The Redmi 1S was Xiaomi’s breakout budget hit in India, but a decade later, it’s a nostalgia buy that struggles with modern apps. This guide cuts through the hype with hard facts on current used prices, real-world limitations, and how it stacks up against cheap Samsung alternatives.

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Original launch price: ₹5,999 (India) ·
RAM: 1 GB ·
Storage: 8 GB (expandable) ·
Battery: 2000 mAh (removable) ·
Rear camera: 8 MP ·
Processor: Snapdragon 400

Quick snapshot

1Confirmed facts
2What’s unclear
  • Whether the Indian variant supports 4G LTE (some sources say no, others list limited bands)
  • Exact number of units sold (Xiaomi never published official figures)
3Timeline signal
  • Launched in India in 2014 at ₹5,999 (GSMArena)
  • Discontinued by 2015–2016; resale market active since (Gadgets 360)
  • Still tracked in price databases as of 2025 (HT Tech, Smartprix) (GSMArena)
4What’s next
  • Used/refurbished demand continues for backup phones and collectors
  • Budget alternatives (Redmi 15C, Samsung M-series) offer modern features for ₹7,000–₹10,000
  • If buying a Redmi 1S, check 4G compatibility and battery health

Six key facts, one pattern: the Redmi 1S defined what a budget phone could deliver in 2014, but its decade-old hardware struggles today.

Specification Value
Launch date 2014 (India)
Original price ₹5,999
Current used price ₹2,000–₹3,500
Processor Snapdragon 400 quad-core 1.6 GHz
OS at launch MIUI 5 based on Android 4.3
Battery type Removable Li-Ion 2000 mAh

Is Redmi 1 worth buying?

  • Redmi 1 vs Redmi 1S: The Redmi 1 launched at ₹4,999 with a MediaTek processor; the 1S upgraded to a Snapdragon 400 and 8 MP camera (GSMArena). The 1S became the real budget star.
  • Who should still consider buying a Redmi 1S today: As a secondary phone for calls, SMS, and basic WhatsApp, it works. But 1 GB RAM and 8 GB storage (only 6.1 GB usable per Gadgets Now) choke on modern apps. Heavy users will find it frustrating.
The trade-off

A Redmi 1S buyer in 2025 gets a cheap backup phone but loses 4G reliability, app compatibility, and security updates. At ₹2,500, it’s a gamble — a new Redmi 15C for ₹7,000 gives you a full modern experience.

What this means: The Redmi 1S is a nostalgia buy, not a daily driver. Anyone who needs a smartphone for modern tasks should look at 2025 entry-level models instead.

What is the price of Redmi 1S?

The pattern: The used price has stabilized around ₹2,500, roughly what you’d spend on a meal for two. For that money, you get a clamshell-era reliability — but little else.

How much is a Redmi 1?

  • Redmi 1 vs Redmi 1S pricing: The original Redmi 1 launched at ₹4,999 (GSMArena). The 1S commanded a ₹1,000 premium for its Snapdragon chipset and better camera. Today, the Redmi 1 is nearly extinct in the used market; the 1S is the only variant commonly found.
  • Is the original Redmi 1 still available? No mainstream seller carries it. If you find one, it likely has a degraded battery and obsolete software.

The catch: Chasing a Redmi 1 over a 1S saves just ₹500–₹1,000 but loses you the faster processor and 1080p video — not worth the hassle.

Is Redmi better than Samsung?

  • Xiaomi vs Samsung in the budget segment: In 2014, the Redmi 1S undercut Samsung’s Galaxy Star Pro (₹5,500) with a Snapdragon 400 vs a 1 GHz single-core. Samsung countered with better software support and after-sales networks (India Today (review)).
  • Key trade-offs: Redmi 1S offered raw specs per rupee; Samsung offered reliability, longer updates, and easier repairs. Today, Samsung’s Galaxy M04 (₹8,000) delivers 4G, 64 GB storage, and Android 13 — a clear win over any used Redmi 1S.
Why this matters

A 2025 buyer choosing between a used Redmi 1S and a new Samsung entry-level phone is comparing a 10-year-old chipset with a 2023 processor. The gap in app performance and security is a canyon, not a crack.

The trade-off: If your budget is under ₹3,000, the Redmi 1S works. If you can stretch to ₹7,000, a modern Samsung phone (or Redmi 15C) eliminates every compromise of the 1S.

What is the disadvantage of Redmi?

  • Common complaints about Redmi 1S: Limited 1 GB RAM and 8 GB storage (6.1 GB usable) — modern apps like WhatsApp and YouTube take 2–3 GB each. MIUI shipped with bloatware and ads, criticized by The Indian Express. Battery life rated at 14–15 hours per India Today — average for its class, but degraded in used units.
  • Build quality and battery issues: Plastic body is durable, but the removable battery (2000 mAh) often needs replacement in used phones. No fast charging exists.
  • Software update policy: Updates ended at Android 4.4.4 and MIUI 9.2 (GSMArena). No security patches since ~2017. Using the phone online is a security risk.

The implication: The Redmi 1S’s disadvantages aren’t bugs — they’re the natural results of a 2014 budget phone. In 2025, the same money buys far more capable hardware, but not the nostalgia.

