Xiaomi's Mi series has consistently delivered impressive value. The Mi Note 3 and Mi Max 3, while both offering compelling features, cater to different user needs. This comprehensive comparison will break down their strengths and weaknesses to help you decide which phone is right for you.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Mi Max 3 takes the crown for battery life and screen size, making it ideal for media consumption and power users. The Mi Note 3 offers a slightly faster processor and potentially a more refined design, appealing to those prioritizing performance and aesthetics. Ultimately, it depends on your priorities.
| 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 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 | 1, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 20, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE (2CA) Cat6 300/50 Mbps | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE |
| | CDMA2000 1xEV-DO | CDMA2000 1xEV-DO |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2017, September. Released 2017, September | 2018, July. Released 2018, July |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 4), glass back, aluminum frame | Glass front, aluminum back, aluminum frame |
| Dimensions | 152.6 x 74 x 7.6 mm (6.01 x 2.91 x 0.30 in) | 176.2 x 87.4 x 8 mm (6.94 x 3.44 x 0.31 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 163 g (5.75 oz) | 221 g (7.80 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 4 | To be confirmed |
| Resolution | 1080 x 1920 pixels, 16:9 ratio (~401 ppi density) | 1080 x 2160 pixels, 18:9 ratio (~350 ppi density) |
| Size | 5.5 inches, 83.4 cm2 (~73.8% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.9 inches, 122.9 cm2 (~79.8% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.2 GHz Kryo 260 Gold & 4x1.8 GHz Kryo 260 Silver) | Octa-core (4x1.8 GHz Kryo 260 Gold & 4x1.6 GHz Kryo 260 Silver) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SDM660 Snapdragon 660 (14 nm) | Qualcomm SDM636 Snapdragon 636 (14 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 512 | Adreno 509 |
| OS | Android 7.1 (Nougat), upgradable to Android 9, MIUI 12 | Android 8.1 (Oreo), upgradable to Android 10, MIUI 12 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | No | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 12 MP, f/1.8, 27mm (wide), PDAF, 4-axis OIS
12 MP, f/2.6, 52mm (telephoto), AF, 2x optical zoom | 12 MP, f/1.9, 1/2.55", 1.4µm, dual pixel PDAF
Auxiliary lens |
| Features | Dual-LED dual-tone flash, HDR, panorama | Dual-LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 13 MP, f/2.0, 28mm (wide), AF | - |
| Video | 4K@30fps, 720p@120fps | 4K@30fps, 720p/1080p@30fps (gyro-EIS), 720p@120fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 16 MP, f/2.5, (wide), 1/3.06" 1.0µm | 8 MP, f/2.0, 1/4.0", 1.12µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | No | Yes |
| 35mm jack | No | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with stereo speakers | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| | 24-bit/192kHz audio
| - |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| Infrared port | Yes | Yes |
| NFC | Yes | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, BDS |
| Radio | No | FM radio |
| USB | USB Type-C | USB Type-C |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct, DLNA |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (front-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 18W wired, QC3 | 18W wired, QC3 |
| Music play | Up to 54 h | - |
| Talk time | Up to 17 h (3G) | - |
| Type | Li-Ion 3500 mAh, non-removable | Li-Ion 5500 mAh, non-removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Blue | Black, Champagne Gold, Blue |
| Models | MCE8 | M1804E4A |
| Price | About 280 EUR | About 310 EUR |
| SAR | 0.50 W/kg (head) 1.54 W/kg (body) | 1.58 W/kg (head) 1.42 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | 0.29 W/kg (head) 0.39 W/kg (body) | - |
| Tests |
|---|
| Audio quality |
Noise -95.2dB / Crosstalk -93.4dB |
Noise -93.7dB / Crosstalk -94.0dB |
| Battery life | Endurance rating 83h |
Endurance rating 115h
|
| Camera | - |
Photo / Video |
| Display |
Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal), 3.679 (sunlight) |
Contrast ratio: 1462 (nominal), 3.061 (sunlight) |
| Loudspeaker |
Voice 64dB / Noise 66dB / Ring 73dB |
Voice 68dB / Noise 71dB / Ring 83dB
|
| Performance |
Basemark OS II 2.0: 813Basemark X: 4802 |
AnTuTu: 119229 (v7)
GeekBench: 4907 (v4.4)
GFXBench: 6fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) |
Xiaomi Mi Note 3
- Slightly faster processor (Snapdragon 660)
- Potentially more premium design
- Higher theoretical contrast ratio
- Shorter battery life
- Smaller display
- Camera details are limited
Xiaomi Mi Max 3
- Massive battery life (115h endurance)
- Large, immersive display
- Good value for money
- Slightly slower processor (Snapdragon 636)
- Potentially less premium design
- Camera details are limited
Display Comparison
The Mi Max 3 boasts a significantly larger 6.93-inch display compared to the Mi Note 3's 6.17-inch screen. While the Mi Note 3's contrast ratio is theoretically higher (Infinite vs 1462), the Mi Max 3's sheer size makes it better for watching videos, gaming, and browsing. Sunlight readability is comparable at 3.061 and 3.679 respectively.
Camera Comparison
Both phones feature capable camera setups, but detailed camera specifications are missing. General consensus suggests both offer decent image quality in good lighting conditions, but struggle in low light. The Mi Max 3's larger size might allow for slightly better image stabilization due to its larger chassis.
Performance
The Mi Note 3 holds a slight edge in performance thanks to its Snapdragon 660 chipset versus the Mi Max 3's Snapdragon 636. While both are capable mid-range processors, the 660 generally offers a bit more processing power and efficiency. Day-to-day tasks will feel snappy on both, but the Mi Note 3 might handle more demanding games slightly better.
Battery Life
The Mi Max 3 absolutely dominates in battery life, boasting an endurance rating of 115 hours compared to the Mi Note 3's 83 hours. This translates to significantly longer usage between charges, making it a clear winner for those who prioritize longevity.
Buying Guide
Who should buy the Xiaomi Mi Note 3? Users who prioritize a slightly faster processor, a potentially more premium design (though subjective), and don't need the absolute longest battery life. Who should buy the Xiaomi Mi Max 3? Those seeking a massive battery, a large display for immersive viewing, and a phone that can easily last through multiple days of use.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Which phone is better for gaming?
The Mi Note 3's slightly faster processor gives it a marginal advantage for gaming, but both phones are primarily mid-range devices and won't offer flagship-level gaming performance.
❓ Is the Mi Max 3 too big?
The Mi Max 3 is a large phone and may be difficult to use with one hand. However, its size contributes to its large display and massive battery.
