Redmi Note 9 Pro Review | Xiaomi's Killer Budget Smartphone for 2020

Reviewing Xiaomi's Redmi Note 9 Pro, one of the best budget phones launched so far in 2020, thanks to the dependable camera tech, powerful performance and excellent battery life. I've been testing this £250 smartphone as my personal handset so here's my final verdict on the Redmi Note 9 Pro, if you're tempted to grab one.
Like the Realme 6 Pro, this Xiaomi mobile sports impressive specs for a sub-£300 cost. You get a Snapdragon 720G platform for gaming with the likes of PubG Mobile and other Android titles, plus the usual gamer tools to lend a hand. Battery life is also sterling, thanks to the 5020mAh cell stuffed inside.
MiUI 12 should be coming to the Note 9 Pro soon, but for now you have to make do with a lack of apps tray, Always On Display etc. But the media chops are solid, serving up a 6.67-inch IPS screen with Full HD Plus resolution and headphone jack.
Last up, the camera tech makes this Redmi one of my favourite smartphones of 2020. This is one of the best handsets for photo and video capture at this budget price, producing very respectable results.
Check out my reviews of other cheap devices like the Realme 6 Pro and Oppo A9 2020, as well as my best budget phones round ups for more ideas.

[@GeorgeLolas]

Great review. At last someone who reviewed a phone and talked about everything, not only the camera. Almost all the reviews out there, pop a video and you thing that instead of a phone, you watch a review of a digital camera. Keep up the good work!

[@noexcusesjustpudding]

I love the fact you use anime backgrounds, like that's something you don't see much in the tech community. Also nice taste lol

[@akshaypanwar4964]

7:04 nightmares just came to life

[@nightcorebot2773]

The promised Neverland wallpaper got me in !

[@MrAdhito]

It has ended :(

[@nightcorebot2773]

@@MrAdhito Yes :(

[@vulgar_oregano]

same here

[@shafinafnankhan3312]

when is season 2?

[@larssonoliver7824]

@@shafinafnankhan3312 january 2021 you can check on anichart.net the latest animes etc

[@Charlie-qq6te]

that feature at 2:37 isn't a bug. It stops the phone from being used in you pocket or when the earphone area is covered so you don't do things like pocket dialling. You can turn it off in settings.

[@parismalaspinas2488]

I was always a sucker for flagship phone but this year my budget was very limited so I bought this phone. Honestly I feel stupid for buying flagships all my life. this phone is all I need. The performance is great, the camera is decent and the screen while not amoled is very good. I seriously feel so good with my purchase. Previously I had the OnePlus 7 pro and yes this one is not as snappy as the OnePlus pro but everything else feels the same. HOW?

[@toronto5099]

why did you downgrade

[@name_christian]

I am in the same boat. Got this phone to test out game streaming (stadia, geforcenow).. only to find myself debating whether I should stick with this phone and ditch my iphone 11. I totally understand what you get with a flagship phone. It is a more premium feel physically as well as on the software side. But - for us average joes.. a 200€ phone is sufficient. The only thing I miss on my Note9pro is stereo speakers.

[@StefanPacMan]

I've had 2 flagships in the past, LG G3 32GB and S7 Edge which I currently own, and I mainly got those 2 for the camera, but recently I bought a Nikon Z6 so I'm not looking for a phone with the best camera like the P40 Pro, I'm looking for a phone that can survive roadtrips without having to charge as much as my S7 Edge, because this phone is 4 years old and the battery is barely alive. Also how are the colors on the Note 9 Pro, does it have accurate somewhat accurate colors? Do you think that it would be an upgrade from an S7 Edge to the Note 9 Pro 128GB? I have the Exynos 8890 version.

[@parismalaspinas2488]

@@StefanPacMan if by colours you mean the screen, well it's not amoled meaning the blacks aren't as black as in your s7 but overall the screen is impressive. My OnePlus 7 pro was considered to be one of the best smartphone displays out there and when I first got my redmi note 9 pro I was very sceptical about the display until I turned it on and realized that the screen is great. Outdoor visibility is also great. I'm not trying to convince you that the redmis display is better than the 2020 flagship phones cuz it isn't but for 200€?? Lol don't even think about it. Most people wouldn't even be able to tell the difference. And because you mentioned the processor that your s7 has, I'll tell you that I have not experienced any lag or statter on my redmi so far and everything is smooth fast and snappy. Im not sure how fast phones have gotten but compared to my op7 which was blazing fast this one feels the same 🤣 But there is a problem with this phone that you should know. For some reason my camera lenses have collected dust and I sent my phone to xiaomi and they fixed it for free but I heard that this is an issue with virtually all note 9 pro series models so yeah..

