considering to get a mi 9 - Xiaomi Mi 9 Questions & Answers

I'm looking to upgrade from my mi A1. I prefer smaller phones but I don't mid big phones either, but the thing that drives me mad about my mi a1 is that it's top heavy. So if I use my phone in one hand it'll just tip over from my hand (sometimes), forcing me to put my palm a bit higher than usual. Is the mi 9's weight balanced? is it comfortable to use one handed?

It's a personal opinion but I think it's well balanced. But take in account that it's heavier than A1 and it's not a phone designed to be used with only one hand, the screen is way too big to reach all parts with one hand. (but it's the case of almost all phones now).
Other than that, it's not the same for everybody but I like the rounded back and I think it's confortable, only complaint in design it the back cameras, they are too much out of the phone body and I'm scared to scratch it every time I put it on a table

well, i have a Mi 9 since last week, not using much but as a confort in the hand is awesome, cause the phone is thin and not much weight on it considering its size.
You, coming from a A1 will be amazed with the Mi9 screen, cause is a big big screen for that small size.
One thing that drive me nuts with this phone is just when typing, i have big hands and my thumbs get a little uncofortable when typing and hurt a little when need to move the thumb but, not a big deal.
Overall this phone is a must and deserve all the atention for what they offer, i recomend to you go for the 128GB version cause 64 i think is just too small, you gonna fill it up quick, as of the other features, is a phone with tons of things to praise like wireless charging, IR blaster, amazing amoled screen with under display fingerprint scanner, and a battery life decent for the size.

My hand is above average size wise and I can operate it with minimal risk of sliding out. The upper and lower parts feel almost identical in heft so I'd say it's pretty well balanced, for what it's worth I have had an s9+ and 7 pro in hand recently and i'd say the weight is best balanced on the mi 9.

Related

Ergonomics (in-hand feel)

Please, no "that's what she said" jokes. Rate this thread to express how you think the Xiaomi Mi Max 3 feels in-hand. A higher rating indicates that it's comfortable to hold for long periods of time, even in one hand. Resist the urge to say "TWSS" just now. Seriously.
Then, drop a comment if you have anything to add!
Mi Max 3 is heavier than Max 2 but it still feels lighter and more comfortable in the hand. I had wrist strain after using Max 2 a couple of hours. The reason I think is that Max 3 is thicker (8mm vs 7.5mm) so the density of the phone is actually lower.
Size (particularly width) is not much different than my old Nexus 6, so it doesn't feel bad in hand at all.
This is my fist Max device. It feels pretty damn huge. That said I'll probably adjust to it.
Power button not in the best place , might be triggered unintentionally
mmarcus10 said:
Power button not in the best place , might be triggered unintentionally
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Does fingerprint reachable with single hand to unlock instantly?
THEHARI said:
Does fingerprint reachable with single hand to unlock instantly?
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Yes it does
Coming from the Mi Max 1 and the Sony Xperia Z Ultra before that, I'm not sure I think this phone is an improvement in respect to ergonomics. I never use my phones with cases but am thinking about getting a thin one for this phone. My problem is this. I hold (and often use) the phone with one hand by putting my pinky under the bottom for support, holding the phone in portrait mode. The phone is fairly heavy and the edge of the USB-C port is sharp and cuts into my finger. If I move my finger to avoid holding it in the middle, where the port is, the tapered body is pointy enough to also cause discomfort. I've got fairly large man hands, which is why I bought the largest phone possible but it's not great for using one handed. The Sony Z Ultra and Mi Max 1 had a flatter bottom, no sharp edge and the screen was 16:9 which made it easier to drive one handed. I appreciate a large 16:9 screen but I don't see the advantage of the 18:9, and am reconsidering my decision in this phone.
THEHARI said:
Does fingerprint reachable with single hand to unlock instantly?
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Yes, but for me the fingerprint sensor could be on the same height like the power button.
In my opinion as far as size/dimensions of the phone go, it's big but you can get used to it, but consider getting some sort of extra cover for it, as the texture of the material is rather smooth, it may slip out of hand especially if your hands get sweaty easily, like in summer for example.
-Cheers
Like the Max 2 you need a case with this phone... the size/weight/metal body will just irritate your fingers if you don't. I go with gel cases and instantly the phone feels comfortable and easy to hang on to.
It feels good without cover.
i think its just balanced by makers carefully to feel good as it is..
after adding a typical back cover, it feels heavier and unreasonable

is Note 9 is bulky in your hand ?

