Xiaomi Mi3 review, specs: Xiaomi has laid down its cards on the table. One of its latest smartphones, the Mi 3 sports a 5-inch IPS LCD capacitive touchscreen, 2 GB RAM, 16 or 64 GB internal memory, Android v4.3 Jelly Bean OS (upgradable to KitKat), and a 13 MP primary camera, all powered by a Snapdragon 800 2.3 GHz Krait 400 quad-core processor.

After its release last December 2013, the Chinese smartphone manufacturer has really upped the ante with high-quality specs at a low, budget-friendly price of only Rs. 14,000. Looking good on paper, let’s have a quick look to see if this offer is too good (and too cheap) to be true.

DESIGN & DISPLAY. Measuring 5.67 x 2.90 x 0.32 inches and weighing 145 grams, the initial look of the Mi 3 is good. However, when Xiaomi advertised its "Aluminium-Magnesium alloy frame," the handset’s body failed. It felt too much like a plastic case and far less premium. Also, its unibody rounded shell has flat top and bottom edges. As a result, its corners dug into the palms when holding the phone.

Meanwhile, its 5-inch IPS LCD display is said to be 89% sharper most screens of smartphones within its range. It has a resolution of 1080 x 1920 pixels and a pixel density of 441 ppi, generally not bad. With a large clear screen and fair resolutions, the display gives more than just a decent viewing experience.

PERFORMANCE. The Mi 3’s powerful Snapdragon 800 2.3 GHz Krait 400 quad-core processor coupled with a 2 GB RAM and 16/64 GB internal storage is already a big trump card. The problem, however, is its lack of Micro SD slot. This means that the internal memory can no longer expand. This is quite a waste considering how powerful the processor is. It could have stored more photos and videos.

Speaking of video, there is another thing to consider about this handset. After NDTV’s video loop test, the Mi 3’s 3050 mAh battery lasted for 9 hours, 44 minutes. In other words, hello marathon and group movie vieiwing. Still, too bad its memory won’t be upgraded.

Furthermore, its own take on Android 4.4.2 may need some getting used to.

Overall, the Xiaomi Mi 3 performs more than its worth. With its low budget and high quality, this smartphone might start a trend in the market, particularly in India. By far, it is one of the best phones you can buy that is under Rs. 15,000. We’ll just have to wait and see if other manufacturers will answer to its bet.