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Xiaomi Redmi 1S
Xiaomi Redmi 1S
Xiaomi Redmi 1S
Xiaomi Redmi 1S
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7.3/10
Informr score
The Xiaomi Redmi 1S currently has an Informr score of 7.3 out of 10. This score is based on our evaluation of 8 sources including reviews from users and the web's most trusted critics.

What's good

  • Impressive camera performance for budget category
  • Good basic performance
  • Budget price tag

What's bad

  • Performance lags with multiple apps open
  • Mediocre sunlight legibility
  • Colors fade on lower brightness setting

The Xiaomi Redmi 1S is the first handset from the company that is officially available outside of countries where Chinese is not the official language. As a budget phone, the Redmi 1S doesn't boast a sleek design and instead opts for a traditional rectangular shape. At 158 grams, it is definitely not lightweight or thin at 0.4 inches. While reviewers describe it as clunky, they also add that it is solidly built without any wobbles or creaks.

The front panel sports a 4.7-inch IPS display with a resolution of 720p. Experts describe it as one of the best displays on a budget phone due to its vivid colors, decent sunlight legibility and overall crispness. Firstpost, however, was not as impressed. While they agree that colors pop on maximum they add, "…turn it lower and the image turns insipid very quickly." Others noticed issues with sunlight legibility though they go on to state that it is better than other phones in its price range.

Performance-wise, the Redmi 1S comes packed with a 1.6GHz quad-core processor and 1GB of RAM. Synthetic benchmark tests place it slightly above the more expensive Moto G. When put into real-life situations, its performance is decent. Experts did not experience any major lag when navigating the menu, browsing the web or using basic apps. However, once they began multi-tasking with numerous apps they did notice slow-downs and the occasional crash. Graphics-intensive games also suffered from some stuttering and lag, but critics had no issues with more casual games.

When it comes to budget phones, most companies tend to save money on the camera. Fortunately, Redmi does not follow that trend and offers a 5-piece lens with an f/2.2 aperture to capture more light and a 28mm wide-angle lens for wider shots. Critics praise the camera as the best in its price range with accurate color reproduction and good contrast though they note that they had some issues with focus.

While it might not be the perfect phone, reviewers consider it one of the best budget smartphones available. India Times says, "It redefines the entry-level smartphone segment and creates a new benchmark. The phone is not just good on paper but is also an all-round performer…"


Android
Operating system
Operating system
Android
1.6 GHz
Processor
Processor
1.6 GHz
4.7"
Screen Size
Screen Size
4.7"
8+ MP
Camera
Camera
8+ MP
2000 mAh
Battery


What the Critics Are Saying...


Gadgets 360
Gadgets 360

Xiaomi continues the trend of aggressive pricing first set by Motorola earlier this year. Samsung and Micromax, who were comfortably ruling the roost in the under-10k price segment, have had the carpet pulled out from under them. Even more expensive phones such as the Moto E. The Micromax Unite 2 ca...

- Ershad Kaleebullah, Gadgets 360
Fone Arena
Fone Arena

The Redmi 1S is easily one of the best budget smartphones that you can buy in the market right now. Yes, it’s availability is restricted to online, especially on Flipkart, but it hasn’t stopped more than 200,000 people from buying it. So, if you are still on the fence, don’t think...

- Bharadwaj, Fone Arena
GSMArena
GSMArena

A heavily discounted midranger made a splash at the box office.

- GSMArena team, GSMArena
UnleashThePhones
UnleashThePhones

If you’re on a really tight budget and looking for a decent phone, there’s just nothing better out there right now. It’s really heartening to know that Xiaomi hasn’t attempted to cut corners on a device this inexpensive. At a similar (or close-ish) price, there’s the As...

- Clinton Jeff, UnleashThePhones
Tech Ticker
Tech Ticker

The Redmi 1S supports dual-SIM and has a good call quality that is helped by the dual mic for noise reduction. The battery on the device is rated at 2000mAh and in our tests with a single SIM, the phone lasted for more than a day with Wi-Fi and around 14 hours with two SIMs and lots of calls.The MIU...

- Kunal Gangar, Tech Ticker


Prices (Where to Buy)




Common Questions


Xiaomi backs up the Redmi 1S with a 1 Year parts & labour warranty.


