Redmi 9 Activ Review

Introduction

The Redmi 9 Activ smartphone was introduced on September 24, 2021. The phone has a 6.53-inch IPS LCD screen with a top brightness rating of 400 nits. A 12nm MediaTek Helio G35 chipset, which houses a PowerVR GE8320 GPU, powers the hardware.

Additional customizability options are provided through the MIUI 12 Customized Interface software layer. The back camera setup features a 13 MP dual camera and a 5 MP waterdrop notch front camera. In the background, a 10W charger supplies power for the Li-Po 5000 mAh batteries.

The WiFi 802.11 b/g/n, GPS, Bluetooth v5.0, Infrared light USB Type-C, FM radio, 3G, as well as 4G (with support for Band 40 used by select LTE networks in India) connectivity options of the Redmi 9 Activ are as follows. The phone has a fingerprint sensor, proximity sensor, ambient light sensor, and accelerometer. Face unlock is supported on the Redmi 9 Activ.

Design and Display

The phone's physical look is almost unchanged from that of the Redmi 9. Three gorgeous color options are available for the Redmi 9 Activ smartphone. Coral Green & Metallic Purple are worth your time if you wish to be bold. However, the Carbon Black hue option is respectable if you want something traditional and formal.

Also, a typical camera island will have the conventional plastic build quality. The phone's 9mm thickness and 194-gram weight contribute to its hefty build. You receive a rear-mounted safety device that operates swiftly and provides a comfortable ride. On top of that, it was also given a waterproof coating.

Now let's talk about the front panel, a very ordinary 6.53-inch IPS LCD V notched screen with HD+ quality. The Redmi 9 Activ also has a 400-nit brightness rating, sufficient for the entry-level market. However, the bezels are relatively thick, and corning gorilla glass does not protect the display.

Performance

The Redmi 9A is identical to other sub-7K INR smartphones in that it doesn't come with a powerful chipset. The gadget powers a slow MediaTek Helio G25 processor with a 12nm node. It features an octa-core configuration and a maximum frequency of 2.0GHz. A PowerVR GE8320 GPU and 32GB of eMMC 5.1 memory with 2GB and 3GB of RAM are also included.

It is a basic smartphone with an analog processor. For routine chores like talking, messaging, viewing videos on the internet, browsing, and so forth, I had no problems utilizing the gadget. Nevertheless, it takes a while for the apps to unlock. When going from one application to another, the phone slows down slightly. The lag will be very noticeable between two games or activities and an app.

Graphics-intensive titles such as Call of Duty: Mobile or PUBG Mobile cannot be played in their original state. If you are interested in cooking with an eye but don't have a hob, you may use your phone instead of their Lite version by slowing down its graphics and frame rates. You can play a few graphics-light games on the device, including Bang Bang: Mobile Legends or Alto's Odyssey, without any problems.

The 2GB RAM is one of the few offenders here because, as everyone knows, RAM is important for Android devices. If you are downgraded for any reason, the phone won't be able to handle your needs because there is just 2GB available, making it difficult to switch between programs and slowing down the opening and loading of apps.

I recommend choosing the 3GB RAM option since it is always preferable to the 2GB option.

Software

The Xiaomi Redmi 9A uses MIUI 12, which is based on Android 10 and undoubtedly has too many functions to enumerate. However, it also features advertisements that you will see in third-party settings and apps. Honestly, "Glance" on the home screen is bothersome. You will experience sluggishness while navigating the various apps due to the UI's lack of smoothness. You also receive a load of bloatware, so you should disable as many as possible. To stop commercials from appearing constantly, you may additionally turn off personalization & advertisements on many different fronts.

Memory and Internal

The Xiaomi Redmi 9 Activ's performance is decent thanks to the inclusion of a MediaTek Helio G35 CPU, built to effortlessly handle daily duties and support a variety of light apps and games. One of the main drawbacks of the phone is its visual element. A PowerVR GE8320 GPU will not allow for advanced gaming.

The software then offers the MIUI 12 customized interface supported by the Android 10 OS, where you can create your ecosystem. Even though it is a cheap phone, utilizing it will reveal some bloatware programs here and there. But what is more worrying is that, in the worst-case scenario, you might not even get Android 12, or it might be delayed.

You have a choice between two storage options for this device. The original version includes 64GB of eMMC 5.1 memory and 4GB of RAM. The better option comes with 6GB of RAM and up to 128GB of storage. You also have the option of adding dedicated supplementary storage to the space.

Camera

Due to the medium quality of the Redmi 9 Activ image optimization software, you might not see the minute details in movies and pictures. The rendering of the artificial intelligence (AI) software is better than the rendering of the previous generation smartphone. However, there will always be some grain in the images. Even so, low-light photography is a major problem.

According to the spec list, the primary camera will be a twin camera island with a 13MP main camera and a 2MP sense of depth lens. In terms of the front-facing camera, the business uses a 5MP lens. With this setting, you won't have any troubleshooting in the daylight, and you'll get good photos.

The built-in camera has passable features that let you improve your photo experience. The overall quality can be improved with filters and HDR choices, and even though the bokeh effect appears solid, the edge appears a touch softer. You get 1080p video capture without support for video stabilization in terms of videography.

