Here is the comparison between the Xiaomi Mi Note 3 versus the more expensive Xiaomi Mi 6. This comparison will also delve into the Qualcomm Snapdragon 660 versus 835. Is the Xiaomi Mi Note 3 better than the more expensive Xiaomi Mi 6? Take a deeper look here
Snapdragon 660 versus Snapdragon 835
| Specs | Xiaomi Mi Note 3 | Xiaomi Mi 6 |
|---|---|---|
| Design | Dual Glass Design Splash Resistant |
Dual Glass Design Splash Resistant |
| Weight | Weight: 160g | Weight: 170g |
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 660 Octa Core GPU: Adreno 512 |
Qualcomm Snapdragon 835 Octa Core GPU: Adreno 540 |
| Memory | RAM: 6 GB ROM: 64 GB eMMC Expansion: MicroSD |
RAM: 6 GB ROM: 64 GB UFS 2.0 |
| OS | MIUI 9.2 (Chinese) Android 7.1.2 Nougat |
MIUI 9.2 (Global) Android 7.1.2 Nougat |
| Display | 5.5 inch IPS 1920 x 1080p, Corning Gorilla Glass |
5.15 inch IPS 1920 x 1080p, Corning Gorilla Glass |
| Cameras | Dual Cameras (12 mp) 2x Optical Zoom 4K @ 30fps, OIS |
Dual Cameras (12 mp) 12 mp Sony IMX386 2x Optical Zoom 4K @ 30fps, OIS |
| Connectivity | Bluetooth 5.0 Dual Band WiFi (2.4/5GHz) NFC |
Bluetooth 5.0 Dual Band WiFi (2.4/5GHz) NFC |
| Features | Front Touch ID | Front Touch ID |
| IO | 1x USB Type C 2x Hybrid Dual SIM |
1x USB Type C 2x Dual SIM (Nano) |
| Battery | 3500mAh (Quick Charge) | 3350mAh (Quick Charge) |
| Front Camera | 16 mp | 8.0 MP |
| Positioning | GPS/A-GPS/Glonass | GPS/A-GPS/Glonass |
Design differences?
- Xiaomi Mi Note 3 is much bigger with a 5.5 inch screen and is also thinner
- Both phones offer the same ergonomics and Dual Glass Design
- Both phones doesn’t have 3.5mm Audio Jack and relies on CDLA (USB Type C to 3.5mm Audio Jack)
- The Xiaomi Mi Note 3 CDLA option offers better performance, no issues with audio or volume.
Performance?
- Surprisingly the performance of the Snapdragon 660 is very competitive and a huge improvement over the old Snapdragon 650/652.
- Just basing on Antutu Stress test, the performance of the Snapdragon 660 is more efficient.
- CPU performance of the Snapdragon 660 scores an impressive 138K points on Antutu
- CPU performance is also competitive to the Snapdragon 835
- Adreno 512 is about half the performance of the Adreno 540 just basing on benchmarks
- Gaming performance of the Adreno 512 is impressive, no issues with gaming whatsoever
- Thermals sits between 33-35C on both phones
- On heavy load, temps can get up to 42-45C and stays within these temps.
OS?
- The Xiaomi Mi Note 3 comes with Miui 9.2 (Chinese ROM), Global version is already available
- Some issues with the Chinese ROM included bloatwares and unable to properly run PCMark 2.0 Battery and 3D Mark
- Xiaomi Mi 6, also uses Miui 9.2 but with Global ROM (much more stable)
- No idea yet if Android Oreo will be released
- Gaming Performance is no issue on both phones and performance is excellent
Connectivity
- Both phones support Dual Band WiFi (2.4/5GHz) with no problems of performance.
- 4G LTE speeds is also great despite only TDD-LTE frequencies on the models that I’ve tested.
- GPS performance is also accurate and fast, accurate within 3 meters
Audio Quality
- Audio Quality from the loudspeakers is decent at best (both phones). Sound is crisp
- 3.5mm Audio also sounds great
- CDLA option works best on the Xiaomi Mi Note 3
Front Touch ID
The Front Touch ID of both phones is super fast and accurate.
Battery Life
- The Xiaomi Mi 6 averages 14 hours of battery life
- The Xiaomi Mi Note 3 is a bit higher but I could not get the exact number because benchmark tests did not properly finished
Camera Performance
- With regards to camera performance, it is difficult to tell especially on good lighting
- Both phones offer 4K @ 30fps with OIS (Optical Image Stabilization)
- Minor differences between the two in terms of HDR captured shots, but not that big.
- Bokeh Shots of both phones look creamy and impressive
- So more or less camera performance especially on the rear cam is tied.
- The front camera performance of the Xiaomi Mi Note 3 is marginally better
- However, Audio Quality of the microphones is average at best.
Prices?
Xiaomi Mi Note 3
- Xiaomi Mi Note 3 (6+64gb) $319 Use Coupon Code: note3qc
- Xiaomi Mi Note 3 (6+128gb) $379 Use Coupon Code: qcnote3gb
Xiaomi Mi 6
- Xiaomi Mi 6 (6+64gb) $409 Use Coupon Code: mi6hkgb
- Xiaomi Mi 6 (Black 6+128gb) $439 Use Coupon Code: gpmi6qc
Xiaomi Mi Note 3 is cheaper but surprisingly equally good
On my test, the Xiaomi Mi Note 3 even beats out the more expensive Xiaomi Mi 6 on some test. But what is more interesting is the new Snapdragon 660, which offers blistering performance and doesn’t really cost that much. It is within the high midrange category, but the performance offered is good enough to close the gap with the top tier Snapdragon 835.
Camera performance especially on the rear cam is more or less the same, I would say both phones have identical sensors. But front camera is on the Xiaomi Mi Note 3, because it offers much better image quality.
So, i would recommend highly the Xiaomi Mi Note 3, it is one of the most powerful midrangers available. It balances performance, camera and overall features, which can indeed rival the more expensive Xiaomi Mi 6.
Summary:
- Xiaomi Mi Note 3 and Xiaomi Mi 6 have identical design and features
- Camera Performance especially on the rear is more or less the same
- Front Camera Performance is a bit better on the Xiaomi Mi Note 3
- You need to change to Global ROM for the Xiaomi Mi Note 3
- No update yet for Android Oreo
- Connectivity is excellent for both phones and that includes GPS
- Xiaomi Mi Note 3 supports Memory Expansion
- CDLA options is better on the Xiaomi MI Note 3
- Both phones have average audio quality from their microphones
- The Xiaomi Mi Note 3 is essentially a bigger version of the Xiaomi Mi 6
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