The Redmi Note 9S arrived in late March as Xiaomi’s proposition for buyers who prioritise battery life and a large display over cutting-edge features. Known in India as the Redmi Note 9 Pro, the device pairs a Snapdragon 720G chipset with 4GB or 6GB of RAM, 64GB/128GB storage options, a 48MP main camera and a large 5,020mAh battery — a package aimed squarely at the budget-to-midrange segment.
This review synthesises vendor and independent benchmark data (Geekbench 6, AnTuTu 10, 3DMark Wild Life), published reviews and hands-on testing reports from TechAdvisor and TechRadar, and community feedback (Reddit) to give a balanced, evidence-based assessment of day-to-day behaviour and measurable performance.
High level: the Redmi Note 9S shines where it should — battery endurance and reliable ordinary performance — but makes explicit trade-offs. The 5,020mAh cell and strong synthetic battery results stand out, as does the 6.67" 2400×1080 display for media consumption. Downsides include a 60Hz panel when competitors offer higher refresh rates, slower charging behaviour noted in reviews, a noticeably bulky chassis and some user-reported issues around fingerprint responsiveness and potential display concerns in community threads.
Steady mid-range performance backed by benchmark data
The Redmi Note 9S uses Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 720G and was tested in configurations with 4GB or 6GB of RAM. Synthetic benchmarks show modest but consistent results: Geekbench 6 scores of 722 (single-core) and 1,880 (multi-core), and an AnTuTu Benchmark 10 aggregate of 387,217 with a CPU subscore of 130,988. 3DMark Wild Life returned a score of 1,041 and roughly 6 FPS in the graphics test, with 98% test stability.
Those numbers translate to reliable daily performance — smooth UI navigation, competent app multitasking in the 4–6GB RAM range and acceptable gaming at medium settings — but they also indicate limits for sustained high-frame-rate gaming or heavy content creation compared with faster mid-range SoCs.
Excellent endurance, but charging speed is a practical complaint
Battery capacity is a clear strength: a 5,020mAh cell that multiple reviews note delivers class-leading runtimes in synthetic battery tests and real-world use. TechAdvisor specifically recorded the longest run times in synthetic benchmarks for this model, and TechRadar described the battery life as “unmatched” at its price point.
However, reviewers repeatedly highlighted charging as a weak point. TechRadar characterises the Redmi Note 9S as having “relatively slow charging,” which undermines the convenience of the large battery for users who need quick top-ups during a day out.
Large FHD+ panel for media, but limited by 60Hz and a bulky chassis
The handset uses a 6.67" 2400×1080-pixel display that’s large and vibrant for video and web browsing. Its size is a selling point for media consumption and reading, but the screen is limited to a 60Hz refresh rate — a shortcoming many reviewers flagged given the wider availability of 90Hz/120Hz options at similar price brackets.
Physically the phone is substantial and reported as bulky in reviews. That size helps accommodate the 5,020mAh battery, but it reduces one-handed usability and makes the device feel heavier than comparable rivals.
A 48MP main sensor with competent everyday results, not a flagship camera
The Redmi Note 9S is built around a 48MP main sensor (as reported by benchmarking sites and reviews). In mixed lighting it produces usable, well-detailed images for social sharing and casual use, which aligns with the phone’s mid-range positioning.
Professional-level dynamic range, low-light performance and telephoto capability are not the phone’s strengths; reviewers place it as a solid everyday shooter rather than a class-leading imaging device.
MIUI on Android 10 — familiar but with small practical complaints
The unit ships with Android 10 under Xiaomi’s MIUI. The software provides feature depth and customization expected in this segment, and day-to-day navigation is smooth thanks to the capable chipset and sufficient RAM options.
Community reports and hands-on comments raise practical issues: a side-mounted fingerprint sensor’s responsiveness was compared unfavourably to some rivals on Reddit, and some users flagged potential display concerns (reports of burn-in appeared in community threads for related models), which is worth noting for long-term buyers.
Pros & Cons
- ✅ 5,020mAh battery with class-leading synthetic runtimes documented in published reviews
- ✅ 6.67" 2400×1080 display suitable for media consumption
- ✅ Snapdragon 720G delivers consistent real-world performance (Geekbench6: 722 single / 1,880 multi)
- ✅ AnTuTu 10 aggregate of 387,217 indicating solid mid-range CPU/GPU balance
- ✅ 48MP main camera delivering competent everyday photos
- ❌ Display limited to 60Hz while competitors offer higher refresh rates
- ❌ Multiple reviews note relatively slow charging speed for a large 5,020mAh battery
- ❌ Bulky, heavier chassis reduces one-handed usability
- ❌ Community reports of slower side-mounted fingerprint responsiveness versus some rivals
- ❌ User threads have raised potential display issues (burn-in concerns reported for related models)
How It Compares to the Competition
- Realme 6 — Offers a higher-refresh-rate display and stronger gaming chops compared with the 60Hz Redmi Note 9S.
- Xiaomi Redmi Note 8T — A slightly older option with similar value positioning; the Note 9S improves battery and screen size but is bulkier.
- POCO X2 — Competes on performance and display smoothness, with some users preferring its snappier fingerprint and display experience.
- Redmi K30 — Targets buyers seeking faster refresh rates and stronger mid-range performance than the Note 9S.
Who Should Buy This & Who Should Skip It
Buy it if: Buy if you prioritise long battery life (5,020mAh) and a large 6.67" FHD+ screen alongside reliable day-to-day performance in a mid-range device. The Redmi Note 9S is a strong choice for heavy media consumers and users who value runtime over peak gaming or fastest charging.
Skip it if: Skip this phone if you want the snappiest gaming performance or a high-refresh-rate display — competitors offer 90Hz/120Hz panels and stronger sustained GPU performance. Also look elsewhere if fast charging or one-handed ergonomics are critical to your daily use.
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