The way Xiaomi has dominated the ultra-competitive affordable smartphone market in India has been nothing short of incredible. Deserving the credit for this success is Xiaomi’s hugely popular Redmi Note series that gets better and better with every generation. Unsurprisingly, the Redmi Note 7 and the Redmi Note 7 Pro continue along the same lines.
However, Xiaomi seems to be hedging its bets this time around with the launch of the latest addition to the series – the Redmi Note 7S. How do the three siblings compare and which one is the best option for you? Let’s find out in this quick look at the Xiaomi Redmi Note 7 vs Redmi Note 7S vs Redmi Note 7 Pro specs comparison.
Xiaomi Redmi Note 7 vs Redmi Note 7S vs Redmi Note 7 Pro specs
| Xiaomi Redmi Note 7 | Xiaomi Redmi Note 7S | Xiaomi Redmi Note 7 Pro | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Display | 6.3-inch IPS LCD 2340 x 1080 resolution 19.5:9 aspect ratio ~409 ppi Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | 6.3-inch IPS LCD 2340 x 1080 resolution 19.5:9 aspect ratio ~409 ppi Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | 6.3-inch IPS LCD 2340 x 1080 resolution 19.5:9 aspect ratio ~409 ppi Corning Gorilla Glass 5 |
| Processor | octa-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 660 Adreno 512 GPU | octa-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 660 Adreno 512 GPU | octa-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 675 Adreno 612 GPU |
| RAM | 3/4GB | 3/4GB | 4/6GB |
| Storage | 32/64GB expandable via microSD up to 256GB | 32/64GB expandable via microSD up to 256GB | 64/128GB expandable via microSD up to 256GB |
| Cameras | 13MP front camera Rear camera: 12MP f/2.2 aperture 2MP depth sensor | 13MP front camera Rear camera: 48MP f/1.8 aperture 5MP depth sensor | 13MP front camera Rear camera: 48MP f/1.8 aperture 5MP depth sensor |
| Battery | 4,000mAh Qualcomm QuickCharge 4.0 support USB-C | 4,000mAh Qualcomm QuickCharge 4.0 support USB-C | 4,000mAh Qualcomm QuickCharge 4.0 support USB-C |
| Software | Android 9.0 Pie with MIUI 10 | Android 9.0 Pie with MIUI 10 | Android 9.0 Pie with MIUI 10 |
| Dimensions | 159.2 x 75.2 x 8.1mm 186g | 159.2 x 75.2 x 8.1mm 186g | 159.2 x 75.2 x 8.1mm 186g |
| Price | 9,999 rupees (3GB/32GB) 11,999 rupees (4GB/64GB) | 10,999 rupees (3GB/32GB) 12,999 rupees (4GB/64GB) | 13,999 rupees (4GB/64GB) 16,999 rupees (6GB/128GB) |
What’s in a name?
The Redmi Note 7S is the same as the global Redmi Note 7
Xiaomi may be the king of the affordable smartphone market, but it is also the emperor of confusing naming. The Indian version of the Xiaomi Redmi Note 7 and the Redmi Note 7 Pro aren’t available anywhere else. The global version of the Redmi Note 7 is essentially what is now launching in India as the Redmi Note 7S. Falling smack in the middle of the two, the Redmi Note 7S is Xiaomi’s attempt to bridge the gap between the affordability of the entry-level Redmi Note 7 and the premium photography skills of the Redmi Note 7 Pro.
The Redmi Note 7S is the perfect middle ground
It’s almost impossible to distinguish between the three. This is the Redmi Note 7S.
To start with, all three smartphones come with the same 6.3-inch Full HD+ display with a waterdrop notch and they are all powered by a 4,000mAh battery. The Redmi Note 7S also keeps the USB-C port that Xiaomi first introduced with its siblings, along with QC 4.0 fast charging capabilities. All three come with the same dimensions as well. Basically, it’ll be practically impossible to distinguish between the three Redmi Note 7 series devices at a glance.
In terms of specifications and features, the Redmi Note 7S has a lot more in common with the Redmi Note 7. You get the same processing package, the same amount of RAM, and an equal amount of built-in storage. The performance with both these devices will largely be identical.
However, the Redmi Note 7S earns its place as a step above its entry-level sibling because of the premium camera experience on offer. You get an all glass build with both, along with the vaunted 48MP rear camera that’s all the rage right now. The primary shooter is paired with a 5-megapixel depth sensor, similar to the one on the Redmi Note 7 Pro.
Pricing
- Xiaomi Redmi Note 7
- 3GB RAM/32GB storage – 9,999 rupees (~$144)
- 4GB RAM/64GB storage – 11,999 rupees (~$173)
- Xiaomi Redmi Note 7S
- 3GB RAM/32GB storage – 10,999 rupees (~$158)
- 4GB RAM/64GB storage – 12,999 rupees (~$187)
- Xiaomi Redmi Note 7 Pro
- 4GB RAM/64GB storage – 13,999 rupees (~$201)
- 6GB RAM/128GB storage – 16,999 rupees (~$245)
Which is the right Redmi Note 7 for you?
The Redmi Note 7 Pro
The Redmi Note 7 Pro remains the king of the hill. If you are looking for excellent performance, flagship-level RAM and built-in storage, and a camera experience that belies its price point, the Note 7 Pro is the best way to go.
What the Redmi Note 7S does is make the Redmi Note 7 redundant. For just 1,000 rupees (~$15) more, you get a far superior camera experience while everything else remains the same. It remains to be seen if Xiaomi will drop the price of the Redmi Note 7 to space out the range and make it even more competitive. At the end of the day, if you’re looking for an option that is more affordable than the Redmi Note 7 Pro, the Redmi Note 7S is now your best bet.
Looking for more options beyond the Xiaomi Redmi Note 7 series?