Xiaomi Redmi Note 9S is one of the most popular smartphones in the budget segment, which is still on sale, despite the release of newer models. Many users wonder: what year this device is not outdated for modern tasks and whether it should be bought in 2026? In this article, we will analyze not only the release date, but also the key features of the device, its strengths and weaknesses, and compare with competitors.
If you're planning on buying a Redmi Note 9S or a new one (if it's still in stock), it's important to understand what technology is in this model. The smartphone came out in the midst of a pandemic, when demand for affordable, good-performance devices skyrocketed. But it's been a few years -- have the requirements for smartphones changed? Let's get it straight.
Official release year of Xiaomi Redmi Note 9S
The Xiaomi Redmi Note 9S was announced on March 30, 2020 and went on sale in April of the same year.It was one of the first models of the Note 9 series, which replaced the successful Redmi Note 8 Pro. It is important to note that the Note 9S became the global version of the Redmi Note 9 Pro for the Indian market - they have almost identical characteristics, except for some nuances in the firmware.
In Russia, the smartphone appeared a little later in May 2020, and quickly gained popularity due to the combination of price and performance, at the time of its release, it offered one of the best processors in its segment, the Qualcomm Snapdragon 720G, which is still considered relevant for many tasks.
- 📅 Dates: announcement - 30.03.2020, the beginning of sales - April 2020
- 🌍 Markets: Global model (including Russia, Europe, Latin America)
- 📱 Redmi Note 9 Pro (India), Redmi Note 9 Pro Max (improved version)
⚠️ Note: Some sites (such as AliExpress or local bulletin boards) may sell Redmi Notes. 9S new-looking 2023/2026 It's a hoax -- the model hasn't been updated with 2020 All the new devices were actually in stock or were rebuilt.
Technical specifications: what offered Redmi Note 9S in 2020
At the time of its release, the Redmi Note 9S was considered one of the most balanced smartphones in its price range, so let’s take a look at its key components and see how they look against the background of modern requirements.
| Characteristics | Meaning | Relevance in 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| Processor | Qualcomm Snapdragon 720G (8 cores, 2.3 GHz) | ✅ Suitable for everyday tasks, but weak for heavy games |
| RAM | 4/6GB of LPDDR4X | ✅ 6GB is enough for Android 13, 4GB can slow down |
| Memory. | 64/128 GB + microSD slot (up to 512 GB) | ✅ It's a lot of volume, but UFS 2.1 slower than current UFS 3.1 |
| Screen. | 6.67" IPS LCD, 2400×1080 (FHD+), 60 Hz | ❌ No high refresh rate (90/120 Hz) |
| Battery | 5020 mAh, fast charging 18 W | ✅ The capacity is still one of the best in the segment. |
The camera deserves special attention: the main module at 48 MP (Sony IMX586) is paired with ultra-wide-angle (8 MP), macro (5 MP) and depth sensor (2 MP). At the time of release, this was the top solution for the public sector, but today such cameras are no longer impressive - especially in low light conditions.
Comparison with other models of the Redmi Note series
To see how relevant the Redmi Note 9S is today, compare it to the newer and older models in the series, which will help determine whether to overpay for the updated version or, conversely, save on the previous generation.
- 📱 Redmi Note 8 Pro (2019): Mediatek Helio G90T, 60Hz screen, 64MP camera Cons: weaker processor, no NFC version.
- 📱 Redmi Note 9 Pro (India, 2020): almost identical to Note 9S, but with Snapdragon 720G and other firmware.
- 📱 Redmi Note 10 Pro (2021): Snapdragon 732G, screen AMOLED 120Hz, 108MP camera Pros: better display and performance.
- 📱 Redmi Note 12 Pro+ (2023): Dimensity 1080, OLED 120 Hz, charging. 120 Cons: price in 2-3 higher.
If you compare the Note 9S to the Note 10 Pro, the difference is mostly in the screen and the camera, but for basic tasks (social media, video, light games), there is almost no difference — both smartphones do equally well, but for photography or dynamic games, you should look at newer models.
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If you want a smartphone solely for calls, instant messengers and YouTube, the Redmi Note 9S is a great budget option in 2026, but for games (Genshin Impact, Call of Duty Mobile), it’s better to consider models with a Snapdragon 732G or later.
