The Mi Note series by Xiaomi is for now limited to Chinese markets but you can buy one and get it imported into India. Here is the latest Mi Note 3 review that was launched in China, do not confuse this with the Redmi Note series, both are different. Check the review to know more.
Xiaomi has not launched the Mi Note series in India and probably may never do so. This series falls into a mid premium category, looks totally different and is kinda pricey. The Mi Note 3 is powerful, and the MIUI 9 is icing on the cake.
Overall performance was impressive, no lags and handset hardly heated up. There is no micro SD option but plenty of storage space. Camera performance was also pretty impressive. There are dual cameras on the rear and they shoots really cool portrait. Fast charging is supported and battery life is good enough.
Unfortunately Xiaomi has not launched this handset in India, so you need to buy this from International stores.
Mi Note 3 features, specifications
Inside the box (unboxing the Mi Note 3) : Handset, user manual, SIM Tray ejector PIN, data cable (USB to USB Type C), 3.5mm to USB Type C adapter (there is no 3.5mm audio jack on this handset), silicon case and travel charger 12V/1.5A (fast charger)
Body : Using Metal frame and back comes with mirror finishing. Curvy design, comfortable to hold, slippery though, better use the silicon case it blends well and gives a very good grip
SIM Type : Nano + Nano, there is no Micro SD card slot
Weight : 163 grams
Screen : 5.5 inches, 1920 x 1080 pixels resolution, viewing angles, touch response and color reproduction are great, 2.5D curved glass
Connectivity : 4G, VoLTE (work on both SIM), WiFi, GPS, NFC, and Bluetooth
Sensors : Accelerometer, Proximity, light and magnetic, gyro sensor, pressure sensor, hall, step
Security and Extra : Finger Print sensor, Face Unlock and IR blaster
LED Notification : Yes
OTG : Yes supported
RAM : 6GB (about 3.6GB free on first boot)
ROM : 64GB (about 54GB free on first boot)
OS : Android Nougat 7.1.1 + MIUI 9.1.2.0 Chinese ROM (English supported) – you will need to install Google Services / Play store
Mi Note 3 Performance
CPU : Qualcomm Snapdragon 660 64 bit octa core 2.2GHz
GPU : Adreno 512
Heating : Low
Max Battery Temperature : 35 degrees
Performance was buttery smooth, no lags, the best part was the battery temp was very much under 36 degrees even when playing games. This handset hardly heated up.
Mi Note 3 Benchmark
Antutu : 113920 /29435
NenaMark3 : 60.0fps (3-7)
Multi Touch : 10 points
Disk Speed : 259 MB/s read and 230 MB/s write
Mi Note 3 Gaming Review
I played Asphalt 8 in high quality mode and it played well, smooth, no lags. Hardware can play high end games with ease.
Mi Note 3 Camera Review
Rear Camera : 12MP + 12MP, auto focus, dual tone LED flash, f/1.8
Front Camera : 16MP
Video Recording : 4K resolution, slow motion, time-lapse
Camera quality is excellent. After the MIUI 9 update the inter face changed and there is a separate option for portrait photography. When using portrait mode you get guideline / help on the screen so you know what to do, to get the perfect shot, example for bokeh the distance may be too less or more, you will get the hint on the screen.
Front selfie shot also turned out great. Handset can shoot max 4K videos. Do check the samples below.
Camera Rating : 4.5 out of 5
Mi Note 3 Camera samples
Download Original Image files (right click and save) (do not use it for commercial purpose, without permission of gogi.in).
Other features
Sound was loud and clear. The finger print sensor on the front was very fast and accurate. This handset also comes with face unlock feature that also works really good. No other issues, smooth performance.
Do note this handset is running MIUI Chinese version, there is English option though and by default there is no access to Google Play / Google Services. Just search for Google from the Mi Store app and install the Google app which in turn will install all the apps needs to run Google Play Store.
