Xiaomi Unveils Redmi Note 9S in Singapore, Plus Two New Devices — Mi Smart Compact Projector and Mi Handheld Vacuum (Note 9S Arrives First)

Singapore has become the battleground for Xiaomi’s mid-range push in 2020, as the company unveils a trio of new products with the Redmi Note 9S taking center stage in the eyes of many fans. While the anticipation was for a single device, Xiaomi rolled out three new offerings, with two currently available in Singapore and a third awaiting broader availability. The Redmi Note 9S dominates the launch narrative, bringing a robust feature set to a competitive price point. Alongside it, Xiaomi introduced a pair of ecosystem devices aimed at expanding the brand’s smart home and IoT ambitions. This multi-device launch underlines Xiaomi’s strategic objective to blend high-value smartphones with a growing suite of connected devices, all designed to integrate seamlessly with its software and IoT platform.

In Singapore, the Redmi Note 9S goes on sale starting March 27, 2020, at two price points that map to different memory configurations: SGD 299 for the 4GB RAM + 64GB storage variant, and SGD 349 for the 6GB RAM + 128GB storage variant. The device is positioned as a mid-range performer that balances modern design, strong display quality, capable camera hardware, and reliable day-to-day performance. While the price ladder makes it accessible to a broad audience, Xiaomi also teased flash sale opportunities and channel-wide availability patterns that align with their Singaporean market strategy. The company’s emphasis is clear: deliver a compelling value proposition that combines premium technology with honest pricing, a hallmark that Xiaomi has cultivated over years of global smartphone launches. The Redmi Note 9S will be offered in three colors—Interstellar Grey, Aurora Blue, and Glacier White—and it carries Corning Gorilla Glass 5 protections on both the front and back. The device’s dimensions stand at 165.75 by 76.68 by 8.8 millimeters, with a weight of approximately 209 grams, yielding a compact, comfortable hold in the hand. The aesthetics embrace a symmetrical design philosophy, reinforcing a sense of balance and precision that Xiaomi has pursued across its Redmi Note lineup.

The Redmi Note 9S is built around a 6.67-inch DotDisplay, a screen that aims to deliver an immersive viewing experience with a Full HD+ resolution of 2400 by 1080 pixels. The color gamut covers NTSC around 84 percent (typical), providing a reasonably wide color range for daily media consumption, gaming, and general use. The contrast ratio is rated at around 1500:1 (typical), while peak brightness reaches approximately 450 nits (typical), offering a usable picture under various lighting conditions. A Reading Mode 2.0 feature is included, along with HDR10 support, highlighting Xiaomi’s attempt to balance portability with modern display capabilities. The display is complemented by TÜV Rheinland low blue light certification, a feature designed to minimize eye strain during extended usage — a practical consideration for users who spend long sessions on their device.

In terms of imaging, the Redmi Note 9S sports a quad-camera arrangement on the rear that prioritizes a high-resolution main sensor along with wide-angle and specialized lenses. The rear camera module features a 48MP main sensor, paired with an 8MP ultra-wide-angle lens, a 5MP macro lens, and a 2MP depth sensor. The primary camera uses a 1/2-inch sensor size with 1.6µm 4-in-1 Super Pixel technology and a 0.8µm pixel size, enabling higher-quality daytime photos with improved sensitivity. The main camera is paired with an autofocus system and a 6P lens, with a 79-degree field of view. The 8MP ultra-wide-angle lens supports a broader perspective with a 119-degree field of view, while the 5MP macro lens is designed for close-up shots in the 2cm to 10cm range. The depth sensor helps produce more pronounced subject separation and bokeh effects for portraits.

For selfies, the Redmi Note 9S includes a 16MP AI-powered front camera with a 1.0µm pixel size, a fast aperture (f/2.48), a 5P lens, and a 82.4-degree field of view. These specifications reflect a focus on versatile imaging capabilities that cover standard photography needs, social media sharing, and video calling across everyday scenarios. In addition to hardware, software-driven features such as AI enhancements help optimize photography and videography experiences, a common approach for mid-range devices aiming to deliver more than basic photography.