[@StefanPacMan]

@@parismalaspinas2488 yep I meant the screen, I'm also not a huge fan of the amoled because some dark greys are turned completely black because of it. But overal the colors are great on the S7, except that when you put on a plain white pic on half the screen is burned because of the age and the bottom part has keys burned because my keyboard is black w white keys, so this is a big downside for Amoled. Why didn't you stay with the OP7 btw? If i had the budget I'd get the 8 Pro, but I'm getting the Note 9 Pro for free from my mobile operator.

[@kellykins]

What a great review, thank you for taking the time and helping those of us budget smartphone shopping make our minds up

[@hendrixtarantado2114]

Homeboy look like james murray from impractical jokers..😁✌️ great review 👍!

[@amalgamousprime3492]

😂 😂 I thought I was the only one seeing it

[@lazercoin1816]

I was thinking the same thing 🤣🤣

[@michelleleematias1915]

Installing the Poco Launcher has changed my view of MIUI. Now a favorite. :)

[@mikehopwood5438]

Great review, thank you. Your desktop wallpaper is always great, where do you get the images from?

[@samandrews6172]

Hi @techspurt I'm looking changing my phone. I'm currently looking at either the moto g8 power or the redmi note 9 Pro, which one would you go for or would you advise something better around that price range. Thanks.

[@jonnycarlson9555]

Have you seen the teasers for the new two devices from htc? Excited! Even my P40 pro could be in the danger zone here😊😉

[@justchilling5165]

Heyyyy you Mr. KZbinr!!! I like how you upload very often and how u keep your subscribers up to date on a wide range of smartphones... u consider everyone by your choice of reviews and comparison videos... good work bro. Keep it up👌🔥

[@erics230]

This guy has a great personality for reviews! Just subscribed 😁

[@rodgeeene]

This phone got me switch my samsung to xiaomi realquick. This phone is a beast 💯💪💪💪

[@rishabhprasad5473]

02:19 that expression cracked me up..! 😂

[@Black_Dark_Grey]

Ya thanks for reviewing alot of budget phones, love ❤ u.

[@jbum-ck6kf]

I've been thinking about getting this phone or the Motorola One Hyper. Which do you recommend?

[@forreigncarrot235]

Is there a noticeable difference between 6gb and 8gb ram for gaming?

[@Downesy80]

@techspurt would Poco Launcher be a good alternative to MIUI?

[@qiyaammoose44]

Love Techspert and Recombu, much appreciated man, great review, was gonna take the galaxy a52 but this phone just seems like the better option 😊👍

[@TheJunky228]

Those were some great photos, you have a good eye for that stuff!

[@emrasayilir4946]

Is this phone compatible with UK network providers? Also can I use google play store apps. Thanks

[@Jameshonke]

Would you get this over the Realme 6 or 6 Pro? Seems pretty close on specs but the Realme comes with that 90hz refresh rate

[@EM1LUSH]

Just a question, Does the Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 Pro support wireless charging?

[@clickersrungamer7712]

Why teck spurt does not have 1million subs is beyond me. Great review!!!!

[@henrykemakolam6828]

How good is the network reception of the Redmi note 9 pro. Especially in places where GSM and DATA signals are poor.? Please help.

[@carlosazevedo7748]

From your review, which one seemed best: this one or the Mi 10T lite? Thanks

[@ahmedabdalkhaliq2720]

i luved the video and i bought the 9s cuz it suited my budget but i have a question where 'd u get ur anime wallpaper ?

[@kofio7581]

Has MUI 12 update arrived now and fixed the issues?

[@ahie2386]

I'm just watching through my redmi note 9pro I brought by seeing this review.🤭.with full hd.. It's insane.. 😍😍

[@KampalaEdgeTimes]

Wow I'm also anticipating to buy it

[@EmBoyOfficialPage]

who is best xiaomi redmi note 9 pro or oppo reno 2z ? because oppo reno 2z have 8gb ram can response tech?