Initially I did face some issues, like the Play store was not working and it got stuck at the Login screen. But after few days it just worked by itself. So in case you are using a MIUI 9 Chinese version and installed Google services / Play store and in case it is not working, check back again after few days.
Mi Note 3 Battery Review
Battery capacity : 3500 mAh (Non-removable)
Charging Time : Charge – 1 hour 15 minutes (12% to 100%) using the charger provided
Battery Life : 5 to 8 hours non-stop (moderate to heavy)
Daily usage battery life : One day to one and a half days, depending on your usage
Battery Test Results
Battery Temp at idle : 31 degrees
Running Benchmark app : 15 minutes / 5% / 35 degrees
Asphalt 8 game play : 23 minutes / 5% / 34 degrees
4K video playback with full brightness (WiFi /4G on) : 24 minutes / 4% / 34 degrees
Verdict
The Mi Note 3 looks premium and performance was impressive, the MIUI 9 makes it even better. This handset is not available in India and if you are planning to buy this, you can order from GearBest, you will need to pay custom duty consider that too.
Rating : 4.5 out of 5
In case you are planing to buy this you can get it from GearBest check the coupons below, use DHL shipping and you will need to pay custom duty for this product (less than Rs. 6000).
Here are the coupon codes for Mi Note 3
Xiaomi Mi Note 3 4G Phablet 64GB ROM / Coupon Code: MRwhose2 / Coupon Price: $391.99 (approx Rs. 26K)
Xiaomi Mi Note 3 4G Phablet 6GB + 128GB / Coupon Code: note3th / Coupon Price: $429.99 (approx Rs. 28K)
Xiaomi Mi Note 3 4G Phablet 128GB ROM
Hi Bro,
I ordered Mi mix 2S ($ 551 == 38,000 INR) from GearBest the only available shipping method is SignPost.
Can you please let me know the potential customs duty and timeline of delivery.
Thanks in advance.
Awesome device !! Xiaomi should have launched it in india instead of Mi Mix which would have been a great success at this segment..
Even if you imported it then no service support by xiaomi India, if anything goes wrong it will be a garbage piece.
Hi. Gogi pls made a review on
how to use manual mode in camera, so that we can took better photos .
It will be helpful.
Thanks
Sir…
How much I need to pay custom duty from Gearbest?
Anywhere under Rs. 6000, depends on the assessment by officer.
So what courier should I go with?
Ps: I need to ship to Kashmir.
So any rough Idea how much I need to pay?
Dear Gogi,
I am planning to buy umidigi S2 from gearbest so please suggest shall I buy
You can buy but note you might need to pay custom duty, https://www.gearbest.com/cell-phones/pp_748534.html?wid=11&lkid=11874488 check this post https://www.gogi.in/ems-shipping-india.html
Thanks bro quick response if i buy android tv box with 60 dollars then i have to pay any custom duty …. awaiting answer product already in my cart so please…
If there is priority line shipping option then use that, in fact only buy if that option is there that way chances are very high that you will not get any custom duty. https://www.gearbest.com/android-tv-box-_gear/?lkid=11881096
Yeh custom ke baad 32se 35 ka padega fir toh honor8 pro ya one plus 5 ya mi mix2 hi lelo with 835 processor
Frankly speaking, xiaomi always reserve good stuff for their hometown. They should also launch these smartphones in INDIA. it may be the first to launch with 660 soc in India
Better buy mi mix as the cost would come to same after custom duty.
Dear gogi, i would suggest you to check gaming performance by playing BULLY game. It requires more raw power
Bully ran smooth on my Redmi note 4
dear gogi, please let me know that which custom rom variant should i puchased from gearbest /geekbuying
Phone is good but Pricing is high….more than double of Redmi note 4. About 20k would be good buy.
bro this is not redmi note ( budget category ) this is Mi note ( Premium Category ).
It has SD 660 which is a mid range chipset. premium phones comes with SD 835 like mi mix, mi6 etc.
It’s a competitor for oppo and vivo. Not for Lenovo,moto
Most oppo vivo are overpriced with poor specifications and sold under “premium” tag.