Xiaomi Redmi Note 3 (Snapdragon 650 variant)

Photo: Ilya Plekhanov via Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0)

Xiaomi

Xiaomi Redmi Note 3 (Snapdragon 650 variant)

March 2016 8/10 Rating
In brief: The Xiaomi Redmi Note 3, specifically the Snapdragon 650 variant, was a highly popular mid-range smartphone released in early 2016. It was praised for its premium metal unibody design, a then-impressive rear-mounted fingerprint sensor, and exceptional battery life, offering great value for its price point.
Display5.5-inch Full HD IPS LCD
ChipsetQualcomm Snapdragon 650
Main Camera16 MP with PDAF
Battery4050 mAh Li-Po
Starting from $556 in International

💰 Xiaomi Redmi Note 3 (Snapdragon 650 variant) Price in United States

The international price (India, USA, UK & most other countries) is around $556, based on current retailer listings.

⚖ Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Excellent battery life
  • Solid performance for its class
  • Premium metal build quality
  • Responsive fingerprint sensor
  • IR blaster for controlling appliances

Cons

  • Hybrid SIM slot (either dual SIM or one SIM + microSD)
  • Micro-USB port instead of USB-C
  • Camera performance can be inconsistent in low light
  • Limited software updates in current year
  • No NFC
★ Our Verdict

The Xiaomi Redmi Note 3 offered an exceptional balance of performance, battery life, and premium build quality for its price point in 2016, making it a highly recommended device at the time.

The Xiaomi Redmi Note 3 is an older smartphone, released in 2016, and is no longer officially supported with software updates, posing potential security risks for daily use. While it was a groundbreaking device in its era, offering a premium feel and strong performance for its price, modern budget smartphones significantly outperform it in terms of processing power, camera capabilities, and software longevity. If you are considering this phone, it should primarily be for collection, very light non-critical tasks, or as a secondary device, and only if found at a very low price. Be aware that the battery health on any used unit will likely be degraded, and finding replacement parts might be challenging. For a reliable daily driver, investing in a newer budget smartphone is highly recommended.

📦 In The Box & Warranty

  • Xiaomi Redmi Note 3 Handset
  • Power Adapter (Charger)
  • Micro USB Cable
  • SIM Ejector Tool
  • User Manual

Xiaomi typically offers a 1-year limited manufacturer warranty for its smartphones.

❓ Questions & Answers

What are the key differences between the Redmi Note 3 variants?

The primary difference lies in the processor: one variant uses a MediaTek Helio X10 chipset, while the more popular and often referred to version (the one detailed here) features the Qualcomm Snapdragon 650. The Snapdragon variant also typically came with a 16MP main camera compared to the MediaTek's 13MP.

Is the Xiaomi Redmi Note 3 still a good phone in 2024?

No, the Xiaomi Redmi Note 3 is not recommended as a primary device in 2024. Its software is outdated, lacking modern security updates, and its hardware is significantly slower compared to current budget smartphones.

Does the Redmi Note 3 support expandable storage?

Yes, the Xiaomi Redmi Note 3 supports expandable storage via a microSDXC card, but it uses a hybrid SIM slot, meaning you have to choose between using two SIM cards or one SIM card and a microSD card.

What kind of battery life can I expect from the Redmi Note 3?

The Redmi Note 3 was known for its excellent battery life, thanks to its large 4050 mAh non-removable battery. When new, it could easily last a full day or more on a single charge.

Does the Redmi Note 3 have a fingerprint sensor?

Yes, the Xiaomi Redmi Note 3 was one of the first Xiaomi phones to feature a rear-mounted fingerprint sensor, which was praised for its speed and accuracy.

Can the Redmi Note 3 run modern apps?

While it might run some basic modern apps, many newer applications may struggle with performance or compatibility due to the phone's older processor, limited RAM, and outdated Android version. Security apps might also be an issue due to lack of updates.