Xiaomi Black Shark 3S Specs Pricing Pros & Cons Unveiled

Design and Build Quality

The Xiaomi Black Shark 3S showcases a robust design combining both elegance and durability. It features a glass front, aluminum back, and aluminum frame, giving it a premium look and feel. With dimensions of 168.7 x 77.3 x 10.4 mm and a weight of 222 grams, the device comfortably fits in hand while maintaining a sturdy construction. The device accommodates a dual SIM setup (Nano-SIM, dual stand-by), making it versatile for users who require dual network capabilities.

Display

The Black Shark 3S comes with a vibrant 6.67-inch AMOLED display. Providing an immersive visual experience, it boasts a 20:9 aspect ratio with a resolution of 1080 x 2400 pixels, resulting in a pixel density of approximately 395 ppi. The screen supports HDR10+ for enhanced contrast and color accuracy, combined with a 120Hz refresh rate ensuring smooth visuals, which are vital for gaming enthusiasts. The display's brightness peaks at 500 nits, ensuring readability even in bright conditions.

Performance

Under the hood, the Black Shark 3S is powered by the Qualcomm SM8250 Snapdragon 865 5G chipset built on a 7 nm+ process. Its octa-core CPU (1x2.84 GHz Cortex-A77 & 3x2.42 GHz Cortex-A77 & 4x1.80 GHz Cortex-A55) delivers top-notch performance capable of handling high-end gaming and multitasking effortlessly. The Adreno 650 GPU provides exceptional graphics capabilities, crucial for rendering heavy games and applications smoothly.

Memory and Storage

The device is equipped with a whopping 12GB of RAM, ensuring smooth and efficient management of apps running simultaneously. Storage options include 128GB and 256GB of internal storage, which, while ample, does not support expandable storage via a card slot. This storage capacity is tailored to accommodate large game files and multimedia content, catering well to users who demand extensive storage space.

Camera System

The Black Shark 3S features a versatile triple-camera setup on the rear. The primary sensor is a 64MP wide camera (f/1.8) ensuring sharp and detailed images. Accompanying it is a 13MP ultra-wide camera with a 120-degree field of view, providing users with the ability to capture stunning landscapes and group photos. The third is a 5MP depth sensor, enhancing portrait photography with natural Bokeh effects. It supports video recording at 4K@30/60fps and slow-motion at 1080p@30/60/240fps, as well as 720p@1920fps for extreme slow-motion captures. For selfies, the 20MP front camera delivers quality self-portraits and supports video recording at 1080p@30fps.

Battery Life and Charging

The device is powered by a 4729 mAh non-removable Li-Po battery, providing ample power to get through a day of heavy use. With 65W wired fast charging, the battery can be fully charged in about 38 minutes as advertised, minimizing downtime. Additionally, the device supports 18W magnetic wireless charging, offering flexibility in how users choose to recharge their device.

Connectivity and Network

Incorporating advanced networking technology, the Black Shark 3S supports GSM/CDMA/HSPA/EVDO/LTE/5G networks ensuring fast and reliable connectivity across various network standards. For wireless connectivity, it includes Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, dual-band, and Wi-Fi Direct. Bluetooth 5.0 support includes A2DP, LE, aptX HD, and aptX Adaptive providing seamless audio streaming. The device also houses GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, QZSS, and BDS for comprehensive location tracking capabilities, though it lacks NFC and Radio features. Charging and data transfer are facilitated by a USB Type-C 2.0 port.

Audio and Features

The sound system on Black Shark 3S impresses with stereo speakers that deliver high-quality audio output. The inclusion of a 3.5mm audio jack ensures compatibility with a wide range of audio devices. The phone also houses a set of sensors including an under-display optical fingerprint sensor, accelerometer, gyro, proximity sensor, and a compass, enhancing the phone's usability and security.

Software

Xiaomi Black Shark 3S runs on Android 10, which, combined with Xiaomi's custom UI optimizations, provides a smooth and user-friendly interface. The OS supports gaming features that enhance the gaming experience, making use of the device's robust hardware.

Colors and Pricing

The Black Shark 3S is available in two stunning colors: Sky Cloud Black and Crystal Blue, appealing to users with different aesthetic preferences. Priced at approximately 600 EUR, the device offers competitive pricing given its premium features and specifications.

Conclusion

Overall, the Xiaomi Black Shark 3S stands out as a compelling option for gamers and high-performance users. Its powerful hardware, outstanding display, and versatile camera system make it a formidable contender in the smartphone gaming sector. Equipped with cutting-edge technology for connectivity and quick charging capabilities, it fulfills the needs of modern smartphone users. Despite lacking expandable storage and some connectivity options like NFC, it compensates with its robust performance and substantial onboard storage, marking it a valuable investment for its target audience.