Redmi devices are the Xiaomi’s answer to budget-centered, yet powerful mobile devices that are scouted by a huge chunk of the consumers. Redmi Note 9S is no exception to that theme and brings in an overall revamp from the earlier models. The year 2020 is the time of quad-camera phone designs that are fitting tiny sensors into an already minuscule camera module. The camera segment has experienced a major overhaul from every manufacturer in the market. The Redmi Note 9S houses a similar design fit onto a square-shaped module on the back of the phone. The phone has matte finish around the edges making it less inviting to scratches from keys and accidental brushing against other devices.

The design, while being plastic, is less smudgy on dark-colored models. The phone is a tad-bit taller at 6.67 inches because of the humongous battery that is placed inside it. The build is hefty, weighing in at 209 grams, it is certainly not for those with small hands. The display is a 2400 x 1080 FHD+ Dot Display panel with deeper RGB color emission that is bright and crisp. The phone is splash-proof that will repel water under generic conditions, which is a rare sight in mid-range devices.

Pros / GOOD

  • A good contrast ratio with deeper colors
  • A 5020mSh battery that will last a day
  • A full-fledged sim tray with memory card slot
  • IR blaster that works with most devices
  • Side positioned fingerprint sensor which is easily accessible
  • A notification led-light which is becoming resistant on devices with tiny notches

Cons / BAD

  • Bulky design
  • No dedicated night mode in the camera
  • Front Camera captures shaky videos in 1080p resolution
  • The 450 nits screen brightness is partially visible in direct sunlight
  • UFS 2.1 storage is becoming obsolete now because of the slower read-write speed

Xiaomi Redmi Note 9S Specifications

Redmi Note 9S Specifications

SUMMARY
Performance Snapdragon 720G
Storage 64 GB
Camera 48+8+5+2 MP
Battery 5020 mAh
Display 6.67″ (16.94 cm)
Ram 4 GB
Launch Date In India April 24, 2020 (Expected)
KEY SPECS
Front Camera 16 MP
Battery 5020 mAh
Processor Qualcomm Snapdragon 720G
Display 6.67 inches
Ram 4 GB
Rear Camera 48 MP + 8 MP + 5 MP + 2 MP
SPECIAL FEATURES
Other Sensors Light sensor, Proximity sensor, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope
Fingerprint Sensor Position Rear
Fingerprint Sensor Yes
GENERAL
Quick Charging Yes
Operating System Android v10 (Q)
Sim Slots Dual SIM, GSM+GSM
Model Redmi Note 9S
Launch Date April 24, 2020 (Expected)
Custom Ui MIUI
Brand Xiaomi
Sim Size SIM1: Nano SIM2: Nano
Network 4G: Available (supports Indian bands) 3G: Available, 2G: Available
Fingerprint Sensor Yes
MULTIMEDIA
Audio Jack 3.5 mm
Loudspeaker Yes
PERFORMANCE
Chipset Qualcomm Snapdragon 720G
Graphics Adreno 618
Processor Octa core (2.3 GHz, Dual core, Kryo 465 + 1.8 GHz, Hexa Core, Kryo 465)
Architecture 64 bit
Ram 4 GB
DESIGN
Build Material Back: Gorilla Glass
Thickness 8.8 mm
Width 76.6 mm
Weight 209 grams
Waterproof Yes Splash proof
Height 165.7 mm
Colours Aurora Blue, Glacier White, Interstellar Black
DISPLAY
Display Type IPS LCD
Aspect Ratio 20:9
Bezelless Display Yes with punch-hole display
Pixel Density 395 ppi
Screen Protection Corning Gorilla Glass v5
Screen To Body Ratio Calculated 84.62 %
Screen Size 6.67 inches (16.94 cm)
Screen Resolution 1080 x 2400 pixels
Touch Screen Yes Capacitive Touchscreen, Multi-touch
STORAGE
Internal Memory 64 GB
Usb Otg Support Yes
Expandable Memory Yes Up to 512 GB
CAMERA
Camera Setup Single
Settings Exposure compensation, ISO control
Camera Features 10 x Digital Zoom, Auto Flash, Face detection, Touch to focus
Image Resolution 8000 x 6000 Pixels
Sensor CMOS image sensor, ISOCELL Plus
Autofocus Yes Phase Detection autofocus
Shooting Modes Continuos Shooting, High Dynamic Range mode (HDR)
Resolution 16 MP Primary Camera(1µm pixel size)
Physical Aperture F1.79
Flash Yes LED Flash
Video Recording 1920×1080 @ 30 fps, 1280×720 @ 30 fps
BATTERY
User Replaceable No
Standby Time Up to 492 Hours(2G)
Talktime Up to 29 Hours(2G)
Type Li-Polymer
Quick Charging Yes Fast, 18W
Capacity 5020 mAh
NETWORK CONNECTIVITY
Wifi Yes Wi-Fi 802.11, ac/b/g/n, MIMO
Wifi Features Wi-Fi Direct, Mobile Hotspot
Bluetooth Yes v5.0
Volte Yes
Usb Typec Yes (Doesn`t support micro-USB)
Usb Connectivity Mass storage device, USB charging
Nfc No
Network Support 4G (supports Indian bands), 3G, 2G
Gps Yes with A-GPS, Glonass
Sim 1 4G Bands:TD-LTE 2300(band 40) / 2500(band 41) FD-LTE 2100(band 1) / 1800(band 3) / 900(band 8) / 850(band 5)3G Bands: UMTS 1900 / 2100 / 850 / 900 MHz2G Bands: GSM 1800 / 1900 / 850 / 900 MHz GPRS:Available EDGE:Available
Sim Size SIM1: Nano, SIM2: Nano
Sim 2 4G Bands: TD-LTE 2300(band 40) / 2500(band 41) FD-LTE 2100(band 1) / 1800(band 3) / 900(band 8) / 850(band 5)3G Bands: UMTS 1900 / 2100 / 850 / 900 MHz 2G Bands: GSM 1800 / 1900 / 850 / 900 MHz GPRS:Available EDGE:Available

 

Conclusion – Should you Buy or Not?

The Redmi Note 9S is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 720G processor which is adequate when it comes to superior performance on budget devices. The games are playable in medium settings at decent framerates. The phone supports a18-watt fast charging and comes with a 22.5W wire charger included in the box. The battery is refueled in 100 minutes and can get to 37% in 30 minutes. The camera performance is good with the primary sensor, but zooming in deteriorates the image quality. The phone is capable of 4K video capturing at 30fps but the edges are blurry and the focus is clumsy.

The best resolution for video capturing on this device is 1080 pixel that is able to focus clearly on the primary object. The device has not discarded any useful port which is a nice gesture in the mid-range segment that is all about cutting corners. The IR blaster, which was removed in the earlier versions, makes a return in this one and is useful in maneuvering many appliances such as TV, AC, etc. The device is a perfect entry in the mid-range segment with a powerful battery and admissible specs.