The Xiaomi Mi 3, released to critical acclaim, represented a high point for affordable flagship performance. The Micromax Vdeo 2, on the other hand, targets the ultra-budget segment. This comparison examines how these two devices, separated by a significant performance gap, cater to different user needs and priorities in the smartphone market.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For users prioritizing performance and longevity, the Xiaomi Mi 3 is the clear winner. Its Snapdragon 800 chipset delivers a vastly superior experience. However, the Micromax Vdeo 2 may suffice for basic tasks if budget is the absolute primary concern.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 - SIM 1 & SIM 2 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 3, 5, 40 | - |
| Speed | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2016, December. Released 2016, December | 2013, September. Released 2013, December |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 3), plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 132 x 66 x 9.7 mm (5.20 x 2.60 x 0.38 in) | 144 x 73.6 x 8.1 mm (5.67 x 2.90 x 0.32 in) |
| SIM | Dual SIM | Mini-SIM |
| Weight | 156 g (5.50 oz) | 145 g (5.11 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass (unspecified version) | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 |
| Resolution | 480 x 854 pixels, 16:9 ratio (~218 ppi density) | 1080 x 1920 pixels, 16:9 ratio (~441 ppi density) |
| Size | 4.5 inches, 55.8 cm2 (~64.1% 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 | Spreadtrum | Qualcomm MSM8274AB Snapdragon 800 (28 nm) |
| GPU | - | Adreno 330 |
| OS | Android 6.0 (Marshmallow) | Android 4.3 (Jelly Bean), upgradable to 6.0 (Marshmallow), MIUI 5 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDHC | No |
| Internal | 8GB 1GB RAM | 16GB 2GB RAM, 64GB 2GB RAM |
| | - | eMMC 4.5 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash | Dual-LED flash, HDR |
| Single | 5 MP | 13 MP, f/2.2, 28mm (wide), AF |
| Video | Yes | 1080p@30fps, HDR |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 2 MP | 2 MP, f/2.2 |
| Video | - | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.0, A2DP | 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 | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct, hotspot |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer | 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 | Rose Gold, Black | White, Gray, Black, Yellow, Pink, Blue, Gold, Green |
| Models | Q4101 | - |
| Price | About 70 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 |
Micromax Vdeo 2
- Extremely affordable price point.
- Functional for basic smartphone tasks.
- Acceptable contrast ratio for outdoor visibility.
- Significantly underpowered processor.
- Limited multitasking capabilities.
- Likely inferior camera performance.
Xiaomi Mi 3
- Powerful Snapdragon 800 processor.
- Excellent battery life (66h endurance).
- Fast charging with Quick Charge 2.0.
- Older device, may not receive software updates.
- Potentially higher price compared to Vdeo 2.
- May show its age in demanding modern applications.
Display Comparison
Both devices share a contrast ratio of 907 (nominal) and 2001 (sunlight), suggesting similar outdoor visibility. However, the context data lacks specifics on panel technology (IPS, AMOLED) or resolution for the Vdeo 2. The Mi 3’s contrast ratio indicates a well-optimized display for its time, offering good color reproduction and black levels. Without further data on the Vdeo 2, it’s difficult to assess its color accuracy or viewing angles relative to the Mi 3.
Camera Comparison
Both phones offer photo and video capabilities, but the context data provides no details on sensor size, aperture, or image processing. Given the Mi 3’s flagship positioning, it likely featured a more capable camera system with better low-light performance and image quality. The Vdeo 2, being an entry-level device, likely utilizes a simpler camera setup focused on basic functionality. Without specific sensor details, a detailed camera comparison is impossible, but the Mi 3 is expected to deliver superior results.
Performance
The performance disparity is stark. The Xiaomi Mi 3’s Qualcomm MSM8274AB Snapdragon 800, built on a 28nm process, features a quad-core 2.3 GHz Krait 400 CPU. This architecture was a flagship standard, offering substantial processing power. In contrast, the Micromax Vdeo 2 utilizes a Spreadtrum chipset with a quad-core 1.3 GHz CPU. The Snapdragon 800’s higher clock speed and more efficient architecture translate to significantly faster app launches, smoother multitasking, and better gaming performance. The 28nm process also contributes to better thermal management, reducing the likelihood of throttling under sustained load.
Battery Life
The Xiaomi Mi 3 boasts an endurance rating of 66 hours, indicating excellent battery life for its time. It also supports 18W wired charging with Quick Charge 2.0 (QC2), allowing for faster charging speeds. The Vdeo 2’s battery capacity and charging specifications are not provided. However, given its lower-end chipset and likely smaller battery, it’s reasonable to assume it will require more frequent charging. The Mi 3’s QC2 support is a significant advantage, reducing downtime and providing a more convenient charging experience.
Buying Guide
Buy the Micromax Vdeo 2 if you need a functional smartphone for essential communication – calls, texts, and light app usage – and are constrained by a very tight budget. Buy the Xiaomi Mi 3 if you prioritize a smoother user experience, faster app loading times, and the ability to handle more demanding applications, even years after release. The Mi 3 is for users who value performance over absolute cost savings.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Xiaomi Mi 3 still a viable option in 2024, considering its age?
While an older device, the Snapdragon 800 remains capable of handling many everyday tasks. However, demanding modern games or applications may experience performance limitations. Its value lies in offering a significantly better experience than ultra-budget options like the Vdeo 2 for a potentially low price on the used market.
❓ What kind of user would benefit most from the Micromax Vdeo 2?
The Vdeo 2 is best suited for users who primarily need a phone for basic communication – making calls, sending texts, and using simple apps like WhatsApp. It’s ideal for those on a very limited budget or who require a secondary phone for emergencies.
❓ Does the Xiaomi Mi 3 support modern app versions and security updates?
Support for modern app versions and security updates is limited due to the device's age. While many apps may still function, compatibility issues are possible. Security updates are unlikely to be available, posing a potential risk.