[@dixie265]

This may sound like a stupid question? but what is the reception like for the phone? does it work well in low signal areas?

[@theirregularadventurers]

sounds awesome quality/price... i'm really impressed.

[@kiriakoskanellos]

Great phone. Using it 2 weeks now. Very smooth performance, nice cameras and some very good night shots from the main one. Overall a phone that should cost 200 more than the original price. I have the 128gb version. And the battery... oh that battery. I managed 3 days but the most common is two days. But don't mind. It charges really, really fast. If 5g is not something you need, you won't regret this one. The review is totally right in every aspect and with the MIUI 12 the looks and feel of the UI is slick and smooth.

[@kayceelingz3159]

Great review bro . love the wallpaper

[@ScotchandDry]

The camera seems to perform pretty poor under low light or night time conditions?

[@trinidadperez6824]

Hello sir should I go for redmi note 9s/ pro or realme 6/pro? Need some advice cant choose between

[@taufikh6657]

Sir, what is Redmi Note 9 Pro with Realme 6 Pro which is good for gaming performance and navigation sensors for working as an online driver. please reply . thank you

[@VVVhitesnake]

Wait a minute so theres a factory screen protector already applied ? Means we don't need to stick an extra one on ?

[@pinnedpizza9416]

Review madness a love it ❤️ Whit a bit of rap 😂

[@crearesitewebcom]

Hello, an advice please, what is your top 3 to buy for camera foto video în low strong light etc: samsung a71, Samsung s10 lite, xiaomi mi10t/pro, xiaomi note 10, or if is other phone better(in this price area) , can you tell me ? I want to buy in black Friday. Thanks

[@lassetapani69]

Great review. After your review I buy this phone. Performance is just like you told. Thanks

[@loading...2618]

Who loves that when he curses the editors don’t do the beep long enough. Lol

[@WoolyBuggerPicker]

He'll look back in a few years and cringe at all the cussing whether bleeped or not, it's just lazy and crass. He should take note of Lew Hilsenteger and be uber family friendly and he'd see the subs go up.

[@saml2570]

Love your videos. You always make me laugh lol. Quick question: what would you personally buy out of the Realme 6 pro and this phone? Thank you 😊

[@ricababestv8484]

Sam L this phone

[@penkatadrums]

Sir would you recommend this phone (still selling here for 200 euros) versus the Note 10 5G, which would be 150 euros in my case if I decide to get it.

[@iphone-repair-fuengirola]

You had me at it’s possible to last the batteries 2 days!

[@allengerbolingo7519]

can I ask something bro? How much of the storage is left from 128gb upon botting from the first time?

[@JustAJoX]

is this phones camera better than the 1+ 8 ? is the cam of 1+ 8 that crsp or the internet is jumping on the hatewagon

[@sri-soma]

Thank you for an entertaining review as always. Wondered if you might be able to get your hands on mobile devices in the compact category please. Samsung A41 for instance and Pixel 4a when it is released of course.

[@TechSpurt]

Cheers! And definitely hoping to review the Pixel 4a - Samsung A series phones are harder to source, but I'm trying for sure :)

[@kyleholloway3470]

I got one in late November last year. It's the 128gb model in tropical green. Cost me £200 on special from Amazon. It's served me well so far and it'll get me through 2 days on a single charge, sometimes 3 if I'm lucky.

[@a-lovetv8632]

The promise neverland wallpaper in cover got me here hahahaha

[@Nathan-ty8sl]

Is this compatible with straight talk? I am finding some very mixed answers on this.

[@TheHDChannelx]

Received mine yesterday. The face unlock & fingerprint scanner on this seems a bit slower and not as responsive as the Redmi Note 8 Pro.

[@jdt7075]

Hello. Did you have any issue with screen or light bleeding?

[@jaboneros7540]

What's Xiaomi's Android upgrade policy? My redmi note 7 never got past Android 9

[@rowaynebarnard8949]

Hey Techspurt..I hope you have time to answer this...I playd a few games in Pubg with my note 9 pro with a good pair of headphones,the sound was amazing, more bass and great stereo but a few weeks later it disappeared.My sound is now back to usual and I don't know whether I've uninstalled an important sound app or something but I'd love to have it back as it was..I tried reinstalling the factory apps but no luck

[@robvanommeren7483]

Like the look of the Redmi note 9 pro. But ive heard Miui is plagued with adverts everywhere you look, is this the case here?