i was in confusion to buy note 9 or oneplus 6t , when hold n9 in hand it feels heavy , i just want to know the experience of n9 users that are you able to hold and use it for long time ?
You get used to the size and feel of the phone where others will feel super light. It's like if you drove a sedan all your life then you get a truck it will feel huge. But eventually you adapt to the change.
alwynjoshy said:
i was in confusion to buy note 9 or oneplus 6t , when hold n9 in hand it feels heavy , i just want to know the experience of n9 users that are you able to hold and use it for long time ?
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Sent from my ONEPLUS A6003 using Tapatalk
daniel4653 said:
You get used to the size and feel of the phone where others will feel super light. It's like if you drove a sedan all your life then you get a truck it will feel huge. But eventually you adapt to the change.
Sent from my ONEPLUS A6003 using Tapatalk
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Thanks for the answer, you encouraged me to buy note 9 . i see you have 6t also which one you like most ?
I took my S5 and N9 in each hand, closed my eyes, and started "feeling" the differences. Swapped them between hands and continued. I have to say, if I would not see them, or feel the textures or sides (or checked their length or weight balance differences), I would not be able to tell quickly which one is which. In my hands, Note 9 feels no bulkier than S5.
I read news with N9 during local train trips (about 15 minutes), which are about the longest continuous activities I do with phones (except long calls, which are rare for me). I haven't noticed any bulkiness or hand getting tired in that (relatively) short amount of time.
When it comes to pockets, N9's significantly longer length does matter. S5 can fit fine in my jeans front pocket (though it does create a hole on one spot over time), N9 does not fit in the same orientation/properly. So, N9 is bulkier in that sense. Though I wouldn't put N9 in front pocket even if it fit, as those pockets seems to collect "hard" dust over time (or something), leading to surface wear on the corners of the phone.
It's a bit heavy, but in a good way. It's more tall than bulky.
At times I have a bit of trouble reaching things, but not unacceptably. I am 5'8" and my hand from wrist to tip of middle finger is approximately 7.5"
The phone is a little heavy feeling when not in a case and very "slippery". I've got an "Otterbox like" hybrid case and love it and I've got medium hands......
Having gone two and a half days on a 90% charge I'll live with it. Not to mention 512+256 and really good mountain cell signal
alwynjoshy said:
i was in confusion to buy note 9 or oneplus 6t , when hold n9 in hand it feels heavy , i just want to know the experience of n9 users that are you able to hold and use it for long time ?
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My previous device was an LG V20 so the Note 9 does not feel too heavy to me at all. It has a nice quality feel to it and feels "just right" in my hand.
Not bulky. It's relatively thin/narrow, and it feels very premium. It's a little bit tall, slippery and on the heavy side though.
That's something I had to adjust to when I switched from a Pixel 2 XL (at first, my little finger would hurt after using the phone for a prolonged period of time. The Pixel 2 XL is 26 grams lighter and the paint finish helps to have a better grip).
Even if the Note 9 looks great, my advice would be to get a good case. It feels like (and it is) a luxury phone. Better protect it than be sorry later
alwynjoshy said:
i was in confusion to buy note 9 or oneplus 6t , when hold n9 in hand it feels heavy , i just want to know the experience of n9 users that are you able to hold and use it for long time ?
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Click to collapse
It's a lot more comfortable than the s7e that I got and used for two years (3m for the note 9) - even one hand. I had even hand pain sometimes from the s7e after extensive use, something I never got on my note 9. Both naked, never used a case/screen protector on both.
No problem. I actually have the 1+6
I had the 1+6t but didn't like the in display fingerprint scanner. The fact that you have to turn on the screen for the scanner to work seems odd when I'd rather have on on the back of the phone which is more reliable. But i equally enjoy my 1+6 because it's such a smooth phone, lightweight, great looks, and camera is pretty good on it. Battery is about 1hr SOT less than the Note 9.
alwynjoshy said:
Thanks for the answer, you encouraged me to buy note 9 . i see you have 6t also which one you like most ?
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Sent from my SM-N960F using Tapatalk
Maybe some time in the gym is in order for you all. ?
