Xiaomi Mi Max 3 vs Redmi Note 3: A Clash of Titans

Xiaomi has consistently delivered impressive value in the smartphone market. The Mi Max 3 and Redmi Note 3 are two popular contenders, each offering a unique blend of features and affordability. But which one truly comes out on top? Let's dive into a comprehensive comparison.

Phones Images

🏆 Quick Verdict

The Xiaomi Mi Max 3 edges out the Redmi Note 3 thanks to its significantly better battery life, superior sunlight display visibility, and faster charging. While the Redmi Note 3 offers a solid experience, the Mi Max 3's enhancements make it the more compelling choice for most users.

PHONES
Phone Names	Xiaomi Mi Max 3	Xiaomi Redmi Note 3

Network
2G bands	GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 - SIM 1 & SIM 2	GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 - SIM 1 & SIM 2
3G bands	HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100	HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 - Global
4G bands	1, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 20, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41	1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 38, 39, 40, 41 - Global
Speed	HSPA, LTE	HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat6 300/50 Mbps
Technology	GSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE	GSM / HSPA / LTE
	CDMA2000 1xEV-DO	1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 40 - Special edition (Taiwan)

Launch
Announced	2018, July. Released 2018, July	2016, January 14. Released 2016, March 03
Status	Discontinued	Discontinued

Body
Build	Glass front, aluminum back, aluminum frame	Glass front, aluminum back, aluminum frame
Dimensions	176.2 x 87.4 x 8 mm (6.94 x 3.44 x 0.31 in)	150 x 76 x 8.7 mm (5.91 x 2.99 x 0.34 in)
SIM	Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM	Nano-SIM + Micro-SIM
Weight	221 g (7.80 oz)	164 g (5.78 oz)

Display
Protection	To be confirmed	-
Resolution	1080 x 2160 pixels, 18:9 ratio (~350 ppi density)	1080 x 1920 pixels, 16:9 ratio (~403 ppi density)
Size	6.9 inches, 122.9 cm2 (~79.8% screen-to-body ratio)	5.5 inches, 82.6 cm2 (~72.4% screen-to-body ratio)
Type	IPS LCD	IPS LCD

Platform
CPU	Octa-core (4x1.8 GHz Kryo 260 Gold & 4x1.6 GHz Kryo 260 Silver)	Hexa-core (4x1.4 GHz Cortex-A53 & 2x1.8 GHz Cortex-A72)
Chipset	Qualcomm SDM636 Snapdragon 636 (14 nm)	Qualcomm MSM8956 Snapdragon 650
GPU	Adreno 509	Adreno 510
OS	Android 8.1 (Oreo), upgradable to Android 10, MIUI 12	Android 5.1.1 (Lollipop), upgradable to 6.0.1 (Marshmallow), MIUI 9.5

Memory
Card slot	microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot)	microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot)
Internal	64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM	16GB 2GB RAM (Standard version), 32GB 3GB RAM (High/Special version)
	eMMC 5.1	eMMC 4.5

Main Camera
Dual	12 MP, f/1.9, 1/2.55", 1.4µm, dual pixel PDAF Auxiliary lens	-
Features	Dual-LED flash, HDR, panorama	Dual-LED dual-tone flash, HDR, panorama
Single	-	16 MP, f/2.0, PDAF
Video	4K@30fps, 720p/1080p@30fps (gyro-EIS), 720p@120fps	1080p@30fps

Selfie camera
Single	8 MP, f/2.0, 1/4.0", 1.12µm	5 MP, f/2.0
Video	1080p@30fps	1080p@30fps

Sound
3.5mm jack	Yes	Yes
35mm jack	Yes	Yes
Loudspeaker	Yes, with stereo speakers	Yes
	-	24-bit/192kHz audio

Comms
Bluetooth	5.0, A2DP, LE	4.1, A2DP, LE
Infrared port	Yes	Yes
NFC	No	No
Positioning	GPS, GLONASS, BDS	GPS, GLONASS, BDS
Radio	FM radio	Stereo FM radio, recording
USB	USB Type-C	microUSB 2.0, OTG
WLAN	Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct, DLNA	Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct, hotspot

Features
Sensors	Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass	Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass

Battery
Charging	18W wired, QC3	10W wired
Type	Li-Ion 5500 mAh, non-removable	Li-Po 4050 mAh, non-removable

Misc
Colors	Black, Champagne Gold, Blue	Silver, Gray, Gold
Models	M1804E4A	2015116, 2015161
Price	About 310 EUR	About 160 EUR
SAR	1.58 W/kg (head) 1.42 W/kg (body)	0.49 W/kg (head) 0.50 W/kg (body)
SAR EU	-	0.56 W/kg (head)

Tests
Audio quality	Noise -93.7dB / Crosstalk -94.0dB	Noise -96.0dB / Crosstalk -95.6dB
Battery life	Endurance rating 115h	Endurance rating 93h
Camera	Photo / Video	Photo / Video
Display	Contrast ratio: 1462 (nominal), 3.061 (sunlight)	Contrast ratio: 953:1 (nominal), 2.249 (sunlight)
Loudspeaker	Voice 68dB / Noise 71dB / Ring 83dB	Voice 66dB / Noise 66dB / Ring 75dB
Performance	AnTuTu: 119229 (v7) GeekBench: 4907 (v4.4) GFXBench: 6fps (ES 3.1 onscreen)	Basemark OS II 2.0: 1426Basemark X: 14717

Xiaomi Mi Max 3

Exceptional battery life
Excellent sunlight display visibility
Faster charging (QC3)
Slightly better performance

Larger size may not be for everyone
Design is somewhat dated

Xiaomi Redmi Note 3

Compact and comfortable to hold
Reliable Snapdragon 650 chipset
Affordable price

Shorter battery life
Lower display contrast
Slower charging (10W)

Display Comparison

The Mi Max 3 boasts a significantly higher contrast ratio (1462:1 nominal, 3061:1 sunlight) compared to the Redmi Note 3 (953:1 nominal, 2249:1 sunlight). This translates to noticeably better image quality, deeper blacks, and improved visibility under direct sunlight – a major advantage for outdoor use. Both phones likely feature similar LCD panel technology, but the Mi Max 3's implementation is clearly superior.

Camera Comparison

Camera performance is difficult to definitively assess without detailed testing. Both phones feature standard camera setups for their respective price points. The Mi Max 3 likely benefits from newer image processing algorithms, potentially resulting in slightly better image quality in certain conditions. Both phones will likely struggle in low-light scenarios.

Performance

The Mi Max 3's Snapdragon 636 offers a slight performance edge over the Redmi Note 3's Snapdragon 650. While both chipsets are capable of handling everyday tasks and moderate gaming, the 636's newer architecture and slightly higher clock speeds provide a smoother experience. However, the Redmi Note 3's Snapdragon 650 is known for its stability and efficiency.

Battery Life

This is where the Mi Max 3 truly shines. With an endurance rating of 115 hours, it significantly outperforms the Redmi Note 3's 93 hours. This translates to considerably longer battery life, allowing users to go days without needing to recharge.

Buying Guide

The Xiaomi Mi Max 3 is ideal for users prioritizing long battery life, excellent outdoor visibility, and faster charging. The Redmi Note 3 is a good option for those seeking a reliable and affordable phone with a slightly more compact design and a proven Snapdragon 650 chipset.