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Xiaomi Mi 9 Explorer

$0

Overview

Xiaomi Mi 9 Explorer is a budget Android smartphone released in 2019 with a 6.39-inch Super AMOLED, Snapdragon 855 chipset, 48 main camera, and 3300 mAh battery.

The device runs HyperOS with features like Leica partnership. Priced at $0, it targets users seeking budget performance.

Specifications of Xiaomi Mi 9 Explorer

The display of Xiaomi Mi 9 Explorer measures 6.39 inches with Super AMOLED technology. Peak brightness reaches 600 nits for excellent outdoor visibility. The screen renders at 1080x2340 pixels resolution.

Size
6.39 inches
Type
Super AMOLED
Resolution
1080x2340 pixels
Refresh Rate
60Hz
Peak Brightness
600 nits
HDR
HDR10

The camera system of Xiaomi Mi 9 Explorer features 3 rear cameras: 48 main, 16MP ultrawide, 12MP telephoto. Optical zoom reaches 2x for detailed distant shots. Video recording supports up to 2160p.

Main Sensor
48
Camera Count
3 cameras
Ultrawide
16MP, FOV: 123°
Telephoto
12MP, 2x optical zoom
Max Video
2160p

The battery of Xiaomi Mi 9 Explorer has 3300mAh capacity with 27 wired charging. Wireless charging supports 420. A full charge takes approximately 120 min minutes.

Capacity
3300mAh
Wired Charging
27
Wireless Charging
420
Full Charge Time
120 min minutes

The performance of Xiaomi Mi 9 Explorer is powered by the Snapdragon 855 chipset with Adreno 640 GPU.

Chipset
Snapdragon 855
CPU
Octa-core (1x2.84 GHz Kryo 485 & 3x2.42 GHz Kryo 485 & 4x1.78 GHz Kryo 485)
GPU
Adreno 640

The memory of Xiaomi Mi 9 Explorer offers 12GB RAM with 256GB storage options. RAM uses LPDDR4X technology. Storage is 256GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM. Storage is not expandable.

RAM Options
12GB
Storage Options
256GB
RAM Type
LPDDR4X
Storage Type
256GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM
Expandable
No

The connectivity of Xiaomi Mi 9 Explorer includes Wi-Fi Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct, DLNA, and Bluetooth 5.0. NFC is supported for contactless payments.

Wi-Fi
Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct, DLNA
Bluetooth
5.0
NFC
Yes

The build of Xiaomi Mi 9 Explorer weighs 173.0g with Aluminum frame and Glass back. Dimensions measure 157.5 x 74.7 x 7.6 mm.

Dimensions
157.5 x 74.7 x 7.6 mm
Weight
173.0g
Frame
Aluminum
Back
Glass

The software of Xiaomi Mi 9 Explorer runs Android 9.0 (Pie), MIUI 10 with MIUI. Software support extends 2 years through 2028.

OS
Android 9.0 (Pie), MIUI 10
UI
MIUI
Update Policy
2 years

Compare Xiaomi Mi 9 Explorer

Xiaomi Mi 9 Explorer vs Samsung Galaxy A34

Xiaomi Mi 9 Explorer offers competitive value at $0 compared to Samsung Galaxy A34.

$0 price point
Snapdragon 855
6.39" display

Xiaomi Mi 9 Explorer vs Motorola Moto G Power

Xiaomi Mi 9 Explorer offers competitive value at $0 compared to Motorola Moto G Power.

$0 price point
Snapdragon 855
6.39" display

Xiaomi Mi 9 Explorer vs Xiaomi Redmi Note 13

Xiaomi Mi 9 Explorer offers competitive value at $0 compared to Xiaomi Redmi Note 13.

$0 price point
Snapdragon 855
6.39" display

Frequently Asked Questions about Xiaomi Mi 9 Explorer

Yes, Xiaomi Mi 9 Explorer is good for photography with its 48 camera. It handles everyday photography well with solid detail and color accuracy.

