Xiaomi Mi 9 Pro 5G: Probably the most affordable 5G smartphone

Apart from the insane Mi MIX Alpha, Xiaomi has also introduced its Mi 9 Pro 5G. Not only this is a beefier version of the current Mi 9 flagship, but it’s also a 5G device that boasts blazing-fast download speeds of up to 2.02Gbps.

Similar to the current Mi 9, the new Pro version still features a 6.39″ Full HD+ AMOLED display from Samsung that comes with a little notch at the top. However, it runs on a higher-clocked Snapdragon 855+ processor that can be configured with up to 12GB of LPDDR4x RAM and up to 512GB of storage.

To keep things cool, the device features a vapour chamber with five layers of graphite sheet, high thermal conductivity copper foil and thermal adhesive to form a three-dimensional cooling system. According to Xiaomi, the L-shaped vapour chamber has a heat dissipation area of up to 1,127mm2 which can reduce the processor’s core temperature up to 10.2-degree Celsius.

In the camera department, it retains a similar triple-camera array that’s aligned vertically on the left side of the rear. It has a 48MP f/1.75 main shooter (Sony IMX586), a 16MP f/2.2 ultra-wide-angle lens and a 12MP f/2.2 telephoto shooter. For selfies, the notch houses a 20MP f/2.0 front camera.

For a more immersive gaming experience, the device also gets a linear motor for touch haptic feedback. This provides a stronger vibration and shorter response times with multiple accurate vibration effects. You can feel the haptic feedback for typing, gestures, camera zoom, fingerprint recognition as well as supported games such as CrossFire.

Upgrading from the Mi 9’s rather small 3,300mAh battery, the Mi 9 Pro 5G comes with a larger 4,000mAh capacity. In addition, the device also carries Xiaomi’s latest charging tech which includes a 40W fast wired charger that takes just 48 minutes to charge to 100%.

On top of that, there’s also a 30W wireless fast charging feature that can push a 100% charge in just 69 minutes. For the first time for a Xiaomi device, it also supports reverse wireless charging with a high output of 10W. This can be used to charge other compatible Qi-wireless devices such as headphones, toothbrushes and razors. For greater peace of mind, the Mi 9 Pro 5G has also received TÜV Rheinland Safe Fast-Charge System 3.0 certification for its wireless charging solution.

Out of the box, it runs on the latest MIUI 11 that offers a new visual design and a brand new “Milan Pro” font. MIUI 11 stable Chinese ROM will be rolled out beginning mid-October 2019 onwards and the beta will be open from 27th September for 17 Chinese devices.

In China, the Mi 9 Pro 5G is priced as follows:

8GB RAM + 128GB – 3,699CNY (about RM2,173)
8GB RAM + 256GB – 3,799CNY (about RM2,231)
12GB RAM + 256GB – 4,099CNY (about RM2,408)
12GB RAM + 512GB – 4,299CNY (about RM2,525)

At 3,699CNY, the Mi 9 Pro 5G is probably the most affordable 5G smartphone since vivo’s iQoo Pro 5G smartphone is priced higher at 3,798CNY for 8GB RAM + 128GB storage. The device is currently available only in China and Xiaomi is working closely with the top three local telcos such as China Mobile, China Unicom and China Telecom.

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