Powering the Redmi Note 9S is Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 720G, a processor built on an octa-core architecture with Kryo 465 cores, capable of clocking up to 2.3 GHz. The GPU is Adreno 618, and the chipset utilizes an 8nm process technology, contributing to efficiency as well as performance. This device also benefits from Qualcomm’s 5th generation AI Engine, which works in tandem with the processor to accelerate on-device AI tasks, optimize power use, and improve overall responsiveness in everyday apps, camera, and gaming scenarios. The Redmi Note 9S is offered in two memory configurations: 4GB RAM with 64GB storage, and 6GB RAM with 128GB storage, with expandable storage support up to 512GB via microSD. This approach provides a flexible storage strategy for users who may store a large photo library, video content, or local media for media consumption and offline use.

Connectivity on the Redmi Note 9S centers on Dual SIM (Dual 4G), enabling robust network coverage across Singapore’s operators. The device supports a broad range of LTE bands to ensure compatibility with available networks, including 2G/3G/4G variants across different regions. In terms of standard peripherals, it includes a 3.5mm headphone jack, Bluetooth 5.0 for reliable wireless audio and data transfer, and USB Type-C for charging and data. An infrared (IR) remote control feature adds practical control for compatible home devices, aligning with Xiaomi’s IoT ecosystem strategy. The device also keeps a dedicated 3.5mm audio accessory support and ensures a reasonable set of connectivity options common to contemporary Android devices.

Battery life is anchored by a 5020mAh capacity, with an in-box charger delivering 22.5W of fast charging support. The device supports 18W fast charging, ensuring a balance between rapid replenishment and heat management. The battery and charging configuration suggests a design intent focused on all-day use for typical smartphone workloads, including multimedia consumption, gaming, camera usage, and productivity tasks. The combination of a substantial battery and relatively swift charging aligns with Xiaomi’s target audience for mid-range devices who require dependable endurance without compromising on price.

The Redmi Note 9S also emphasizes a design language that is consistent with Xiaomi’s broader Redmi Note family. The body includes a symmetrical silhouette, a front screen protected by Gorilla Glass 5, and a glass-backed chassis that not only looks premium but provides practical durability. The physical footprint and weight are tuned to deliver a comfortable grip and stable handling during one-handed use, tips that often influence consumer perception and long-term satisfaction with a mid-range device. The device’s physical architecture also aligns with practical considerations such as a power button that doubles as a fingerprint sensor, optimizing unlocking speed and convenience in daily interactions with the device.

Beyond hardware, Xiaomi positions the Redmi Note 9S as a “notch-free” design with a unique camera module layout that emphasizes a premium appearance while maintaining practical usability in everyday life. The company highlights the use of Corning Gorilla Glass 5 on both front and back surfaces, which underlines a focus on scratch resistance and long-term visual appeal. The combination of a tactile metal-like frame, glass surfaces, and a precise camera module contributes to a refined, contemporary aesthetic that resonates with mainstream consumers seeking both performance and style in a single package.

In Singapore’s market context, the Redmi Note 9S is introduced alongside a broader ecosystem strategy that includes two additional Xiaomi products: the Mi Smart Compact Projector and the Mi Handheld Vacuum Cleaner. The projector is positioned as a compact, high-utility device priced at SGD 699, with availability via Lazada beginning April 20. The vacuum cleaner, on the other hand, is priced at 199 euros, but at the time of the launch there is no confirmed availability date for Singapore. This triplet of product introductions illustrates Xiaomi’s dual-pronged approach in Singapore: deliver a compelling smartphone experience with the Redmi Note 9S while simultaneously expanding the local IoT and smart home repertoire through ecosystem devices. The Singapore market serves as a strategic testbed and showcase for how Xiaomi envisages the convergence of smartphones, smart devices, and online retail platforms to deliver a seamless consumer experience.

In addition to the hardware, Xiaomi’s press materials emphasize a broader narrative about the Redmi Note 9S’s role within the Redmi Note family, highlighting design continuity, the sense of a flagship experience in a mid-range device, and a long-battery-life proposition supported by a capable chipset. The company frames the Redmi Note 9S as part of a “performance champion” lineup designed to meet the needs of a diverse consumer base that values device longevity, camera versatility, and an experience that remains accessible in pricing. This narrative is reinforced by the inclusion of a 6.67-inch display with a balance of sharpness and immersion, a recognizable feature across Redmi devices intended to appeal to fans of the brand who desire more screen real estate for media consumption, gaming, and productivity on the go.