It IS heavier than say an S9+, but I don't consider it heavy. I'm on my phone all day, and I never even think about the weight of it. Like others said, it's slippery without a case and pretty tall, so it can make one-handed operation awkward. More than anything, this trend of thin phones and no side bezel makes using it without a case difficult. There's nothing to really hold on to and it's slick, so it's easy to drop.
That's why I put it in a cheap clear TPU case and use it that way. Protects against scratches and light drops, but adds little to no bulk.
I had been using OP6 prior to this, still have it. First day I felt this was heavier and difficult / awkward to handle (considering my last note was note 4), was just a matter of a day and I'm pretty comfortable with it. Used it with the cover that came in the box first couple days, then changed too neo hybrid (makes it more bulky) but in a good way (feels sturdy).
Loving the great battery life on the Note 9 compared to OP6. Used to get between 4 to 6 hours of screen time on OP6. With Note 9, I average around 1 hr per 10 percent of battery (in case the standby times aren't too long) otherwise you can expect 10 to 20 percent going towards a day of standby + 8 hours of screen on. Do note, I'm a heavy user with dozen apps running thr background, Slack, Asana, Aqua mail (for emails), Whatsapp & Facebook.
It's a great phone overall, other than the fact it was difficult getting used to N9 being slightly less responsive than the OP6 (with Android Pie).
So far, so good!
I don't think it is that bulky. I came from Essential phone and weight wise it is just a little heavier, but not by much. it is of course much much longer.
I still carry it in my front pocket.
Not as big as you expect it to be, far more manageable than say an iPhone X's max for example.
I'll second the lack of responsiveness Vs the OP6. The Note feels more premium but the OP just flies in the comparison.
Sent from my SM-N960F using Tapatalk
Note 9 feels tall, narrow, top heavy, dense and slippery. The 6T feels wider, lighter, also slippery.
One thing for sure, my 6T does *everything* faster but Note 9 just does things better. Higher resolution, bigger battery, wireless charging , headphone jack, stylus, and a few others.
To me, Note 9 is the better phone without considering price. Performance for the price, much better value from OnePlus and I think that's their goal.
With a heavy heart, I finally sold the OP6 so I could dedicate myself to Note 9. First few hours post the transaction were tough (I get emotionally attached to mg phones lol), all good now and Note 9 from here on all the way.
I switched to the note 9 from the Huawei Mate 20 X. If anything is bulky that Mate 20 variant is the most bulky. Note 9 now seems perfect sized.
I think it's way too heavy when compared too all previous Note phones. It is the heaviest. That's the reason why I skipped and got a Pixel 3 XL.
Sent from my Pixel 3Xl using XDA-Developers Legacy app
rezapatel said:
With a heavy heart, I finally sold the OP6 so I could dedicate myself to Note 9. First few hours post the transaction were tough (I get emotionally attached to mg phones lol), all good now and Note 9 from here on all the way.
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I actually did the opposite yesterday, I gave back the Note 9 to someone else to test in my team and will keep the 6T for awhile. The fact that Android Auto doesn't work in my car with the Note 9 is a rather big problem (I bought a car with android auto specifically because I love using it). The second reason is the infinity display. Looks absolutely amazing, but I keep accidentally clicking stuff all the time. I seem to do better with a flat display and a slightly smaller/lighter phone.
Nic2112 said:
I actually did the opposite yesterday, I gave back the Note 9 to someone else to test in my team and will keep the 6T for awhile. The fact that Android Auto doesn't work in my car with the Note 9 is a rather big problem (I bought a car with android auto specifically because I love using it). The second reason is the infinity display. Looks absolutely amazing, but I keep accidentally clicking stuff all the time. I seem to do better with a flat display and a slightly smaller/lighter phone.
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I was in 2 minds until someone bid on the Oneplus - I was so heavy hearted selling the phone that I could have flipped anytime during the transaction haha. Since the decision had valid pros and cons each side, I left it to fate for whichever to fetch my target price. Even though I experienced a little more than usual BT connectivity issues initially with N9 & my car, it's all settled now. Kinda starting to enjoy the phone now, knowing this is the only option lol. Battery life + sound + better vibration + xposed (something still good about O) + good screen seem to reasons enough to not be super whinny. Gluck with your decision!

