Xiaomi Mi 10S: release date, specifications and relevance of the model in 2026

Xiaomi Mi 10S is one of those models that has caused a lot of questions from fans of the brand. Unlike the usual flagship lines, this smartphone did not appear as part of the main announcement of the Mi 10 series, but much later, which gave rise to rumors about its “intermediate” status. If you are looking for an exact release date, comparison with other models of the series or want to understand whether the Mi 10S is relevant today – this article will help to understand all the nuances.

Note: Xiaomi Mi 10S was released on March 11, 2021 — almost a year after the original Mi 10 (February 2020), such a gap is not accidental: the device was positioned as an improved version of the flagship, but with an emphasis on audiophile capabilities and optimized hardware. In this article, we will discuss in detail how the Mi 10S differs from its predecessors, what its strengths and weaknesses are, and whether to consider it for purchase in 2026 — especially against the background of the newer Xiaomi 12/13/14 models.

For convenience, we structured the material so that you can quickly find answers to key questions, from technical specifications to tips on choosing between the Mi 10S and alternatives. And if you are interested in specific details, use the table of contents or FAQ block at the end of the article.

Xiaomi Mi 10S release date and release context

On March 11, 2021, the day Xiaomi officially introduced the Mi 10S to the Chinese market, it was interesting that the announcement was held without the traditional global presentation: the model was initially positioned as exclusive to China, and only later appeared in some other regions through unofficial channels.

This approach was atypical for Xiaomi, which gave rise to several theories:

• 🔹 Testing of the new chipset: Mi 10S It was the first smartphone to feature a Qualcomm Snapdragon 870 processor, a lightweight version of the Snapdragon 888, and the company could assess demand for this solution before mass release.
• 🔹 Audio focus: The model received improved speakers certified by Harmon Kardon, which was a novelty for the Mi lineup.
• 🔹 Component stocks: Xiaomi reportedly used remnants of screens and cases from Mi 10 to cut costs.

In Russia and Europe, the Mi 10S was not officially sold, but it could be purchased through importers or gray schemes, which should be considered when searching for a device in the secondary market: warranty service outside China is unlikely.

Xiaomi Mi 10S: What has changed compared to Mi 10/Pro

On paper, the Mi 10S looks like a hybrid of the Mi 10 and Mi 10 Pro, but with a few unique features.

The main improvements of the Mi 10S:

1. A 120Hz display (vs. 90Hz for its predecessors) makes scrolling and animation noticeably smoother, especially in games.
2. The Snapdragon 870 processor is 10-15% more powerful than the Snapdragon 865 in synthetic tests, but the real difference in everyday tasks is minimal.
3. Harmon Kardon stereo speakers with Dolby Atmos support are one of the key advantages of the model for multimedia enthusiasts.

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If you’re choosing between the Mi 10S and Mi 10 Pro, take note of the camera: the Pro version has better telephoto (8 MP with 10x hybrid zoom), but the 10S has a smoother screen and a more powerful processor.

Xiaomi Mi 10S differs from Mi 10 Ultra and other models of the series

The Mi 10S is often confused with the Mi 10 Ultra, another mid-range model released in August 2020, but there are fundamental differences between the two.

• 📱 Design: Mi 10 Ultra had a unique camera module with a huge lens (120x zoom, while Mi 10S It is almost identical to the original Mi 10.
• 🔋 Battery: Ultra had a capacity of 4500 mAh with support for 120-watt fast charging (vs 33 watts y) 10S).
• 📸 Camera: Ultra was equipped with a 48-megapixel main sensor Sony IMX586 with optical stabilization, while 10S Retained 108MP Samsung sensor HMX From Mi 10 Pro.

In short: the Mi 10 Ultra is a monster with a focus on photography and charging, and the Mi 10S is a balanced flagship with improved display and sound. For most users, the difference in cameras is not critical, but the Ultra objectively wins in low light conditions.

The relevance of Xiaomi Mi 10S in 2026: is it worth buying?

3 years after its release, the Mi 10S remains an interesting option for certain categories of users, so let’s see who will do it and who should consider alternatives.

Pros of buying in 2026:

• 🎮 Gameplay Features: The Snapdragon 870 still pulls most games at high settings (like the Genshin Impact at 60) FPS).
• 🔊 Harmon Kardon speakers sound better than many of today’s mid-budget speakers.
• 💰 Price: In the secondary market Mi 10S can be found 15-20 thousands of rubles (depending on the state), which makes it a profitable purchase for the budget.

Cons and risks:

• ⚠️ No updates: The latest version MIUI for Mi 10S — MIUI 14 powered by Android 13. Further support unlikely.
• ⚠️ Battery: Capacity 4780 By modern standards, the average, and after 3 In the years of operation, the real autonomy may fall on the 20-30%.
• ⚠️ No. 5G In some regions: Not all operators support bandwidth n78 and n79, mi 10S.

⚠️ Note: If you are planning to use the Mi 10S For more than a year, keep in mind that spare parts (such as batteries or displays) may become scarce, and repairs will cost more than newer models.

For whom Mi 10S is relevant today:

• 🎵 Audiophiles who care about sound quality.
• 🎮 Gamers on a limited budget.
• 📱 Collectors or fans of Xiaomi retro equipment.

Who wouldn't do it for:

• 📸 Photographers who care about the camera (you should consider Xiaomi 12 Pro or 13 Ultra).
• 🔄 Those who want long-term update support (choose Xiaomi 14 or Redmi) K70 Pro).

Battery status (capacity >80% of original)| 120 Hz screen performance (no flicker)| Speaker integrity (no wheezing)| 5G compatibility in your region | Original charger-->

How to distinguish the original Xiaomi Mi 10S from a fake

Due to the limited official distribution of the Mi 10S, there are fake or grey devices with a questionable history on the market.

1. Box and trim: The original box should have a holographic sticker with the serial number that matches the number on the phone (Settings → About Phone → All Options → Model Number). The kit must have a 33W charger with the Xiaomi logo (fakes often come with cheap 18W RAM).

Programme audit

• Go to Settings → About the phone and check the model: M2007J1SC (global version) or M2007J1SI (Indian) should be specified.
• Install the AIDA64 app and check the CPU data: it must be a Qualcomm SM8250-AC (Snapdragon 870).

⚠️ Note: If the seller refuses to provide photos IMEI (slot-stick SIM or in Settings → The phone. → Status. SIM-This is a reason to doubt the legality of the device. IMEI IMEI.info – it must match the data of Xiaomi Mi 10S.

Xiaomi Mi 10S alternatives in 2026: what to choose instead

If the Mi 10S doesn’t quite meet your requirements, consider these alternatives (in order of increasing your budget):

If your budget is limited to 20,000 rubles and sound and screen are priorities, then the Mi 10S is still a reasonable choice, but for photos or long-term support, you should pay extra for the Xiaomi 12 or Redmi K60 Pro.

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The Mi 10S’s main advantage in 2026 is the balance of price and multimedia capabilities, but if you want up-to-date upgrades or a top-end camera, it’s best to consider newer models.

Frequently Asked Questions About Xiaomi Mi 10S