Xiaomi Mi3 review, specs, update: The Android-based Xiaomi Mi3 is the former flagship of Xiaomi, the “Apple of China,” and is considered one of the country’s best-selling handsets. It has since been succeeded by the Mi4, which makes us wonder if it’s still worth purchasing.

The Mi4 has a price tag of around $320 for it’s 16GB model, while the Mi3 is now at around $309.99 (XiaomiShop.com as reference), this reveals that the price difference between the two unit is very minimal. Although the premium features and build of the Mi4 is very attractive, the fact is it’s only available in its home market of China. This makes a Mi3 purchase still worth its price.

The Xiaomi Mi 3 has 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.

The Chinese handset maker has really upped the ante of its former flagship 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, it's no surprised that the Mi3 has become a bestseller.