Relevance in 2026: pros and cons of buying
4 years after the release of the Redmi Note 9S can still be found on sale - both new (remains) and used. But is it worth buying today?
✅ Pluses:
- 💰 Low price: used can be found for 8-12 thousand rubles, new - up to 15 thousand.
- 🔋 Long run: the battery 5020 mAh still holds the charge better than many modern smartphones.
- 🛠️ Repairability: Cheap parts, many service centers.
- 📶 Network support: working in 4G (including the Band 20 for Europe).
❌ Cons:
- 🐢 Outdated processor: Snapdragon 720G Not playing modern games at high settings.
- 📸 Weak camera in 2026: 48 MP sounds impressive, but the quality is inferior even to public sector workers in 2023.
- 🔄 No high refresh rate: 60 Hz vs. 90/120 Hz for new models.
- 🛡️ Completion of updates: latest version MIUI — 14 (based on Android 13), there will be no new updates.
⚠️ Note: If you are buying a Redmi Note 9S b/y, be sure to check the status of the battery through the AccuBattery application or in the Settings menu → Battery condition: After 4 years of operation, the capacity could have dropped to 70-80% of the original capacity.
How long will the Xiaomi Redmi Note 9S last in 2026-2026?
The life of a smartphone depends on several factors: the intensity of use, the state of the battery and the support of the software.
- Performance: For everyday tasks (social networks, video, navigation) will last for another 2-3 years. for games – a maximum of 1-2 years on average settings.
- Battery: With careful use, it will last until 2026, but the capacity will gradually decrease.
- Software: Xiaomi has already stopped releasing updates for this model.The latest version of MIUI 14 (Android 13) will be supported until 2026, but new features will not receive.
- Repair: Parts are cheap and affordable, but 5-6 years after release, they may become harder to find.
If you’re not chasing the latest and need a reliable smartphone for basic tasks, the Redmi Note 9S will last for a few more years, but for photography, gaming or multitasking, it’s better to consider newer models, such as the Redmi Note 12 or the POCO X5 Pro.
Battery condition (capacity not lower than 80%)
Operation of all cameras and sensors
Absence of "glitch" screen (broken pixels, yellowness)
Speed of operation (no lags when opening applications)
Availability of the original charger-->
Redmi Note 9S alternatives in 2026
If the Redmi Note 9S doesn’t fit your specifications, but your budget is limited, consider these alternatives:
| Model | Year of release | Advantages | Price (b/y), rub. |
|---|---|---|---|
| Redmi Note 10 Pro | 2021 | AMOLED 120Hz, 108MP camera, Snapdragon 732G | 15 000–18 000 |
| POCO X3 Pro | 2021 | Snapdragon 860 (more powerful for gaming), 120Hz, stereo speakers | 14 000–17 000 |
| Redmi Note 11 | 2022 | AMOLED 90 Hz, Snapdragon 680 (energy efficient) | 13 000–16 000 |
| Samsung Galaxy A32 | 2021 | Super AMOLED 90 Hz, 4 years of updates, NFC | 16 000–20 000 |
If the budget allows, it is better to look at the Redmi Note 12 (2023). POCO X5 — offer AMOLED-You'll get more updates, more advanced processors, and longer, but if you want to save as much as possible, the Note will be the best. 9S Still, it's still a good option.
Why is the Redmi Note 9S still popular?
Where to buy Xiaomi Redmi Note 9S in 2026?
The new Redmi Note 9S is no longer available in the official stores, but it can be found:
- 🛒 Used market: Avito, Yula, Facebook Marketplace. Price: 8-12 thousand rubles depending on the condition.
- 🌍 Foreign sites: AliExpress (new residues), eBay (used from Europe: $100–150.
- 🏬 Local stores: sometimes new devices come across in small chains or at sales.
When buying a b/y, it is necessary to:
- Ask for an IMEI photo (check on imei.info for originality).
- Check if the battery has changed.
- Check the operation of all sensors (NFC, gyroscope, compass).
- Examine the body for dents or traces of falls.
⚠️ AliExpress sometimes sells "new" Redmi Note 9S priced $These are either fakes or refurbished devices, and the original new smartphone in 2026 can not cost more than 15 thousand rubles.
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If you want a smartphone solely for calls, social media and video, the Redmi Note 9S in 2026 is one of the best options for price/quality, but for games, photos or long-term use, it’s better to consider newer models.