Xiaomi Mi S Snapdragon 821 4GB RAM? Facts

The Xiaomi Mi S was never released, and the device that was rumored under that name does not exist. However, the rumors that circulated in 2016 pointed to a phone with a Snapdragon 821 and 4GB of RAM, which later materialized as the Xiaomi Mi 5s and Mi 5s Plus. This article explains what the Mi S was, why the rumors started, and what actually shipped.

Background: The Mi S Rumor Mill

In mid-2016, Xiaomi was preparing a successor to the Mi 5, which had launched with the Snapdragon 820. Leaks and tipsters began referring to a device called the “Mi S” or “Mi 5s,” expecting it to be a minor upgrade. The name “Mi S” was plausible because Xiaomi had used the “S” suffix before for incremental refreshes like the Mi 4S. However, the company skipped the standalone “Mi S” name and instead released two models: the Mi 5s and the Mi 5s Plus in September 2016. Both used the Snapdragon 821, but only the Plus had 4GB of RAM as standard; the regular Mi 5s started at 3GB.

What the Snapdragon 821 Offered

The Snapdragon 821 was a refined version of the Snapdragon 820, not a new architecture. It featured the same quad-core Kryo CPU but clocked higher: two cores at 2.4GHz and two at 2.0GHz (vs. 2.2GHz and 1.6GHz on the 820). The Adreno 530 GPU was also slightly overclocked. In practice, the 821 delivered about 10% better CPU performance and slightly improved power efficiency. For users, this meant smoother multitasking and better sustained performance in games, but the difference from the 820 was not dramatic in daily use.

The 4GB RAM Question

4GB of LPDDR4 RAM was the flagship standard in 2016. The Xiaomi Mi 5s shipped with 3GB or 4GB depending on the storage variant (3GB/64GB or 4GB/128GB). The Mi 5s Plus came with 4GB/64GB or 6GB/128GB. So if you were hoping for a “Mi S” with 4GB, you could get that with the Mi 5s 128GB model, but not with the base model. The confusion arose because early leaks claimed the Mi S would have 4GB as standard, which was true only for the higher-tier variant.

How to Verify Specs of Unreleased Phones

If you are researching a phone that was rumored but never launched, the best sources are official press releases, the manufacturer’s website, and reputable tech media that cite confirmed details. Avoid relying on single leaked images or forum posts. For the Mi S specifically, you can check Xiaomi’s official announcement of the Mi 5s series, which clearly lists the chipsets and RAM configurations. If a device never appears on the official site, it was likely canceled or renamed.

Common Misconceptions

One common mistake is assuming that the “S” in Mi S stands for “Super” or “Speed.” In Xiaomi’s naming, it often indicated a small upgrade over the base model. Another misconception is that the Mi S was a separate product line; in reality, it was a placeholder name. Also, some users confuse the Mi S with the Mi Note 2, which also used the Snapdragon 821 but had a curved display and 4GB/6GB RAM options. The Mi Note 2 was a different flagship aimed at a larger screen.

Comparison: Mi 5s vs. Mi 5s Plus

If you are considering buying one of these used phones today, here is how they compare:

• Display: Mi 5s – 5.15-inch 1080p; Mi 5s Plus – 5.7-inch 1080p.
• Camera: Mi 5s – single 12MP Sony IMX378; Mi 5s Plus – dual 13MP cameras (one color, one monochrome).
• RAM: Mi 5s – 3GB or 4GB; Mi 5s Plus – 4GB or 6GB.
• Battery: Mi 5s – 3200mAh; Mi 5s Plus – 3800mAh.
• Build: Both have metal bodies, but the Plus is larger and heavier.

For most users, the Mi 5s with 4GB RAM is sufficient, but the Plus offers a bigger screen and better battery life.

Should You Buy a Used Xiaomi Mi 5s in 2024?

These phones are now several years old and no longer receive security updates. They are not recommended for daily use if you handle sensitive data. However, they can serve as media players or backup devices. If you buy one, check the battery health and ensure the phone is not carrier-locked. Also, note that the Snapdragon 821 lacks support for modern 5G networks and may struggle with the latest apps. For a budget phone, consider a newer entry-level model instead.

Frequently Asked Questions

Was the Xiaomi Mi S ever released?

No. The Mi S was a rumored device that never launched. Xiaomi released the Mi 5s and Mi 5s Plus instead, which had similar specs to what the Mi S was expected to have.

Does the Xiaomi Mi 5s have a Snapdragon 821?

Yes, the Xiaomi Mi 5s and Mi 5s Plus both use the Snapdragon 821 processor. The Mi 5s base model has 3GB RAM, and the 128GB version has 4GB.

Can the Xiaomi Mi 5s run modern apps?

It can run basic apps like WhatsApp, YouTube, and web browsers, but heavy games and resource-intensive apps may lag. The phone is not recommended for demanding use due to its age and lack of updates.

Is the Snapdragon 821 still good in 2024?

No, it is quite outdated. It lacks 5G support, has limited AI capabilities, and its performance is comparable to low-end modern chips. For most people, a budget phone from 2023 or 2024 will be faster and more secure.

What is the difference between Mi 5s and Mi 5s Plus?

The Plus has a larger 5.7-inch display, a dual camera, a bigger battery, and up to 6GB RAM. The regular Mi 5s is more compact with a single camera and up to 4GB RAM.

Why did Xiaomi skip the “Mi S” name?

Xiaomi likely chose to align with its existing naming scheme (Mi 5, Mi 5s, Mi 5s Plus) to indicate a small upgrade rather than a completely new model. The “S” suffix was used for the Mi 4S earlier, but for the Mi 5 generation, they added “s” to the end of the number.

Related

• Recover Hard Disk Partition: Full Guide
• Capture UPI Payment Instructions with an AI Agent
• Hide Signal Notification Content? How-To