As part of the broader product rollout, Xiaomi notes that the Redmi Note 9S will be available in two primary configurations for sale in Singapore: a SGD 299 option with 4GB RAM and 64GB of internal storage, and a SGD 349 option with 6GB RAM and 128GB of storage. The device’s Singapore entry is framed with a clear launch window, including a Lazada online exclusive sale for the 4GB/64GB version from March 27 through March 31, 2020, before the model becomes available across all channels, including official Mi Stores and major e-commerce platforms, starting April 1, 2020. A flash sale event offers SGD 249 for the 4GB/64GB variant, anchored to Lazada’s eighth birthday promotion on March 27, 2020. This approach exemplifies Xiaomi’s retail strategy for Singapore, which often leverages limited-time discounts and online channels to drive initial uptake, while ensuring broad accessibility across both online and offline channels after the introductory window.

The 6GB/128GB version is priced at SGD 349, with pre-sales commencing on April 1, 2020, and the first official sale occurring on April 7, 2020. The company confirms that all three color options—Interstellar Grey, Aurora Blue, and Glacier White—will be available for both memory configurations in Singapore. This pricing strategy positions the Redmi Note 9S as an attractive option for consumers who seek a balanced blend of performance and storage with an approachable price tag. Xiaomi’s Singapore team also signals ongoing expansion of its distribution network and retail presence, signalling a longer-term commitment to strengthening the brand’s retail footprint across the city-state.

In sum, the Redmi Note 9S represents a strategic push by Xiaomi into the Singaporean market, leveraging a strong camera setup, solid performance, generous battery capacity, and a display that emphasizes immersion and everyday usability. The pricing ladder, combined with selective online-exclusive promotions and future broad-channel availability, suggests a comprehensive approach intended to maximize reach while preserving the device’s perceived value. This launch is complemented by the broader ecosystem strategy, including a projector and a handheld vacuum cleaner, designed to populate Xiaomi’s Smart Home and IoT landscape in Singapore and beyond.

Mi Smart Compact Projector: Availability and Singapore launch details

The Mi Smart Compact Projector enters the Singapore market as part of Xiaomi’s ecosystem expansion, signaling the company’s intent to embed more IoT devices into consumer households. The projector is slated to be available through Lazada for Singaporean customers, with a launch date set for April 20 and a price point of SGD 699. This product is positioned to complement the Redmi Note 9S by providing a versatile home entertainment and presentation tool, suitable for a range of settings from living rooms to bedrooms. The projector’s inclusion underscores Xiaomi’s emphasis on delivering a holistic smart home experience, where the smartphone acts as a central hub, and compatible devices extend the user’s digital life across multiple contexts and use cases.

Mi Handheld Vacuum Cleaner: Pricing and availability

In addition to the projector, Xiaomi announced the Mi Handheld Vacuum Cleaner, which is priced at 199 euros. At the time of the Singapore launch, there is no confirmed availability date for Singapore for this particular device. The vacuum cleaner’s introduction into the ecosystem reflects Xiaomi’s ongoing push to diversify its IoT product portfolio, broadening its reach into cleaning and household robotics, areas that have become increasingly important in the company’s strategy to create integrated, convenient smart-home experiences. The inclusion of a price in euros suggests a broader European market strategy, while the Singapore market may follow in a staggered timeline subject to logistic and regulatory considerations. The lack of an immediate Singapore availability date further signals a measured rollout approach, where Xiaomi tests demand in key markets and adjusts distribution plans accordingly.

Press release overview and company statements

Xiaomi’s formal press materials document the Redmi Note 9S’s Singapore introduction alongside the spread of ecosystem devices. The press release frames Redmi Note 9S as a “new mid-range performance champion” featuring a powerful processor, symmetrical design, an outstanding quad-camera setup, and a long-lasting battery. It notes that the Redmi Note 9S will be available in Singapore starting March 27, 2020, with a SGD 299 price for the 4GB+64GB variant and a SGD 249 flash-sale price during Lazada’s promotions. The release also references the broader price points including SGD 299 and SGD 349 for the two primary configurations. In the press materials, Xiaomi emphasizes its commitment to delivering “the five-star experience Redmi Note users have come to expect,” underscoring a philosophy of accessible technology delivered with a focus on quality and performance.

