Xiaomi Redmi Airdots vs Redmi Airdots S: Full Comparison and What’s Better to Buy

Seamless headphones from Xiaomi have long been a hit among budget TWS-The Redmi Airdots and Redmi Airdots S are two popular models that seem almost identical at first glance, but the difference between them affects sound, convenience and even compatibility with devices. If you are faced with a choice, this article will help you understand all the nuances.

Many people mistakenly believe that the "S" in the name means only minor improvements. In practice, the Airdots S is a standalone model with unique features, not just an upgrade of the original Airdots. We analyzed the specifications, conducted tests and collected user feedback to identify 10 key differences that will help make an informed choice.

So, to keep the theory in mind, let's start with the most obvious thing, the external differences and the ergonomics, and then dive into the technical details that are not always obvious when you first get to know devices.

1. Design and Ergonomics: Which is More Comfortable in 2026?

At first glance, both models look like twins: a compact plastic case, minimalist headphones without unnecessary protrusions, but on closer examination, the differences become obvious.

The Redmi Airdots (2019) have a more rounded body shape and slightly protruding legs for better ear grips, weighing 4.1 grams per headphone, making it one of the lightest in its class, but there is also a downside: the smooth surface can cause headphones to fall out when you’re moving actively (like running).

In Redmi Airdots S (2020), Xiaomi engineers redesigned the shape – the headphones became slightly flatter and wider, and their weight increased to 4.5 g. This is a minor difference, but it played a role: improved landing stability, especially for users with small ears. Also in the “S” version, magnetic contacts inside the case, which are more reliable fix the headphones when closed.

Another important difference is the charge indication. In the original Airdots, the LED is located on the front of the case and only glows in white. The Airdots S has moved the indicator to the side, and the color scheme has become more informative:

• 🔴 Red - charge less than 20%
• 🟡 Yellow - 20-50%
• 🟢 Green: over 50%

2. Sound characteristics: bass vs balance

The difference is fundamental. Redmi Airdots have 7.2mm speakers with a low-frequency focus, which makes the sound "bassy" and rich, but sometimes due to the detail of medium and high frequencies. Musicians note that when listening to rock music or jazz, the sound can seem "dirty."

Redmi Airdots S has 7.2mm in diameter but with a different acoustic setting. Xiaomi engineers have balanced the frequency response by reducing bass dialing and adding clarity to vocals and high frequencies. The result is that the sound is more transparent and detailed, especially in genres like classics or electronics.

But there's a caveat: if you like powerful basses, the original Airdots might seem preferable, but for podcasts, audiobooks or phone conversations, Airdots S is better suited because of improved speech intelligibility.

Important: both models only support SBC codec. Neither AAC nor aptX is here, that's a budget-size constraint. If you're critical of sound quality, consider more expensive models like the Xiaomi Air 2 Pro or SoundPEATS Air3.

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To improve the sound in Redmi Airdots S, turn on the equalizer in the smartphone settings and select the preset “Bases” or “Rock” – this compensates for the lack of low frequencies.

Autonomy and working hours: who will live longer?

Both models have 40 mAh batteries in each headphone, but the operating time is different due to software optimization, and the table below shows real tests at a medium volume (60%):

Key findings:

• 🔋 Airdots S can last 15-20% longer thanks to optimized power consumption.
• ⚡ Case Airdots S charges through USB-C (The old Micro-USB in the original model).
• ⏳ Both models support fast charging: 10 minutes in case = ~1 hour's work.

If autonomy is critical to you (for long journeys, for example), Airdots S will be a more reliable choice, but the difference is not so great that it is necessary to change the already purchased Airdots.

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USB-C in Redmi Airdots S is not only a convenience, but also a future compatibility: new smartphones and laptops are increasingly abandoning Micro-USB.

Compatibility and Connectivity: What Devices Are Working With?

