It’s not very often that when I get to test a new device from a manufacturer that I get anxiety attacks when having to return it after my review period. The Xiaomi Redmi Note 3 was one of those devices, and the first in a while.
The Xiaomi Redmi Note 3 may not be the top of the range in the world of smartphone devices, but it sure packs a punch to be reckoned with. The standout for me on this phone had to be the option of Dual Sim. As data is getting more expensive and competitive in the South African Mobile space, service providers are offering great deals on data at the moment if you shop around.
So I was rather excited to see an Afrihost sim card in the delivery, which I could use as my Data sim card. The Redmi Note 3 allows you to then select which sim you want to use for Data and which one for voice. This was a treat, as I had recently run out of data, and used the included sim. The only downfall with this though is that the sim tray only allows you use 1 Micro sim (which I used for data) and 1 Nano sim (calls), but you then forfeit the use of a Micro SD card for storage, which shares the same slot as the Nano Sim.
The Redmi Note 3 is fantastic value for money and at around R3700 the specs on the device match up to a number of higher end smart devices currently on the market. The camera on the phone offers an awesome 16MP camera, and a Full HD (1920 x 1080) 5.5” display.
One thing I was very surprised with was the battery. Even though the phone was using 2 sim cards and being through its paces, the battery sometimes even lasted for around a day and a half. One of the better things about Mi products is the MIUI software that is embedded in on the phones. The software is not “bloated”, and offers the essential apps for the device. The new MIUI 8 is fantastic as well and is an improvement on the MIUI 7 software I previously tested.
I have to admit though, I may be becoming a bit of a Xiaomi fanboy. The devices that they deliver are world class, and even some of their latest announcements are making some waves on some of the larger tech-focused sites. After reviewing the Mi 4 & Mi 5, and now the Redmi Note 3, I’m quite excited to see what else hits the SA shores in the future. The price of the Xiaomi products are at a near perfect price point for consumers looking to get a decent specced Smartphone at an affordable price.
You can purchase the Xiaomi Redmi Note 3 online at MIA Africa or on Takealot.com or Amazon if you outside of South Africa
Disclaimer: I was sent a Redmi Note 3 review unit from the team at MIA Africa. I was not asked to write a specific blog post about the device, but really enjoyed this unit, so thanks guys for the opportunity