The release references the global online stream launch for Redmi Note 9S, highlighting the device’s role in a broader Redmi Note lineage that combines value, performance, and design. It provides quotes from company leadership, including Nicholas Shi, Xiaomi Country Manager for Malaysia and Singapore, who articulates the brand’s broader philosophy: Redmi Note series is the company’s most popular smartphone line, noted for innovation, performance, and honest pricing. Shi emphasizes the goal of ensuring everyone can access the latest technology at attractive prices, a central tenet of Xiaomi’s strategy in Singapore and other markets. The messaging stresses that, even in challenging times, Xiaomi aims to bring technology to users with affordability and ease of access, a mission that aligns with the company’s IoT expansion.

The press materials also discuss the Redmi Note 9S’s “performance reigns supreme” through its chipset and enhanced battery life. The Snapdragon 720G is highlighted as a capable solution that blends CPU and GPU performance with efficiency benefits from the 8nm process. The device’s AI capabilities are framed as part of a broader third-generation AI strategy that improves the user experience in photography, gaming, and everyday use. The press release notes the device’s Z-axis linear vibration motor for more responsive haptic feedback, a feature Xiaomi identifies as an upgrade in tactile sensation compared to conventional motors. The 5020mAh battery is presented as a core endurance feature, with 18W fast charging support and a 22.5W charger included in the box for quick top-ups.

Design and display are underscored as premium elements, including Xiaomi’s first-notch-free approach to the Redmi Note 9S’s in-display front camera arrangement, a unique camera layout, and the side-mounted fingerprint sensor that doubles as a power button for convenient unlocking. The device’s display is described as a 6.67-inch FHD+ DotDisplay, emphasizing the immersive experience and the device’s 91% screen-to-body ratio, contributing to a premium feel. The TÜV Rheinland low blue light certification is highlighted as a feature intended to reduce eye strain during extended viewing sessions, aligning with marketing goals that emphasize user comfort and long-term usability.

Color options—Interstellar Grey, Aurora Blue, and Glacier White—are noted, with attention to durability features like Corning Gorilla Glass 5 on the front and back and splash-proof nano coating to enhance resilience against everyday wear and splashes. The camera system’s emphasis on a high-resolution main sensor, wide-angle capabilities, micro photography through macro lens, and depth sensing for portrait effects is reinforced by the press materials. The front camera’s 16MP composition and in-display placement are presented as key elements in improving selfie quality and reducing visible bezels, a consistent theme in Xiaomi’s design language for mid-range devices.

The press release also documents broader ecosystem ambitions for 2020, with Xiaomi signaling a push to diversify into IoT devices beyond smartphones. The company’s leadership highlights that Xiaomi intends to bring more IoT products to Singapore in 2020, facilitated by an expanded network of Authorized Mi Stores and a broader retail and online presence. The statement emphasizes the goal of enabling more Singaporeans to enjoy smart home technologies through seamless integration with Xiaomi smartphones, illustrating how the Redmi Note 9S serves as a gateway into an expanded ecosystem. The company’s leadership underscores the emphasis on accessible technology and the democratization of innovation, a central theme as Xiaomi outlines its roadmap for 2020.

Additional context and corporate background

The broader corporate narrative in the press materials situates Xiaomi as a global technology company that originated in 2010 and later listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange in July 2018. The materials describe Xiaomi as an internet company that connects smartphones and smart hardware through a central IoT platform. The company’s mission statement emphasizes a commitment to innovation, quality, and value, with a focus on making technologies accessible to people around the world. The press release features a portrait of Xiaomi as a company that aspires to be recognized as the “coolest” company in the hearts of its users, a positioning that aligns with a consumer-focused identity and a willingness to push new product formats and ecosystems into markets like Singapore.