[@straivalist8281]

Im sorry just the fact that you had the promised neverland as the background you already sold me in

[@blainelodder3816]

I want to know after so much time passed. Does the note 9 pro allow Google services? Or can I still install it?

[@jonbishop1385]

Just a quick question, any more problems with the WiFi ? That could be a deal breaker for me

[@james68279]

this is how you make an affordable mid ranger, this i a banger! not that outdated crap from 5 years ago

[@Ajdinnnnnn]

Rare og username you have

[@loneWolf-sp7qc]

Have you got your hands on the Realme X3 and X3 pro ?? please please reply I am waiting for it do you know at what price it launches and when it launches??????????????????????????

[@markmccracken539]

Sorry to continue.... I am 50 years old, don’t game, don’t do much socials, but have 4 young kids so take loads of photos. My current phone is old like me an iPhone 6s with crap memory. What is the best £300 or cheaper phone with big memory, that will fit in my back pocket. Amazing reviews, great content and you are a very engaged g funny guy, thank you. You deserve great success! Cheers Mark

[@usmanabdulkadir3334]

Awesome review keep it up as always 👍

[@3X73RM]

I’m guessing the phone has support for third party launchers like Nova that will fix the UI and app drawer problem, which would render it a complete non issue. Thanks for the review, will most likely pick this one up, upgrading from a Xiaomi Mix 2, which has served me amazingly well for two and half years now.

[@donotneed2250]

No app drawer?! It probably won't loop the home screens either. Does it have a headphone jack? Dark Mode? Able to remove that blasted search bar from the home screen?

[@sappert4939]

A great review , Thank you. Just bought one of these for a great price of £180 in the Amazon sale. 6gb 128gb .. looking forward to unboxing it Monday. One question. How does dual sim work?

[@SilverMiraii]

how do I install google pay, it says it doesn't support it on my phone, doesn't come up in search in the store

[@zeeproduction]

Is this mobile a USB Video Device Class (UVC) compliant?

[@damull07]

Hey man, looking into this or a poco x3, which is better in your opinion? Looking good camera

[@geesonrob]

Sweet review 👍 Owned mine for two days now and loving it. Came from the Redmi 8 Pro.. and this thing feels like a tank by comparison but getting used to it! My unit has that 'don't cover the earphone' bug too.. but I notice we're only running Miui 11.0.1 - which is the software version my Redmi Note 8 Pro was running before Xmas. Strange. It should get a cheeky incremental upgrade though soon to sort things out before Miui 12 arrives. Two things - it has Bluetooth 5.1 and not 5.0.. and it has the Gw1 sensor as I think you said Gw2 or something. I don't give a crap about these details but someone else might! Cheers again for the cracking review 👍

[@idkyum5292]

Hi can i know is the phone that heavy?

[@geesonrob]

@@idkyum5292 I'll be honest - it does feel a bit heavy compared to the RN8 Pro I had before. But I know that having the extra screen space and battery is worth it

[@alwaystravelling100]

Still happy??? I'm looking to get one. I need 2 sims and a dedicated SD Card slot. Not sure what better options than this are around for sub US$350

[@geesonrob]

@@alwaystravelling100 I wouldn't get one now personally with the Redmi Note 10 around the corner.. with 90/120 Hz screen and 5g for a similar price. The Poco X3 might even fit your criteria

[@ophirhaddad]

I have a 9s, just today they released an update that supposedly fixes the wifi problem

[@TheMasterblaster32]

Is it fixed

[@GadgetGuidesChannel]

does anyone know if the note 9 pro has access to play store and receiving miui 12?

[@gabrielgerhard9122]

Just download the play store from the play store smh

[@wizzgamer]

Great review this phone is incredible value for money and will likely be one of the best selling phones of the year just like the Note 8 Pro was last year.

[@samysmith9057]

Can we install google photos to this phone and does it back pics and vids to google drive afterwards?

[@adriandelacruz1052]

This phone in my country is like 14k 6/128 variant, and the nova 5t is 15-16k which should i choose help me guys please

[@egyptiansphinx3036]

Great review mate, thanks. Getting my Note 9 Pro tomorrow :)

[@lexi6539]

Well how is it?