Both models use Bluetooth 5.0, but there are important nuances to support the devices:

Redmi Airdots was originally developed for Xiaomi smartphones with MIUI 10+ firmware. When connecting to devices of other brands (for example, Samsung or iPhone), there may be problems:

• 📱 No automatic reconnection after extraction from the case.
• 🔊 Sometimes the volume settings are “lost” (you have to adjust directly on headphones).
• 🔄 Delayed sound when watching video (~200 ms).

Redmi Airdots S has partially solved these problems:

• ✅ Support for the protocol HFP 1.7, which improves compatibility with iOS and Android outside the Xiaomi ecosystem.
• ⏱ Sound delay reduced to ~150ms (notably better for video and gaming).
• 🔄 Automatic reconnection is more stable.

If you’re using a smartphone that’s not Xiaomi’s (or you’re planning to change your device), the Airdots S will be a more versatile choice. Redmi/POCO/Mi difference less critical.

5. Control and functionality: what do headphones do?

Both models support touch control, but the feature set is different:

Redmi Airdots offers basic gestures:

• 🎵 Two touches - playback/pause.
• 🔀 Three touches - moving to the next track.
• 📞 Double touch when calling - accept/reject.

Redmi Airdots S has received enhanced functionality:

• 🎵 Two touches - playback/pause.
• 🔀 Three touches of the right earpiece - the next track.
• ⏮ Three touches of the left earpiece - the previous track.
• 📞 Retention 2 Sec – Calling the Voice Assistant (Google) Assistant/Siri).
• 🔇 Holding 1 sec – turning off the microphone during the call.

In addition, Airdots S has a Mono Mode feature, where you can only use one headphone (right or left) while the other one stays in the case. The original Airdots doesn't have that option: if you pull out one headphone, the other one automatically shuts off.

⚠️ Attention: In some firmware MIUI Control gestures may conflict with system settings. If the headphones don't respond to touch, reset them to factory settings (hold the button on the case for 10 seconds).

Make sure the headphones are in the case|Hold the button on case 10.+ seconds|Wait for the red and white light to flash.|Connect again in Bluetooth settings-->

Phones and Call Quality: How Can You Be Heared?

Both models have built-in cVc 8.0 noise reduction microphones, but their location and settings are different.

In Redmi Airdots, the microphone is located on the outside of the headphone, which causes the person to hear foreign sounds in noisy places (for example, on the street), and in high winds, there is a "slapping" effect.

Redmi Airdots S moved the microphone closer to the ear canal, and the noise reduction algorithms were refined.

• 🗣 The voice sounds clearer even in the face of street noise.
• 🌬 The effect of “cotton” in the wind is minimized.
• 📞 VoIP (WhatsApp, Telegram) calls have higher voice quality.

If you make frequent calls at work or use headphones for conferences, Airdots S will be a more reliable choice.

7.Price and relevance in 2026: is it worth overpaying?

At the time of writing (2026), model prices differ slightly, but the trends are as follows:

Redmi Airdots (original model) can be found at a price of 1,200 to 1,800 rubles (depending on the seller and availability).

• 💰 Lowest price in the lineup.
• 🎵 Powerful bass for fans of "heavy" sound.
• ✅ Time-tested reliability (the model was released in 2019, all “childhood diseases” were eliminated).

Redmi Airdots S cost from 1,500 to 2,200 rubles.

• 🔊 More balanced sound.
• 🔋 Longer battery life.
• 📱 Best compatibility with non-compatibility-Xiaomi device.
• ⚡ USB-C Instead of the outdated Micro-USB.

⚠️ Attention: There are many fakes on the market under the guise of Redmi Airdots S. Original headphones should have: - Redmi logo on the case and headphones (not just Mi). - Serial number on the inside of the case cover. - Package with a hologram and QR-authentication.

If you have a budget, the original Airdots are still a good choice, but if you want sound, autonomy and compatibility, you might want to pay extra for the S version, and the alternative is to look at newer models like the Xiaomi Buds 4 or Redmi Buds 4 Active, which offer better value for money in 2026.

FAQ: Frequent questions about Redmi Airdots and Airdots S