounded and competent modern smartphone experience.
Features of Xiaomi Redmi Note 9T at a glance:
- Body: 161.2 x 77.3 x 9.1mm, 199g; Glass front (Gorilla Glass 5), plastic back, plastic frame; Water repellent coating.
- Display: 6.53 “IPS LCD display, 450 nits (typ), 1080x2340px resolution, 19.5: 9 aspect ratio, 395ppi.
- Chipset: MediaTek Dimensity 800U 5G (7nm): Octa-core (2×2.4 GHz Cortex-A76 and 6×2.0 GHz Cortex-A55); Mali-G57 MC3.
- Memory: 64GB RAM 4GB, 128GB RAM 4GB; UFS 2.1 – 64 GB, UFS 2.2 – 128 GB; microSDXC (dedicated slot).
- OS / software: Android 10, MIUI 12.
- Rear camera: Large (main): 48 MP, f / 1.8, 26mm, 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, 29mm (standard), 1 / 3.1 “, 1.12 µm.
- Video capture: Rear camera: 4K at 30 fps, 1080p at 30/60 fps; Front camera: 1080p at 30 fps.
- Drums: 5000mAh; Fast charge 18 W, 33% in 30 min.
- Various: Fingerprint reader (mounted on the side); NFC; FM radio, recording; Infrared port; 3.5mm jack socket.
While the price of the Redmi Note 9T falls squarely in budget territory, it’s important to put it in context. Some aspects of the Redmi Note 9T’s spec sheet range from just OK (like the unassuming 60Hz LCD panel with wide bezels and a punch-hole-sized selfie camera) to disappointing (like the single effectively usable main camera) .
Obviously, the Redmi Note 9T isn’t the best value proposition. You can get a better display, better raw performance, or a significantly better camera setup, or even a combination of these, all all on a budget of $ 250. Getting 5G connectivity for that kind of money outside of China, however, remains difficult.
MediaTek has been working overtime to make 5G more affordable, especially with the introduction of its 5G-equipped Dimensity line of chipsets. The future looks bright in the Qualcomm camp as well, with recent announcements like the Snapdragon 480. At the moment, however, it’s silicon like the Dimensity 800U inside the Xiaomi Redmi 9T that excites enthusiasts. 5G as affordable 5G hardware from MediaTek ends up leaking. outside of its domestic market.
Unboxing the Xiaomi Redmi Note 9T
Let’s start by unpacking the phone. After all, in light of recent developments regarding the supplied phone chargers and an ever-shrinking accessory kit in general, we’re a little excited to see the interior of a Redmi box in 2021. Fortunately, the Redmi Note 9T arrives with some goodies in tow.
You get a wall charger. In fact, the one that’s rated for 22.5W (5V @ 3A, 9V@2.23A, 10V@2.25A, 12V@1.67A) of Quick Charge 3+ output – more than the 18W that the Redmi Note 9T can charge at . Xiaomi basically decided to standardize its base chargers at one point, and now a lot of its devices are getting the same wall adapter in the box. Less variation means lower overall 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 transparent TPU case.
It’s great to see that you are pretty much all set to start using the Redmi Note 9T right out of the box.