Related: mobile photography

Yes, Xiaomi Mi 9 Explorer is excellent for gaming with its Snapdragon 855 chipset. It handles demanding games at high settings with smooth frame rates.

Related: mobile gaming

Xiaomi Mi 9 Explorer receives 2 years of updates through 2028. Consider this when planning long-term device usage.

Related: software support

Xiaomi Mi 9 Explorer has a 3300mAh battery. Battery life varies based on usage patterns.

Related: battery life

Xiaomi Mi 9 Explorer at $0 is a budget device offering Snapdragon 855. It's worth buying if you prioritize affordability over premium features.

Related: buying decision

Xiaomi Mi 9 Explorer supports 27 wired charging with full charge in approximately 120 min minutes. Wireless charging supports 420.

Related: fast charging

Xiaomi Mi 9 Explorer is available in 256GB storage options. Storage is not expandable, so choose your capacity based on your needs.

Related: storage capacity

Xiaomi Mi 9 Explorer has a 6.39-inch Super AMOLED with 60Hz refresh rate and 600 nits peak brightness. HDR support includes HDR10.

Related: display quality

See how Xiaomi Mi 9 Explorer ranks in these categories:

Verdict

The Xiaomi Mi 9 Explorer delivers practical value for users prioritizing affordability over premium features. The phone excels in versatile camera system. Pick this phone for essential smartphone functionality, if you prioritize affordability while still needing core features.

Key Specifications

Display

6.39"

Main Camera

48

Chipset

Snapdragon 855

Full Specifications

Network

TechnologyGSM / CDMA / HSPA / LTE
2G BandsGSM /
3G BandsHSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100
4G LTE BandsLTE
5G Sub-6 BandsN/A
5G mmWave BandsN/A
SpeedN/A
Carrier Aggregation4x4 MIMO
SIMNano-SIM
Dual SIM ModeDual SIM
eSIM Support
VoLTE SupportN/A
VoWiFiN/A
NR CA SupportN/A

Launch

Announced2019
StatusDiscontinued
AvailabilityN/A
Model VariantsN/A
Launch PriceN/A

Body & Design

Dimensions (mm)157.5 x 74.7 x 7.6 mm
Weight (g)173.0
Build MaterialsGlass front (Gorilla Glass 6), glass back (Gorilla Glass 5), aluminum frame (7000 series)
FrameAluminum
Back FinishGlass
Colors["Transparent Black"]
IP RatingN/A
Rugged CertificationsN/A
Ingress GasketsN/A
Form FactorBar
Hinge TypeN/A
Folded DimensionsN/A
Thermal SolutionGraphite
Notification/Alert
HapticsBasic

Display

Panel TypeSuper AMOLED
Size (inches)6.39
Resolution (px)1080x2340 pixels
Aspect Ratio6:13
Pixel Density (ppi)403
Screen-to-body Ratio (%)85.2
Refresh Rate (Hz)60
Adaptive Refresh Rate
Touch Sampling Rate (Hz)180
Peak Brightness (nits)600
HDR StandardsHDR10
Color GamutsRGB
Color Depth24
PWM Dimming (Hz)240
Glass ProtectionCorning Gorilla Glass 6
Oleophobic CoatingN/A
Curvature2.5D
Always-on Display
Display Driver ICN/A
Cover DisplayGorilla Glass 6

Platform (SoC)

OS at LaunchAndroid 9.0 (Pie), MIUI 10
Update Policy2 years
ChipsetSnapdragon 855
CPUOcta-core (1x2.84 GHz Kryo 485 & 3x2.42 GHz Kryo 485 & 4x1.78 GHz Kryo 485)
GPUAdreno 640
NPU/AI TOPs7 TOPS
ISP FeaturesSpectra 380
ModemSnapdragon X24 LTE
Wi-Fi/Bluetooth ChipN/A
Throttling BehaviorN/A
Geekbench Single-CoreN/A
Geekbench Multi-CoreN/A
AnTuTu ScoreN/A
3DMark ScoresN/A

