Review: Xiaomi Redmi Note 9S (64GB, 4GB) 6.67″ Dual SIM GSM Unlocked 4G LTE International Model (Interstellar Grey, 64GB + 64GB SD + Case ) – Substantial value for its price

Comprehensive review of Redmi Note 9S’s aesthetics, features, performance, gaming prowess, camera, and battery life... Read more

Specifications

Brand	Xiaomi
Model Name	Redmi Note 9S
Operating System	Android 10.0
Cellular Technology	LTE
Memory Storage Capacity	4 GB
Connectivity Technology	Bluetooth
Color	Interstellar Grey
Screen Size	6.67 Inches
Wireless network technology	GSM, LTE
SIM card slot count	Dual SIM

Introduction

A Warm Welcome to all Pro Tech Fans

Glad to have you here! If you’re passionate about the latest gadgets, then you’re among friends. There’s something truly exciting about the buzz of anticipation as we explore the wonders of new technology, and today we have quite a spectacle lined up for you.

Teaser for the Upcoming Redmi Note 9S Review

In this comprehensive review, we’ll delve into the specifications, features, and overall user experience of the Redmi Note 9S. As a relatively fresh offering in the tech market, the Redmi Note 9S presents an enticing mix of novel features and established elements, making it a tempting candidate for anyone looking to upgrade their smartphone.

From design and display to processing power, battery life, and the much-hyped camera setup – we’ll leave no stone unturned. For those of you enticed by the intricate details embedded within smartphones and their functionalities, stick around. Get ready to embark on a deep dive into what makes the Redmi Note 9S tick, and more importantly, whether it’s worth your time, and of course, your money.

As we walk down the Road of Review together, remember, as always, that my evaluations are entirely unbiased and rooted in hands-on experience and in-depth testing. Nothing influences these assessments beyond the performance, features, and quality of the product in question.

Without further ado, let’s get started!

Comparing the Old and the New

• Redmi Note 8 Pro hailed as game-changer for budget smartphones
• Redmi Note 9S touted as substantial upgrade
• Note 9S promises improved camera and user interface experience

Review Throwback: Remembering the Redmi Note 8 Pro

For fans of Xiaomi, memories of the Redmi Note 8 Pro would still be fresh in our minds. We hailed it then as a game-changer for budget smartphones with its successful balance of decent features and affordability. With a powerful 64 MP camera, impressive gaming performance powered by MediaTek Helio G90T, and its admirable battery life, it was a breath of fresh air at its price point.

Unveiling the Successor: The Redmi Note 9S

Fast forward to today, we now have the Redmi Note 9S touted as a considerable upgrade from the predecessor. With this new gadget, we have heaps of questions to answer: Does it exceed expectations? Is it a worthy successor to the Redmi Note 8 Pro? We are about to find out. The Redmi Note 9S not only promises improvements in the camera department but also pledged strides in the overall user interface experience.

The specifications of the Note 9S are impressive on paper, and there is certainly a lot to be excited about. Boasting a 48 MP main camera, the Snapdragon 720G processor for improved performance, a hefty 5020 mAh battery, and an exciting new design, it certainly makes an impression.

In essence, the Redmi Note 9S signals Xiaomi’s commitment to refining and perfecting their budget smartphone lineup. It’s like a breath of fresh air yet staying true to its predecessor’s roots makes it an intriguing gadget to review further.

First Glance at the Design

• Redmi Note 9s combines solid build with attractive aesthetics
• Back features unique ‘alien-like’ quad-camera setup
• Device offers perfect mid-weight smartphone handling

Right off the bat, let’s dive into a critical aspect that generally catches everyone’s attention initially – the overall design of a phone. Here, we are looking at the Redmi Note 9s, a phone that undoubtedly gives you a premium vibe. But let’s dissect this further.

A Precise Breakdown of The Aesthetics

For smartphone enthusiasts, a device is way more than its specifications. Primarily, it’s about how it looks and feels in your hands. From the first glance, the Redmi Note 9s struck me as a device that nicely blends solid build quality with attractive aesthetics. The glossy finish is eye-catching but not oversaturated, maintaining a rather subtle allure that doesn’t scream for attention.

A Look at the Back: Quad Camera Set Up and Alien-Looking Housing

Moving to the back of the device, the quad-camera setup placed in an interesting ‘alien-like’ housing doesn’t exactly look typical. Although not unheard of, this design choice can be polarising. Unlike other smartphone designs where the goal is to minimize the camera module’s prominence, Redmi Note 9s seems to celebrate it.

