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Today, Xiaomi has released its latest affordable phone, the Redmi Note 9S. This is a global launch phone with initial sales for global buyers being on AliExpress starting at $249 USD for the 4GB +64GB variant while the 6GB+128GB version will be available for $279.
The Redmi Note 9 Pro now has UK price and availability. It comes in two variants: 6+64GB (Glacier White/Interstellar Grey/ Tropical Green) and 6+128GB Interstellar Grey, at a recommended retail price of £249 and £269 respectively. The 6+64GB version will be available in the UK starting from June 8th on Amazon, while the 6+128GB version will be available in the UK starting from June 19th on Amazon (and later on mi.com).
Redmi Note 9S = Note 9 Pro
Xiaomi has a bad habit of using different names for the same phone in different regions, and this is almost the case here. The phone is the same as the Redmi Note 9 Pro which launched a few days ago. They have the same chipset, design, cameras, they are identical.
Redmi Note 9S vs Realme 6 Pro
Both Redmi and Realme have recently announced phones based on the Snapdragon 720G, and these will likely be two of the best options on the market for under £250, but which one is best?
RAM and Storage
The Redmi has either GB or 6GB of RAM while the storage options are 64GB and 128GB, respectively. You can expand that via the microSD card slot.
The Realme starts off with 6GB of RAM and 64GB storage, then there are options going up to 8GB/128GB. It can also be upgraded via microSD
Display & Design
The Redmi Note 9S is built around a 6.67-inch IPS LCD panel with 1080 x 2400px (20:9 aspect ratio) resolution. Like many phones this year it has a punch-hole selfie which is located in the centre of the display.
The Realme 6 Pro has a 6.6 inch IPS LCD display running at 1080 x 2400 pixels with (90Hz refresh rate and 120Hz touch sensing. It has a dual punch-hole selfie on the upper left and a side-mounted fingerprint sensor. This also has a punch-hole selfie, but it houses two cameras so is quite large, and this one is located to the left of the display.
Both phones use an IPS display with Redmi claim 450nit brightness while Realme has 480, both phones then have their fingerprint scanner mounted on the side.
Camera
The Redmi Note 9S has:
- 48 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 1/2.0″, 0.8µm, PDAF
- 8 MP, f/2.2, 13mm (ultrawide), 1/4.0″, 1.12µm
- 5 MP, f/2.4, (macro), 1.12µm
- 2 MP, f/2.4, (depth)
Then the selfie is a 16 MP f/2.5 wide lens.
The Realme 6 Pro has:
- 64 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 1/1.72″, 0.8µm, PDAF
- 12 MP, f/2.5, 54mm (telephoto), 1/3.4″, 1.0µm, PDAF, 2x optical zoom
- 8 MP, f/2.3, 13mm (ultrawide), 1/4.0″, 1.12µm
- 2 MP, f/2.4, 22mm (macro), 1/5.0″, 1.75µm
Then on the front it has a dual punch hole featuring:
- 16 MP, f/2.1, 26mm (wide), 1/3.1″, 1.0µm
- 8 MP, f/2.2, 17mm (ultrawide), 1/4.0″, 1.12µm
Battery
The Redmi has a massive 5020 mAh battery which should easily keep you going for a couple of days, this then has 18W fast charging.
The Realme is a bit smaller at 4300 mAh but has 30W charging.
Price
The official price of the Redmi Note 9S is $249 USD for the 4GB +64GB variant while the 6GB+128GB version will be available for $279, both via AliExpress
The Redmi Note 9 Pro has two variants: 6+64GB (Glacier White/Interstellar Grey/ Tropical Green) and 6+128GB Interstellar Grey, at a recommended retail price of £249 and £269 respectively.
The Realme 6 Pro has only launched in India so far, at rs.16 999 which works out as £178. It will officially launch in the UK/EU next Monday so we will get correct pricing then. I would expect them to be about the same. Though Redmi Note 9S maybe cheaper as it is via AliExpress rather than an EU based supplier.
The Realme 6 Pro with 8GB RAM and 128GB storage is £299 from Amazon
| Preview | Product | Rating | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| realme 6 Pro Lightning Blue, 8+128GB, 6.6" 90Hz Display,... | Buy on Amazon |
Which is best?
I have not used the Redmi Note 9S but I am reviewing the Realme 6 Pro, however, we don’t know the UK pricing of that yet.
As it stands, on paper and assuming the Realme is about the same price, I am inclined to say the Realme is the best choice. You have a more versatile camera, dual camera selfie, better base config and a superior 90Hz display.
I am James, a UK-based tech enthusiast and the Editor and Owner of Mighty Gadget, which I’ve proudly run since 2007. Passionate about all things technology, my expertise spans from computers and networking to mobile, wearables, and smart home devices.
As a fitness fanatic who loves running and cycling, I also have a keen interest in fitness-related technology, and I take every opportunity to cover this niche on my blog. My diverse interests allow me to bring a unique perspective to tech blogging, merging lifestyle, fitness, and the latest tech trends.
In my academic pursuits, I earned a BSc in Information Systems Design from UCLAN, before advancing my learning with a Master’s Degree in Computing. This advanced study also included Cisco CCNA accreditation, further demonstrating my commitment to understanding and staying ahead of the technology curve.
I’m proud to share that Vuelio has consistently ranked Mighty Gadget as one of the top technology blogs in the UK. With my dedication to technology and drive to share my insights, I aim to continue providing my readers with engaging and informative content.
Last update on 2024-04-18 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
