Redmi Note 9 Pro: Unboxing and First Impressions
Here is a first look at the Redmi Note 9 Pro. Based on initial impressions, the new design language Xiaomi is pursuing is quite likable. Let’s unbox the device and see what it has to offer.
What’s Inside the Box?
Upon opening the box, you will first find a SIM card tool, documentation, and a case. The included silicone case is noted to be rather flimsy and not of the highest quality. Beneath that is the phone itself. Also included in the box is an 18-watt fast charger and a USB Type-C cable.
Design and Build
The design language of the Redmi Note 9 Pro is a total departure from previous models. The camera module has been moved to the center and features a square design, which is a change from the typical left-hand side placement. This device comes in an “Aurora Blue” color, with other available options being Glacier White and Interstellar Black.
The phone feels big in the hand. Despite its size and a large 5020 mAh battery, it doesn’t feel overly heavy. The phone weighs 210 grams, and while heavy, its good weight distribution prevents it from feeling unbalanced. You will need big hands to comfortably use this device. Both the front and back of the phone are protected by Gorilla Glass 5.
Ports and Buttons
At the bottom of the device, you will find a speaker, a microphone, a USB Type-C port, and a 3.5mm jack. The left side houses the SIM card tray. On the top, there is an IR blaster and a noise-canceling microphone. The right side features the volume rocker and the power button, which also doubles as a side-mounted fingerprint sensor. The SIM card tray is a dedicated tray, allowing for two SIMs and an SD card.
Display
The Redmi Note 9 Pro features a large 6.67-inch FHD+ IPS LCD display. It is a dot display with a centrally located punch-hole for the front camera. The screen has a standard 60Hz refresh rate, not a 90Hz panel. The brightness is decent and colors look good. The bezels on the top and sides are quite slim, and the bottom chin is of an average size. The video viewing experience is good, largely thanks to the big display, but the dynamic range could be better.
Performance and Specifications
The phone is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 720G processor, which is built on an 8nm process, making it power efficient. It comes in two variants: 4GB RAM with 64GB storage, and 6GB RAM with 128GB storage. The device uses LPDDR4X RAM and UFS 2.1 storage.
For day-to-day performance, multitasking, and running heavy apps, the Snapdragon 720G is more than enough. When it comes to gaming, you can play on smooth and ultra settings. HDR support is not available. On high settings, you may notice some frame drops.
Battery and Charging
The device is equipped with a massive 5020 mAh battery. Paired with the power-efficient 8nm Snapdragon 720G processor, the phone should comfortably last a day and a half to two days on moderately high usage. It supports 18-watt fast charging, but fully charging the large battery will still take around two hours.
Software and Features
The Redmi Note 9 Pro runs on MIUI 11, which is based on Android 10. The phone comes with a lot of pre-installed apps, but you can uninstall them. However, a significant downside is the number of ads and content recommendations present in the UI.
The device includes an IR blaster, allowing you to use it as a remote control. It has FM Radio and a P2i coating, making it splash-proof. Other features include Camera2 API support, Widevine L1 for HD streaming on platforms like Netflix, and Wi-Fi calling. For navigation, it supports India’s NavIC satellite navigation system.
Sensors and Security
You have all the necessary sensors, including a side-mounted fingerprint sensor and face unlock. The fingerprint sensor is very fast and reliable, unlocking the phone with a simple touch. The face unlock also works quickly and reliably.
Camera System
The phone features a quad-camera setup on the back. This includes a 48MP primary sensor, an 8MP ultra-wide lens with a 120-degree field of view, a 5MP macro camera, and a 2MP depth sensor. The macro camera is a notable improvement, capturing good photos and videos. In the front punch-hole, there is a 16MP selfie camera.
Comparison to Redmi Note 8 Pro
When compared to its predecessor, the Redmi Note 8 Pro, there are some interesting points. The Note 8 Pro had a 64MP primary camera, while the Note 9 Pro has a 48MP sensor. Both phones support 18W charging. In terms of performance, the Snapdragon 720G and the G90T from the Note 8 Pro are considered to be on a similar level, especially in gaming. The base variant of the Note 8 Pro started with 6GB of RAM, whereas the Note 9 Pro starts with 4GB.
Final Thoughts
Overall, the Redmi Note 9 Pro feels like a premium phone, with its design being a major highlight. The large display, massive battery, and capable processor make it a strong contender. However, the presence of ads in the software is a downer. The final value of the phone depends heavily on its price.
There is also speculation about a “Pro Max” version of the Redmi Note 9, which could come with upgrades like a 64MP camera or faster charging.
