Xiaomi Redmi Note 3 Specs Prices Pros & Cons Unveiled

Introduction to Xiaomi Redmi Note 3

The Xiaomi Redmi Note 3 is a mid-range smartphone that was first announced in January 2016 and released later in March of the same year. The device stands out with its balance of performance, price, and design, making it a popular choice among users worldwide. With a series of impressive specifications for its time, the Redmi Note 3 features robust build quality, a competent camera setup, long battery life, and an efficient processor, all housed in a sleek metal body.

Design and Build Quality

The Redmi Note 3 features a design that was quite premium for its time, especially in the mid-range segment. With dimensions of 150 x 76 x 8.7 mm and a weight of 164 g, the phone is both slim and easy to handle. The combination of a glass front and a sturdy aluminum back and frame gives it a solid feel, enhancing durability and aesthetics. It comes with a hybrid dual SIM slot that allows for either two SIM cards or one SIM card and one microSD card, adding flexibility to its users.

Display Quality

Sporting a 5.5-inch IPS LCD display, the Redmi Note 3 offers vibrant colors and good viewing angles. The screen's 1080 x 1920 pixel resolution translates to a density of approximately 403 ppi, which provides a sharp and clear viewing experience. The display size and quality make it suitable for consuming media, browsing the web, and playing games, though it may not reach the brightness and saturation levels of AMOLED screens.

Performance and Hardware

The heart of the Redmi Note 3 is the Qualcomm MSM8956 Snapdragon 650 chipset, which comprises a hexa-core processor (4x1.4 GHz Cortex-A53 & 2x1.8 GHz Cortex-A72) and an Adreno 510 GPU. This setup delivers smooth performance for everyday tasks and moderate gaming. The device comes in two variants: one with 2GB of RAM and 16GB of storage, and a more powerful option with 3GB of RAM and 32GB of storage. The inclusion of a microSDXC card slot allows for additional storage, albeit it shares the same slot as the second SIM.

Camera Capabilities

The Redmi Note 3 is equipped with a 16-megapixel rear camera featuring an f/2.0 aperture and phase detection autofocus (PDAF), supported by dual-LED dual-tone flash. It captures vibrant images with good detail under adequate lighting conditions and performs decently in low light. The camera includes features such as HDR and panorama, and it can record video at 1080p resolution at 30fps. The 5-megapixel front camera, also with an f/2.0 aperture, provides clear selfies and supports 1080p video recording.

Battery Life and Performance

One of the standout features of the Redmi Note 3 is its robust battery performance. Equipped with a non-removable Li-Po 4050 mAh battery, the phone supports 10W wired charging. The efficient power management coupled with mid-range processor specifications ensure the device can easily last a full day of moderate to heavy usage. It also boasts an impressive endurance rating, making it a reliable companion for users who need lasting performance without frequent recharges.

Operating System and UI

Initially, the Redmi Note 3 launched with Android 5.1.1 Lollipop and Xiaomi's customized skin, MIUI 7. It later received updates up to Android 6.0.1 Marshmallow and MIUI 9.5. Xiaomi's MIUI is known for its extensive customization options, themes, and enhancements that improve user experience. However, some users may find the interface different from the stock Android experience, as it opts for a more iOS-like approach without an app drawer by default.

Connectivity and Sensors

Connectivity options on the Redmi Note 3 include Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct, and hotspot capabilities for internet sharing. Bluetooth 4.1 with A2DP and LE support ensures reliable connections with peripherals. The device also features an infrared port, allowing it to be used as a remote control for various household devices. Although it lacks NFC, it supports GPS, GLONASS, and BDS for precise positioning. The phone includes a rear-mounted fingerprint sensor, accelerometer, gyro, proximity sensor, and compass, enhancing its functionality.

Sound and Audio

The Redmi Note 3 is equipped with a loudspeaker and includes a 3.5mm headphone jack, which is becoming increasingly rare in modern smartphones. It supports stereo FM radio with recording capabilities, catering to users who enjoy traditional radio broadcasts. Audio quality is decent, with satisfactory loudness and clarity for both media and calls.

Availability and Price

At the time of its release, the Redmi Note 3 was priced competitively at around 160 EUR. It was available in three color options: Silver, Gray, and Gold. Although the product has been discontinued, it left a strong legacy in the budget and mid-range smartphone market, often cited as a benchmark for affordable performance and quality.

Conclusion

The Xiaomi Redmi Note 3 served as a crucial product in Xiaomi's lineup, showcasing the brand's ability to offer high-quality devices at an affordable price. Its combination of good design, capable hardware, and long battery life made it a popular choice among consumers. Despite being discontinued, it set the stage for future Redmi devices that continued to offer excellent value for money. The phone's enduring performance and comprehensive feature set exemplify Xiaomi's commitment to innovation and customer satisfaction in the competitive smartphone market.