Redmi 1S vs Redmi Note 1: Comparison

Two phones from Xiaomi’s early era, one pattern: the Note 1 offered a larger 5.5″ screen and 3100 mAh battery at ₹8,999, while the 1S focused on affordability.

Feature Redmi 1S Redmi Note 1
Launch price ₹5,999 ₹8,999
Display 4.7″ 720×1280 IPS 5.5″ 720×1280 IPS
Processor Snapdragon 400 1.6 GHz MediaTek MT6592 1.7 GHz octa-core
RAM 1 GB 2 GB
Battery 2000 mAh removable 3100 mAh removable
Rear camera 8 MP, 1080p video 13 MP, 1080p video

The verdict: The Note 1 was the better multimedia device, but the 1S won on pure affordability — a trade-off that still defines Xiaomi’s budget strategy today.

Redmi 1S Full Specifications

Eight categories, one summary: a ten-year-old budget phone that started a revolution but can’t keep up in 2025.

Category Details
Dimensions 137 × 69 × 9.9 mm, 158 g (GSMArena)
Display 4.7-inch IPS LCD, 720×1280, ~312 ppi
Chipset Qualcomm Snapdragon 400 MSM8228, quad-core 1.6 GHz Cortex-A7
GPU Adreno 305
RAM 1 GB
Internal storage 8 GB (6.1 GB usable per Gadgets Now), microSDXC slot
Rear camera 8 MP, f/2.2, 1080p@30fps
Front camera 1.6 MP, 720p
Battery 2000 mAh removable Li-Ion
OS Android 4.3 Jelly Bean (upgradable to 4.4.4), MIUI 5–9.2
Network 2G/3G; 4G support unclear on Indian variant
Connectivity Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Bluetooth 4.0, microUSB 2.0

The takeaway: These specs were impressive for ₹5,999 in 2014, but today they barely meet the requirements of a basic feature phone.

Pros and Cons of the Redmi 1S

Upsides

  • Extremely affordable used price (₹2,000–₹3,500)
  • Removable battery (easy to replace)
  • Dual SIM standby
  • Good build quality for its class
  • 1080p video recording

Downsides

  • Only 1 GB RAM – insufficient for modern apps
  • 8 GB storage (6.1 GB usable) – fills quickly
  • No 4G on many variants
  • Outdated Android 4.4 – no security updates
  • MIUI bloatware and ads
  • Average battery life (14–15 hours)

The balance: The pros are all about price and repairability; the cons are about usability. For most buyers, usability wins.

Clarity check: confirmed vs unclear

Confirmed facts

What’s unclear

  • Whether the Indian variant supports 4G LTE (some sources say no, others say limited bands)
  • Exact number of units sold (Xiaomi did not publish official figures)

What the experts said at launch

“Noted for its low price (₹5,999) in India, the Redmi 1S was an extremely popular and a demanded smartphone.”

— Wikipedia (encyclopedic entry)

“Xiaomi Redmi 1S key features, price in India, full specifications, expert reviews.”

— Cashify (refurbished marketplace)

The Redmi 1S was a landmark phone that proved budget devices could deliver real performance. But a decade on, it’s a relic for collectors and backup-seekers who don’t mind the trade-offs. For the average buyer in India in 2025, the choice is clear: spend ₹2,500 on a used 1S for nostalgia, or ₹7,000 on a new Redmi 15C for a phone that actually works today.

Additional sources

smartprix.com, blog.gsmarena.com, ibtimes.co.in, en.wikipedia.org, gadgets360.com, youtube.com

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Frequently asked questions

Is Redmi A1 worth buying?

The Redmi A1 (launched 2022) is a more modern entry-level phone with 2 GB RAM and Android 12 Go. It outperforms the Redmi 1S in every way and costs around ₹6,000 new. Yes, it’s worth buying if you can stretch your budget.

How much is the Redmi Note 1?

The Redmi Note 1 launched at ₹8,999 in 2014. Used units today sell for ₹3,000–₹4,500, depending on condition. It offers a larger display and battery than the 1S.

Does Redmi 1S support 4G?

This is uncertain. Some sources say the Indian variant supports only 3G; others list limited 4G bands (e.g., 1800 MHz). If 4G is essential, verify with the seller and test before purchase.

What is the difference between Redmi 1 and Redmi 1S?

The Redmi 1 used a MediaTek processor and had a 5 MP camera; the 1S upgraded to a Snapdragon 400, 8 MP camera, and 1080p video. The 1S is faster and more capable.

Can I still buy a new Redmi 1S?

No. The Redmi 1S was discontinued around 2015–2016. New old stock might exist in small local re-selling spots, but most sales are used or refurbished.

Which is better for a budget phone: Redmi or Samsung?

In 2025, Samsung’s Galaxy M-series or A-series offer better software support, 4G/5G, and storage than any used Redmi 1S. For a new phone under ₹8,000, Samsung is the safer choice.

What is the battery capacity of Redmi 1S?

The Redmi 1S has a removable 2000 mAh battery. In its prime, it lasted 14–15 hours per charge; used units often have degraded batteries that need replacement.

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