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Xiaomi's Redmi Note 9T is an affordable 5G phone... if you can find one

Xiaomi's newest budget-friendly 5G phone could be yours for roughly $240, but you'll probably have to import it into the US.

Sareena Dayaram
Sareena Dayaram
Sareena Dayaram Senior Editor
Sareena is a senior editor for CNET covering the mobile beat including device reviews. She is a seasoned multimedia journalist with more than a decade's worth of experience producing stories for television and digital publications across Asia's financial capitals including Singapore, Hong Kong, and Mumbai. Prior to CNET, Sareena worked at CNN as a news writer and Reuters as a producer.
Expertise Huawei, Oppo, smartphones, smartwatches Credentials
  • More than a decade of journalism experience
See full bio
Sareena Dayaram
2 min read
screenshot-2021-01-08-at-2-34-39-pm.png

Redmi Note 9T

 Xiaomi
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The Redmi Note series is one of Xiaomi's most successful device lines, best known for offering plenty of fancy features in an affordable package. And the next-gen Redmi Note 9T, launched on Friday, appears to be no different. 

The hefty budget phone has several premium features including dual stereo speakers, a 48-megapixel main camera and a large battery (5,000 mAh), which the company says has a "multiday" lifespan. Xiaomi saved on costs by building the 9T with an LCD display and the Mediatek's midrange Dimensity 800U chipset. 

Read more: 5G phones in 2021: iPhone 12, Pixel 5, Galaxy Note 20 and more

screenshot-2021-01-08-at-2-49-14-pm.png

The Redmi Note 9T has three cameras on its rear, led by a 48-megapixel main shooter.

 Screenshot by Sareena Dayaram/CNET

Also new to the Redmi Note line (for the world outside China, at least) is 5G. Xiaomi launched the Redmi Note 9 5G line earlier, but that series was only available in China. With the Redmi Note 9T line, Xiaomi is expanding that affordable 5G experience to overseas shoppers. However, it's unlikely these phones will arrive stateside, even though the company's sales are growing quickly in parts of Europe and Africa. 

Redmi Note 9T comes in two variants – 4GB+64GB and 4GB+128GB. Both are now available for purchase via Xiaomi's official sales channels at an early bird price of 199 euros (converts to approximately $240, £180, AU$315) and 249 euros (converts to approximately $300, £220, AU$390).

screenshot-2021-01-08-at-2-42-05-pm.png

Redmi 9T

 Xiaomi

Alongside the Redmi Note 9T, Xiaomi launched the Redmi 9T (seen in the image above). It too offers high-end features including a huge battery and fast-wired charging for a price range that's expected to be affordable. For specifics, take a look at the chart below.

Key Specs: Redmi Note 9T vs. Redmi 9T


Redmi Note 9TRedmi 9T
Display size, resolution 6.53-inch LCD, FHD Plus6.53-inch LCD, FHD Plus
Camera 48-megapixel (main), 2-megapixel (macro), 2-megapixel (depth)48-megapixel (main) 8-megapixel (ultra-wide) 2-megapixel (macro) 2-megapixel (depth)
Front-facing camera 13-megapixel8-megapixel
Weight 199 grams198 grams
Processor: Mediatek Dimensity 800USnapdragon 662
RAM/Storage 4GB/64GB and 4GB/128GBN/A
Expandable Storage N/AUp to 512GB
Battery 5,000 mAh 6,000 mAh
Connector USB-CUSB-C