In terms of market presence and scale, the press materials position Xiaomi as the world’s fourth-largest smartphone brand and the operator of a leading consumer IoT platform, with more than 213 million smart devices connected to its platform, excluding smartphones and laptops. The materials emphasize a global footprint across more than 90 countries and regions, highlighting Xiaomi’s breadth and influence in diverse markets. The press narrative notes Xiaomi’s inclusion on the Fortune Global 500 list for the first time in July 2019, where the company ranked 468th overall and 7th among internet companies, marking a milestone in the company’s growth trajectory. The materials emphasize that Xiaomi is the youngest company on the 2019 Fortune Global 500 list, signaling a rapid ascent in both consumer hardware and the broader IoT ecosystem space.

Summary and implications for Singapore

Xiaomi’s Singapore launch of the Redmi Note 9S, along with the Mi Smart Compact Projector and Mi Handheld Vacuum Cleaner, reflects a carefully orchestrated strategy to combine a strong mid-range smartphone with a diversified ecosystem. Pricing, availability windows, and channel strategies are tuned to maximize reach within Singapore’s dynamic retail landscape, leveraging Lazada as a key online platform in conjunction with physical Mi Stores and partner retailers. The Projector’s Singapore debut via Lazada at SGD 699 broadens Xiaomi’s portfolio and aligns with a growing trend toward home-entertainment augmentation through compact, affordable projection devices. The vacuum cleaner’s euro-based price point signals a broader European push while leaving room for Singapore-specific rollout decisions, as logistics and regulatory considerations shape the pace and scope of market entry. The overall strategy places smartphones at the center of a broader IoT-driven, smart-home experience in Singapore, positioning Xiaomi to leverage its device ecosystem in ways that can create cross-device synergies and stickier customer relationships.

Conclusion

Xiaomi’s Singapore launch in 2020 demonstrates a bold, multi-device strategy that targets both ongoing smartphone demand and the growing appetite for connected home devices. The Redmi Note 9S embodies a strong mid-range option that blends modern design, capable imaging, a bright display, robust battery life, and thoughtful hardware choices at accessible prices. The accompanying ecosystem devices—the Mi Smart Compact Projector and the Mi Handheld Vacuum Cleaner—signal Xiaomi’s intent to build out a cohesive IoT and smart-home portfolio in Singapore, enhancing the value proposition of owning a Xiaomi device beyond the phone itself. The launch narrative, with pricing at SGD 299 and SGD 349 for the Redmi Note 9S in Singapore and promotional opportunities around Lazada, emphasizes a consumer-centric approach designed to maximize adoption while reinforcing Xiaomi’s broader mission of democratizing access to technology. The company’s emphasis on design, performance, and long-term utility—supported by a global IoT strategy and local market commitments—illustrates Xiaomi’s continuing evolution from a smartphone maker to a broader technology and lifestyle ecosystem player.

Notes on the broader Xiaomi proposition for 2020

• Xiaomi frames Redmi Note 9S as part of a broader lineup that balances performance and value, with a focus on user experience across camera, battery, and display. The device’s design and features reflect a deliberate attempt to deliver a premium feel at a mid-range price, a hallmark of the Redmi Note sub-brand that has historically resonated with value-seeking consumers.
• The product ecosystem is a strategic pillar, designed to elevate Xiaomi’s presence in homes via IoT products that complement smartphone usage. The Mi Smart Compact Projector, sold through Lazada in Singapore, demonstrates how Xiaomi leverages ecommerce channels to broaden access to its ecosystem hardware.
• The Mi Handheld Vacuum Cleaner shows Xiaomi’s intent to diversify beyond handheld gadgets into household appliances, reinforcing the company’s multi-category IoT strategy.

Xiaomi’s Singapore journey in 2020 represents a testbed case for how a major consumer electronics brand can synchronize hardware, software, and ecosystem products to deliver a unified user experience that spans daily life, entertainment, and smart-home automation. As the company continues to expand its reach in Singapore, the Redmi Note 9S stands as a contemporary mid-range choice that captures the balance between performance, design, and price, while the two ecosystem devices illustrate the ambition to integrate a broader range of connected devices into a cohesive consumer environment. The approach signals a deliberate shift toward a more integrated lifestyle experience for Singaporean consumers, one that emphasizes not only a compelling smartphone but also a growing suite of devices designed to work together under Xiaomi’s IoT umbrella.