Feeling it Out: The Perfect Mid-weight Smartphone

When it comes to holding and handling, the Redmi Note 9s felt good in the hand. It doesn’t feel too weighty or too light – it’s comfortably in the middle, keeping a nice balance. The slightly hefty build gives outward assurance of a solid build quality without overwhelming the user’s hand.

In terms of design, there are a few essentials that should be noted: how the device feels in your hand is one of these factors. Keep in mind, however, that the ultimate judgement of a phone’s aesthetic appeal is always a highly personal one, as we all have our unique preferences.

Detailed Functional Review

• Fingerprint sensor embedded in power button is fast and accurate
• Phone features a 3.5 mm jack and a USB Type-C port
• Top of phone includes a microphone and an IR blaster

After having an in-depth look at the aesthetics, let’s dive into the functional attributes of the Redmi Note 9S which truly defines its character.

Placement and Performance of Fingerprint Sensor

Crafted for absolute comfort, the phone sports the fingerprint sensor embedded in the power button on the right side. Technically speaking, the integration is a definite step ahead than the optical sensors found on other phones, which can sometimes prove to be inconsistent. The sensor on this device is fast, snappy, and highly responsive. I can vouch for its accuracy as it read my finger correctly each time I tried. It’s this kind of convenience that we all look forward to in an everyday device, don’t we?

From Jack to Mic: Analyzing the Bottom Layout

Moving on to the lower part of this device, the presence of the traditional 3.5 mm jack was quite a pleasant surprise. To accompany it, you have a standard USB Type-C charging port and a bottom-facing speaker paired with a microphone. The audio quality is fairly average, nothing too impressive but it does its job. The inclusion of the USB Type-C port adds to the advanced features pack that this phone carries.

Above and Beyond: Microphone and IR Blaster on Top

As we rise above, the top of the phone carries a microphone and an IR blaster. These well-integrated features let you sync your phone with infrared devices, turning the phone into a handy-dandy universal remote. This thoughtful addition aims to make your life easier by simplifying operations.

The Redmi Note 9S, in my honest opinion, seems to carry the weight of its functionality well in its design. It doesn’t present an overwhelming number of features but delivers reliable and practical ones. The thorough blend of modernity and tradition is truly the standout in its detailed functional review.

Screen Evaluation

• Redmi Note 9S features a 6.67 inch Full HD+ Dot Display
• Its screen offers good visibility under various lighting conditions
• Impressive screen considering its budget-friendly pricing

In the world of smartphones, a good screen can make or break your experience. So, let’s delve deeper into my experience with the Redmi Note 9S’s display.

The Intriguing Dot Display: A Detailed Look

At first glance, the inch Full HD+ Dot Display of the Redmi Note 9S grabs your attention. As the name suggests, it has a little dot cut-out for the front camera which doesn’t interrupt your viewing experience as much as notch or rectangular cutouts. It’s definitely one plus for those of us who love an immersive phone screen experience. The display offers a generous screen-to-body ratio allowing you to enjoy videos and games at full tilt.

How Bright Can It Go? Testing the Screen in Sunlight

But it’s not all about size or resolution, is it? Phone screens also have to be highly adaptable to different lighting conditions, and the Redmi Note 9S’s display does a fair job here. Put it under direct sunlight, and you’ll find that it can still serve up a decent display experience. Everything remains clear, sharp and the color reproduction remains reasonably accurate. So whether you’re trying to take that perfect sunlight selfie or reading a blog outdoors, the bright display ensures that most of your tasks are handled with ease.

However, to offer an unbiased review, it’s important to note here that the brightness levels could have been calibrated better. It gets bright enough to see in sunlight, but does tend to lean towards over-saturation when not manually calibrated. A bonus though, is the phone’s lack of glare. It significantly helps in improving visibility outdoors.

In conclusion, the Redmi Note 9S boasts an impressive screen for its budget pricing. It may not be perfect but considering everything, it does check a lot of boxes for an excellent display experience.

Power, Performance and Gaming

• Redmi Note 9S has Qualcomm 720 G processor
• Features a 5020 milliamp-hour battery
• Delivers commendable performance in demanding gaming

Now, on to one of the main causes of excitement for any tech enthusiast, the power, and performance of the Redmi Note 9S. Sit back as we dive into how this smartphone stakes up when it comes to gaming.

