The Xiaomi Mi Note 3 has been officially presented as a high-end smartphone where the goal was to keep the price as affordable as possible. For that very reason, it is the main competitor of the OnePlus 5In fact, it even has a more affordable price.
A large-format Xiaomi Mi 6
The Xiaomi Mi Note 3 is not an innovative smartphone. And in fact, that wasn't the goal. The Xiaomi Mi MIX 2 is already innovativeThe Xiaomi Mi Note 3 is actually a high-end smartphone at a very affordable price. To achieve this, they've even forgone the best processor on the market. But even so, the Xiaomi Mi Note 3 is essentially a larger version of the Xiaomi Mi 6.
The Xiaomi Mi Note 3 shares the same design as the Xiaomi Mi 6, but its larger size means it boasts a 5,5-inch screen. While it doesn't have a bezel-less display, it still features a sleek design with a glass back and a... metal frame.
Compared to the OnePlus 5, it maintains the size of 5,5 inches but with different panel technologies: the Mi Note 3 opts for IPS LCD with neutral colors and very balanced whites, while the OnePlus 5 uses an Optic AMOLED panel with deep blacks and virtually infinite contrast. Both achieve X with a sharpness of 401 ppi, and a screen-to-body ratio close to 73%.
In hand, the Mi Note 3 feels somewhat more substantial due to its glass construction and metal frame: it measures approximately 152,6 x 73,95 x 7,6 mm and weighs about 163 grThe OnePlus 5, with its aluminum body, is slightly thinner and lighter, weighing around 154,2 x 74,1 x 7,25 mm y 153 grwhich improves its ergonomics. If you prioritize grip and lightnessThe OnePlus 5 has the advantage; if you prefer a glossy finish and a more premium feel, the Mi Note 3 is more appealing.
Xiaomi Mi Note 3, a high-end mobile
The Xiaomi Mi Note 3 does not have the best processor on the marketInstead of the Qualcomm Snapdragon 835, it uses the Qualcomm Snapdragon 660. The goal is to make the phone cheaper. In fact, phones like the Xiaomi Mi MIX 2 and Xiaomi Mi 6, which feature the Qualcomm Snapdragon 835 processor, are already on the market. But in this case, they wanted to make it even more affordable. Even so, the Qualcomm Snapdragon 660 is a high-end processor and is probably one of the best on the market.
In addition, the Xiaomi Mi Note 3 features 6 GB of RAMAnd with 64GB, 128GB, and 256GB of internal storage, it's a high-end smartphone. It features a 3.500 mAh battery compatible with Quick Charge 3.0 fast charging technology.
It has a dual camera very similar to that of the Xiaomi Mi 6, with a 12-megapixel main landscape camera and a 12-megapixel portrait camera.
The smartphone has a price of around 320 Euros The most affordable version comes with 6GB of RAM and 64GB of internal storage. That's why we say it's the main competitor to the OnePlus 5, which, while it might seem like a slightly better phone, is actually quite similar and significantly more expensive.
Xiaomi Mi Note 3 vs OnePlus 5: performance and memory
The key difference lies in the chipset: the Mi Note 3 integrates Snapdragon 660 (Kryo 260 CPU and Adreno 512 GPU), while the OnePlus 5 opts for Snapdragon 835 (Higher frequency Kryo and Adreno 540). This translates, in synthetic tests, to a performance increase for the OnePlus 5 of around 30-40% According to tests like AnTuTu or Geekbench, both perform exceptionally well in everyday multitasking with 6GB of RAM, although the OnePlus 5 has variants with 8 GB for demanding users.
In storage, both offer 64 / 128 GB UFS storage without microSD expansion. At the software level, the Mi Note 3's MIUI prioritizes... extra features and customizationWhile the OnePlus 5's OxygenOS is very close to pure Android, with fluency and quick gestures.
Cameras and video
The Mi Note 3 features a dual-system 12 MP + 12 MP: a main light sensor with 4-axis optical stabilization and phase-detection autofocus, and a 52mm telephoto lens for portrait mode with natural bokeh. The OnePlus 5 combines 16 MP + 20 MP with a very bright main camera and a second sensor that assists with zoom and portraits. Both record in 4K and offer HDR and beauty modes; in selfies, both start from 16 SMwith the Mi Note 3 boasting 2 ÎĽm pixels to improve low light capture.
In practical terms, the Mi Note 3 shines in stability and detail when shooting with the main sensor, while the OnePlus 5 stands out for its agility of focus and color fidelity in well-lit scenes. If you like taking portraits with a telephoto lens, the Mi Note 3 offers a real TV 52mm; if you value video with advanced electronic stabilization, the OnePlus 5 offers a very solid implementation.
Battery and fast charging
The capabilities are similar: 3500 mAh on the Mi Note 3 and 3300 mAh on the OnePlus 5. Both easily last a day with mixed use, and in moderate use scenarios they can approach the 2 daysWhere they differ is in charging: the Mi Note 3 is compatible with Quick Charge 3.0, while the OnePlus 5 uses a proprietary, very fast, high-current solution.
It is worth remembering that loading speeds are expressed in watts (W)To achieve the advertised rhythm, it is essential to use a compatible chargerThe same applies to wireless charging: without a suitable charger, the effective power is reduced. Some brands include a fast charger in the box, while others don't; having one included is a significant advantage. saving since you don't have to buy it separately.
Connectivity and sensors
Both are Dual SIM and compatible with LTE 4GDual-band Wi-Fi ac and USB type CThe OnePlus 5 incorporates Bluetooth with aptX for high-quality wireless audio; the Mi Note 3 also offers Bluetooth LE low energy. Both integrate fingerprint reader and notification LED.
In extras, the Mi Note 3 adds infrared to control devices and, depending on the market, NFC for contactless payments. The OnePlus 5 retains the connector of 3,5 mm For headphones, a plus if you use wired audio. Neither has an FM radio or a microSD card slot.
If you value a lightweight and very fluid software experience, the OnePlus 5 with OxygenOS is an excellent option. If you prefer an ecosystem packed with features, system utilities, and camera effects Ready to use, the Mi Note 3 with MIUI is especially complete.
For those seeking a balance between price and performance, the Mi Note 3 retains its appeal: it offers premium finishesGood performance, long battery life, and versatile cameras. If your priority is maximum raw power and an AMOLED panel with perfect blacks, the OnePlus 5 stands out for a slightly higher price. Remember that the Prices They may vary depending on the market, offers, and availability.