Xiaomi Redmi Note 9T review
The Xiaomi Redmi Note 9T is one of the cheapest 5G phones available in the market. Despite being budget-friendly, the device has a sturdy build quality with a plastic back and frame that feels rigid and durable. The phone also features a water-repellent coating and Gorilla Glass 5 on its screen. The Redmi Note 9T's design is not overly impressive, with thick bezels and a noticeable punch hole. However, the device comes in two color options - Nightfall Black and Daybreak Purple - which have a textured finish that provides extra grip and prevents smudges. One of the notable features of the phone is its performance. Powered by the Mediatek Dimensity 800U 5G chip, the Redmi Note 9T delivers smooth performance and can handle demanding tasks with ease. The device also has a triple camera setup, which includes a 48MP primary sensor, 2MP macro sensor, and 2MP depth sensor. The cameras on the Redmi Note 9T are capable of capturing good-quality photos in daylight conditions, with plenty of resolved detail and warm colors. However, low-light performance is average, and noise reduction can be overdone at times. The selfie camera is a highlight, delivering sharp and detailed shots even in lower lighting conditions. Battery life on the Redmi Note 9T is excellent, lasting for more than a day with moderate usage. However, charging speed is limited to 18W, which can take some time to fully charge the device. Overall, the Redmi Note 9T is a solid option for those who want a budget-friendly 5G phone, but it may not be the best value if you're willing to spend a bit more money on other devices with similar features.
Build Quality and Design
Xiaomi's Redmi Note 9T is one of the most affordable 5G phones available in the market, and it's impressive how well it stacks up against its competitors. The phone's build quality and design are undoubtedly one of its strong points. From the moment you hold the phone, you'll notice its sturdy and rigid construction. Despite being made of plastic, the back and frame of the device feel incredibly solid, with zero flex at almost 200 grams. This is largely due to the inclusion of a massive 5,000mAh battery, which adds weight but also ensures that the phone stays durable. The phone's design is nicely done, considering its budget nature. The finish on the back is matte and provides a comfortable grip, while the frame has a slightly more premium feel to it. The overall aesthetic is simple yet elegant, making the Redmi Note 9T look like a more expensive device than it actually is. One of the standout features of the phone's design is its durable back. The plastic used here is resistant to scratches and fingerprints, and it shows no signs of wear after extended use. This is particularly impressive considering the phone's budget price tag. In terms of style, the Redmi Note 9T doesn't push any boundaries, but it gets the job done without looking too bland either. It's a straightforward design that should appeal to those who value functionality over flashy aesthetics. Overall, the build quality and design of the Redmi Note 9T are its strongest selling points. While it may not be the most stylish phone on the market, it's sturdy construction and simple yet effective design make it an excellent choice for anyone looking for a reliable budget device.
Battery Life
The Xiaomi Redmi Note 9T boasts an impressive battery life, making it a great option for those who need a phone that can last all day without needing to be recharged. In our testing, the phone's massive 5,000mAh power battery delivered an excellent 118 hours of endurance. This is made possible by the phone's power-efficient new Mediatech Dimensity 800U 5G chipset, which performs similarly to other budget-friendly options like the Snapdragon 690. While charging speeds are limited to 18 watts, our tests showed that the phone can go from zero to 33% in just half an hour. One of the standout features of the Redmi Note 9T's battery life is its ability to handle demanding tasks without significant degradation. We were able to stream videos, play games, and browse the web for extended periods without noticing any significant drop in performance. While not perfect, the Redmi Note 9T's battery life is a major selling point for this phone. If you're looking for a device that can keep up with your daily needs without needing to be recharged constantly, then this phone is definitely worth considering.
Display
The Redmi Note 9T's display is an adequate screen for its class, but far from impressive. The 6.53-inch IPS LCD boasts a full HD resolution and standard 60Hz refresh rate, which should be enough for decent slight legibility. However, the display managed only 471 nits of brightness in standard color mode, with a maximum of 413 nits in saturated color mode. Color accuracy was also lacking, with whites appearing bluish in both modes. While the screen was mediocre, it's worth noting that budget LCD panels often suffer from similar issues. Response time was less than stellar, and we observed some ghosting in fine text and UI elements when scrolling. One redeeming quality of the display is its ability to capture shots with good contrast and dynamic range, even if colors were on the warmer side. The 48-megapixel main camera produced photos with plenty of resolved detail, but with noticeable banding in the sky. While you can snap shots at a full 48 megapixels, it doesn't make a significant difference in quality or detail. In conclusion, while the Redmi Note 9T's display is serviceable for its price point, it falls short in terms of brightness and color accuracy. If you're looking for a better display experience, you may want to consider other options within the same budget range.
