Xiaomi recently launched Redmi 3S Prime in India in two different variants. Available in two variants, the Prime model ships with 3GB RAM and fingerprint sensor. The standard Redmi 3S model ships with 2GB RAM without fingerprint sensor. With a 5-inch HD display coupled with a Snapdragon 430 processor, Redmi 3S Prime packs a punch with a massive 4000mAh battery.
The main USP of Redmi 3S Prime is the addition of a huge battery. It seems that Xiaomi has manufactured the handset only to provide users who carve for a great backup. Priced at Rs. 8999, the Redmi 3S Prime is currently available on flash sale mode via both Mi.com and Flipkart. Let’s see how the smartphone performs in real life.
Box Contents
- Redmi 3S Prime handset
- Charger
- USB Cable
- SIM Ejector
- User manual
Build and Design
To work with a smartphone effectively, you need enhanced build and design quality. The Redmi 3S Prime is smooth and shiny. It tends to slip from the hands if not carefully used. This is the biggest drawback of Redmi devices. The Redmi Note 4G, which we are using now is also slippery but we are used to it.
We hope if you become familiar with the handset, you will not face any difficulty. The design feels premium because of the bezel-less display. The three navigation options are not backlit but we can see them clearly in broad daylight. However, during night time you will face acute difficulty to work with the navigation options. We wonder why Xiaomi has adopted this style in a flagship smartphone like Redmi 3S Prime.
The fingerprint sensor located in the middle of the rear side doesn’t obstruct anything. However, the camera sensor is placed on the top left side. If you accidentally place your fingers over them it will cause obstruction to the captured visuals.
Display
Redmi 3S Prime features a 5-inch HD IPS display. The unique reading mode substantially reduces harmful blue light rays to a great extent. To activate, reading mode you need to tap Settings > Display > Reading mode. If you select the option, you will be able to activate the reading mode. By default, the reading mode is deactivated.
The display looks very clear and rich. We watched a film trailer and was very impressed and stunned by the quality of the IPS panel. The lock screen wallpaper feels a great sense of a Xiaomi handset.
Hardware and Performance
Equipped with a Snapdragon 430 processor coupled with the Adreno 505 graphics, the Redmi 3S Prime offers 3GB RAM and 32GB eMMC storage. You can expand the memory slot using a 128GB microSD card, which enables you to store plenty of media files. We managed to work with the phone without any problem. The keypad looks very smooth and comfortable. However, the keypad will look small because of the size of the handset.
To transfer files from Redmi 3S Prime to PC, you need to switch on the handset and select USB file transfer option.
We are able to work with Google Play Store without any problem. Sometimes, the initial downloading of games such as TempleRun 2 from the Google Play Store is a bit lagging. The green progress bar moves fast from left to right without any indication of installation even though we are sitting in the same room as the ADSL modem is located. During our tests, Google Play Store crashed several times and the handset became warm to the touch. However, the play store navigation was pretty smooth.
The main attraction of Redmi 3S Prime is the addition of a 4100mAh battery and it lives up to the expectations. We charged to 100 percent and never used the phone for few days. But the battery power retained without any loss. The addition of a sensitive fingerprint sensor is also a nice touch. The battery is very much capable of retaining power for a long time.
Sound
The speakers are placed on the rear side. Hence, you will have to raise the handset to hear a loud voice. If you place the handset on a book, the sounding will be muffled. You will have to keep the speaker side raise to hear a loud voice. We would suggest Xiaomi place speakers on the side so that users will be able to hear loud sound in all scenarios.
Camera
Redmi 3S Prime is equipped with a 13MP rear camera with 5-piece lens, f/2.0 aperture, PDAF technology including the ability to record videos in Full HD. Moreover, the presence of 12 real-time filters helps you to decorate the captured visuals effectively. You can add a new dimension to images using the filters. The handset is having a decent front-facing snapper with f/2.2 aperture, face recognition and support for Full HD video recording.
We noticed that the captured visuals are comparatively bright and detailed. We can easily spot trees and objects even though they are located far away. Moreover, we can see rays of light when captured in bright sunlight. The videos also produced excellent visuals. As always, Xiaomi has done a great job in the camera segment.
Software
By default, Redmi 3S Prime is loaded with MIUI 7. We recently installed an update, which was over 1GB. As of this writing, the version we are running is 7.5.9.0, which is the stable build. We expect Xiaomi to officially release MIUI 8 for Redmi 3S Prime in the upcoming days. If you are unable to wait, you can install beta release of MIUI 8.
If you proceed to install the latest beta release, you need to capture backups of all the files. We can confirm that your existing files will not be erased during installation of beta build. However, it’s better to take precaution while installing beta release. The big advantage of MIUI 8 is the ability to capture screenshots easily, which is missing in MIUI 7.
Pros
- Rich and vibrant display
- Special reading mode to avoid glare
- Excellent build quality
- Good quality camera
- Highly sensitive fingerprint sensor
Cons
- Lack of Full HD display
- Slippery rear side
- Muffled speakers (You have to raise the handset to hear loud ringers)
- Lack of lengthy ringtones
Conclusion
Redmi 3S Prime enables you to work effectively with a 5-inch HD display. If the default display looks bright for you, you can migrate to the reading mode. However, we found it bit difficult to work with the reading mode initially.
The performance of the handset is good due to the integration of 3GB RAM. We could play games without any lags. The only downside is the lack of sound when placed on a flat surface. But when we raised the volume increases. However, this con can be replaced by using a Bluetooth speaker.
Talking about battery, the Redmi 3S Prime provides all the required juice to run a wide range of apps including gaming. If you are in the market to buy a premium flagship handset, you should consider Redmi 3S Prime.
