Released in different eras and targeting distinct markets, the Xiaomi Mi 3 and Karbonn Titanium S5 Plus represent contrasting approaches to the smartphone experience. The Mi 3, a 2014 flagship, aimed to disrupt the market with high-end specs at a competitive price. The Karbonn S5 Plus, on the other hand, focused on affordability, offering basic smartphone functionality to a wider audience. This comparison dissects their key differences to determine which device holds up better, even today.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user seeking a functional smartphone with a significantly better processor and overall experience, the Xiaomi Mi 3 is the clear winner. Its Qualcomm Snapdragon 800 chipset provides a substantial performance advantage over the Karbonn Titanium S5 Plus's 1.3 GHz quad-core processor, making it suitable for more demanding tasks and offering a smoother user experience.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 900 / 1800 - SIM 1 & SIM 2 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 |
| Speed | HSPA 21.1/5.76 Mbps | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA | GSM / HSPA |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2013, December. Released 2013, December | 2013, September. Released 2013, December |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 3), plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 138 x 70.5 x 7.9 mm (5.43 x 2.78 x 0.31 in) | 144 x 73.6 x 8.1 mm (5.67 x 2.90 x 0.32 in) |
| SIM | Dual SIM (Mini-SIM) | Mini-SIM |
| Weight | 104.5 g (3.70 oz) | 145 g (5.11 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 |
| Resolution | 540 x 960 pixels, 16:9 ratio (~220 ppi density) | 1080 x 1920 pixels, 16:9 ratio (~441 ppi density) |
| Size | 5.0 inches, 68.9 cm2 (~70.8% screen-to-body ratio) | 5.0 inches, 68.9 cm2 (~65.0% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Quad-core 1.3 GHz | Quad-core 2.3 GHz Krait 400 |
| Chipset | - | Qualcomm MSM8274AB Snapdragon 800 (28 nm) |
| GPU | - | Adreno 330 |
| OS | Android 4.2.2 (Jelly Bean) | Android 4.3 (Jelly Bean), upgradable to 6.0 (Marshmallow), MIUI 5 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDHC (dedicated slot) | No |
| Internal | 4GB 1GB RAM | 16GB 2GB RAM, 64GB 2GB RAM |
| | - | eMMC 4.5 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash | Dual-LED flash, HDR |
| Single | 8 MP, AF | 13 MP, f/2.2, 28mm (wide), AF |
| Video | Yes | 1080p@30fps, HDR |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | Yes | 2 MP, f/2.2 |
| Video | - | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | Yes | 4.0, A2DP |
| NFC | No | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS, GLONASS |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio |
| USB | microUSB 2.0 | microUSB 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, hotspot | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct, hotspot |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, proximity | Accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | - | 18W wired, QC2 |
| Music play | - | Up to 50 h |
| Stand-by | - | Up to 500 h |
| Talk time | - | Up to 25 h |
| Type | Li-Ion 1800 mAh, removable | Li-Ion 3050 mAh, non-removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, White | White, Gray, Black, Yellow, Pink, Blue, Gold, Green |
| Price | About 120 EUR | About 200 EUR |
| Tests |
|---|
| Audio quality | - |
Noise -91.5dB / Crosstalk -44.2dB |
| Battery life | - | Endurance rating 66h |
| Camera | - |
Photo / Video |
| Display | - |
Contrast ratio: 907 (nominal), 2.001 (sunlight) |
| Loudspeaker | - |
Voice 69dB / Noise 66dB / Ring 75dB |
Karbonn Titanium S5 Plus
- Lower price point
- Potentially longer standby time due to less powerful processor
- Simple and easy to use
- Significantly slower performance
- Inferior camera quality
- Limited multitasking capabilities
Xiaomi Mi 3
- Flagship-level performance with Snapdragon 800
- Faster charging with Quick Charge 2.0
- Better camera capabilities
- Superior display quality (likely)
- Older device with potentially degraded battery health
- Higher price (originally)
- May not receive software updates
Display Comparison
Both devices share a contrast ratio of 907 (nominal) and 2001 (sunlight), suggesting similar outdoor visibility. However, the lack of detailed display specifications for the Karbonn Titanium S5 Plus – resolution, panel type – makes a direct comparison difficult. The Mi 3, being a flagship, likely featured a higher-quality panel with better color accuracy and viewing angles. The shared contrast ratios indicate both devices were designed to be usable in bright sunlight, but the Mi 3’s superior processing power could contribute to more effective image processing for display optimization.
Camera Comparison
Both devices list 'Photo / Video' capabilities, but lack specific details. Given the Mi 3’s flagship status, it likely featured a more advanced camera system with a larger sensor and better image processing. The Karbonn Titanium S5 Plus likely featured a more basic camera module, suitable for casual snapshots. Without sensor size or aperture information, it’s difficult to assess the image quality difference, but the Mi 3’s superior processing power would contribute to better noise reduction and dynamic range.
Performance
The performance gap is the most significant differentiator. The Xiaomi Mi 3’s Qualcomm MSM8274AB Snapdragon 800 (28nm) with a quad-core 2.3 GHz Krait 400 CPU is in a different league than the Karbonn Titanium S5 Plus’s 1.3 GHz quad-core processor. The Snapdragon 800, built on a 28nm process, offered flagship-level performance in 2014, capable of handling demanding games and applications. The Karbonn’s processor, while adequate for basic tasks, would struggle with anything beyond simple multitasking. The Snapdragon 800’s Adreno 330 GPU also provides a substantial advantage in graphics performance.
Battery Life
The Xiaomi Mi 3 boasts an endurance rating of 66 hours, indicating excellent battery life. While the Karbonn Titanium S5 Plus’s battery capacity is unknown, its less powerful processor likely consumes less energy. However, the Mi 3’s 18W wired charging with Quick Charge 2.0 support provides a significant convenience advantage, allowing for faster charging times compared to the likely slower charging capabilities of the Karbonn device. The Snapdragon 800’s power efficiency, combined with a well-optimized software, contributes to the Mi 3’s impressive endurance.
Buying Guide
Buy the Karbonn Titanium S5 Plus if you need a very basic, affordable smartphone for essential tasks like calls and texts, and are not concerned with performance or future-proofing. Buy the Xiaomi Mi 3 if you prioritize performance, a better display experience, and a more capable camera, even if it means spending a bit more and dealing with an older device.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Xiaomi Mi 3 still a viable option in 2024, considering its age?
While an older device, the Xiaomi Mi 3 remains surprisingly capable for basic tasks like browsing, social media, and calls. However, its battery health may be degraded, and it won't receive further software updates. It's best suited for users who need a functional smartphone on a tight budget and don't require the latest features.
❓ What kind of games can the Xiaomi Mi 3 realistically run?
The Snapdragon 800 is capable of running many older Android games smoothly. However, demanding modern titles will likely experience significant lag or may not run at all. Expect to be able to play games from 2014-2016 with reasonable settings.
❓ Does the Karbonn Titanium S5 Plus support common apps like WhatsApp and Facebook?
Yes, the Karbonn Titanium S5 Plus should be able to run basic apps like WhatsApp and Facebook, but performance will be slow and laggy. The limited processing power and RAM will struggle with multitasking and complex app features.
