The Redmi Note series from Xiaomi is probably the most successful device family in the brand portfolio and constantly delivers a lot of bang for little money. We haven’t seen any 5G-enabled Redmi Note phones, but that is changing today.
The company introduced two 5G-enabled phones in the Redmi Note series, namely the Redmi Note 9 Pro and the Redmi Note 9. These phones are not to be confused with the 4G-enabled Redmi Note 9 and Note 9 Pro, the beginning of this Released year with cellular connectivity is one of the many differences between the two families.
Redmi Note 9 Pro increases the use of cameras
The Redmi Note 9 Pro is the most powerful device announced today by the Xiaomi sub-brand. It has a Snapdragon 750G processor, 6 GB to 8 GB of RAM, and 128 GB to 256 GB of expandable UFS 2.2 storage. Xiaomi also promises some kind of liquid cooling system, so performance should be maintained over time.
You also get a 6.67-inch 120Hz LCD screen (with adaptive frame rate support), while a 4,820mAh battery keeps the lights on. Fortunately, 33W wired charging means you can be charged from zero percent in a respectable 58 minutes.
However, the main selling point could just be the 108 megapixel main camera as the phone uses Samsung’s new Isocell HM2 camera sensor (1 / 1.52 inch, 0.7 micron pixels). This sensor has smaller pixels than previous 108MP sensors, but Xiaomi relies on non-binning technology that combines data from nine neighboring pixels into one. This means that you get images that are the equivalent of a 12MP 2.1 micron pixel camera.
However, you can still take 108MP shots at full resolution, while Xiaomi notes that the sensor’s dual native ISO technology combined with Smarts in night mode is great for low-light results.
The rest of the rear camera setup will look familiar to Redmi Note owners. It consists of an 8-megapixel ultra-wide sensor and two 2-megapixel sensors for depth and macro modes.
Other notable features of the Redmi Note 9 Pro 5G include a 3.5mm connector, IP53 splash guard, stereo speakers, a side fingerprint scanner, an IR blaster and NFC.
A cheap 5G experience
As expected, the Redmi Note 9 5G is one step below the Pro variant. In terms of core specs, though, there’s nothing to be sniffed at for packing a Dimensity 800U processor, 6GB to 8GB of RAM, and 128GB to 256GB of expandable storage. In fact, this phone has 5G + 5G dual SIM support and the ability to switch between 5G networks based on signal quality. The Pro version lacks 5G + 5G functions.
The rest of the phone goes without saying for Redmi Note devices. It has a 6.53-inch FHD + LCD screen and a 5,000 mAh battery with 18 W cable charge. You also get a triple rear camera setup (48 MP main camera, 8 MP ultra-wide, 2 MP macro), an IR blaster and stereo speakers.
These weren’t the only phones Redmi announced at the event, as the brand also announced the Redmi Note 9 4G. No, this is not the Redmi Note 9 device that was first launched months ago, it is a renamed version of the Poco M3 with a streamlined design (or is it the other way around?). Check it out below.
Gone is the OnePlus 8T Cyberpunk-inspired camera body, which has been replaced by a more traditional, but still OnePlus-inspired, rectangular camera body.
Otherwise, the rest of the datasheet is largely identical to the brand new Poco version. That means a Snapdragon 662 chipset, a 6.53-inch FHD + LCD panel, 4 GB to 8 GB of RAM, 128 GB of expandable storage and a gigantic 6,000 mAh battery.
Other notable specs include a triple rear camera (48 MP main camera, 2 MP macro, 2 MP depth), IP52 spray coating, an IR blaster, two stereo speakers and a side fingerprint scanner.
Prices for the Redmi Note 9 5G series
Presale for the Redmi Note 9 5G series begins today in China. The sale starts on December 1st. The Redmi Note 9 Pro starts at 1,599 yuan (~ $ 243) for the 6GB / 128GB model, 1,799 yuan (~ $ 274) for the 8GB / 128GB option, and 1,999 yuan (~ $ 304 ) for the 8 GB / 256 GB model.
The standard phone now costs 1,299 yuan (~ 198 USD) for the 6 GB / 128 GB option, 1,499 yuan (~ 228 USD) for the 8 GB / 128 GB variant, and 1,699 yuan (~ 258 USD) for the 8 GB / 256 option GB.
Chinese consumers can also grab the Redmi Note 9 4G today, starting at 999 yuan (~ $ 152) for the 4GB / 128GB model, 1,099 yuan (~ $ 167) for the 6GB / 128GB variant, and 1,299 Yuan (~ $ 198) for the 8 GB / 128 GB device and 1,499 yuan (~ $ 228) for the 8 GB / 256 GB variant.
Xiaomi told Android Authority In terms of global availability, there is nothing to share right now. Even so, we definitely want these affordable 5G devices to hit the market outside of China. These aren’t the only announcements made at the event as Xiaomi also unveiled the Redmi Watch. For more information on the affordable smartwatch, see the previous link.
Next: Xiaomi Mi 10T Pro Review – A Careful Balance