Camera
The camera department is one of the most crucial aspects of any smartphone, and in this review, we'll be focusing solely on the camera capabilities of the Xiaomi Redmi Note 9T. The Redmi Note 9T features a triple-camera setup, consisting of a 48-megapixel main camera, a 2-megapixel macro camera, and a 2-megapixel depth sensor. During our testing, we found that daytime photos taken with the default 12-megapixel setting had plenty of resolved detail and good contrast. Dynamic range was adequate, and colors were on the warmer side but looked pleasing. One notable aspect of the Note 9T's camera performance is its ability to capture portraits with proficient subject separation and natural-looking blur. The 2-megapixel macro camera, however, proved to be a bit finicky, requiring multiple attempts to capture sharp photos, even in good lighting conditions. Low-light performance was also commendable, with the Note 9T managing to produce decent shots despite some noise. The AI mode helped restore some highlights, and the night mode produced brighter evening shots with minimal detail loss due to heavy noise reduction. Video recording capabilities were satisfactory, with the ability to shoot up to 4K at 30fps. Footage had a solid frame rate, but we noticed some limited dynamic range, which resulted in occasional overexposure or underexposure. Another notable feature of the Note 9T's camera is its 13-megapixel selfie camera, which performed surprisingly well, producing photos with plenty of detail and sharpness. The focus depth was liberal, making it easy to capture an in-focus shot. While not perfect, the Xiaomi Redmi Note 9T's camera capabilities make it a decent choice for those seeking a budget-friendly smartphone with a good camera experience. However, buyers should be aware that some compromises have been made to fit 5G into a budget phone, and there are better options available if you're willing to spend a bit more. 7/10 The Redmi Note 9T's camera is adequate for everyday use but may not meet the expectations of those seeking exceptional image quality. While it excels in certain situations, such as low-light photography and selfie taking, its macro camera and dynamic range performance are somewhat disappointing.
Price and Value
Priced under $300, the Xiaomi Redmi Note 9T is one of the most affordable 5G phones on the market. With its impressive specs and features, it's a great option for those who want to stay connected without breaking the bank. At this price point, the Redmi Note 9T offers exceptional value for money. The phone has a sturdy build, a durable plastic back, and a water-repellent coating on its innards. The screen, while not impressive, is decent enough for everyday use, with a full HD resolution and a standard 60Hz refresh rate. The phone's performance is also commendable, with the Qualcomm Snapdragon 662 processor handling tasks smoothly. The triple-camera setup may not be the best in its class, but it takes good shots during the day and performs well in low light conditions. Where the Redmi Note 9T truly shines is in its battery life. With a large 5000mAh battery, it can easily last two days on a single charge. The phone's 5G connectivity is also a major plus, making it a great option for those who want to stay connected with the latest network technology. While there are some compromises made to keep the price low, such as limited charging speed and no ultrawide camera, the Redmi Note 9T remains an excellent choice for those on a budget. If 5G is your top priority, this phone offers great value for money. However, if you can stretch your budget further, there are other options available that may offer more impressive specs and features. Overall, the Xiaomi Redmi Note 9T is a solid option for anyone looking for an affordable 5G device. While it may not be perfect, its performance, battery life, and value for money make it a great choice for those who want to stay connected without breaking the bank.
Performance
The Xiaomi Redmi Note 9T is one of the cheapest 5G phones available in the market, and it's a decent performer considering its price tag. The phone is powered by the new Mediatek Dimensity 800U 5G chipset, which offers good performance for everyday tasks and running popular game titles. In our testing, the Note 9T managed to deliver smooth performance with no noticeable lag or stuttering. It's also worth noting that the phone has plenty of power to handle demanding apps and games, making it a great option for those who want a reliable device without breaking the bank. However, when compared to other phones in its class, the Note 9T's performance is slightly behind the curve. The Dimensity 800U chipset, while good for its price, can't quite match the processing power of more expensive flagships. That being said, it still offers great value for money and should be able to handle most tasks with ease. One area where the Note 9T excels is in battery life. The phone's large battery and efficient processor ensure that it lasts a full day and then some, making it perfect for those who want a device that can keep up with their busy lives. Overall, while the Xiaomi Redmi Note 9T may not be the most powerful phone on the market, it's still a great option for those who want a reliable and feature-packed device without breaking the bank.
Pros
1. The phone has a solid build quality with a sturdy and rigid plastic back, making it feel dense and reassuring.
2. The device has a water-repellent coating on its innards, adding to its durability.
3. The phone features a Gorilla Glass 5 screen, which is resistant to scratches and cracks.
4. The stereo speaker setup is surprisingly good for the class, offering clear vocals but lacking fullness at higher volumes.
5. The camera app offers a lot of customization options, including individual profiles for games and adjustable camera modes.
6. The triple-camera setup takes good shots during the day with resolved detail, good contrast, and color-accurate colors.
7. The phone has great battery life, making it suitable for heavy users.
Cons
1. The phone's charging speed is limited to 18 watts, which is slower than other devices in its class.
2. There is no ultrawide camera, which may be a disappointment for some users.
3. The camera app struggles with macro shots, requiring multiple attempts to get a sharp photo.
4. Low-light video capture has frame stutters and high noise, making it less desirable.
5. The phone's value proposition is compromised by its limited charging speed and lack of ultrawide camera.