[@Geordie77]

Love your reviewd. Keep it going

[@junaid3253]

How would you compare iPhone 7 plus' camera against redmi note 9 pro's camera?

[@ememakpaka4242]

Please does Redmi note 9pro have SCREENCAST? Urgent reply please 🙏🙏🙏

[@timgrieveson2095]

I was just about to order this phone when I read about bloatware and the ads that come with them. I'm really weird with a few things on phones - I immediately disable google assistant on any new phone I get. I've done some research and I'm not confident removing bloatware with external programs on my computer - However, I'm also reading it's relatively simple to disable the ads within the settings so I can live with some apps I can't remove if that's the case - What do you think? I won't be able to suffer random ads coming up and the like. Otherwise, I'm looking at the Moto G9 Play for the battery and camera, but I've had the G6 for two years and thought it was a bit crap! Thanks for reading, hope you get time to reply :)

[@birkneo]

I actually purchased this phone a year ago because of this video.. still own my note 9 to this day.. it's honestly still an amazing phone you should do a follow up on it

[@lick3227]

My budget is really tight this time around, and so far I've been on a samsung tablet from 2016 so I'm dying to get a proper phone. I've been considering buying this since I'd like to get my first proper dose of mobile gaming such as pubg and COD. Now Chris' video says it all, but have you been having any battery drainage issues or overheating after using the phone ?

[@EjDaddyyyy]

Answer the man

[@lick3227]

Pweash do

[@quyrew]

There is the option to toggle the app drawer. It's just off by default, alternatively, you can download the Poco launcher 2.0 for the app drawer and more customizability.

[@mazarmark5]

Have you had any call drops on this phone?

[@telisogamatos]

Guys what about the charger. I bought it from amazon but i received the eu charger not uk one.Now do i need to order again an uk charger or just use an uk adapter but i am worried about the speed and if it is going to be ok using an adapter of 5w through a 30w cable

[@akhilabraham4682]

Hello!!! I love your videos....and more importantly your mobile wallpapers. Please suggest from where can I get them. Cheers!!!

[@47thdarkdimension]

Google

[@mu9956]

Did they fix the WiFi problem and is it a big deal?

[@imagesbydavide]

thanks bro, I ended up buying this today. loved your reviews

[@omarali-rv3ht]

How is the fingerprint sensor?

[@johnnykerr70]

Decent phone however have you any plans to review the redmi 10x/10x pro as their mediatec 820 chipsets are blowing everyone away so far. Particularly the standard 10x is looking like the absolute value of the year

[@distar7471]

Thank you sir. I would like this as my next phone. After realizing that I hardly use my own phone for anything other than photography, this is precisely what I could have a nice upgrade of especially thanks to the massive battery length. I more need the additional video resolution above everything else because I need that to experiment with on a manual camera app I found that has even more and better features than the preinstalled camera. I am aiming to get the 64GB version just incase of this, however the 6 inched screen doesn't really bother me. I thank you once more. Have a good one! I just gave your video a like.

[@marcomartins7729]

what's the difference between this and the mi 10T Lite 5g? They look basically identical which one is better?

[@xananadu]

Class review. Got one recently, massive upgrade from my Huawei P Smart

[@Downesy80]

Got the p smart 2019 as my current phone is it a huge jump in performance?

[@Awakeon]

Finally someone that doesn't go straight to reviewing the camera. Lmao, I'd go with a phone that has no camera if I could, or at least one without a front facing camera, I rarely use the camera on any phone lol.

[@messychurchdewisant6226]

Would you reccomend the Redmi note 9 pro or the oppo a72?

[@06461R00017]

Would you recommend this over redmi note 8 Pro?

[@reamoinmcdonachadh9519]

I currently rock the Xiaomi Mi 8, and have just renewed my contract with my provider, and upgraded to the Redmi Note 9 , do you think this is a straight up upgrade?

[@Joe-cr1yq]

Is the camera better than the Lg v35? thanks

[@zaidi0to1]

Does it come with pixel dialer

[@martinmckenzie8194]

hi guys can anyone tell me how to turn on otp on the redmi note 9 pro, trying to attach my xbox one old controller with a otp adaptor and it wont light up (to play xbox live beta cloud games)