Xiaomi

Xiaomi Redmi 3: Pros and Cons

Android OS v5.1 (Lollipop)
Qualcomm Snapdragon 617 MSM8952
Adreno 405
2 GB / 16 GB
5 inch (720 x 1280 px)
8 MP, 3264 x 2448 px, autofocus

Xiaomi announced the launch of the Redmi 3 smartphone in 2015. The manufacturer is offering this smartphone with 5 inch IPS display, Qualcomm Snapdragon 617 MSM8952 SoC, and 2 GB of RAM. The Redmi 3 comes with Android OS v5.1 (Lollipop) pre-installed. This phone has an IPS display, it provides wide viewing angles. This means the screen stays clear and consistent. This phone has only one rear-camera (8 MP, 3264 x 2448 px, autofocus) on its back for photos and videos. Is the cost justified by its features? I'll strive to answer that by the end of my review.

Table of Contents

This article shares our personal experiences and thoughts about using the Xiaomi Redmi 3 smartphone. We hope to offer helpful insights to others interested in this device. The specifications below are from the official manufacturer data, but we also consider user reviews. If you've seen any mistakes or things missing in these specifications, please let us know.

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Xiaomi Redmi 3 specifications

BrandXiaomi
NameRedmi 3
ModelREDMI3
Release date2015

Weight, dimensions, colors

Weight5.04 oz
Dimensions5.48 x 2.74 x 0.33 inch
Colorsgold, gray, silver
SIM typeMicro SIM

The weight of the Xiaomi Redmi 3 is still considered to be lightweight and portable. A micro SIM is larger than the current standard Nano SIM card but smaller than the older SIM card size.

System, chipset, performance

OS versionAndroid OS v5.1 (Lollipop)
SoCQualcomm Snapdragon 617 MSM8952
CPUOcta-core, Quad-core 1.5 GHz Cortex-A53, Quad-core 1.0 GHz Cortex-A53
GPUAdreno 405

The Xiaomi Redmi 3 comes with Android OS v5.1 (Lollipop) out of the box. Android is an open-source operating system. This means users and developers have more control over the software. This octa-core CPU consists: Octa-core, Quad-core 1.5 GHz Cortex-A53, Quad-core 1.0 GHz Cortex-A53. Smartphones, tablets, and other mobile devices use Adreno GPUs.

Display type, size, resolution

Display typeIPS
Screen size5 inch
Resolution720 x 1280 px
Multitouch supportyes

People know IPS for its wide viewing angles. It also has accurate color reproduction. The 5 inch display make this smartphone pocket-friendly. The display size is the diagonal distance from one corner of the screen to the opposite corner.

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Memory, storage

RAM2 GB
Internal storage16 GB
Memory card slotmicroSD

The smartphone has 2 GB of RAM. It can run many apps at once without much lag or slowness. More RAM lets you keep more apps and processes open in the background. This keeps the device from slowing down. If you use your smartphone for basic tasks like calling, texting, and browsing the web, 32GB may be sufficient for your needs. You can expand the internal storage of the Redmi 3 (16 GB) by using a compatible microSD card.

Cameras, flash

Main camera8 MP, 3264 x 2448 px, autofocus
FlashLED
Selfie camera5 MP

You may have budget limits. Or, you may prioritize other features over a multi-camera system. If so, this single camera setup can be a good choice. The main camera of Redmi 3 smartphone does not have OIS. The optical image stabilization (OIS) is an important feature in smartphones.

Connectivity, network, wireless

GSM 2G bands850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
Network coverage2G / 3G / 4G
Wi-FiWi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n
Bluetoothv4.0, A2DP, LE
GPSA-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou
NFCno
FM radioyes
USBmicroUSB 2.0, USB host
Headphone3.5 mm jack

The 4G provides faster data transfer speeds compared to previous generations. The Redmi 3 supports the latest Wi-Fi standards. You can use Bluetooth to connect your Redmi 3 smartphone to many Bluetooth devices. The Redmi 3 has a GPS receiver. Many fitness and activity tracking apps rely on GPS. It is used to accurately measure and record outdoor activities. The phone isn't NFC (Near Field Communication) capable. NFC is not essential for basic phone functionality, but it can be useful. The 3.5 mm headphone jack allows you to connect wired headphones or earphones to the device.

Battery type, capacity, charger

TypeLi-Po 4000 mAh

The Li-Po 4000 mAh battery gives the smartphone a good battery backup. The lithium polymer (Li-Po) battery is a light-weight, rechargeable battery. You can simply buy a new battery from the open market and interchange it by yourself.

Features, sensors, specials

Sensorsaccelerometer, compass, gyroscope, proximity
SpecialsDual SIM

Today, smartphones come with many sensors. They help make the user experience better. The accelerometer is a sensor. It measures the tilting motion and orientation of the phone. Dual SIM is great for businesses. They want to give staff a device with separate numbers and bills for personal and business use.

Verdict, pros and cons

Every phone has its strengths and weaknesses, and this Xiaomi phone is no exception. As with any device, there are aspects that shine and others that fall short. By examining both sides, we can paint a complete picture of what this phone has to offer. Let's explore its standout features and areas for improvement. Remember, this is just my opinion, and yours might be different.

Pros

  • microSD slot
  • Dual SIM support

Cons

  • limited-size screen
  • insufficient internal storage
  • single camera setup
  • no OIS function
  • no 5G support
  • no NFC feature
  • no Type-C USB port
  • low-capacity battery
  • no fingerprint reader
Add Xiaomi Redmi 3 to your comparison

Please let us know if you find incorrect information or something isn't working. Also, tell us if you have a suggestion for improvement.

Lucas Bradley I'm Lucas Bradley, the founder of the Phone42.com site. I love technology, especially smartphones, and I've been working with tech stuff for more than 20 years. This means I've seen a lot of changes and have learned a bunch about what makes a good phone. On Phone42.com, I look at all kinds of phones. They can be from big, well-known companies or new ones trying to make their mark. I want to help people understand what's new and cool in the world of smartphones, in a way that's easy to get.
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