The Spice Mi-510 Stellar Prime and the Xiaomi Mi 3 were both popular budget smartphones in their time. But with significant differences in hardware, which one truly reigns supreme? This comprehensive comparison will break down their strengths and weaknesses to help you decide which phone is right for you.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Xiaomi Mi 3 is the clear winner. Its Snapdragon 800 chipset offers significantly better performance, while its impressive battery life and excellent sunlight display provide a superior user experience compared to the Spice Mi-510's Mediatek processor.
| 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 | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA | GSM / HSPA |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2013, June. Released 2013, July | 2013, September. Released 2013, December |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 3), plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 145 x 74 x 9.9 mm (5.71 x 2.91 x 0.39 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 | 176 g (6.21 oz) | 145 g (5.11 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 |
| Resolution | 480 x 854 pixels, 16:9 ratio (~196 ppi density) | 1080 x 1920 pixels, 16:9 ratio (~441 ppi density) |
| Size | 5.0 inches, 68.9 cm2 (~64.2% screen-to-body ratio) | 5.0 inches, 68.9 cm2 (~65.0% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | TFT | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Quad-core 1.2 GHz Cortex-A7 | Quad-core 2.3 GHz Krait 400 |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6589 (28 nm) | Qualcomm MSM8274AB Snapdragon 800 (28 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR SGX544 | Adreno 330 |
| OS | Android 4.2 (Jelly Bean) | Android 4.3 (Jelly Bean), upgradable to 6.0 (Marshmallow), MIUI 5 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDHC (dedicated slot) | No |
| Internal | - | 16GB 2GB RAM, 64GB 2GB RAM |
| | - | eMMC 4.5 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash | Dual-LED flash, HDR |
| Single | 8 MP | 13 MP, f/2.2, 28mm (wide), AF |
| Video | Yes | 1080p@30fps, HDR |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 3 MP | 2 MP, f/2.2 |
| Video | - | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| | SRS audio | - |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 3.0 | 4.0, A2DP |
| NFC | No | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS, GLONASS |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio |
| USB | microUSB | 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 250 h | Up to 500 h |
| Talk time | Up to 6 h | Up to 25 h |
| Type | Li-Ion 2100 mAh, removable | Li-Ion 3050 mAh, non-removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | White | White, Gray, Black, Yellow, Pink, Blue, Gold, Green |
| Price | About 220 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 |
Spice Mi-510 Stellar Prime
- Very Affordable
- Decent Display Contrast
- Compact Size
- Weak Performance
- Limited Storage
- Short Battery Life
- Outdated Software
Xiaomi Mi 3
- Powerful Snapdragon 800 Chipset
- Excellent Battery Life
- Good Display Visibility
- Faster Charging (QC2)
- Older Model
- Limited Software Updates
- May have some aging components
Display Comparison
Both phones feature displays with a remarkable contrast ratio of 907 (nominal) and 2.001 in sunlight, indicating excellent visibility even in bright conditions. However, the Mi 3 likely has a slightly better panel due to Xiaomi's generally higher quality control. The Mi 3's display is likely sharper and more color accurate.
Camera Comparison
While both phones offer 'Photo / Video' capabilities, the Mi 3 likely has a superior camera sensor and image processing. The Snapdragon 800 chipset often included better ISP (Image Signal Processor) capabilities. Expect better image quality, dynamic range, and low-light performance from the Mi 3.
Performance
This is where the Mi 3 truly shines. The Qualcomm Snapdragon 800 chipset with its 2.3 GHz Krait 400 CPU is significantly more powerful than the Spice Mi-510's Mediatek MT6589 with its 1.2 GHz Cortex-A7. Expect smoother multitasking, faster app loading times, and better gaming performance on the Mi 3.
Battery Life
The Xiaomi Mi 3 boasts an impressive endurance rating of 66 hours, suggesting exceptional battery life. The Spice Mi-510's battery life is likely considerably shorter, though specific figures are unavailable. The Mi 3's efficient chipset and larger battery capacity contribute to its superior battery performance.
Buying Guide
The Spice Mi-510 Stellar Prime might appeal to users on an extremely tight budget who prioritize affordability above all else. The Xiaomi Mi 3 is ideal for those seeking a more powerful and feature-rich smartphone experience, even within a budget-friendly price range.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Spice Mi-510 Stellar Prime still worth buying?
Only if you're on an extremely tight budget and need a basic smartphone for calls and simple tasks. Otherwise, there are better options available.
❓ Where can I find a Xiaomi Mi 3 today?
Due to its age, the Xiaomi Mi 3 is no longer officially sold. You may find it on online marketplaces or from resellers, but be cautious about condition and authenticity.
