If you’ve ever chosen a smartphone or a Xiaomi smart device, you’ve probably noticed that some series have S models — like the Mi 11 and Mi 11S, Redmi Note 10 and Redmi Note 10S, or even the Mi TV S. At first glance, the difference between them is minimal: similar design, similar specs, but the price and positioning can be very different. So what is really behind this letter? Is it just a marketing move or are there real technical improvements behind it?
Many users mistakenly think that the S is just a lightweight version of the flagship or a budget version of the top model. In fact, it is more complicated: depending on the series and year of release, the console can mean completely different things, from an improved camera to an optimized hardware for specific markets. In this article, we will analyze in detail all the values of the letter S in the names of Xiaomi, compare key models and give practical recommendations for which device to choose in 2026.
Now, there's no one rule for all series, for example, in the Mi lineup, the S often referred to an "improved" version of the flagship with a better camera or screen, and in the Redmi Note, a simplified model for emerging markets, and to avoid confusion, we'll analyze each series separately and show how the console affects price, performance and functionality.
1. The history of the console S Xiaomi: from flagships to public sector
Xiaomi first introduced the S in 2015, the Mi 4S, which was an updated version of the Mi 4 with an improved camera and battery, then meant a "special" or "improved" modification of the flagship, but the company's approach has changed over time, and today the S can have up to five different meanings depending on the context:
Here are the key stages of the designation evolution:
- 📱 2015-2018 - Mi 4S, Mi 5S: improved flagships with new chips or cameras (e.g. Mi) 5S Get a touch-sensitive button interface and better processor).
- 🌍 2019–2020 – Redmi Note 8S, Mi 9SE: Adaptation to specific markets (e.g. Note) 8S for India with a different processor).
- 📺 2021-2023 - Mi TV S, Mi Band 6S: Expansion to smart devices (TVs, fitness bracelets) with a focus on design or features.
- 💰 2022–2026 – Redmi Note 12S, POCO X5S: Budget versions with reduced characteristics to reduce the price.
Interestingly, in some cases, Xiaomi uses the S console to test new technologies before the mass release, for example, the Mi 10S (2021) became the company’s first smartphone to support Wi-Fi 6E, a standard that later appeared in the flagships Mi 11 and Mi 12.
2.S in smartphones: comparison with conventional models
To see if you should pay more for an S model, let's compare a few popular pairs of devices, and we looked at the key parameters: CPU, camera, battery and price at launch.
| Model | Processor | Main camera. | Battery | Price. | What is different about the S-version? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Redmi Note 10 | Snapdragon 678 | 48 MP | 5,000 mAh | ~18 000 ₽ | — |
| Redmi Note 10S | Helio G95 | 64 MPs | 5,000 mAh | ~16 000 ₽ | A weaker processor, but a better main camera and cheaper |
| Mi 11 | Snapdragon 888 | 108 MP | 4600 mAh | ~55 000 ₽ | — |
| Mi 11S | Snapdragon 888 | 108 MP + Best Software Optimization | 4600 mAh | ~50 000 ₽ | More stable firmware, improved video shooting |
As you can see from the table, the logic of using the prefix S varies greatly:
- 📉 Redmi Note is often a cheaper version with the worst processor but the best camera (e.g. Note). 10S Losing in performance, but winning in shooting).
- 📈 In Mi, on the contrary, improved optimization with the same hardware (as in Mi). 11S more stable-camera).
- 🔄 V POCO (for example, POCO X3 Pro vs POCO X3S) — Sometimes it’s just a redesigned model for different regions.
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In the Redmi Note series, the S often means compromise: a better camera or screen, but a weaker processor. In the Mi flagships, on the contrary, improved "software" features with the same hardware.
⚠️ Note: If you see an S model in the title, always check the model number (e.g., the model number, M2101K7AG For the Redmi Note 10S). Sometimes they sell completely different devices under the same name in different countries! 9S Europe and India had different processors (Snapdragon) 720G vs Helio G85).
3. S in smart devices: TVs, bracelets, headphones
The S is not only found in smartphones, but Xiaomi has been using it to refer to “special” versions of smart devices recently.
- 📺 Mi TV S: TVs with thin bezels and improved color rendering (for example, support for Dolby Vision in the base models is missing).
- 🎧 Redmi Buds 3S: Budget headphones with a simplified chip, but a lower price (for example, without support for aptX).
- ⌚ Mi Band 6S (Mi Band 7 Lite in some regions: fitness bracelet with reduced functionality (no) NFC, fewer training regimens).
Unlike smartphones, where the S can mean both improvement and deterioration, in smart devices, this console almost always signals a budget version with stripped-down features. TV Q1 mi TV Q1S:
| Parameter | Mi TV Q1 | Mi TV Q1S |
|---|---|---|
| Screen size | 55–75" | 55–65" |
| Processor | MT9611 (4 cores) | MT9602 (2 cores) |
| Dolby Vision | ✅ Yes. | ❌ No. |
| Price. | ~60 000 ₽ | ~45 000 ₽ |
As you can see, the Mi TV Q1S is a simplified version for those who don't need advanced features, and the same logic works with other gadgets: S = "save the main, remove the extra, reduce the price."
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Before buying a smart device with the prefix S, always specify which features are stripped, for example, the Mi Band 6S lacks NFC, which is critical for contactless payments.
4. How not to make a mistake when choosing: when should you take a model with S?
Now the big question is, should you buy an S-based device or should you choose a regular model? The answer depends on your priorities. We've put together a checklist to help you decide:
Price is critical, not maximum performance
You want the best camera, but not the power of the processor (relevant to the Redmi Note)
You buy a smart device (TV, bracelet) and are willing to sacrifice some features
You found a model with S at a promotional price (often they sell cheaper than the usual versions)-->
⚠️ Note: If you plan to use a smartphone for longer than 2-3 years, the S model may not be a good choice, because these devices often receive software updates later (or not at all). 9S stopped updating until MIUI 14 while the regular Redmi Note 9 got support.
Let’s look at a few typical scenarios:
- For gamers and power-device enthusiasts: avoid the S models in the Redmi Note and POCO series - they often have weak processors. Exception: Mi flagships, where the S can mean improved optimization (e.g., Mi 11S).
- For photographers: In some cases, the S-versions have better cameras (like the Redmi Note 10S with 64 MP vs. 48MP in the base model).
- For smart device buyers, if you don’t need bells and whistles (like Dolby Vision on a TV), the S model will save you money.