Xiaomi launches the Redmi Note 9S: a 9 Pro for more of the world

Xiaomi has launched a new addition to the Redmi Note series today (March 23, 2020). The 9S does indeed have the same internals and I/O as the nearly-new 9 Pro - its IR blaster and 3.5mm jack included - but is directed at markets besides India in this launch. In addition, it seems the OEM has decided to make a subtle change to the phone's rear camera configuration.

These shooters still come into the unique housing debuted in the Note 9 Pro and Pro Max. Their resolutions and other specs also remain the same - except for the main 48MP lens' f-stop. It is 1.6, as opposed to the 1.8 of the original Pro variant. This suggests that the 2 have different primary sensors, although Xiaomi failed to address this point during the new phone's presentation.

Recently, Xiaomi Malaysia has been teasing this device, suggesting that the Redmi Note 9S might be exclusive to this market. However, this is not the case: it has also been released to the Singaporean and Thai markets, with a subsequent worldwide launch on the way.

Unsurprisingly, the 9S has SKUs of either 4GB RAM/64GB internal storage or 6GB/128GB. They will cost 799 and 899 Malaysian ringgit (MYR, or US$180 and 202) respectively. In Singapore, these prices have been set at 299-349 dollars (US$204-239), or 6499-7999 Thai baht (US$197-243).

For all other customers, the Redmi Note 9S will be released onto AliExpress from April 7, 2020. It will be priced from US$249 to $279 on this platform. Finally, Xiaomi has also announced a Mi Fan Festival (MFF) edition of this phone, which comes in a deep navy blue rather than the Aurora Blue, Glacier White or Interstellar Gray of the normal units.

There is no word on a pricing variation for this commemorative 10-year anniversary version, although there will be only 2020 of its units available on its April 2020 launch.