If your Redmi 1S has problems and is still within its warranty period, you could contact Xiaomi support or the retailer you purchased the phone from. You'll find Xiaomi's contact information here. If your phone is off warranty and needs repair for a physical problem such as a broken screen or bad battery, you should visit an authorized service centre or a local phone repair shop. You can also connect with others in The Informr Community Forum to find and share answers to questions.




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Quick view

Screen Size
4.7"

The Xiaomi Redmi 1S's screen size is 4.7 inches with x pixels resolution.

Processor
1.6 GHz

There is a Qualcomm Snapdragon 400 MSM8228 Quad core 1.6 GHz processor (CPU).

OS

The phone runs on the Android 4.3 Jelly Bean operating system (OS).

Camera
8+ MP

You can take photos or capture video with the phone's onboard 8+ MP camera.

There is also a secondary front facing camera with 2+ megapixels resolution.

Storage
8 GB

Internal memory is 8 GB. An external, MicroSD, MicroSDHC, microSDXC (up to 64 GB) expansion slot is available for increased storage capacity.

Battery
2000mAh

The phone is powered by a Lithium-Ion (Li-Ion), 2000 mAh battery. Xiaomi's performance ratings are 3 days standby time, 891 minutes, 414 minutes Wi-Fi surfing.

Redmi 1S Specs

Overview
Release Date September 2, 2014
Regions Available USA
Operating System Android 4.3 Jelly Bean

Compare Android Smartphones

Processor Qualcomm Snapdragon 400 MSM8228 Quad core 1.6 GHz
Internal Storage 8 GB
RAM 1 GB
Hearing Aid Compatible No
TTY/TDD No
Noise Cancellation Yes
SAR Unknown
Manufacturer Warranty 1 Year
Accessories Included Data Cable, Manual, Standard Battery, USB Power Adapter
Cellular
Networks
GPRS, EDGE, HSUPA, HSPA+
Mobile / Cellular Data
Push-to-talk (PTT) No
Wi-Fi Calling No
Voice over LTE (VoLTE) No
SIM card size
Yes
Dual SIM Yes
Connectivity
USB Micro-USB 2.0
USB OTG Support Yes
GPS Type A-GPS
Infrared No
Bluetooth 4.0
Bluetooth Profiles A2DP
Bluetooth Audio Codecs SBC
Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n
Mobile Hotspot Yes
Memory Expansion Slot Yes
Expansion Slot Info MicroSD, MicroSDHC, microSDXC (up to 64 GB)
NFC No
Data Tethering Compatibility Yes
Camera
Main Camera
Resolution / Aperture
8+ Megapixels
Zoom
Yes
Flash
Yes (LED)
Additional Rear Camera Info
Auto focus, Effects, Face detection, Geotagging, ISO, Smile detection, White balance, HDR, Scene modes, Burst shot, Zero shutter lag
Video Recording Formats
3GP / 3GPP, H.264 / AVC, MPEG-4
Video Recording Parameters
Full HD (1920 x 1080 pixels), 30 fps
Front Camera
Resolution / Aperture
2+ Megapixels
Additional Front Camera Info
No
Video Recording Parameters
Display / Screen
Type Color
Technology LCD (IPS)
Colors 16.7 million
Resolution x pixels
Pixel Density 312 pixels
Size 4.7 inches
Secondary Display No
Sensors Ambient Light, Proximity, Motion / Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Digital Compass
Multi-Touch Yes
Fingerprint-Resistant Coating No
Additional Display Features Capacitive touch screen
Power & Battery
Battery Type Lithium-Ion (Li-Ion)
Battery Capacity 2000 mAh
Removable Battery Yes
Wireless Charging No
Fast Charging No
Video Playback Time Up to 402 minutes
Internet Use (Wi-Fi) Up to 414 minutes
Internet Use (Cellular) Unknown
Talk Time Up to 891 minutes
Standby Time Up to 3 days
Mixed Usage
Physical Characteristics
Design Type Bar
Material Plastic
Colors Black, Red, White
Dimensions [H x W x D] 13.7 x 6.9 x 1.0 cm (5.4 x 2.7 x 0.4 in)
Weight 158 grams
Water Resistant / Waterproof Unknown
Rugged design No
IP Rating No
Headset Jack 3.5mm
External Speakers Yes
Input / Navigation
Sleep / Wake Key Yes
Home Key Yes
Input / Keyboard Type Touchscreen
Navigation Type Touchscreen
External Volume Control Yes
Fingerprint Sensor No
More
Additional Information Other Names (AKA):

USB On-The-Go (OTG)
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