Putting the 720 G Processor to the Test

Redmi Note 9S comes with a Qualcomm 720 G processor , a mid-range chip, promising a significant performance boost. My initial impressions? The device sailed through basic tasks, with app load times and general UI navigation feeling pretty snappy. It handled multitasking quite well, even when putting it through the stress-test of switching between multiple apps.

Battery Advantage: Gaming and Multimedia Experience

The massive 5020 milliamp-hour battery is one of the standout features. How does this translate to real-life usage? In one word, impressively. It comfortably lasted a whole day of mixed usage, including a few hours of gaming, streaming content, using social media, and tinkering with various apps.

The longevity of the battery guarantees a superb gaming experience. It’s a great feeling when you can immerse yourself in a gaming session without the nagging fear of running out of juice.

How Does Call of Duty Run on This Monster?

• Clearly, a phone’s gaming performance is heavily influenced by its processor and battery. But what about the real-world scenario?
• I decided to test the device out with one of the most popular and graphics-intensive mobile games out there: Call of Duty: Mobile .
• The phone’s performance was commendable. The game loaded quickly, gameplay was smooth, and there were no noticeable frame drops or lags. For gaming enthusiasts, there’s nothing more satisfying than a device that can handle demanding gaming sessions.

Overall, the Redmi Note 9S makes a great impression when it comes to power, performance, and gaming. It seems to live up to the task”>

The Camera Showdown

• Redmi Note 9S has a powerful quad-camera setup
• Produces detailed images with 48-megapixel mode
• Selfies improve with Gcam APK

Ok guys, let’s delve straight into the one aspect you’ve all been waiting for, the camera performance. The Redmi Note 9S boasts of a quad-camera setup, with a glossy rim housing encasing all four lenses. Aesthetically pleasing, for sure, but let’s put these specs under microscope to see whether it meets the expectations.

Unraveling the Quad Camera Features

Here’s what Redmi Note 9S is serving us: a 48-megapixel main shooter, 8-megapixel ultra-wide, 5-megapixel macro camera, and a 2-megapixel depth sensor. Quite impressive on paper indeed, but how does it translate in the real world application?

The Camera Software – Hitting the Familiar Notes?

First things first, if you have used any Xiaomi devices before, the camera software will feel very familiar. It’s running MIUI 11, and the user interface is uncomplicated and easy to use. But let’s not digress from the main point- it’s the camera’s performance that we’re scrutinizing today, isn’t it?

Comparing Images: Regular vs 48 Megapixel

Moving onto the image quality comparisons, I shot a few pictures with the main shooter and the ultra-wide lens. The result? Both produce reasonably good quality images. You might not see a stark difference at first glance, but upon closer inspection and comparison between a regular image and the 48-megapixel one, you can discern the finer details and a more pronounced sharpness in the pictures captured with 48-megapixel mode.

Portraits and Ultra-Wide Angle Shots: Impressive or Not?

As someone who enjoys taking portraits and ultra-wide shots, I found some room for improvement here. The portrait mode does falter with the focus at times, and though the ultra-wide shots deliver a broader field view, there’s a chance you might encounter over-sharpening resulting in somewhat mushy details. But hey, nobody’s difficult, right?

Macro Performance: Good Enough to Detail an Ant’s Whiskers?

The 5-megapixel macro camera left no stones unturned when it came to capturing minutest details. Even with a close shot of a subject, the macro lens did maintain a commendable amount of detail. It left me quite impressed. Not all things come in big packages, after all!

The Selfie Analysis: Gcam vs MIUI Camera

On to the front camera, I did notice some excessive smoothening in the selfies from the native camera app, even when beauty mode was turned off. This wasn’t working out for me, so I went for the Gcam APK, and voila, the selfies turned out better with good skin tone reproduction and better edge detection.

So, there you have it guys. The camera review of Redmi Note 9S. It’s not perfect, but it certainly tries to pack a punch. If you’re a casual photographer looking for a phone with decent camera specs that won’t burn a hole in your pocket, this might be the device for you.

Video Performance and Features Evaluation

• Impressive video stabilization at 1080 resolution
• 4K video quality is sharp but lacks stabilization
• 240 FPS function yields smooth, high-quality video

Stepping into the arena of video performance, the Redmi Note 9s does throw in some interesting punches. In this section, I’m going to present my first-hand experience with the phone’s video performance and additional features and break down every minor detail for you.

1080 Stabilization – A Quick Look

Starting with stabilization, I found it to be particularly impressive at 1080. The output was delightful with vivid colors and slight fringing edges. Apart from that, overall, the quality delivered was decent, and the stabilization feature is indeed a boon for users on the go.

