GSMArena.com GSMArena.com

Tip us

1.7m
126k
RSS

EV

Merch

Log in

Login

I forgot my password
Sign up
  • Home
  • News
  • Reviews
  • Videos
  • Featured
  • Phone Finder
  • Deals
  • MerchNew
  • Coverage
  • Contact
ADVERTISEMENTS
GSMArena team, 9 September 2014

Winners and sinners


Xiaomi Mi 3 vs Xiaomi Mi 4: Winners and sinners

  • Comments (55)
  • Mi 3
  • Mi 4

1. Introduction
  1. 1. Introduction
  2. 2. Design and handling
  3. 3. Displays, connectivity
  4. 4. Battery life
  5. 5. User interfaces
  6. 6. Performance
  7. 7. Multimedia, loudspeaker, audio quality
  8. 8. Still camera
  9. 9. Video camera
  10. 10. Other apps
  11. 11. Conclusion
  12.  
  13. Xiaomi Mi 3 specification
  14. Xiaomi Mi 4 specification
  15. Review comments (55)

Xiaomi Android

Introduction

The Xiaomi Mi 3, one of the most popular smartphones in China, is up against its own successor, the Mi 4. Two generations ready to clash: boxes opened, benchmarks loaded, audio on, cameras rolling, batteries charged.

The Xiaomi Mi 4 has more RAM and a third-gen Snapdragon 801 chipset, along with LTE connectivity - all that in a slimmer, more compact shell. The upgraded specs go with an entirely new look with a handful of exchangeable rear covers to choose from.

Xiaomi Mi 4 Xiaomi Mi 4 Xiaomi Mi 4 Xiaomi Mi 4
Xiaomi Mi 4 official pictures

The Mi 3 on the other hand is powered by the previous version of that same chipset and is still a perfectly good package for the price. The big things missing are 4G data and 4K videos - both easily rendered irrelevant if a) there's no LTE network where you live or b) you go for the 16GB version. With things like Gorilla Glass 3 and NFC surprisingly missing, is the Mi4 worth the upgrade?

Xiaomi Mi 3 Xiaomi Mi 3 Xiaomi Mi 3 Xiaomi Mi 3
Xiaomi Mi 3 official pictures

In a matter of hours we'll be reminded again of the difference between one particular phone and all others. Six full editions thereof and a couple of in-betweens - blessed and cursed, loved and hated, admired and imitated. Made in China, to the very last one.

The reminder we need though is that the difference between Chinese (as in "Can't pronounce the brand name") and the "Made in China" stamp on the back of an iPhone isn't what it used to be. A vast market with soaring smartphone demand, the growth of 3G and 4G networks, combined with improved skill and expertise, have seen a number of Chinese makers emerge from the pack with self-awareness and confidence.

Xiaomi has a prominent spot on that shortlist and plenty of reasons to be called "Apple of the East", both right and wrong. Still one foot in the copycat phase, but a couple of generations of flagships too that can compete with the best of them. Now, they'll compete against each other for a change.

Xiaomi Mi 4 over Mi 3

  • Higher CPU clock speed - 2.5GHz vs. 2.3GHz
  • 3GB RAM vs 2GB RAM
  • Improved camera sensor with wider aperture
  • 2160p video recording
  • 8MP front-facing camera vs 2MP
  • LTE connectivity
  • IR blaster
  • TV-out via MHL-enabled microUSB port
  • Rich set of exchangeable rear covers

Xiaomi Mi 3 vs Mi 4

  • Polycarbonate premium unibody vs cheap plastic with metal frame
  • Gorilla Glass 3
  • Dual LED flash vs single-LED
  • NFC connectivity

So, Xiaomi has two smartphone generations in less than a year, impressively equipped and competitively priced. They're officially meant for the Asian Pacific region, the domestic market probably the main target, but the build quality and features for the price will get enough attention elsewhere.

Both devices are available as we speak at less than $400 for the Mi 3 and $500 for the Mi 4 - that's the price of the 64GB version. The upgrade comes in at a little over $100 - more than a reasonable premium if you can make the best of the LTE and the 2160p video. That makes the Mi 3 the budget option but the obvious underdog has enough going for it.

Xiaomi Mi3 vs. Mi4 Xiaomi Mi3 vs. Mi4 Xiaomi Mi3 vs. Mi4 Xiaomi Mi3 vs. Mi4
Xiaomi Mi 3 • Xiaomi Mi 4

As usual, we'll try to look beyond the dry specs and put things in perspective. Our side-by-side hardware comparison follows right after the break.

Special thanks to HonorBuy for providing the review unit.

Next Page » 2. Design and handling
1. Introduction
  1. 1. Introduction
  2. 2. Design and handling
  3. 3. Displays, connectivity
  4. 4. Battery life
  5. 5. User interfaces
  6. 6. Performance
  7. 7. Multimedia, loudspeaker, audio quality
  8. 8. Still camera
  9. 9. Video camera
  10. 10. Other apps
  11. 11. Conclusion
  12.  
  13. Xiaomi Mi 3 specification
  14. Xiaomi Mi 4 specification
  15. Review comments (55)

Reviews Xiaomi Mi 3 vs Xiaomi Mi 4
  • Comments (55)
  • Mi 3
  • Mi 4

Xiaomi Mi 3 vs Xiaomi Mi 4: Winners and sinners - Reader comments

C
  • Cringe boyy
  • uNV
  • 23 Nov 2021

Its support only 3g

  • Reply
a
  • anonym
  • DEP
  • 07 Oct 2018

mhl wired connection for mi4 ? any one has try this or just rummor? on amazon there is some seller https://www.amazon.com/MHL-Micro-USB-conversion-official-chipset/dp/1060697335 but denied by member on miui mi4 forum?

  • Reply
e
  • enzima
  • GXm
  • 03 Jan 2017

Is it a 4 g phone or not

  • Reply
  • Read all comments
  • Post your comment
Total reader comments: 55

Phone finder

  • Samsung
  • Apple
  • Huawei
  • Nokia
  • Sony
  • LG
  • HTC
  • Motorola
  • Lenovo
  • Xiaomi
  • Google
  • Honor
  • Oppo
  • Realme
  • OnePlus
  • vivo
  • Meizu
  • BlackBerry
  • Asus
  • Alcatel
  • ZTE
  • Microsoft
  • Vodafone
  • Energizer
  • Cat
  • Sharp
  • Micromax
  • Infinix
  • TCL
  • Ulefone
  • Tecno
  • Doogee
  • Blackview
  • Cubot
  • BLU
  • Panasonic

All brands Rumor mill

ADVERTISEMENTS

Related articles

  • Xiaomi Pad 6 launching in India next week
  • Top 10 trending phones of week 22
  • Redmi 12's specs, renders, and retail box surface
  • Xiaomi 13 Ultra global release set for next week
ADVERTISEMENTS

Popular reviews

Apple iOS 14 review

Apple iOS 14 review
Xiaomi Mi 10 Ultra review

Xiaomi Mi 10 Ultra review
Samsung Galaxy Note20 Ultra 5G review

Samsung Galaxy Note20 Ultra 5G review

ELECTRIC VEHICLES

Genesis GV60 gains the world’s first face recognition Genesis GV60 gains the world’s first face recognition All new Tesla Model 3 vehicles are now eligible for the full $7,500 tax creditTesla Model S beats its own Nürburgring record
ADVERTISEMENTS

Home News Reviews Compare Coverage Glossary FAQ RSS feed Youtube Facebook Twitter Instagram

© 2000-2023 GSMArena.com Mobile version Android app Tools Contact us Merch store Privacy Terms of use Change Ad Consent Do not sell my data