Xiaomi’s second smartphone for Filipinos is the 1.6GHz quad core Snapdragon 400 powered Redmi 1S with a 4.7-inch IPS display and an 8MP camera.
The Redmi 1S is better suited to what we want – an affordable smartphone around the 5k price point with specs that can run apps and games smoothly, take high quality photos and not too large nor too small.
Some Xiaomi fans are disappointed that it isn’t the Redmi Note with the larger 5.5-inch screen. If you’re looking for a phablet, you better wait for that.
Meanwhile, let’s examine the features of the Xiaomi Redmi 1S. Its Snapdragon 400 processor, Adreno 305 graphics processor and 1GB RAM can achieve an Antutu score of up to 21,600 points!
The Redmi 1S also comes with 8GB of onboard storage and can be expanded up to 64GB using a microSD card.
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| MIUI v5 |
The 4.7-inch screen might be the biggest let down of the Redmi 1S. However, I know a lot of people who’d be contented and actually like this screen size. It also has 720 x 1280 pixels or HD resolution and an IPS panel. A layer of AGC DragonTrail glass also protects it from scratches.
Just like the Xiaomi Mi 3, the Redmi 1S also comes with MIUI v5 on top of the Android 4.3 Jelly Bean. The custom user interface offers a lot of improvements with plenty of themes to choose from including a Pinoy inspired theme. MIUI v6 update with Android 4.4 Kitkat is just around the corner too.
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| Hugo Barra announces the Redmi 1S |
The Redmi 1S has an 8MP autofocus main camera with an LED flash and f/2.2 aperture. There’s also a 1.6MP front facing camera which should take decent selfies in good lighting condition.
In terms of wireless connectivity, the Redmi 1S offers up to 3G HSPA+ access which might disappoint some who are hoping for the LTE version. It does have Bluetooth 4.0, GPS with GLONASS and of course, Wi-Fi.
Gamers and techies, you’ll be glad to know that Xiaomi Redmi 1S has USB OTG! Play a game with a USB game controller or connect an external HDD.
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| Interested with the Redmi 1S? |
Xiaomi Redmi 1S comes with a removable 2,000mAh Li-ion battery and the usual smartphone sensors including an electronic compass and gyroscope.
It will be available for purchase exclusively online via Lazada starting on September 4, 2014. The Redmi 1S might be sold out sooner than the Mi 3 due to its more affordable price.
Update: The next Xiaomi Redmi 1S sale will be on Sept. 12, 2014 at exactly 12 noon. You are required to pre-register here in order to participate in the sale.
Pre-registration is open just before midnight of September 11. Only those who pre-registered will be able to participate in the sale although it’s not a guarantee but sort of just your ticket.
Are you planning to buy the Redmi 1S on September 4 with its incredibly low price? Sound off in the comments!
Specs:
- 1.6GHz Quad Core Qualcomm Snapdragon 400 MSM8228 Processor
- Android 4.3 Jelly Bean OS with MIUI v5 User Interface
- 4.7-Inch HD IPS Display (1280 x 720 Pixels, 312 PPI)
- AGC DragonTrail Scratch Resistant Glass
- Adreno 305 GPU
- 8.0 Megapixel Autofocus Main Camera with LED Flash
- 1.6 Megapixel Front Camera
- 1GB of RAM
- 8GB Internal Storage
- Expandable up to 64GB via MicroSD
- Dual SIM/Dual Standby
- 3G HSPA+, 2G EDGE and GPRS Networks
- Wi-Fi and Wi-Fi Hotspot
- Bluetooth 4.0
- GPS with A-GPS and GLONASS
- FM Radio
- USB OTG Support
- 3.5mm Audio Jack
- Gyroscope
- Electronic Compass
- Accelerometer
- Proximity Sensor
- Ambient Light Sensor
- 137 x 69 x 9.9mm
- 2,000mAh Li-ion Battery
- ₱5,599.00 Official Price in the Philippines