Memory & Storage

RAM12GB
RAM TypeLPDDR4X
Storage256GB
Storage Type256GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM
Storage SpeedUFS 2.1
Expandable Storage
Slot TypeN/A
USB OTG
Filesystem EncryptionFIPS 140-2

Main Camera System

Rear Cameras3
Main Sensor48
Main Sensor Size1/2.0"
Main Sensor ModelSony IMX586
Main Lensf/1.5, 26mm
OIS
AutofocusPDAF
Pixel Binning
Ultrawide16MP, FOV: 123°
Telephoto12MP, 2x optical zoom
MacroN/A
Depth/ToF/LiDAR
Flicker/Color SensorsN/A
FlashDual-LED
Video Resolution2160p
HDR/Dolby Vision Video
Video CodecsH.264, H.265
Slow Motion960
Video StabilizationEIS
Night Mode Features
RAW/Pro ControlsN/A

Selfie Camera

Resolution20
Sensor Size1/3.1"
Aperturef/2.0
AF/OIS
Secondary Front Cam
Front Flash
Video1080p@30fps
HDR/Dolby VisionN/A
Face Unlock2D

Audio

Loudspeakers
3.5mm Jack
Hi-Res Audio
Spatial Audio / Dolby Atmos
Microphones2
Bluetooth CodecsaptX, aptX HD, LDAC
DAC/AmpAK4377A

Connectivity

Wi-FiWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct, DLNA
Wi-Fi FeaturesWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct, DLNA
Bluetooth5.0
NFC
IR Blaster
UWBN/A
PositioningGPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (L1), BDS (B1), GALILEO (E1+E5a), QZSS (L1+L5)
Dual-Band GNSS
FM Radio
USBUSB Type-C 2.0
Display Out
eSIM Capacity

Sensors

Fingerprint SensorFingerprint (Under Display, Optical)
3D Face IDN/A
Accelerometer
Gyroscope
Magnetometer
Proximity Sensor
Ambient Light
Barometer
Thermo/HygrometerN/A
UV SensorN/A
Hall Sensor
Color Temp Sensor
Health SensorsHeart Rate
Satellite SOS

Battery & Charging

Capacity (mAh)3300
TypeLi-Po
Removable
Endurance RatingN/A
Wired Charging27
Wired StandardQC420
0-50% Time (mins)30 min
Full Charge Time120 min
Wireless Charging420
Wireless StandardQi
Reverse Wireless5
Reverse Wired
Charger in Box27
Battery Health Featuresbattery saver

Software

OS at LaunchAndroid 9.0 (Pie), MIUI 10
Update Window2 years
UI Skin / LauncherMIUI
Feature DropsN/A
App CloningN/A
Game Mode
Privacy FeaturesApp Lock
Accessibilityscreen reader
Satellite Messaging UI

Miscellaneous

In-Box Contentscharger, cable, case
Recycled Materials (%)N/A
Repairability ScoreN/A
WarrantyN/A

Reviews & Ratings

4.6

186 ratings

5 star
120
4 star
45
3 star
11
2 star
5
1 star
5

Showing 3 of 186 reviews

A

Alex R.

2 weeks ago

Absolutely love the camera on this phone! The zoom is incredible and the photos are so crisp. Battery life is also a huge plus.

B

Ben C.

1 month ago

Great performance and beautiful display. My only complaint is that it feels a bit heavy, but you get used to it. Solid phone overall.

C

Chloe D.

3 months ago

The best phone I've ever owned. It's fast, the software is clean, and the build quality is top-notch. Highly recommend!

Review

Xiaomi Mi 9 Explorer Review: Solid Performance for the Price

7.5/10
Very Good

Our comprehensive review of the Xiaomi Mi 9 Explorer covers display quality, camera performance, battery life, and overall value. A solid choice in its price segment.

(3.8 stars)
Pros
  • + Powerful Snapdragon 855 chipset for smooth performance
  • + Wireless charging support
Cons
  • - Battery life could be better
  • - Limited water resistance

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