Xiaomi Redmi Note 3 FAQ, Benchmark Scores and Camera Samples

Xiaomi Redmi Note 3 promises least number of compromises for budget smartphone seekers and is a veritable hot seller these days. If you are looking forward to buying Xiaomi Redmi Note 3 (First Impression), here are a few last minute questions and their answers that should help.

Note: We have the 2GB RAM, 16GB storage variant with us.

Design and Build

Question: How is the Xiaomi Redmi Note 3 design?

Answer: The new Redmi Note 3 is slim, quite comfortable to hold in hands (thanks to those curved side edges) and flaunts metal (except for the plastic strips on top and bottom).

It’s ergonomically well designed phone, but carefully evaluate the color you choose. For instance, the dark grey variant we had with us looks too similar to Redmi Note 4G on the front side (except for the backlit keys).

The only design flaw here is the speaker grill placement on the rear side.

Question: How is the build quality of Xiaomi Redmi Note 3?

Answer: It feels solid, nothing to worry here.

Question: Are the capacitive keys backlit?

Answer:  Yes, finally.

Question: How is the display of Xiaomi Redmi Note 3?

Answer:  The Xiaomi Redmi Note 3 includes a 5.5 inch Full HD resolution. The display won’t stun you but it is sufficiently sharp and crisp, with a tad oversaturated colors. When compared against other displays in this price range, it lies among the better ones.

It’s worth mentioning that Xiaomi has provided with a handy reading mode, that can be activated system-wide or in particular apps. Once activated, it filters bluelight and the corresponding yellowish screen is light on eyes.

Also Read: Should you buy the Honor 5X or LeEco Le 1s? – Comparison, What Matters, What Doesn’t

Question: How is the outdoor visibility? Does Redmi Note 3 have option for automatic brightness?

Answer: At full brightness or with Auto brightness turned on, everything is legible under direct sun. Yes, there is option for Automatic brightness.

Question: Does Xiaomi Redmi Note 3 display have gorilla glass protection?

Answer: No, Gorilla Glass protection is missing.

Performance and Storage

Question: How much internal storage space is free?

Answer: Out of 16GB, 11 GB is free at user end (you get around 24.5GB free space on the 32GB variant).

Question – Does Redmi Note 3 support SD card? Can Apps be moved to SD card on Redmi Note 3?

Answer: You will have to choose between second SIM card and a microSD card slot. So if you want to avail benefits of two SIM cards, you better opt for the 32GB storage variant. Like all Xiaomi handsets, apps cannot be moved to SD card.

Question: Does Xiaomi Redmi Note 3 support USB OTG?

Answer: yes, it does.

Question: How is day to day or general performance? How is gaming performance of Xiaomi Redmi Note 3?

Answer: Day to day performance is smooth. For better durability in the long run, you should opt for 3GB RAM variant. Performance is as good as it gets for the price.

Question: What are benchmark scores of Xiaomi Redmi Note 3?

Answer: Here are some benchmark scores

Question: Does Redmi Note 3 have heating issues?

Answer: The handset does get hot with prolonged day to day usage and after long gaming session. The maximum temperature we recorded was 44 degrees (which isn’t all that high).

Question: How much RAM is free on first boot?

Answer: At the time of first boot, Approx 1 GB RAM out of 2GB was available for our usage.

Question: Does Xiaomi Redmi Note 3 dual support Google cardboard and other VR gear?

Answer: Yes, VR apps and cardboard are supported. This gives it a clear advantage over other rivals like Le 1s and Honor 5X.

Camera

Question: How is the Redmi Note 3 camera performance?

Answer: The camera hardware and specifications are quite alluring (16MP, PDAF, F2.0 aperture lens), but the camera performance is a bit underwhelming. Camera performance is good outdoors, but the quality of shots deteriorates indoors. Perhaps an acceptable flaw in this price bracket.

It isn’t any worse than existing options around 10,000 INR, and neither is it any better. Among other fingerprint sensor laden smartphones available in affordable Android realms, Honor 5X camera seems to be on top.

Question: Is HDR mode present in Redmi Note 3 camera?

Answer: Yes, HDR mode is present and works well.

Question: Can Xiaomi Redmi Note 3 dual shoot 4K videos?

Answer: No, you can shoot up to 1080p videos from default app, but you can shoot 4K from Google camera app

Question: Can you record slow-motion videos on Xiaomi Redmi Note 3 Dual?

Answer: No. Slo-mo video recording is not supported.

Xiaomi Redmi Note 3 Camera Samples

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

Software

Question: How is the software?

Answer: The Xiaomi Redmi Note 3 is running Android Lollipop based MIUI 7. It’s a popular Android skin, and I am sure most of you have experienced it at some point of time. If your last device was also running MIUI 7, you might find Redmi Note 3 a little too familiar, but you can always use a different theme to break design monotony.

On the whole, it is a good and efficient Android Skin, but Xiaomi isn’t very good with Android version updates, a Marshmallow based rom would have been more appealing.

Question: Does Xiaomi Redmi Note 3 support Gestures?

Answer: No, gesture support is not included in the UI.

Question: Does Xiaomi Redmi Note 3 have one handed mode?

Answer: Yes, single handed mode is present.

Also Read: Should you buy the Lenovo K4 Note or LeEco Le 1s?

Miscellaneous

Question: What kind of SIM card does Xiaomi Redmi Note 3 accept?

Answer: The handset accepts one Micro SIM and one nano SIM (hybrid slot).

Question: How is the call quality on Redmi Note 3?

Answer: In-call audio is loud and clear.

Question: What is the SAR Value of Redmi Note 3?

Answer: SAR Value is 1.256W/Kg Max

Question – Can you record calls on Xiaomi Redmi Note 3?

Answer: Yes.

Question: How is the Battery backup on Redmi Note 3?

Answer: The battery backup is again better than arch rivals. We are getting around 6 hours of screen on time, but your mileage may vary.

Question: What are the sensors present in Redmi Note 3?

Answer: Here is a list of sensors below. 

Question: Is the battery removable on Redmi Note 3?

Answer: Nope.

Question: How many sensors are present in Redmi Note 3?

Answer: The handset includes Accelerometer, Proximity sensor and Ambient light sensor.

Question: How loud is the loudspeaker on Redmi Note 3?

Answer: Not very. In quiet environment you can enjoy media without headphones or any other audio aid, but the loud speaker on the rear side can’t cope with even small amount of ambient noise, say a ceiling fan.

Conclusion

Xiaomi Redmi Note 3 is one of the best smartphones you can buy for around 10,000 INR and does most things right. We would advise you to aim for the 32GB variant, especially if dual SIM card support is mandatory for your usage and even if it means waiting for a couple more weeks (32GB variant isn’t readily available at the time of writing). We will be analyzing the handset further and will share our finding in our full review soon.