Audio, Connectivity, Biometrics

Speaking of the speakers, there is only one bottom-firing speaker on board. Its audio output is passable but could be more exceptional. Flat and thin sound quality can be heard. The headphone connector on the gadget is a useful addition because it allows you to use your current earphones with it.

The Redmi 9A can use several 2G, 3G, & 4G bands. After using a cell phone for a while, calls occasionally fail. Since there is only one microphone at the bottom, the call quality is average, but the sound quality is acceptable when using the loudspeakers. I'm happy it doesn't have the proximity problems that numerous other Xiaomi devices, like the Mi 10T, do.

However, the Xiaomi Redmi 9A only offers a little. Both NFC and an infrared port are absent. You receive dual-band WiFi 802.11 b/g/n and Bluetooth 5.0 with LE & A2DP. You receive A-GPS, BDS, and Onboard Glonass navigation systems. A tiny USB 2.0 charging and data transfer port is also included.

Well, there are two choices if you're talking about security. It's generally best to use a PIN or a pattern lock. Although there is a basic face unlock, I wouldn't use it because it is cumbersome. If you don't mind waiting for a second or more each time you want to unlock the phone, you can utilize it. Strangely, there is no fingerprint reader, despite the Tecno Spark 7 costing only 500 INR more and having a rear-mounted FPS.

Pros And Cons

Pros

• Offer a sizable 5000 mAh battery.
• Tall 400 nits-bright IPS LCD.
• The fingerprint scanner operates quickly.
• MIUI 12's enhanced customizing interface.
• Specific support for tiny SD cards.
• Layer that repels water.
• Fair price

Cons

• There is no Gorilla Glass Protection.
• Instead of the most recent version, use Android 10.
• 10W charger only.
• Screen with a 720p resolution and the default refresh rate.
• Average camera performance.
• Without 5G and NFC assistance.
• Not recommended to play expensive games.

Common Issues Faced in Redmi 9 Activ

What Causes the Xiaomi Redmi 9 Activ Power to Drain So Quickly?

• To check screen time, go to settings Battery Show complete device usage.
• From the settings menu, disable the automatic brightness option.
• Uncheck the box under Apps in Settings. Show Unused App Notifications.
• Disable Bluetooth, GPS, WiFi, and mobile hotspot.
• Limit screen time to no more than one minute.
• Examine the latest official software updates.
• Limit the phone's charge.

The Xiaomi Redmi 9 Activ Keeps Freezing: How Do I Fix It?

• Press the Power button to restart your phone.
• You can start your phone in Safe Mode as well.
• To adequately inspect the screen, download and install the Screen Tester app.
• The gadget will need to be factory reset as the final step.

How Can I Fix My Xiaomi Redmi 9 Activ's Boot Screen Stuck?

• Press and hold the Power + Level Up buttons to power off the phone and restart it.
• You can also attempt to boot into safe mode.
• Update to the most recent firmware version.
• Delete the phone's cache partition.
• Utilise Hard Reset to completely erase the data.
• Visit the Xiaomi service center closest to you.

How Can the Xiaomi Redmi 9 Activ's Heating Problem Be Fixed?

• Use your original Xiaomi charger and avoid overcharging the gadget.
• You can restart the system by clicking on it and then following the restart procedure.
• When not in use, turn off Bluetooth, GPS, and WiFi.
• Close all unused background programs.
• Look for a system update.

How To Fix the Xiaomi Redmi 9 Activ Keeps Losing Wi-Fi Connection?

• You can attempt the next technique if the Wi-Fi keeps disconnecting even after you've reset the network settings.
• Choose WiFi by pressing and holding.
• The preferred network's Settings button should be selected.
• Choose the View More option.
• Switch the IP configuration between DHCP to Static.
• Try reconnecting to your favorite network once more.

How Can the Xiaomi Redmi 9 Activ Bluetooth Pairing Issue Be Fixed?

• Please turn off the Aeroplane Mode and enable it from the notification panel.
• Give your Xiaomi Redmi 9 Activ a single restart.
• Restart the device search after turning off pairing.
• Select Bluetooth, Storage, Clean Cache, Apps, Filter Options, and Show System Apps from the Settings menu.
• Verify the compatibility of the device with your phone.
• Try to establish a Bluetooth or smartphone connection.

How To Fix the Xiaomi Redmi 9 Activ's Internet Problem?

• Restart the Xiaomi Redmi 9 Activ mobile device.
• To reset the networks, re-insert the SIM card.
• Activate and deactivate the Aeroplane mode to temporarily block networks.
• To prevent access from third-party apps, enter Safe Mode.
• Reset the network connection's configuration.

Conclusion

A low-cost smartphone with the appropriate amount of software and hardware features to meet users' needs is the Xiaomi Redmi 9 Activ. However, the company also offers several copy versions at the same time. For instance, the Redmi 9A Sports is a Redmi 9i Sport replica with less storage. This Redmi 9 Activ phone is the same; however, if you're looking for a good phone on a tight budget for everyday usage and the camera is only a minor consideration, the Redmi 9 Activ provides a fantastic choice.