4K Video Mode – The Ups and Downs

Switching to 4K mode was a mixed bag. The positive side, it was sharper, rendering a more refined video quality. However, the absence of a stabilization feature was a let-down making the videos quite shaky. It certainly won’t be a huge issue for static shots but could definitely pose a problem for dynamic video shooting.

Testing the 240 FPS

Moving on to testing the 240 frames per second functionality, it was indeed optimized to perfection, yielding buttery smooth video. I could tell you that the video quality was amazing with minimal distortion and noise. It makes the whole coffee grinding experience feel so surreal that it becomes almost therapeutic.

960 FPS Mode – Overhyped or Just Right?

The Redmi Note 9S does come equipped with a 960 FPS mode, which is a commendable attempt. But to be frank, I found it a little over-exaggerated. Although it does provide a drastic frame rate, it just seemed like an oddity in the mix and could have been blended better. However, the aspect is not a total disappointment as it still adds a bit of fun to your shooting experience.

Summing it all up, the Redmi Note 9S does shine in the video department but has room for improvements. The stabilization at 1080 is impressive, but the details and refinement introduced at 4K could have been balanced better. The massive leap to 960 FPS was indeed interesting, but it felt more of an add-on than a meticulously built feature. All in all, there are vast areas to explore, and it’s critical to consider your personal use case scenario when evaluating these features.

Additional Features Worth Mentioning

• IR blaster controls various infrared devices
• Not all devices support infrared connectivity
• Bonus features versus core functionalities in question

Let me tell you, amidst all the attributes we touched, there were a couple of additional features that pleasantly surprised me during my experience with the Redmi Note 9S. I feel it’s only fair that we give them the acknowledgement they deserve.

The Power of IR Blaster

One such feature is the IR blaster. I know, you might think it’s an outdated feature but the convenience this tiny element brings to daily life usage is commendable.

Just imagine being able to control most of your infrared devices from your smartphone. Everything from air conditioners to televisions can be manipulated with this nifty little addition. The implementation is seamless, and you can easily add different devices to the dedicated app. Simple and straightforward – isn’t that how technology supposed to assist us?

However, I would like to point out a potential drawback in this area. Not all devices on the market support infrared connectivity. So, the usefulness of the IR Blaster would, to an extent, be dependent on the gadgets you already own. But if your devices are compatible, this feature can be really handy.

The question remains though – is the addition of such ‘bonus’ features essential for a successful smartphone? Does it perhaps distract manufacturers from focusing on refining the core functionalities? I would love to see more focus on remarkable camera software or an unbeatable battery, for example. No doubt these extras are delightful, but would we trade them for essentials? Worth considering.

Variants and Who It’s For

• Redmi Note 9S caters to different user needs
• 6GB RAM variant offers smoother multitasking and larger storage
• Ideal for gamers and photography enthusiasts

The Redmi Note 9S comes in different configurations to cater to different user needs and what you prefer might be determined by your daily needs and activities.

Variants

The version that I had for the review was the 4GB RAM and 128GB storage variant. It offers a decent performance for day-to-day tasks and light gaming. I found it to be fast and responsive, with hardly any lags or stutters, and ample storage for a hefty amount of apps and media.

The 6GB RAM with 256GB storage variant , on the other hand, is an absolute beast, with smoother performance and seamless multitasking. As someone who regularly switches between numerous apps, I found this variant to be remarkably efficient. Its large storage capacity eliminates the need for regularly clearing out your phone’s memory, which can be a game-changer for someone with hefty media files or likes having numerous apps installed.

Who is It For?

If you’re on a budget and looking for a phone that offers a comprehensive all-round performance, then the Redmi Note 9S could be a perfect choice. From my experience, the phone performed really well on every aspect. From gaming, thanks to its Qualcomm 720 G processor, to photography with the quality of its quad-camera setup, this phone lived up to most of the promises.

• If you are a casual gamer, the 4GB variant with the long-lasting 5,020 mAh battery will keep you entertained for quite a while without having to worry about charging your phone too frequently.
• For the photography enthusiasts, try the 48-megapixel camera, especially with Gcam installed. The picture quality is pretty decent, with the camera capturing some really detailed and bright photos.

Overall, both variants deliver in terms of performance, but if you’re into heavy-duty tasks such as gaming and multitasking or if you’re a power user, it would be more beneficial for you to stretch your budget towards the 6GB variant.

Conclusion

To sum up, the Redmi Note 9S attempts to integrate design, functionality, and affordability into one phone. While it’s clear that Redmi put a lot of effort into making a smartphone that offers bang for the buck, let’s dissect its overall effectiveness – sans the fluff.

