Redmi 1S vs Redmi Note: Which Xiaomi Budget Smartphone is Better?

After several Mi 3 sales sold out in minutes, Xiaomi Malaysia to launch two cheaper smartphone models in July 2014 – Redmi 1S and Redmi Note.

• Redmi 1S is 4.7-inch Android smartphone, price is RM419. Sale starts on 8 July 2014.
• Redmi Note is 5.5-inch Android 4.2 smartphone, price is RM509. Sale starts on 22 July 2014.

Since the price difference is only RM90, which Xiaomi phone is better? In this article, you will learn the Redmi 1S and Redmi Note specs differences and my recommendation.

Specs: Redmi 1S VS. Redmi Note

Let’s have a glance of Redmi 1S and Redmi Note specs in the table below:

Redmi Note win over Redmi 1S in hardware specs. It has more RAM (2GB), bigger 5.5 inch display (same resolution). The cameras are much higher resolution than Redmi 1S – 13MP main camera and 5MP front camera. It also has bigger battery capacity (3200mAh).

With all the advantages, Redmi Note is still slimmer (9.45 mm) than Redmi 1S. Despite the 5.5-inch body, Redmi Note is only 41 gram heavier than Redmi 1S.

CPU: Qualcomm VS. Mediatek

The other main difference between Redmi 1S and Redmi Note is the processor (CPU). Redmi Note is powered by MediaTek MT6592 Octa-core 1.7GHz, whereas Redmi 1S is powered by Qualcomm MSM8228 Snapdragon 400 Quad-core 1.6GHz.

Based on my past experiences, I have a bias toward Qualcomm mobile processors. Smartphones using Qualcomm processors are generally more stable and better performance.

On the other hand, I (and many tech media friends) do not like Mediatek processor. Mediatek mobile processors are often found in budget smartphones. Somehow, the performance is less ideal (regardless core number and clock speed) and apps tend to have compatibility problems.

Did I tell you that I am bias?

Benchmark results

Benchmark test is the easiest way to show the performance but it does not necessary show the real user experience. And, different benchmark tools would show very different results.

Below is a Facebook photo showing the huge benchmark score different between Redmi 1S (2445 score) and Redmi Note (1464 score).

However, to be fair, the Antutu benchmark scores I found online shows that Redmi Note (scored around 28,000+) has better scores than Redmi 1S (scored around 21,000+).

(I have yet receive either phone for product review.)

Xiaomi Malaysia wants to sell Redmi Note

If you have following Xiaomi Malaysia, you have notice that the company heavily promotes Redmi Note. They ran Redmi Note contest. Xiaomi Malaysia website only shows Redmi Note information but no sight of Redmi 1S, despite that Redmi 1S sale date is week earlier than Redmi Note.

Conclusion

As you can see now, the winner is clearly the Redmi Note. Specs wise, you get more RAM, bigger display, better cameras, and longer battery life for only extra RM90.

Redmi 1S 4.7″ display size is good for you who like one-hand-operate smartphone. However, the 1.6M front camera is not good enough for selfie.

Over to you: Are you Redmi 1S or Redmi Note?