Ergonomics (in-hand feel)

Please, no "that's what she said" jokes. Rate this thread to express how you think the Samsung Galaxy Note 20 Ultra feels in-hand. A higher rating indicates that it's comfortable to hold for long periods of time, even in one hand. Resist the urge to say "TWSS" just now. Seriously.
Then, drop a comment if you have anything to add!
Its good, but wish they would have had a smaller note 20 with about a 6.5" display that had the same exact form factor, same design, same features, with only a smaller battery and smaller display. I would have bought it instead. This phone is a bit too big sometimes.
Big problem, the camera bump. Clearly it's going to be ending up scratching the lens. I purchase a case about that let's see when I will receive it.
That makes the phone not straight, with a big bulge, unstable.
Also, the phone is somehow slippery, I already made it fall like 5 times. Rarely happened in years with the other phone. It seems that the weight is not balance also, probably due to the bulge. I am hoping the case will provide more grip.
Without a case the bump is a real problem and the phone is too slippery. My 1TB S10+ bit the dust when I was briefly using it without a case and it slipped from my hand. My Note 3 suffered a cracked screen when, once again, it was temporarily without case and fell 50cm from my lap to the ground.
Now I always use a case unless I am feeling particularly stupid. The clear TPU case that came with the phone greatly increases grip, adds some protection at least and somewhat reduces the offensiveness of the camera bump.
No issues with camera bumb since clear view case, but the corners are too sharp for the jeans pockets...
I may have to give up the best phone I've ever had because it's simply too heavy. It pains my hand to hold it all day because of course it has replaced my laptop and everything else over the years, even my tv. But it sucks to hold this thing and I'm dreading switching now that I've customized the stuffings out of it over the months.
Too lopsided , too big. Note 10 Plus was a much better feel in my opinion.
bagery77 said:
I may have to give up the best phone I've ever had because it's simply too heavy. It pains my hand to hold it all day because of course it has replaced my laptop and everything else over the years, even my tv. But it sucks to hold this thing and I'm dreading switching now that I've customized the stuffings out of it over the months.
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I've done the same as you with the 10+
The SD card serves as the data drive; my favorite way to setup a PC. Lol, I keep my laptop isolated from the internet.
As for managing the bulk...
Try the Zizo Bolt case. Very easy to hold; a lot of different ways to hold it including by it's kick out stand.
I've been using it on my 10+ for over a year. It makes the phone a lot more user friendly.
It has a real nice in hand feel nestled in its Caseology Parallax case with good, proportioned weight distribution.
Feels heavy. I use a case very VERY rarely and thr phone is bit heavy. Thr camera bump is bad when you use your phone flat on a table and you use tour pen... Very bad when you use phone pen like that.
Except those thr pgone feels very premium in the hand, no othet phone feels soo good in the hand.i love it, but the above mentioned sometimes make it a hard relationship hahah

Question How would you all rate the ergonomics of this phone?

Pretty straightforward from the title. I've been using an XZ2 compact. I got my dad a pixel 4a recently and when I finished setting up, finally getting to hold my XZ2c, I realized that the pixel 4a was incredibly worse to hold. Not even a screen size thing. So how does it feel to hold and operate the zenfone 8? Any comparisons to the pixel 4a or XZ2c?
Not sure this is relevant for you but I'm coming from Samsung S9+ and its (zf8) way better. I used to get pains in my wrist and arm after holding the S9+ one handed, with the ZF8 id does not happen. I am also able to use it one handed using my left hand - also really great.
Compared to my wife Samsung s10e - I also feel it "holding" slightly better (even tough its ~20 Grams heavier) du to it being thicker I think
hirshr said:
Not sure this is relevant for you but I'm coming from Samsung S9+ and its (zf8) way better. I used to get pains in my wrist and arm after holding the S9+ one handed, with the ZF8 id does not happen. I am also able to use it one handed using my left hand - also really great.
Compared to my wife Samsung s10e - I also feel it "holding" slightly better (even tough its ~20 Grams heavier) du to it being thicker I think
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Not the most relevant, but it's still valuable information. Thanks
Sony has that trend where it makes screens less wider for you to be able to hold better.
Zenfone's screen is a bit like middleground between a Sony device and a regular Samsung or Iphone, probably a pixel 4a too. It is very comfortable to hold and reach most of the screen with one hand. My previous phone, the Oppo Find 7 (basically Oneplus One), had a 5.5 inch screen and it is wider, even more so if we compare with bezels.
For its lower screen size, it is also slightly thicker than a Samsung/Iphone. It feels very compact for having a snapdragon 888 with 5g support packed inside.
Glass back is very slippery, I dont like it naked for that reason. The included case does not make it oversized at all and has perfect grip.
mestermagyar said:
Sony has that trend where it makes screens less wider for you to be able to hold better.
Zenfone's screen is a bit like middleground between a Sony device and a regular Samsung or Iphone, probably a pixel 4a too. It is very comfortable to hold and reach most of the screen with one hand. My previous phone, the Oppo Find 7 (basically Oneplus One), had a 5.5 inch screen and it is wider, even more so if we compare with bezels.
For its lower screen size, it is also slightly thicker than a Samsung/Iphone. It feels very compact for having a snapdragon 888 with 5g support packed inside.
Glass back is very slippery, I dont like it naked for that reason. The included case does not make it oversized at all and has perfect grip.
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Sony devices are also less rounded that probably make for a better grip, Zenfone 8 not so much

