Xiaomi Redmi 1S Unboxing

The Redmi 1S comes with a 4.7-inch HD display, quad-core Snapdragon 400 processor with 1 GB RAM running Android 4.3 Jelly Bean. Priced at just Rs. 5999, it packs the specs of the Moto G which is priced at twice the amount. But does it sound too good to be true, let's find out more about the Redmi 1S in our unboxing and first impressions.

Unboxing Video

In the Box

With the Redmi 1S you get a very modest package and considering its price, that is not surprising. You get a USB Wall-charger, a USB to Micro-USB data-cable and your usual documentation.

Box Contents

• Redmi 1S Smartphone
• USB Wall-charger
• Micro-USB to USB Data-syncing/charging Cable
• 2000 mAh Battery
• User Manual and Warranty Statements

Xiaomi Redmi 1S Key Specs

• Display: 4.7-inch IPS HD, 720x1280 Pixels, 312 PPI, Asahi Dragontrail Glass protection
• Processor: 1.6 GHz, Quad-core, Snapdragon 400 MSM8228
• GPU: Adreno 305
• Camera: 8 MP Primary, BSI Sensor, 1080p Video Recording, 1.6 MP Front-camera
• Memory: 1 GB RAM, 8 GB ROM expandable up to 64 GB with MicroSD Cards
• Connectivity: 3G, Dual-SIM, WiFi b/g/n, Bluetooth 4.0, GPS with GLONASS support, FM Radio
• Battery: 2000 mAh, Removable

Build

The Redmi 1S does seem a bit bulky when you hold it for the first time. Given that it weighs in at 158 grams that's not a surprise. However, you can easily use the phone in one hand thanks to the rounded sides, but the overall boxy look of the phone doesn't help its cause.

In the front you have the usual set of proximity and light sensors right up top with the 1.6 MP front-facing camera alongwith the earpiece which has a black grill, just below it is the 4.7-inch HD IPS display which is protected from scratches by Asahi Dragontrail Glass. There is a bit of a lip to the front panel as well which might protect the display in case of a face-front impact. Then there are three red colored capacitive buttons for Menu, Home and Back, in that very order. These do not light up. You also have a notification LED just below the Home button.

There's nothing on the left apart from the dual-tone finish added by the rear metal grey back-cover. At the top you have the 3.5mm audio jack while the micro-USB port has been shifted to the bottom of the device.

The right side houses the power button as well as the volume rocker. Both are sturdy, offer good feedback and are easily reachable. The bottom houses the micro-USB data-syncing and charging port alongwith the primary microphone. Moving to the back you have a 8 MP primary camera with BSI sensor, LED flash, secondary noise cancellation microphone as well as the speakerphone. The back-cover in itself is sturdy and doesn't flex easily.

You also have two full-size (regular) SIM card slots and a micro-SD card slot which can take up to 64 GB cards. Just below the SIM card slots there’s the battery compartment which houses the phone’s 2000 mAh battery. The build of the device does seem solid at first go.

First Impressions

At first look the Redmi 1S seems a bit unremarkable, given its diminutive design. But you just can't forget those specs. As soon as you boot the device you are greeted to that beautiful, sharp HD display which seems to have excellent color reproduction and wide viewing angles. Apart from that, even if MIUI seems a bit alien you can easily find your way around the OS.

Even in terms of build quality, apart from its slightly bulky appearance I have no major qualms. The display has excellent touch response as well. Even scrolling through the interface and opening up apps you understand the hidden power inside the device. There is no bottleneck in this device preventing it from performing great. But these are just the first impressions, we will put the Redmi 1S through the ringer and bring its benchmarks, gaming review soon followed by an extensive Full Review.

Unboxing Image Gallery