The letter “S” in the name of the Xiaomi smartphone: decoding and value for the user

When you choose a Xiaomi smartphone, you probably noticed that the names of some models appear mysterious letter “S”**. 11S, Redmi Note 10 Pro vs Redmi Note 10S, or POCO F3 vs POCO F3 GT (where «GT» — What is it: a marketing move, an improved version or just a rebrand? In this article, we will discuss in detail what the letter S means in the names of Xiaomi smartphones, how it affects the specifications and whether it is worth overpaying for such a model.

Spoiler: 90% of the time, the S version isn’t just cosmetic changes, but real upgrades to the processor, camera, or screen, but sometimes compromises are hidden under the letter (such as a stripped-down battery or lack of support). 5G). In order not to make a mistake with the choice, read on - we will analyze all the nuances on the examples of specific devices.

1. The history of the letter “S” in Xiaomi smartphones

The tradition of adding the letter “S” to the names of flagships came to Xiaomi from the world of Apple and Samsung, where similar designations were used to refer to “intermediate” updates (for example, the iPhone). 6s Galaxy S10+). However, Xiaomi’s approach has been more flexible:

• 📅 2016 – the first “S” model: Mi 5s It was a Snapdragon 821 processor (against the Snapdragon 820 in the base Mi 5) and it meant improved hardware without changing the design.
• 🔄 2018–2019 – “S” versions appear in the Redmi Note line (e.g. Redmi Note) 7S), where they often meant an improved camera (48 MP instead of 12 MP).
• 💡 2020–2023 – The letter “S” starts to mean different things: from flagship upgrades (Mi) 11S) Budgetary modifications (Redmi) 9S chipset).

Today, the “S” version of Xiaomi is divided into two types:

1. Flagship “S” – improved versions of top models (for example, Xiaomi) 13S Ultra with the best camera).
2. Budget “S” – simplified versions of popular devices (for example, Redmi Note) 12S without 5G, but with a larger battery).

2.What usually changes in the “S” versions of Xiaomi?

To avoid guessing the coffee grounds, we analyzed 15 “S” models of Xiaomi over the past 5 years and found patterns.

But there are exceptions, like Xiaomi. 12S Ultra got not only a new processor, but also a joint camera with Leica, and Redmi 9S — It's actually a rebranded Redmi 9 Prime for other markets!

⚠️ Attention: In the lineup POCO The letter “S” may mean a sporty design (e.g., a sporty design, POCO X3 GT It's not hardware upgrades, not the classic "S" versions of Xiaomi!

3. "S" versions vs. base models: comparison by examples

To see if you should overpay for an S model, compare a few popular pairs of devices, and take three segments: flagships, middle class, and budget.

📱 Flagships: Xiaomi 13 Pro vs Xiaomi 13S Pro

• 🔥 Processor: Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 → Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 (in the "S" version, more energy-efficient chip).
• 📸 Camera: 50 MP Basic Module (Sony) IMX707) → Sony's 1-inch sensor IMX989 (like Xiaomi 12S Ultra).
• 🔋 Battery: 4820 mAh → 4500 mAh (but with fast charging) 120W).

The “S” version is justified for photographers and gamers, but loses in autonomy.

📱 Middle class: Redmi Note 12 Pro vs Redmi Note 12S

• 📶 Connection: 5G → only 4G (but cheaper than 20%).
• 🖥️ Screen: AMOLED 120 Hz → AMOLED 90 Hz (frequency savings).
• 🔋 Battery: 5,000 mAh → 5000 mAh (unchanged).

The “S” version here is a cheaper option for markets without a 5G. There's nothing to overpay.

📱 Budget: Redmi 10 vs Redmi 10S

• 🧠 Processor: Helio G88 → Helio G95 (15 percent more productively).
• 📸 Camera: 50 MP → 64 MP (but without optical stabilization).
• 🔋 Battery: 5,000 mAh → 6000 mAh (record for state employees!).

Conclusion: One of the few “S” versions where improvements are clearly justified.

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In flagship “S” versions, Xiaomi usually improves the camera and processor, and in budget versions, they can cut functions for the sake of price.

4. How do you recognize the “good” and “bad” S versions?

Not all S models are equally useful, but here are the red flags to watch out for when choosing:

⚠️ Note: If key features are removed from the "S" version (e.g, 5G It's not an upgrade, it's a re-labeled balance from the previous batches, which Xiaomi often does with models for emerging markets.

• ❌ A degraded processor at the same price (e.g., Snapdragon) 732G Snapdragon instead 750G).
• ❌ Removal 5G No compensation in the form of a larger battery or better screen.
• ❌ Plastic case instead of glass/metal in the base model.
• ❌ Cut down firmware (for example, lack of support) MIUI global version).

Here are some good “S” versions:

Improved processor (even if you are 10-15%)

Additional cameras or better sensors

More capacious battery or quick charging

Maintaining all key functions of the base model (5G, NFC etc.)

Price higher on 10-20% (but 2 once!)-->

If you do at least 3 out of 5 things, you can use the S version, otherwise it's a marketing ploy.

5. "S" vs. other letter designations in Xiaomi

Xiaomi likes letter suffixes, and the "S" is not the only one.

If you see Xiaomi with a letter in its name, first determine what type it belongs to, POCO X3 GT — This is not the “S” version, but a gamer version with improved cooling.

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To avoid confusion, use GSMArena to compare models, type the name of the base version and the "S" model, and the system will show all the differences in the table.

6.Should you buy the "S" version of Xiaomi in 2026?

The answer depends on your priorities. Here's a short cheat sheet.

• 📈 For gamers and photographers: the “S” version of flagships (Xiaomi) 13S Ultra, Mi 11S) Often justified – the best cameras and processors.
• 💰 For savings: Budget "S" models (Redmi) 10S, POCO M4 Pro 5G) Sometimes they offer the best price/quality ratio.
• ⚠️ For ordinary users: If the difference with the base model is only in the processor on the 5-10%, don't overpay.
• 🌍 For travel: Check out the support 5G In some S versions, they are reduced for local markets.

Also consider the market context:

If you are choosing between the base model and the S version, ask yourself:

1. How critical are improvements to the S model?
2. I am not losing something important (for example, 5G or NFC)?
3. Is the difference in the price of these changes worth it?

7. Frequent mistakes when choosing the “S” versions of Xiaomi

Even experienced users sometimes fall for the tricks of marketers.-5 mistake:

• 🔍 Ignoring regional versions, like Redmi Note 10S for India and Europe - different devices (in the Indian version there is no NFC).
• 📉 Overpayment for minor upgrades, if the difference is only in the frequency of the processor (+5%), and the price is higher by 30%, it is unprofitable.
• 🔋 Untested autonomy: Some "S" versions have smaller batteries, but this is not always indicated in the ads.
• 📡 Network problems: Budget S models are often devoid of 5G, What is critical for future compatibility.
• 🔄 No updates. Some "S" versions get fewer updates MIUI, more than the basic models.

⚠️ In 2023, Xiaomi began to release the “S” version specifically for online stores (for example, Redmi). 12S These models may have unique disadvantages: no certification for Europe, reduced equipment (no charging) or unofficial firmware. 4PDA!

FAQ: Answers to popular questions