Xiaomi Mi Max 3 The Ultimate Guide to Specs Prices Pros & Cons

Network and Connectivity

The Xiaomi Mi Max 3 supports a wide range of network technologies including GSM, CDMA, HSPA, EVDO, and LTE, ensuring broad compatibility with various carriers worldwide. The device supports 2G bands GSM 850, 900, 1800, and 1900 on SIM 1 and SIM 2, 3G bands HSDPA 850, 900, 1900, and 2100. For 4G connectivity, it supports bands 1, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 20, 34, 38, 39, 40, and 41, providing excellent speed and network reliability with HSPA and LTE capabilities.

Launch and Availability

Announced in July 2018, the Xiaomi Mi Max 3 was made available for purchase later that month. It quickly gained attention for its large display and battery capacity, making it an attractive option for users seeking a device that can handle media consumption and multitasking without frequent recharges.

Design and Build

The Mi Max 3 has a robust build with its glass front, aluminum back, and aluminum frame. The dimensions are substantial at 176.2 x 87.4 x 8 mm, making it quite large in hand but providing a solid feel. The weight is 221 grams, which is on the heavier side due to the large battery and screen. The phone supports a hybrid dual SIM setup (Nano-SIM, dual stand-by), allowing users flexibility in their choice of network operators or expanding storage through a microSDXC card.

Display

The device sports a massive 6.9-inch IPS LCD capacitive touchscreen. This screen size provides an expansive canvas for gaming, reading, and streaming media. The display resolution stands at 1080 x 2160 pixels with an 18:9 aspect ratio, resulting in a pixel density of approximately 350 ppi, ensuring sharp and vibrant visuals.

Platform and Performance

Xiaomi's Mi Max 3 runs on Android 8.1 Oreo, upgradable to Android 10, with the MIUI 12 skin. This combination offers a smooth user experience, with regular updates and additional features brought by MIUI. The phone is powered by Qualcomm's Snapdragon 636, a 14 nm octa-core processor (4x1.8 GHz Kryo 260 Gold & 4x1.6 GHz Kryo 260 Silver), paired with the Adreno 509 GPU. This hardware setup allows the phone to perform well in most applications, including gaming, without experiencing significant slowdowns or stutters.

Memory and Storage

The Mi Max 3 offers two storage configurations: 64GB of internal storage with 4GB RAM or 128GB storage with 6GB RAM. Both versions support memory expansion via a microSDXC card in the shared SIM slot, allowing users to carry a large amount of media and applications.

Camera

Audio and Sound

The Mi Max 3 is equipped with stereo speakers that deliver robust audio performance for media consumption and calls. It also retains the traditional 3.5mm headphone jack, catering to users who prefer wired audio solutions.

Communication

The device supports Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac with dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct, and DLNA, ensuring excellent wireless connectivity. Bluetooth 5.0 offers fast and efficient wireless communication with other devices. Additionally, the Mi Max 3 includes GPS, GLONASS, and BDS for precise location tracking. However, the device lacks NFC capabilities but does include an infrared port and FM radio for a versatile multimedia experience. USB Type-C support enhances data transfer speeds and charging convenience.

Sensors and Security

For security, the Mi Max 3 provides a rear-mounted fingerprint sensor, ensuring quick and secure access to the device. Additional sensors include an accelerometer, gyro, proximity sensor, and compass, facilitating a comprehensive user experience.

Battery and Charging

The Mi Max 3 is powered by a non-removable Li-Ion 5500 mAh battery, providing impressive battery life to accommodate heavy usage throughout the day. It supports 18W wired charging, with Quick Charge 3.0 technology enabling swift recharges from low battery levels.

Additional Details

The phone is available in several attractive colors: Black, Champagne Gold, and Blue. It carries a model number M1804E4A, and offers a competitive SAR measurement of 1.58 W/kg (head) and 1.42 W/kg (body), indicative of compliance with radiation norms. Priced at about 310 EUR at release, the Mi Max 3 provides a cost-effective solution for users seeking a well-rounded device with a large display and robust battery life.

Performance Testing

Performance benchmarks such as AnTuTu score of 119229 (v7), GeekBench score of 4907 (v4.4), and a GFXBench score of 6fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) showcase the hardware's capabilities for handling day-to-day tasks with ease. The contrast ratio of the display is rated at 1462 (nominal) and 3.061 (sunlight), ensuring good visibility in different lighting conditions. Audio quality testing reveals a voice level of 68dB, noise level of 71dB, and a ring level of 83dB, while the battery endurance rating comes in at an impressive 115 hours, reflecting the device's efficiency and power management capabilities.