Quality Control Issues

I don't know what everyone else's experience is with quality control but here's mine:
The first X5 Pro I had, I had to return for a replacement because I discovered in low light (dark room) there was a stuck pixel on the screen which was permanently lit green. This isn't acceptable on £1000+ device.
Now, my replacement device feels different in the hand. People will probably think I have OCD, but it looks like the ceramic back is actually somehow a fraction of a millimetre smaller than it should be, therefore the aliminium edges of the device do not blend seamlessly into the ceramic back cover and give that smooth, pebble-like feel. It now feels like I have a sharp edge resting against my palm or fingers when I hold the device.
Most people would probably not notice this but I do.
My wife has the X5 Pro in Black and doesn't have this issue.
I read somewhere about the ceramic milling process means that every since piece of ceramic is unique, but obviously within a certain tolerance, and the backs are matched up with the camera lenses during the production process.
I've attached a picture to try and convey what I am talking about. Unfortunately I don't have a picture of the back of my first device, which felt perfect in the hand.
It looks like there is around 0.5mm gap between the back and the edge of the device.
Would you return your device due to this, especially when you know what it should be like?
Morning chap,
Re the green pixel, I haven't had any and agree is unacceptable.
Re the back. I have a slight edge too but assumed that's how they all were. Doesn't bother me as I have a case around it. You may want to return it if it really is annoying you and you are 100pc sure that the first handset was seamless...(are you sure? Mind tricks?)...but no guarantee a replacement will be any different.
Interested to see how you get on.
OnePlus2Oppo said:
Morning chap,
Re the green pixel, I haven't had any and agree is unacceptable.
Re the back. I have a slight edge too but assumed that's how they all were. Doesn't bother me as I have a case around it. You may want to return it if it really is annoying you and you are 100pc sure that the first handset was seamless...(are you sure? Mind tricks?)...but no guarantee a replacement will be any different.
Interested to see how you get on.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Haha, yeah, my first thought was mind tricks, but my wife has the black one and it defo doesn't dig into your hand in the same way. Looking at them side by side, the back on her black X5 pro blends seamlessly into the frame whereas mine has an obvious lip.
Yes you are right about a replacement being no guarantee of being better. This is the first phone in 10+ years that I am using without a case because it feels so natural to hold, but when it digs into your hand and you can feel the ridge, it definitely isn't pleasant to hold.
Anyway, phoned the carrier and after a lengthy call with me trying to explain the issue to one of their first line tech support, it's getting replaced by courier tomorrow.
If this was an iPhone there would be threads all over twitter with people going bananas so I don't see how I should need to settle for second best when this phone costs more than most iPhone models bar the 13 pro max!
This is a good review with hi-res images of the sides of the phone, and on which you can see no visible lip (although harder to see on the black model).
Oppo Find X5 Pro Review - Slick smartphone with a Hasselblad camera
Review: The Oppo Find X5 Pro 5G employs 12 GB of RAM, 256 GB of UFS 3.1 memory, a triple camera with two Sony IMX766 sensors, very fast charging and an accurate LTPO AMOLED display.
www.notebookcheck.net
Ha now you got me thinking!
I can't hold this phone without a case, too slippery.
Agree, regardless when you spend a grand and ain't happy you should deal with it, no matter the issue. See if you can put up an image of the Mrs phone
Will do when she gets home
So, got the replacement and it definitely does not have the same issue.
This one is perfect, the back blends seamlessly into the sides.
Pleased you're happy mate. The pix don't make it easy to see the difference if I'm being honest. I'd kick off with Oppo if I were you. 1000 quid phone.

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