Published , by Kevin Tucker
Published , by Kevin Tucker
Mobile phones are getting less expensive and yet more powerful as time wears on, and perhaps no other phone embodies both of these ideals as much as the Xiaomi Mi 9. A beefed-up device with pared-down pricing, the latest offering from Xiaomi competes with late-model devices from other smartphone manufacturers by offering a zippy Snapdragon processor and an almost-tablet-sized HDR display. Read on to learn what's under the hood of the Mi 9 and where buyers can go to place a pre-order or purchase.
The Xiaomi Mi 9 packs a load of late-model mobile hardware into a large-display phone with a budget-friendly price tag. The device's biggest highlights include a Qualcomm Snapdragon 855 processor and up to 8GB RAM packed underneath a 6.39-inch 1080x2340 AMOLED display. The phone features a Gorilla Glass 5 panel on the back as well as an aluminum frame, and is among the growing list of phones with support for Android 9.0 Pie. Here's an extended set of Xiaomi Mi 9 specifications as outlined by GSM Arena.
Despite the beefy components found within the device, the Xiaomi Mi 9 is available at something of a budget price compared to many modern smartphones: it starts at €449 (about $511 USD) for the 6GB RAM/128GB storage model, and goes up to $649.00 (via Giztop) for the 8GB/128GB models. Those who don't mind throwing down for more storage can also opt for the Mi 9 Explorer Edition, which costs $899.00 but offers 256GB storage and an exclusive transparent case.
Xiaomi plans to roll out the Mi 9 to European territories starting in March of 2019, though it appears the company doesn't intend to bring it to North American markets. However, many past Xiaomi phones have been sold region-free at retailers like Amazon, meaning U.S. buyers shouldn't have too much difficulty getting their hands on the Mi 9.
Pre-orders for the device opened up just a few days ago, and European shoppers should have no trouble finding the device available for purchase now via Amazon. On the other hand, North American shoppers may prefer to go to Giztop, which is currently offering the base model Mi 9 for $599.
The Mi 9 specs certainly seem to fit the bill, and there's little doubt that mobile users will be happy with its price tag. Now if only Xiaomi could bring the device to North American markets, we'd be set. Until then, users will have to pre-order the device online through the usual storefronts. Be sure to stop by our Modojo @ Shacknews home page to stay fresh on all the latest developments in mobile and smartphone technology.