The Redmi Note 9S is a budget smartphone that is designed to replace the previous leader in the budget sector - Redmi Note 8 Pro, and skillfully compete with the Redmi Note 8. Does it have everything it takes to do it? We will answer this question in the following lines. We can already tell you that the 9S is a stylish device with a processor with medium performance and solid battery life. The smartphone is suitable for both fans of mobile photography and those who is as gaming machines. 9S is perfect for movies and watching videos - its screen is large and high quality.
Xiaomi Redmi Note 9S Specifications
- Release date: 2020, March 23
- Colors: Aurora Blue, Glacier White, Interstellar Gray
- Dimensions: 165.8 x 76.7 x 8.8 mm.
- Weight: 209 g.
- Screen: 6.67" in, 1080 x 2400, IPS LCD
- Camera : Quad, 48MP
- Chipset: Qualcomm SM7125 Snapdragon 720G (8 nm)
- CPU: Octa-core (2x2.3 GHz Kryo 465 Gold & 6x1.8 GHz Kryo 465 Silver)
- Memory: 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM
- Battery: 5020, Non-removable Li-Po
- Network: GSM / HSPA / LTE
- Operating system: Android 10.0; MIUI 11
- Sensors: Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass
If you are curious to find out all the details before reading the full review, visit the page for Xiaomi Redmi Note 9S Specs, where you will find even the smallest detail about the phone.
Design
Traditionally, smartphones of this class are using glass in manufacturing. The choice this time fell on Gorilla Glass 5 with a 3D effect, which creates the feeling of a boundless screen. The glass surface has undergone over 20 stages of processing. As a result, it is extremely strong and perfectly smooth. The presence of an oleophobic coating prevents the appearance of unpleasant traces of touching the body with hands.
The back of the Note 9S is made of plastic. The block of cameras is grouped in a new way - in a square. Above it we see lightning. The back will win you over with a gloss, which under the rays of the sun creates the effect of color overflow.
The power button is located on the right edge in a slight recess. It has a built-in fingerprint scanner. This solution is good and convenient. On the left you will also find the SIM card slot and memory card.
A special nanocoating protects the Redmi Note 9S from the water splashes. So, if accidental raindrops fall on the device, it is not scary.
Display
The Redmi Note 9S immediately grabs attention with its huge IPS display. The resolution is FullHD+ and has an aspect ratio of 20: 9. We can't say that the screen is great, but it is worthy of a budget proposal. The refresh rate is standard - 60 Hz. The colors are bright, juicy, the angles of view - decent. The brightness is comfortable at night, and only in the bright part of the day - in sunny weather, you can sense the difficulty in reading from the screen.
The display is covered with Corning Gorilla Glass 5. The fingerprint scanner works quickly and accurately. Its location contributes to ergonomics. Your finger lands on the scanner.
Dimensions of the smartphone: 165.8 × 76.7 × 8.8 mm. Weight is 209 grams and creates a sense of ease. This smartphone is not heavy, although some allow themselves to describe it as a "shovel".
Productivity
The main trump card of the Redmi Note 9S is the new Snapdragon 720G processor with a clock speed of up to 2.3 GHz. See also co processor Qualcomm AI 5- generation. The correct operation of the artificial intelligence is ensured. The graphics video accelerator is Adreno 618.
For a budget device, this solution is excellent. If you are a fan of mobile games, then this smartphone model is perfect for this purpose. The graphics will make you happy.
Redmi Note 9S is available in two modifications - 4/64 GB and 6/128 GB. The first is satisfactory to cover the needs of most users - music, photos, videos, etc. Remember that you have a memory card slot. In 2020, 4 GB of RAM is the absolute minimum. It guarantees you comfortable work for a long period of time. More active users, of course, it is desirable to focus on the modification with 6 GB of RAM.
Cameras
The previous Redmi became famous for the qualities of its camera and the ability to compete with the flagships and this definitely raises the question of whether the same result has been achieved with the Redmi Note 9S. Partly yes.
The main module of the camera has received a resolution of 48 MP. The angle of range of the image is 79 degrees, the size of the aperture - f / 1.79. Given the trend towards 64 MP cameras in budget models, this indicator seems slightly weak. In daylight with HDR mode on, the Redmi Note 9S lags behind its predecessor in detail. The color rendering of both devices is similar. In 48 MP mode, the 9S is expected to be inferior to the Note with its 64 MP - the sharpness of the 9S is lower than that of Realme 6.
In addition to the 48 MP module, the main camera of the Redmi Note 9S consists of an 8-megapixel ultra - wide- angle module (119 °), a 5-megapixel macro camera and a 2 MP depth sensor. The latter handles with dignity the task of blurring the background and focusing on an object in the frame. The chamber unit protrudes strongly above the housing. Therefore, to protect it, the manufacturer has included a silicone case in the kit.
The front camera is 16-megapixel and in daylight takes satisfactory quality photos for this class of smartphones. In the absence of enough light, the 9S gives way to the Note 8 Pro.
When shooting the video, the camera does well - there is stabilization only in HD mode, when you turn on the 4K shooting mode, it is absent.
The camera interface is standard for Xiaomi. The following modes are available: delayed photo, video, video, photo, 48 MP, portrait, night, panorama, pro. You can edit the shooting mode by setting flash, HDR, turn on AI, macro mode, etc.
Autonomous work
The Redmi Note 9S 's battery has a capacity of 5020 mAh, although the thickness of the device suggests that the figure should be lower. Most people will be able to enjoy a day or two of battery life. For more active interaction with the smartphone, it is desirable to carry the charger with you. It takes over two hours to fully charge the Redmi Note 9S. You can count on a 30% charge for half an hour.
In game mode, the smartphone will serve you for a little between 11 and 13 hours without interruption, and in ring mode - about 30 hours. If you are going to listen to music - get ready for 147 hours of fun.
Conclusion
Redmi Note 9S is a modern balanced device that will appeal to many users. It has a good price as a start, solid design, productive processor, enough RAM with the option to expand and an acceptable weight. The AI Face unlock function is also implemented in it.
The smartphone is available in three colors: blue - green, white and gray. As you can guess, the blue-green version is the most attractive. Creates a feeling of freshness and cheerful mood.
Among the disadvantages we must point out the lack of NFC module for contactless payments.
Xiaomi Redmi Note 9S video review
Disclaimer: The information presented in this article is based on our team's personal experience with the Xiaomi Redmi Note 9S and third-party sources. While every effort has been made to provide accurate and reliable information, readers should keep in mind that this is a subjective assessment. The writing of this article was not paid for or sponsored by Xiaomi.
