Xiaomi Redmi S2 Redmi Y2 Full Specs Pricing Pros & Cons Unveiled

Design and Build

The Xiaomi Redmi S2, also known in some markets as the Redmi Y2, boasts a sleek and modern design. The device features a glass front, plastic back, and a plastic frame, making it lightweight and easy to use. With dimensions of 160.7 x 77.3 x 8.1 mm and weighing only 170 grams, it is ergonomic and fits comfortably in your hand. The phone supports dual SIM cards, allowing users to manage two numbers simultaneously.

Display

The Redmi S2 sports a 5.99-inch IPS LCD display with a resolution of 720 x 1440 pixels, offering an 18:9 aspect ratio. The screen covers approximately 74.5% of the phone's front, providing a satisfactory viewing experience for multimedia consumption, browsing, and gaming. Although the resolution is on the lower side compared to higher-end models, the display remains vibrant with decent color reproduction and adequate brightness levels for typical usage.

Performance

Under the hood, the Xiaomi Redmi S2 is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 625 chipset, built on a 14 nm process. This octa-core processor, clocked at 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53, ensures smooth handling of everyday tasks and moderate multitasking without significant lag. The device is equipped with the Adreno 506 GPU, which supports light gaming and graphics applications.

Memory and Storage

The smartphone offers two variants in terms of memory and storage: one with 3GB of RAM and 32GB of internal storage, and the other with 4GB of RAM and 64GB of internal storage. This flexibility allows consumers to choose based on their multitasking needs and storage requirements. Additionally, the device includes a dedicated microSDXC card slot, enabling users to expand the storage further if necessary.

Camera

Main Camera

The Redmi S2 is equipped with a dual-camera setup on the back, which includes a 12 MP primary sensor with an f/2.2 aperture and a 5 MP depth sensor with an f/2.4 aperture. This combination facilitates capturing sharp images with a natural depth of field effect, essential for portrait photography. The camera supports features like LED flash, panorama, and HDR, enhancing overall photo quality. Users can record videos at 1080p@30fps with gyro-EIS support for stable footage.

Selfie Camera

For selfie enthusiasts, the phone features a 16 MP front camera with an f/2.5 aperture, equipped with HDR and LED flash. This setup promises high-quality selfies, even in low light conditions, and supports video recording at 1080p@30fps, suitable for video calls and social media content creation.

Battery Life

The device is powered by a 3080 mAh non-removable Li-Po battery, supporting 10W wired charging. While not featuring fast charging seen in more modern devices, the battery provides decent endurance with a rating of 92 hours, making it sufficient for a full day of typical usage without recharging.

Network and Connectivity

The Redmi S2 supports multiple connectivity options, including GSM, CDMA, HSPA, and LTE networks, ensuring broad compatibility with various carriers. The device provides a maximum download speed of up to 300Mbps on compatible networks.

Additional connectivity features include Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct, Bluetooth 4.2, an infrared port for remote control functionality, and microUSB 2.0. It also includes a 3.5mm headphone jack and FM radio support.

Software

Out of the box, the Redmi S2 runs on Android 8.1 Oreo with Xiaomi's MIUI 9 skin. However, it can be upgraded to Android 9 with MIUI 12. This custom interface offers various optimizations and additional features that enhance user experience.

Sensors and Additional Features

The smartphone comes equipped with several useful sensors, including a rear-mounted fingerprint sensor, accelerometer, gyro, proximity, and compass. These sensors improve user interaction and device functionality.

Audio and Sound

The Redmi S2 includes a loudspeaker and a 3.5mm audio jack, ensuring that users can enjoy music and audio content conveniently. The sound quality is adequate for personal use, with specific noise and crosstalk values enhancing the audio experience.

Pricing and Availability

The Xiaomi Redmi S2 was announced in May 2018 and became available shortly thereafter. The device was released in several color options, including Gray, Gold, Rose Gold, Mesmerizing Blue, and Stunning Black. Priced at approximately 160 EUR at launch, the Redmi S2 offers a budget-friendly option for users seeking a well-rounded smartphone.

Conclusion

The Xiaomi Redmi S2 is a compelling choice for budget-conscious consumers seeking a device with reliable performance, decent camera capabilities, and a balanced set of features. While it may not have the capabilities of more modern or high-end smartphones, its affordable price and comprehensive specifications make it an attractive option for everyday use.