The Redmi Note 10S: A Worthy Upgrade or Just a Marketing Move?
Xiaomi’s Redmi Note 10 series has already made waves in India, capturing hearts with its impressive features and competitive pricing. But just two months after its initial release, the series gains a new addition: the Redmi Note 10S. This “S” model boasts a beefed-up processor, larger RAM capacity, and a high-resolution main camera, all at a slight price premium. But are these upgrades enough to justify the cost and differentiate it from its already popular predecessor? Let’s dive into the first impressions of the Redmi Note 10S and explore what makes it tick.
Pricing and Initial Impressions
The Redmi Note 10S comes in two variants: 6GB RAM with 64GB storage priced at ₹14,999 and 6GB RAM with 128GB storage priced at ₹15,999. Given the Redmi Note 10’s already impressive value proposition, the introduction of the Note 10S raises a question: what’s the true need for this “S” model so soon after its predecessor’s release?
Xiaomi has opted to keep the core design language, “Evol,” consistent with the Note 10. Visually, there’s little to distinguish the two, so you’re getting the same familiar 6.43-inch, full-HD+ AMOLED display, protected by Gorilla Glass 3. The centrally mounted 13-megapixel selfie camera graces the top of the screen, neatly tucked away within a punch-hole.
The body is constructed from polycarbonate and feels robust. The Note 10S measures 8.29mm in thickness and weighs 179g, offering a comfortable grip thanks to its well-balanced design and curved back. The side-mounted fingerprint sensor, located on the right frame alongside the volume buttons, adds to the ease of use, allowing for a natural thumb placement for effortless unlocking.
Features and Upgrades
The Redmi Note 10S retains many of its predecessor’s features, but also introduces some key enhancements. Let’s explore these core aspects in more detail:
Camera Capabilities
The primary focus of the Note 10S lies within its quad-camera system, where the 64-megapixel wide-angle primary camera takes center stage. This is a significant upgrade over the 48-megapixel camera offered by the Redmi Note 10. Accompanying the main sensor are an 8-megapixel ultra-wide-angle camera, a 2-megapixel depth sensor, and a 2-megapixel macro camera – all of which seem identical to the Redmi Note 10 configuration.
Xiaomi offers the Note 10S in three color options: Frost White, Shadow Black, and the new Deep Sea Blue, which features a gradient finish. It packs a 5,000mAh battery and boasts 33W fast charging capabilities, with a corresponding 33W fast charger included in the box.
Processor and Performance
The biggest change lies within the processor: the Note 10S is driven by the MediaTek Helio G95 SoC, while the Note 10 relies on the Qualcomm Snapdragon 678 SoC. This shift promises a substantial performance boost for the Note 10S. Our review unit, equipped with 6GB RAM and 128GB storage, will be put through its paces to determine the precise performance gains.
Software and User Experience
The Redmi Note 10S is the first Xiaomi smartphone in India to ship with MIUI 12.5, albeit an interim version. This latest iteration of MIUI, built upon Android 11, includes the April Android security patch. While the Note 10S benefits from a clean and streamlined interface, it comes preloaded with a handful of apps, including an alternative app store named GetApps. Glance For MI, a wallpaper carousel service, is also an option during setup but offers promotional content, leading many users to opt-out.
Competition and Verdict: A Worthy Contender, But…
The Redmi Note 10 series has carved a solid niche within the sub-₹20,000 price segment. The Note 10S has a lot to juggle, not just against other established players like Realme, Poco, and Motorola, but also within its own family, facing off against the Redmi Note 10 and Redmi Note 10 Pro.
The Note 10S has certainly managed to introduce some noteworthy upgrades, including the higher-resolution camera, beefed-up processor, and latest MIUI iteration. However, whether these advancements justify the price bump remains to be seen. The full review, coming soon, will delve deeper into the Note 10S’s capabilities, ultimately revealing if it truly distinguishes itself as a worthy upgrade or falls short of its potential.