NaijNaira
If you’re curious about the Xiaomi Redmi 9, you’re definitely not the only one trying to figure out whether it’s worth the cash. It’s one of those Android phones that sits quietly in the midrange zone, not too flashy but not completely basic either.
Display and Build Feel
You’re looking at a 6.53-inch screen that’s pretty decent for a phone at this price point. It’s an IPS LCD panel with a resolution of 1080 x 2340 pixels, which means colors are good enough for YouTube or casual Netflix sessions.
The screen has a drop-notch style that houses the selfie camera. And while it’s not exactly pushing innovation in design, it does just fine with Corning Gorilla Glass 3 protecting the front.
Plastic is used on the back and the frame, so it’s lightweight without feeling too cheap. That circular fingerprint scanner on the back? Familiar and quick to respond.
Camera Setup on the Back and Front
Around the back, the Redmi 9 carries four different cameras for different photo vibes. There’s a 13MP main sensor for basic shots, 8MP ultra-wide for wider frames, a 5MP macro for close-ups, and a 2MP depth sensor for portraits.
You won’t get 4K video here, but it shoots 1080p at 30fps, which is good enough for social media clips. HDR and panorama are available to help you get better contrast and wider images.
On the front, there’s an 8MP selfie camera. You also get 1080p recording and HDR on this side as well. It works well in good lighting, though don’t expect night-mode miracles.
Internal Specs and Processing Power
The engine under the hood is the MediaTek Helio G80 chip. It’s the kind of processor that handles normal tasks like browsing, social apps, and some casual gaming without lagging every few minutes.
Depending on the variant you go for, you’ll get either 3GB or 4GB of RAM. Storage is either 32GB or 64GB, and you can bump that up with a microSD card if needed.
This model doesn’t offer the punch the Redmi Note 9 did with its Helio G85 chip, but it’s still capable for daily use. It runs Android 10 with MIUI 12 layered on top, offering Xiaomi’s custom tweaks and features.
Battery Capacity and Charging
One of the big wins with the Redmi 9 is its battery. It packs a 5020 mAh unit, which easily lasts a full day even with consistent screen time.
Charging maxes out at 18W fast charging, so it doesn’t crawl back to 100% when you’re in a rush. No wireless charging here, but that’s not surprising at this price.
Connectivity Features
It has a USB Type-C port, which is nice to see on a budget phone. The 3.5mm headphone jack is still present too, for anyone not fully converted to Bluetooth audio.
Bluetooth 5.0, dual-band Wi-Fi, and GPS are all included. There’s also an infrared blaster, which you rarely see these days but could be useful as a remote control.
Mobile Network and Internet Speed
This phone is a 4G LTE device, so no 5G speeds. If 5G is what you’re after, you might want to check out some options among 5G phones available in Nigeria for future-ready connectivity.
That said, 4G speeds are still decent enough for most users, especially for streaming and downloading apps.
Where to Buy and Price in Nigeria
If you’re buying this in Nigeria, the Xiaomi Redmi 9 starts from around ₦53,700, though prices vary depending on the seller. In Kenya, it’s roughly 14,776 KSh, and in Ghana, you might find it for around 806 GHS.
Color choices include Carbon Gray, Ocean Green, and Sunset Purple. It officially dropped on June 10, 2020, and it became available on the same day.
You’ll find even better value if you check out other Redmi phones under ₦100,000 in Nigeria if you’re looking to explore options with a similar budget range.
Redmi 9 vs Redmi 9 India Variant
There’s also a Redmi 9 model tailored for the Indian market. Released in late August 2020, it differs slightly in a few areas. For one, it has a dual camera setup at the back with a 13MP primary and a 2MP depth sensor.
The screen resolution drops a bit to 720 x 1600 pixels, but the size remains at 6.53 inches. Internal memory goes up to 128GB on some units, so that’s a plus.
It’s still powered by a 5000 mAh battery but charges at 10W instead of 18W. It runs the same Android 10, and RAM is locked at 4GB across variants.
You also get a water-repellent coating on the Indian version. It doesn’t come with NFC, unlike some global versions. And if you’re planning to use it in Nigeria, double-check the supported 4G bands first.
Design Feel and First Impressions
The body design feels familiar with slightly curved edges and a matte back finish that helps reduce smudges. It weighs just under 200g, so it’s manageable even with one hand.
There’s no waterproof rating, so keep it away from spills. The speaker placement and sound quality are what you’d expect at this price—nothing extra but gets the job done.
Software Experience and Customization
MIUI 12 brings in a lot of pre-installed features like dark mode, app locker, floating window, and second space. It’s packed with options, though it does come with a bit of bloatware.
You can remove most of those pre-installed apps if you’re not into them. The interface is intuitive once you get the hang of Xiaomi’s layout.
Daily Use and Gaming
If you’re a light user, this phone will hold up just fine. It handles multitasking well, and switching between apps is smooth on the 4GB RAM version.
Gamers won’t get ultra graphics settings on PUBG or COD Mobile, but medium settings play out okay. The GPU, Mali-G52 MC2, is better suited for casual titles and light graphics workloads.
Fingerprint and Face Unlock
There’s a physical fingerprint scanner on the rear. It’s not under the screen like more expensive models, but it works fast and accurately.
Face unlock is included too, using the front camera. It’s not the most secure but comes in handy for quick access.
Audio and Multimedia Features
You get an FM radio that works without headphones, which is convenient. Music playback is handled through the loudspeaker or 3.5mm jack.
The sound quality isn’t exceptional, but it holds up for everyday use like calls, podcasts, or light music streaming.
Alternatives Worth Considering
If you want better performance or a sharper camera system, stepping up to something like the Redmi Note 9 or exploring newer models might be a good move. Budget constraints? Then the Redmi A3 in Nigeria could be a solid, lower-cost alternative.
Just weigh what matters more to you—battery life, display quality, or performance—and decide based on that.
