Redmi Note 9 5G: Is It Still Worth Buying in 2026?

A phone that was once the budget 5G darling now goes for pocket change on the second‑hand market — a price tag that raises a real question as the Redmi Note 9 5G hits five years old in 2026. We dug into its specs, current resale values, and what buyers actually get (and give up) when they pick up this 2020 classic today.

Release date: November 2020 ·
Initial price: Approx. €250 ·
5G support: Yes ·
Battery capacity: 5000 mAh ·
Current used price (Back Market): From €100 ·
Display size: 6.53 inches

Seven core specs, one consistent story: the Redmi Note 9 5G was built around value, not longevity. Here’s the full data sheet.

The pattern: Xiaomi packed impressive hardware for the asking price in 2020, but the software support lifespan stopped short of what many competitors now offer. For a 2026 buyer, the hardware still works — the real sacrifice is updates.

Is the Redmi Note 9 5G worth buying?

What do users say about its performance in 2026?

On forums like Reddit and XDA, owners report that the Dimensity 800U still handles everyday tasks — messaging, light gaming, video streaming — without major lag. The 5000 mAh battery remains a highlight, often lasting a full day even after years of use. However, many note that MIUI stutters have increased with app bloat, and the lack of Android 12+ security patches is a growing concern.

How does it compare to newer budget 5G phones?

Phones like the Samsung Galaxy A14 5G (2023, still receiving OS updates) and the Redmi Note 12 5G (2023) offer faster processors, better camera software, and assured update timelines. A used Redmi Note 9 5G typically costs €80‑€120 (Back Market refurbished marketplace), while a new Galaxy A14 5G can be found for about €180‑€200. The price gap is real — but so is the technology gap.

What this means: If every euro counts and you’re willing to run a phone without future security patches, the Redmi Note 9 5G is still functional. But the premium for a new device buys two more years of support and better everyday speed.

Is the Redmi Note 9 discontinued?

When did Xiaomi stop producing the Redmi Note 9 series?

Xiaomi typically phases out phones after about two years. The Redmi Note 9 (non‑5G) was discontinued in 2022. The Redmi Note 9 5G followed a similar path — it has not been manufactured for several years, and new stock has disappeared from official channels.

What does ‘discontinued’ mean for software updates and spare parts?

Without active production, no more Android OS upgrades are coming. The phone launched with Android 10 and received Android 11; that’s the end of the line. Security patches may have trickled until mid‑2024, but as of 2026 they are almost certainly halted. Spare parts (batteries, screens) are still available from third‑party sellers on eBay and AliExpress, but originals are scarce.

The implication: A discontinued device with no official support means the buyer takes on all maintenance risk. DIY repairs are possible, but not for everyone.

How old is a Redmi Note 9?

What is the exact release date of the Redmi Note 9?

The Redmi Note 9 (non‑5G) launched in April 2020. The Redmi Note 9 5G arrived on November 1, 2020 (GizmoChina product page). As of early 2026, the 5G model is just over five years old.

How does age affect its performance and software support?

Five years is a long time in smartphone terms. The battery, even if unused, degrades chemically. The Dimensity 800U processor is now three generations behind current budget chips. And as noted, OS updates stopped years ago. Performance for simple apps is fine, but heavy multitasking or modern games will push the old GPU to its limit.

Why this matters: Age doesn’t just affect speed — it affects compatibility. New Android apps increasingly target API levels that the Redmi Note 9 5G cannot support, leading to potential app crashes or missing features.

What is the resale value of Redmi Note 9?

Where can I sell a used Redmi Note 9?

Second‑hand platforms like ORUphones, Back Market, and eBay are the main channels. Local classifieds (DoneDeal in Ireland, for example) also carry listings.

What factors influence the resale price?

Prices generally fall between €80 and €120 depending on condition, storage variant, and whether the box is included. The 5G model tends to fetch €10‑€20 more than the non‑5G version. Scratches, battery health, and absence of charger all drag the price down.

The trade‑off: Selling a Redmi Note 9 5G today recovers maybe a third of its original €200‑€250 price. For a seller, that’s a predictable depreciation curve. For a buyer, the low entry cost is the very reason to consider it.

Is Redmi better than Samsung?

How do Redmi Note 9 5G and Samsung Galaxy A series compare?

Three key differences define this question.

The pattern: Redmi gives you more raw specs per euro spent, but Samsung gives you a phone that stays relevant longer. For a 2026 buyer, the choice is between an older bargain and a newer, supported device.

Which brand offers better value in the budget segment?

Redmi’s classic value formula — bigger battery, more RAM for the price — still holds on paper. But value isn’t just about the price tag; it’s about how long the phone works well. Samsung’s longer update commitment and better spare‑parts ecosystem often tilt the value calculation in its favour after two years of ownership. For a more in-depth look at whether the Redmi Note 9 5G is still a worthwhile purchase in 2026, check out our OnePlus Pad Go 2 arvostelu.

Why this matters: A budget‑conscious buyer today who picks the Redmi Note 9 5G will likely need to replace it sooner than someone who spends a little more on a Samsung A series device. The total cost of ownership may actually be higher for the cheaper phone. For a premium alternative, see our Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra review.

The phone lacks 5G+5G dual SIM capabilities on the Pro variant, but the standard Redmi Note 9 5G supports it—a rare feature at this price in 2020.

— Android Authority hands‑on review

A 5000 mAh battery with 18W charging means all‑day endurance, even after years of use, but the 18W adapter is not included in most second‑hand deals.

— Beebom Gadgets performance analysis

Five years after launch, the Redmi Note 9 5G is no longer a “great phone for the money” — it’s a legacy device that happens to be cheap. For a buyer in Ireland or the UK who needs a second phone or a first phone for a child, the €100 price tag is defensible. For anyone who relies on mobile banking, frequent app updates, or a warranty, the smarter move is to spend the extra €60‑€80 on a new budget 5G phone like the Samsung Galaxy A14 5G. Buyers who choose the Redmi Note 9 5G get a cheap phone but accept significant trade‑offs in security and longevity.

For more buying guides, check out our New Balance 9060 Grey review.

For those considering the Redmi Note 9 5G, the closely related Redmi Note 9 Pro 5G offers a similar value proposition with a slightly different feature set.

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