Xiaomi Redmi 3S Prime REVIEW - THE COMPACT FLAGSHIP KILLER! (Video)
Today, I'll be talking about my latest Xiaomi Redmi 3S Prime Review.
As you can see the device I have is the gold version. What you notice immediately is that it packs a fingerprint scanner and the speakers are placed on the back.
The fingerprint works surprisingly great, unlocks every time! The positions of the speakers helps a lot, because when you hold the phone you don't muffle the sound.
Inside the package, you'll also find a 2A/9v Charger(no quick-charging) and a regular USB cable(USB-C not supported) The battery is also non-removable, but it's a beastly 4100mAh unit, which helps you get like 7+ hrs of Screen-On-Time!
Seriously, this small phone here is an absolute battery champ. With a 5-inch HD display, it can last you 2-3 days easy with moderate use.
The screen size also helps with the grip as this phone feels very natural in the hand, and also is small enough to fit in every pocket you have, kudos! When I took it out of the box it was running MIUI 7, but I immediately updated to MIUI 8, and so should you.
PART 1 - SOFTWARE UI:
This is the Global Version ROM with lots of languages supported also, the device packs a hefty list of bands, so most likely you'll get 4G with your carrier thanks to Qualcomm's great modem inside.
MIUI 8 is faster and has better features than MIUI 7, so I really recommend you updating your software. You can do so by going in the SETTINGS-ABOUT PHONE-SYSTEM UPDATE:
If you've owned a previous Xiaomi Device than MIUI 8 will feel right at home with its simple, yet colourful design and load of customization options from the Theme app.
The device also features a REMOTE CONTROL app, so that you can control all your TVs, Stereos and AirCons you want. It works pretty neatly, but you have to be patient the first time you set it up.
PART 2 - PERFORMANCE:
In the heart of the device resides an Octa-Core Snapdragon 430 SoC(processor).
Which is pretty fast and yes, snappy(pun intended) in handling all your daily task,including browsing and all social media apps running in the background! That is thanks to the 3GBs of RAM and 32GBs of Onboard Storage, which at this price point is a blessing. Storage on the device is expandable, thanks to a microSD card slot.
Here is the Antutu and Geekbench scores:
Scores are within Helio P10 level of performance, but the Snapdragon 430 kills it in GAMING! I found that it 3D DEMANDING GAMES LIKE MODERN COMBAT 5 and ASPHALT EXTREME RUN GREAT!
PART 3 - CAMERA:
On the back of the device, you have a 13MP Samsung snapper with f/2.2 aperture.
The camera interface is very simple and easy to use. There are quite a few modes available, but you should stick to the Auto mode. The additional settings(image quality, frame) are located when you click on the little gear at the top right, once you've entered the modes section.
The main camera records in FHD and only has a Time-Lapse feature sorry, no Slow-Motion video. You also get a manual mode, but it's pretty limited, as you can only set White Balance and ISO.
Here is a shot from the Main and Front Cams, taken just seconds apart on a sunny day:
FOR THE FULL-SIZE IMAGES AND VIDEO SAMPLES CHECK : MY FLICKR ALBUM
Overall, I'm satisfied with the camera, and even night shots look good, definitely worth the price you are paying.
CONCLUSION:
The Redmi 3S is by far the best compact device on the market, when it comes to price/performance ration! With its excellent gaming performance, incredible battery life and very compact and comfortable size, I definitely recommend you picking the Xiaomi Redmi 3S!
