Xiaomi Mi A3 Specs Prices Pros & Cons Uncovered

Design and Build

The Xiaomi Mi A3 features a refined design that combines functionality with elegance. It comes with a glass front and back, both protected by Corning Gorilla Glass 5, enhancing durability while preserving a stylish look. The device measures 153.5 x 71.9 x 8.5 mm and weighs 173.8 grams, offering a sleek feel in hand. Its plastic frame ensures the necessary flexibility to withstand various everyday scenarios, and supports a hybrid dual SIM (Nano-SIM, dual stand-by) configuration, allowing users the versatility of managing personal and business calls separately.

Display

The Mi A3 is equipped with a 6.09-inch Super AMOLED display, which provides vibrant colors and deep blacks, ideal for media consumption and gaming. With a resolution of 720 x 1560 pixels and a 19.5:9 aspect ratio, the display achieves a pixel density of approximately 282 pixels per inch (ppi), resulting in decent sharpness and clarity. The screen-to-body ratio is around 82.5%, allowing for an immersive viewing experience. Additionally, the display is protected by Corning Gorilla Glass 5, offering high resistance against scratches and minor impacts.

Performance and Hardware

Under the hood, the Xiaomi Mi A3 is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 665 chipset, built on an 11 nm manufacturing process. The processor is octa-core, featuring four Kryo 260 Gold cores clocked at 2.0 GHz and four Kryo 260 Silver cores clocked at 1.8 GHz, delivering a balance between power efficiency and performance. The Adreno 610 GPU handles the graphics, capable of supporting casual gaming and smooth media playback.

For memory and storage, the Mi A3 offers multiple configurations: 64GB with 4GB RAM, 128GB with 4GB RAM, or 128GB with 6GB RAM. It also includes a microSDXC slot that utilizes a shared SIM slot, providing users with the option to expand storage further.

Camera Capabilities

The Xiaomi Mi A3's camera system is a key highlight of the device. The main camera setup consists of a triple-lens configuration: a 48 MP wide sensor with an f/1.8 aperture, an 8 MP ultra-wide sensor with an f/2.2 aperture, and a 2 MP depth sensor with an f/2.4 aperture. These cameras support features like PDAF for faster focusing, LED flash, HDR, and panorama, catering to a variety of photographic needs and environments.

Video recording capabilities include 4K at 30fps and 1080p at varying frame rates (30/60/120fps), ensuring smooth and high-quality footage. For selfies, the Mi A3 sports a 32 MP wide sensor on the front, featuring an f/2.0 aperture for bright and detailed images, coupled with HDR capabilities for enhanced photo quality.

Software and Features

One of the standout features of the Xiaomi Mi A3 is its participation in the Android One program, running a pure stock version of Android 9.0 (Pie) out of the box, and is upgradable to Android 11. The Android One initiative provides users with a streamlined interface, less bloatware, and regular updates directly from Google, ensuring longevity and security.

The device includes several sensors and features such as an under-display fingerprint sensor for quick biometric security, accelerometer, gyro, proximity, and compass. However, it lacks NFC capability, which might limit mobile payment options.

Connectivity

For connectivity, the Xiaomi Mi A3 supports comprehensive network bands, including GSM, HSPA, and LTE, providing reliable network access across different regions. It is equipped with Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac with dual-band capability, Bluetooth 5.0 with A2DP, LE, and aptX HD for high-quality audio transmission, and GPS with support for GLONASS and BDS for accurate location tracking. The device also features an infrared port, enhancing its utility as a universal remote, though it does not support NFC. It supports USB Type-C 2.0 for charging and data transfer, along with a 3.5mm audio jack for traditional wired headphones.

Battery Life

The device is powered by a non-removable Li-Po 4030 mAh battery, which provides robust endurance for a full day of typical usage. It supports 18W wired charging with Quick Charge 3.0 technology, allowing faster battery replenish rates, a convenient feature for users who are always on the go. According to endurance ratings, the Mi A3 offers a commendable 101-hour battery rating, demonstrating its efficiency and long-lasting performance.

Audio and Multimedia

The Xiaomi Mi A3 comes equipped with a loudspeaker capable of producing decent audio levels for calls and media playback. The inclusion of a 3.5mm audio jack ensures compatibility with a wide range of headphones and audio devices, which is increasingly rare in modern smartphones. Audio quality-wise, the device delivers a noise level of -93.7dB and crosstalk at -93.0dB, which ensures minimal audio distortion and quality sound production.

Pricing and Availability

Launched in July 2019, the Xiaomi Mi A3 is widely available in various markets. It was priced at around 230 EUR, offering a competitive option in the mid-range smartphone segment. The device comes in several color options like "Kind of Gray," "Not just Blue," and "More than White," catering to diverse user preferences.

Conclusion

The Xiaomi Mi A3 stands out as a compelling choice for users seeking a no-nonsense Android experience with solid hardware performance and excellent camera capabilities without breaking the bank. Its participation in the Android One program adds significant value by ensuring timely updates and a clutter-free user interface. While it might not feature the highest resolution display or NFC, its well-rounded specifications and advanced features like an under-display fingerprint sensor, robust battery life, and competitive pricing make it a worthy contender in the smartphone market.