Xiaomi Mi Mix 3 Unveiling Specs Prices Pros & Cons

Introduction to Xiaomi Mi Mix 3

The Xiaomi Mi Mix 3 is a striking smartphone released in late 2018 by the well-known electronics company Xiaomi. It is distinguished by its unique design and innovative features that sought to push the boundaries of what was achievable in a smartphone at the time. The device combines powerful hardware with a sleek aesthetic, making it a valuable contender in the high-end smartphone market.

Design and Build

The design of the Xiaomi Mi Mix 3 stands out due to its use of a manual slider mechanism that reveals the front cameras. This design choice eliminates the need for a notch, thereby providing an uninterrupted view of the beautiful 6.39-inch Super AMOLED display. The rear of the phone is constructed from ceramic, offering a premium feel along with a luxurious glass front. An aluminum frame, specifically from the 7000 series, rounds out the build, adding robustness and elegance.

With dimensions of 157.9 x 74.7 x 8.5 mm and weighing 218 grams, the Mi Mix 3 is quite substantial, attributing to its premium construction materials. It includes a dual SIM feature but omits the 3.5mm headphone jack, reflecting a modern approach to smartphone design. This smartphone is available in attractive colors such as Jade Green, Sapphire Blue, Onyx Black, and Forbidden City Blue.

Display

The display is one of the standout features of the Mi Mix 3. It boasts a 6.39-inch Super AMOLED screen with a resolution of 1080 x 2340 pixels, providing vibrant colors and deep blacks. The screen-to-body ratio is approximately 85%, emphasizing the minimal bezels and maximizing display area for users. It also supports HDR alongside being protected by Corning Gorilla Glass 5, which adds durability against accidental falls and scratches.

Performance and Hardware

Under the hood, the Xiaomi Mi Mix 3 is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 845 chipset. This octa-core processor, with a combination of four high-performance Kryo 385 Gold cores and four power-efficient Kryo 385 Silver cores, ensures swift multitasking and efficient power consumption. The Adreno 630 GPU delivers excellent graphics performance, making it suitable for gaming and media consumption.

The device is available in several RAM and storage configurations, starting from 6GB to 10GB RAM options, coupled with either 128GB or 256GB of internal storage. However, it does not include a microSD card slot for expandable storage, which might be a limitation for some users.

Camera Capabilities

Camera technology is where Xiaomi Mi Mix 3 shines. The dual rear cameras consist of a 12 MP wide lens and a 12 MP telephoto lens, equipped with dual pixel PDAF and Optical Image Stabilization (OIS). This setup allows for capturing high-quality images with excellent detail and contrast. It supports advanced photography features such as LED flash, HDR, and panorama mode.

For video enthusiasts, the rear camera can record in 4K at 30 or 60fps, and even slow-motion videos at 1080p@960fps. The front camera, housed within the slider mechanism, is a dual setup as well, featuring a 24 MP primary sensor alongside a 2 MP depth sensor. It ensures brilliant selfies, aided by an LED flash and HDR capability.

Battery and Charging

The Mi Mix 3 is fitted with a 3200 mAh Li-Po battery, which is non-removable. While not the largest capacity seen in smartphones, it provides satisfactory endurance with a rating of 84 hours. The device supports 18W fast charging for quick top-ups and is also equipped with 10W wireless charging – a convenient feature for users transitioning to a more seamless charging approach.

Software and User Experience

This smartphone initially launched with Android 9.0 (Pie) and is upgradable to Android 10 with Xiaomi's MIUI 12, offering a modern and user-friendly interface. MIUI is known for its customization options, smooth navigation, and a variety of features designed to enhance user experience. From gesture controls to second space mode, these offer flexibility and usability which resonate well with users who prefer personalization in their smartphone operating system.

Connectivity

The Mi Mix 3 ensures wide-ranging connectivity options, supporting GSM, CDMA, HSPA, EVDO, and LTE networks. It is globally compatible, covering a wide array of bands which makes it versatile for international travel. The Wi-Fi connectivity includes dual-band support, Wi-Fi Direct, and Bluetooth 5.0 for seamless wireless connectivity and data transfer.

It also integrates NFC for contactless payments, GPS with support for GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO, and QZSS for precise location services. A USB Type-C port handles charging and data transfer needs, though the absence of an FM radio might be a drawback for some users.

Audio and Additional Features

The audio output of the device is decent, providing a loudspeaker option but no 3.5mm jack which might require users to adapt to Bluetooth or USB Type-C headphones. Its accuracy in audio quality tests confirms competent sound performance, making it suitable for media consumption.

Security and functionality are bolstered by sensors including a rear-mounted fingerprint sensor, accelerometer, gyroscope, and compass, ensuring the Mi Mix 3 is well-equipped to handle diverse user needs.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Xiaomi Mi Mix 3 offers a compelling package with its innovative slider design, impressive display and camera capabilities, and robust performance. While it may have certain limitations, such as non-expandable storage and a moderately sized battery, it symbolizes a significant stride in smartphone design and functionality. The remarkable combination of aesthetics and performance solidifies its position as a valuable option for consumers looking to explore a distinct yet powerful smartphone experience.