Xiaomi Redmi Note 9S Review - Android

The Redmi Note series has always been a staple in the entry-level to mid-range segments due to Xiaomi’s knack for packing a lot of...

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The Redmi Note series has always been a staple in the entry-level to mid-range segments due to Xiaomi’s knack for packing a lot of punch at low prices. This year, the Redmi Note 9 series doesn’t seem like it will deviate from that standard — especially for the Redmi Note 9S, which is the middle child of the series. If you have a maximum budget of PHP12k, is this the one to get?

Design and Construction

Right off the bat, the phone itself is large which can be attributed to the 6.67-inch screen, but the frame is still relatively slim at 8.8mm, given the large 5,020mAh battery.

Bezels are impressively thin for a mid-range device, while the 16MP front camera is placed in a punch hole setup at the upper center of the screen.

Moving to the back, we get a very metallic finish that is definitely plastic, not glass. If you don’t like this much shine on your phone then you really do have to use a case. Good thing, it’s already included in the package.

It contains a rather interesting looking camera module — rectangular, but containing a protruding square for the quad-rear cameras. Again, it’s protruding so it doesn’t lay flat on the surface, although that is easily remedied by putting on the case.

On the left side, we have the card tray with slots for two nano-SIM cards and a dedicated microSD slot up to 512GB.

On the right, the volume controls and side-mounted fingerprint scanner that is also the power button. The volume buttons are placed near the top, which is harder to reach compared to the fingerprint scanner which is near the center.

At the bottom, headphone jack, USB-C port, main microphone, and loudspeaker.

Up top, a secondary microphone as well as an IR blaster.

In terms of wielding the phone, it’s hefty and the weight is mostly felt on the upper part, which is given since the camera module is placed there. The frame is relatively narrow, so you can still reach the other side of the screen with your thumb. However, you’ll need your other hand if you want to reach the top of the screen.

Display and Multimedia

The Redmi Note 9S sports a large 6.7-inch IPS screen with FHD+ (2400 x 1080) resolution of equal to 395ppi. Protecting it is Corning’s Gorilla Glass 5 with a pre-installed screen protector. Quality is good, with wide viewing angles and accurate colors.

It’s also bright enough to be viewed under direct sunlight. Under this condition, you’ll notice how much of a fingerprint and smudge magnet the screen protector is, so you’d want to wipe it every now and then if you want an unhindered viewing experience.

As for its other display features, you have the option to change its color temperature, activate reading mode, or hide the notch.

When it comes to audio, sounds come out from the loudspeaker at the bottom. Audio quality is good, but nothing groundbreaking either. It can get loud and doesn’t exhibit any distortion at max volume. The 3.5mm jack is still here, so you can still enjoy wired listening with your favorite headphones.

Camera

The Redmi Note 9S comes with four rear cameras, a 48MP main sensor, 8MP ultrawide, 5MP macro, and a 5MP depth sensor. For selfies, it uses a single 16MP shooter residing in the punch hole.
While all other specs are the same, this is one area that separates the Note 9S from the Note 9 Pro, the latter of which sports a 64MP main rear sensor.

The rear cameras provide very natural color and even a natural shallow depth of field without portrait mode, provided you’re close to your subject. Details are sharp, dynamic range is wide, and the images are generally clean and without much noise, provided you have good lighting conditions.