The Xiaomi Redmi 9 Prime runs on MIUI Global 11.0.4 based on Android 10. Coupled with a Helio G80 chipset and 4GB RAM integrated with an eMMC 64GB ROM, this phone feels like a very good bargain with a spec sheet this high and price that low. Retailing for PKR 18,999, Xiaomi Redmi 9 Prime sports a 6.53-inch LCD screen with a 1080-pixel optical resolution.
Design And Display
Although price remains a key factor, it hasn’t stopped Xiaomi from including a quad-camera setup, Full HD display, Corning Gorilla Glass 3 protection, USB Type-C quick charging, and an IR blaster. In terms of design, there are no fancy alloys, chamfered edges, or a curved display. There’s loads of plastic, which gives the phone an overall simple feel to it.
The Redmi 9 Prime is sturdy, so don’t let the looks deceive you into worrying about durability. This phone comes in Carbon Grey, Ocean Green and Sunset Purple. For each color, there’s a unique gradient that reduces blandness almost perfectly. Speaking of colors, the back is textured. This enhances the grip and prevents smudges.
The LCD panel on Xiaomi Redmi 9 Prime is 1080p, which means it is FHD+. It measures at 6.53″ which provides an awesome visual experience. It’s possible to adjust the color temperature in settings with “warm” and “cool” options alongside ‘default’.
Performance And Hardware
At the heart of Redmi 9 Prime is a MediaTek Helio G80 chipset. Coupled with 3GB/4GB RAM and 32GB/64GB ROM in two separate variants, the phone CANNOT be considered a gaming phone. The RAM should be enough for multi-tasking if you’re dealing with light applications.
We experimented with PUBG and COD Mobile on this one – both games were playable, but we noticed occasional lags in-game.
The RAM combined with a gaming chipset is a good combination for a phone at this price point. The storage is fine too. Although it is the older eMMC which is slow, it will do the job.
In terms of audio, there’s a single speaker at the bottom, next to the Type-C port. Music quality is thin; there’s less fidelity and it’s easier to overdrive the speaker. Sound gets a bit rough, but using earphones makes the whole experience a bit easier.
Camera
Sporting a quad-camera setup, the main sensor is 13MP at f/2.2, supported by the 8MP ultrawide, 5MP macro, and 2MP depth sensors. Overall, the camera is above average. Just keep the price-point in perspective here.
Manual control settings for ISO and white balance make images look good, but not great. There’s no night-mode in the camera app, meaning you’d require sufficient lighting for good results.
The device supports video at 30fps in 1080p or 720p. There are no other modes except for a slow-motion mode, which is limited to 720p and can be very noisy.
The front camera is an 8MP shooter with an encouraging portrait mode. Considering the value for money, the camera setup on Xiaomi Redmi 9 is a huge plus point for all buyers.
Battery
Redmi 9 Prime is supported by a big 5020mAh battery. Fast-charging is available with Redmi’s 18W Quick Charge 3.0. But wait.
In the box, you get a 10W charger that takes the device from 0% to 25% in 38 minutes, from 0% to 50% in 72 minutes, from 0% to 80% in just under two hours, and from 0% to 100% in three hours. That’s slow!
There’s an option for OTG reverse charging, but bear in mind this only works with the cable that came with your phone.
Verdict
A big battery. Type-C charging. A Full HD+ 1080p display with a rear quad-camera setup. All of this for PKR 18,999.
We reckon this is the ultimate budget phone for individuals who don’t want to spend too much on a smartphone with a good spec sheet. Get it!