Xiaomi today unveiled another new Redmi smartphone in China: the Redmi S2. The handset sets a new benchmark for what a budget smartphone should offer with its specs and dual-camera setup.
At the front of the Redmi S2 is a 6-inch 18:9 aspect ratio display, though it does not have FHD+ resolution. Instead, it features a 720p+ (1440 x 720) resolution. This is paired with a Snapdragon 625 chipset — an octa-core chip running at 2GHz, 3/4GB RAM, 32/64GB of internal storage, and a microSD card slot.
Other specs include a microUSB port, IR blaster, Wi-Fi n, Bluetooth 4.1, fingerprint sensor, and the usual bevy of sensors. The handset is powered by a 3080mAh battery which is quite a bit lower than the 4000mAh battery usually found in other Xiaomi smartphones.
The handset is priced at 999 yuan ($160) in China, with the 4GB/64GB variant coming in at 1299 yuan. What’s interesting is that despite its low price, the Redmi S2 features a dual-camera setup at its rear. The primary sensor is a 12MP one which is paired with a secondary 5MP depth sensor. This allows the Redmi S2 to capture portrait photos. There’s also a 16MP selfie shooter at the front which makes use of AI portrait and AI beauty mode to capture stunning selfies. There’s also face unlock on the handset.
On the software front, the Redmi S2 runs on MIUI 9.5 based on Android 8.1 Oreo.
The Redmi S2 goes on sale in Chian from May 17 on major online stores like Tmall, Mi Store, and more.
Its unclear if Xiaomi will bring the Redmi S2 to other markets outside of China or not, especially India where its Redmi smartphones are doing incredibly well.