Overall Design and Functionality

Design-wise, the Redmi Note 9S stands out from your typical budget-friendly devices. It’s got an appealing and sturdy build, plus its alien-like quad camera design at the back is rather eye-catching. However, this ‘out-of-this-world’ build didn’t exactly tally functionality-wise as I found the massive camera housing slightly protruding, which could get in the way. This is a minor gripe that might seem negligible but actually reflects on real-world usage.

Display and Performance

The fullscreen dot display scores impressive points for brightness and sharpness, providing an essential feature set built for both media and gaming. Despite this excellent offering, the 720 G processor could still use some improvement – it’s good, but I’ve definitely encountered smoother navigation on similarly priced devices.

Camera Check

The camera capabilities of the Redmi Note 9S are a bit of a mixed bag. On one side, the detailed macro performance and the rich image quality of the 48 megapixels redefine the standards of a budget phone. On the flip side, over-sharpening in the ultra-wide shots and a somewhat artificial-looking background in portrait mode somewhat mar the otherwise impressive camera performance. Users might face a bit of a trade-off here – opt for fine details or more natural-looking pictures?

The Verdict

The Redmi Note 9S is no chart-topper, but it does what it boldly sets out to do: offer a competent blend of features and performance at a reasonable price point. If you’re seeking a device that gets gaming and photography right – while carrying a battery capable of braving extensive usage, this smartphone might be a contender. On the other hand, prepare to make slight concessions in the aspects I’ve mentioned. The phrase “you get what you pay for” holds reasonably true here – a notch above ordinary, falling marginally short of extraordinary. But hey, at this price, it’s indeed a promising prospect.

Should you buy the Xiaomi Redmi Note 9S (64GB, 4GB) 6.67″ Dual SIM GSM Unlocked 4G LTE International Model (Interstellar Grey, 64GB + 64GB SD + Case )?

Buy it if…

You are a Gamer

The Redmi Note 9S is powered by a Qualcomm 720 G Processor and has a huge battery of 5020 milliamp hours, which means you’ll be able to game for quite a long time without having to recharge your phone.

You Love Photography

The Redmi Note 9S comes with a quad-camera setup including a 48MP main shooter, providing you with stunning image quality and giving you room to get creative with your shots.

You Value Long Battery Life

This phone features a massive 5020 milliamp-hour battery. This means that you can use your phone quite intensively before having to recharge.

Don’t buy it if…

You Prefer Lightweight Phones

The Redmi Note 9S is described as not too light and not too heavy. If you prefer a very lightweight phone, this might not be for you.

You do not like over-sharpening in pictures

The review describes a bit of over sharpening in ultra wide-angle pictures taken by the phone’s camera.

You Require High-Quality Selfies

The reviewer noticed a lot of smoothening in the self-portraits taken with the phone’s front camera. If you prefer true-to-life selfies, this could be a potential downside.

FAQ

Is the Redmi Note 9S heavy or light?

The Redmi Note 9S is of a medium weight, described as not too light and not too heavy.

What is the camera setup on the Redmi Note 9S?

The Redmi Note 9S has a quad camera setup at the back including a 48 megapixel main shooter, 8 megapixel ultra-wide, 5 megapixel macro camera, and a 2 megapixel depth sensor.

Does the Redmi Note 9S have a good screen?

Yes, the Redmi Note 9S has a 6.67 inch full HD dot display and is impressive with a good screen to body ratio. It also works well under direct sunlight.

How good is the battery life on Redmi Note 9S and what about its gaming performance?

The Redmi Note 9S has a 5020mAh battery, which means it can support gaming for an extended period. It also has a Qualcomm 720 G processor that handles gaming smoothly.

How well does the Redmi Note 9S handle video recording?

The Redmi Note 9S has good video performance with stable recordings at 1080p. However, the 4K mode tends to be shaky as there is no stabilization.

Does the Redmi Note 9S offer any additional features?

Yes, Redmi Note 9S also includes an IR blaster which makes it capable of remotely controlling any device with infrared.

What are the storage variants available for Redmi Note 9S?

The Redmi Note 9S comes in two versions, one is 4GB with 128GB storage, and the other is a 6GB variant with 256GB storage.

Who should ideally buy the Redmi Note 9S?

The Redmi Note 9S would be a good budget option for individuals who want a phone with great gaming, photography, and long battery life. It might just be the best budget monster you can find on the market right now.