Xiaomi’s midrange and entry-level line-up are now stronger than ever. Other than the separation of their Redmi line into a dedicated sub-brand, the company’s own Mi products also have a lot to offer on the table.
One of them is the newly released Xiaomi Mi 9T. Much like the devices before it, this one offers top-caliber specs that you’d rarely see on devices at this category.
But before the Mi 9T came into the picture, we already have the Xiaomi Mi 9 SE. This budget-friendly brother of the company’s flagship smartphone also has a set of features that will put the competition to shame.
With that, our Xiaomi Mi 9T vs Mi 9 SE specs comparison shall help you decide which between these two entry-level Xiaomi smartphones is really right for you.
Xiaomi Mi 9T | Xiaomi Mi 9 SE | |
---|---|---|
Operating System | Android 9 Pie MIUI 10 | Android 9 Pie MIUI 10 |
SIM | Dual SIM Dual Standby | Dual SIM Dual Standby |
Display | 6.39-inch FHD+ Super AMOLED 2340 x 1080 pixel resolution ~403ppi NTSC 103.8 % HDR support Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | 5.97-inch FHD+ Super AMOLED 2340 x 1080 pixel resolution ~432ppi NTSC 103.8 % HDR support Corning Gorilla Glass 5 |
Processor | 2.2GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon 730 octa-core | 2.3 GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon 712 octa-core |
RAM | 6GB | 6GB |
GPU | Adreno 618 | Adreno 616 |
Storage | 64GB/128GB non-expandable | 64GB non-expandable |
Front camera | 20-megapixel Pop-up mechanism | 20-megapixel Dewdrop notch |
Rear Camera | 48-megapixel (Sony IMX 582, f/1.75) + 8-megapixel (2x zoom) + 13-megapixel (ultra-wide, f/2.4) PDAF LED flash AI scene detection Night Mode 960fps slow-mo | 48-megapixel (Sony IMX586, f/1.8) + 12-megapixel (ultra wide) + 16-megapixel (telephoto, f/2.4) PDAF LED flash AI scene detection Night Mode 960fps slow-mo |
Audio | Single loudspeaker Headphone jack | Single loudspeaker No headphone jack |
Security | In-display fingerprint scanner Face unlock | In-display fingerprint scanner Face unlock |
Connectivity | HSPA+, 4G LTE WiFi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band Bluetooth 5.0 GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, BDS, Galileo USB Type-C | HSPA+, 4G LTE WiFi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band Bluetooth 5.0 GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, BDS, Galileo USB Type-C |
Dimensions | 156.7 x 74.3 x 8.8mm | 147.5 x 70.5 x 7.5mm |
Weight | 191g | 155g |
Colors | Carbon Black Flame Red Glacier Blue | Violet Blue Gray |
Battery | 4,000mAh 18W charger | 3,070mAh 18W charging |
Price | 6GB/64GB: EUR329 (~Php19,300) 6GB/128GB: EUR369 (~Php21,700) | Php15,990 |
Although they are in the same category, the Xiaomi Mi 9T is obviously a more premium model than the Xiaomi Mi 9 SE. Here’s why:
For starters, it has a more expensive price. The Mi 9 SE is available for Php15,990 here in the Philippines. Meanwhile, the local price of the Mi 9T is yet to be announced. But, we expect it to be available locally at around Php17k, which is in line with its official SRP in Europe.
With that, you’re getting better features in some areas on the Mi 9T. For starters, there’s the 6.39-inch screen, which is relatively larger than the 5.97-inch display that the former has. On the upside, they’re using the same FHD+ Super AMOLED panel, with Corning Gorilla Glass 5, HDR support, and an in-display fingerprint scanner.
Related
- Xiaomi Mi 9 SE vs Samsung Galaxy A50: Specs Comparison
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You shall expect slightly better performance from the Mi 9T. It’s powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 730 processor, while the Mi 9 SE comes with a Snapdragon 712 chipset. The Adreno 618 GPU on the Mi 9T can also handle games better than the Adreno 616 on the Mi 9 SE.
Probably the biggest win of the Mi 9T over the Mi 9 SE is its selfie camera and battery. While the two of them share an identical 20-megapixel sensor, the former uses a pop-up mechanism, instead of the distracting dewdrop notch that the Mi 9 SE has.
Also, the Mi 9T has a 4,000mAh battery, which is obviously better than the 3,070mAh capacity that the Mi 9 SE has.
But to the Xiaomi Mi 9 SE’s credit, it does come with a 48-megapixel Sony IMX586 primary camera, which delivers better 4K recording than the Sony IMX 582 on the Mi 9T. But still, there’s no denying that the 12-megapixel ultra wide and 16-megapixel telephoto shooters that the Mi 9T has is better than the Mi 9 SE’s.
It is also worth noting that the Mi 9 SE lacks a headphone jack. So if you’re an audiophile, then you might really want to pick the Mi 9T instead.
Well, basically that’s it. Ultimately, I think the winner here is the Xiaomi Mi 9T. Its official price in the Philippines will be announced very soon. But, we expect that it will be priced really close to the Mi 9 SE.
And for a few extra cash, you’re already getting a device with better performance and camera, bigger display and battery, and unique pop-up camera design.