The Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 Pro was one of the most talked-about budget smartphones when it was released in 2020. Combining strong specs with an attractive price tag, it was a fan favorite. But now it’s 2025. Is it still a good pick five years later?
TLDR: Still Kicking, But Know What You’re Getting
The Redmi Note 9 Pro still holds up for basic tasks like calls, messaging, browsing, and light gaming. The battery life is impressive even after years of use. However, its outdated software and camera limitations might turn off tech-savvy users. Not perfect in 2025, but still solid—especially if you’re on a tight budget.
Design and Build: Aged, but Sturdy
The Note 9 Pro wasn’t flashy even in 2020, but it had style. In 2025, it still looks decent.
- Big 6.67-inch screen that still feels great for videos and reading.
- Glass front and back with a plastic frame. It feels more premium than some newer budget phones.
- Available in cool colors like Interstellar Black and Glacier White. Still eye-catching!
Some bezels around the screen may feel chunky now compared to newer models. No 120Hz refresh rate either—it’s stuck at 60Hz.
Performance: Not a Speed Demon, But Gets the Job Done
Inside the Note 9 Pro is the Snapdragon 720G chip. Back in the day, this was mid-range gold. Today in 2025? It’s… okay.
- Opens apps fairly quickly.
- Can handle multitasking, but don’t expect buttery-smooth transitions.
- Gaming is fine for titles like Candy Crush or Subway Surfers, but struggles with heavy games.
It comes with 4GB or 6GB of RAM. If you have the 6GB version, you’re in better shape.
Just be aware—some new apps may not be fully compatible or update properly due to older hardware.
Software: That’s Where It Starts to Show Its Age
Let’s be honest: There’s a good chance your Note 9 Pro is no longer getting updates.
- Last official update? Android 12, maybe 13, if you got lucky.
- MIUI skin still works, but it can be a bit clunky on older devices.
- Security may be an issue if you’re not getting patches.
You can consider installing a custom ROM like LineageOS, but that’s not for everyone. Most people want a phone that just works.
Battery Life: The Unexpected Champion
Here’s where the Note 9 Pro still shines. Its 5020mAh battery was a beast in 2020, and it’s still strong today.
- Full day of use? Absolutely.
- Light use? You might stretch it to 2 days!
- And if the battery has worn out a bit, replacements are easy and cheap.
It supports 18W or 30W fast charging, depending on your charger. Not blazing-fast like 2025 standards, but not bad either.
Camera: Decent in the Day, Meh at Night
The phone has four cameras on the back. In 2025, that sounds cool, but don’t let quantity fool you.
- 64MP main shooter: Takes good photos in daylight.
- Ultra-wide lens: Handy, but lacks detail.
- Macro and depth sensors: Kind of useless, honestly.
Night shots get noisy, and video stabilization is weak. TikTok or Instagram users might want to look elsewhere if quality is key.
Storage and Features: More Than Expected
The Redmi Note 9 Pro has some conveniences you’ll love:
- MicroSD slot! Rare in 2025 phones.
- Headphone jack. Yup, you read that right.
- Side-mounted fingerprint sensor that still works fast.
Storage options range from 64GB to 128GB. Using a memory card can easily give you more space for apps and photos.
Why It’s Still Worth Considering (Sometimes)
If you find this phone on a budget or as a backup, it’s a hidden gem:
- Still works fine for calls, texts, and light apps
- Battery life is better than many newer budget phones
- It feels solid and still looks respectable
But don’t buy it expecting flagship performance. It’s five years old, after all.
Who Should Still Buy the Note 9 Pro in 2025?
Here’s a quick look at whether this phone is right for you:
- YES: If you want a spare phone or a low-cost daily driver
- YES: If you’re okay with basic app usage and don’t care about trends
- NO: If you want the latest Android features or need a strong camera
- NO: If gaming or speed is a big deal for you
Final Verdict: Oldie, But Still a Goodie (Kind of)
The Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 Pro in 2025 is like that comfy old hoodie you can’t throw away. It warmed you through cold winters (or laggy updates), and while it’s not trendy anymore, it still works.
If you already own one, there’s no urgent rush to upgrade unless you want new features. But if you’re shopping? Look at used or refurbished units and make sure they’re in good condition.
Expect to compromise. But also expect a phone that does more than you’d guess—for an old guy in smartphone years.