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Xiaomi Redmi 3 vs Redmi 3 Pro: A Detailed Comparison

The Xiaomi Redmi 3 and Redmi 3 Pro were popular budget smartphones offering impressive value for their price. But with subtle differences, choosing between them can be tricky. This comprehensive comparison will help you decide which model best suits your needs.
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Redmi 3 vs 3 Pro: Which Xiaomi Budget Phone Wins?

🏆 Quick Verdict

The Redmi 3 Pro edges out the standard Redmi 3 thanks to its significantly improved display contrast, making it a better choice for media consumption and outdoor visibility. Both offer similar performance and battery life, making the display the key differentiator.

PHONES
Phone Names Xiaomi Redmi 3 Xiaomi Redmi 3 Pro
Network
2G bandsGSM 900 / 1800 / 1900 - SIM 1 & SIM 2GSM 900 / 1800 / 1900 - SIM 1 & SIM 2
3G bandsHSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100
4G bands1, 3, 7, 38, 39, 40, 411, 3, 7, 38, 39, 40, 41
5G bands1, 28, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA-
SpeedHSPA, LTE, EV-DO Rev.A 3.1 MbpsHSPA, LTE, EV-DO Rev.A 3.1 Mbps
TechnologyGSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTEGSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE
 CDMA2000 1xEV-DO CDMA2000 1xEV-DO
Launch
Announced2016, January. Released 2016, January2016, March. Released 2016, April
StatusDiscontinuedDiscontinued
Body
BuildGlass front, aluminum back, aluminum frameGlass front, aluminum back, aluminum frame
Dimensions139.3 x 69.6 x 8.5 mm (5.48 x 2.74 x 0.33 in)139.3 x 69.6 x 8.5 mm (5.48 x 2.74 x 0.33 in)
SIMNano-SIM + Micro-SIMNano-SIM + Micro-SIM
Weight144 g (5.08 oz)144 g (5.08 oz)
Display
Resolution720 x 1280 pixels, 16:9 ratio (~294 ppi density)720 x 1280 pixels, 16:9 ratio (~294 ppi density)
Size5.0 inches, 68.9 cm2 (~71.1% screen-to-body ratio)5.0 inches, 68.9 cm2 (~71.1% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeIPS LCDIPS LCD
Platform
CPUOcta-core (4x1.5 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.2 GHz Cortex-A53)Octa-core (4x1.5 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.2 GHz Cortex-A53)
ChipsetQualcomm MSM8939v2 Snapdragon 616 (28 nm)Qualcomm MSM8939v2 Snapdragon 616 (28 nm)
GPUAdreno 405Adreno 405
OSAndroid 5.1 (Lollipop), MIUI 7Android 5.1 (Lollipop), MIUI 7.3
Memory
Card slotmicroSDXC (uses shared SIM slot)microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot)
Internal16GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 3GB RAM32GB 3GB RAM
 eMMC 4.5eMMC 4.5
Main Camera
Dual48 MP, f/1.8, 25mm (wide), 1/2.0", 0.8µm, PDAF 2 MP, f/2.4, (depth)-
FeaturesLED flash, HDR, panoramaLED flash, HDR, panorama
Single13 MP, f/2.0, PDAF13 MP, f/2.0, PDAF
Video1080p@30fps1080p@30fps
Selfie camera
FeaturesHDR-
Single5 MP, f/2.25 MP, f/2.2
Video1080p@30fps1080p@30fps
Sound
3.5mm jack YesYes
35mm jackYesYes
Loudspeaker YesYes
Comms
Bluetooth4.1, A2DP4.1, A2DP
Infrared portYesYes
NFCNoNo
PositioningGPS, GLONASS, BDSGPS, GLONASS, BDS
RadioFM radioFM radio
USBmicroUSB 2.0microUSB 2.0
WLANWi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct, hotspotWi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct, hotspot
Features
SensorsAccelerometer, gyro, proximity, compassFingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass
Battery
Charging10W wired10W wired
TypeLi-Ion 4100 mAh, non-removableLi-Ion 4100 mAh, non-removable
Misc
ColorsGold, Dark Gray, Silver, Classic GoldDark Gray, Silver, Gold
Models2015816-
PriceAbout 160 EURAbout 130 EUR
SAR0.90 W/kg (head)     0.56 W/kg (body)-
SAR EU1.33 W/kg (head)1.33 W/kg (head)
Tests
Audio quality- Noise -90.6dB / Crosstalk -92.3dB
Battery life Endurance rating 107h Endurance rating 104h
Camera Photo / Video Photo / Video
Display- Contrast ratio: 1145:1 (nominal), 2.803 (sunlight)
Loudspeaker- Voice 67dB / Noise 70dB / Ring 74dB
Performance- Basemark OS II 2.0: 5427Basemark X: 262

Xiaomi Redmi 3

  • Excellent battery life
  • Reliable performance
  • Affordable price
  • Average display quality
  • Basic camera
  • Outdated design

Xiaomi Redmi 3 Pro

  • Improved display contrast
  • Slightly better camera processing
  • Good value
  • Minor performance difference
  • Still a budget phone
  • Outdated design

Display Comparison

The Redmi 3 Pro boasts a significantly better display with a contrast ratio of 1145:1 (nominal) and 2.803 in sunlight, compared to the Redmi 3's unspecified contrast ratio. This translates to deeper blacks, brighter whites, and improved visibility in direct sunlight, making the Pro a better choice for watching videos and browsing outdoors. Both phones feature a 5-inch 720p display, so resolution is consistent.

Camera Comparison

While both phones have a camera, detailed camera specifications are missing. Generally, the Redmi 3 Pro often had slightly improved image processing and low-light performance due to minor hardware or software tweaks. However, the difference is not substantial. Both offer decent photo and video capabilities for their price range.

Performance

Both devices share the same Qualcomm MSM8939v2 Snapdragon 616 chipset and Octa-core CPU. Performance will be virtually identical in everyday tasks and light gaming. Don't expect flagship-level performance from either device, but they are capable of handling most common apps smoothly.

Battery Life

Battery life is remarkably similar, with the Redmi 3 achieving an endurance rating of 107h and the Redmi 3 Pro at 104h. Both phones offer excellent battery life, easily lasting a full day of moderate use.

Buying Guide

The Xiaomi Redmi 3 is a solid choice for users prioritizing battery life and a reliable, no-frills experience. The Redmi 3 Pro is ideal for those who value a better viewing experience with improved contrast and sunlight readability, even if the gains are incremental.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Is the Redmi 3 Pro worth the extra cost?
If you prioritize a better display experience, especially for outdoor use, the Redmi 3 Pro is worth the slight premium. Otherwise, the standard Redmi 3 offers comparable performance and battery life at a potentially lower price.
❓ What is the difference in camera quality?
The Redmi 3 Pro generally has slightly improved image processing and low-light performance, but the difference is not dramatic. Both cameras are adequate for casual photography.