Xiaomi today unveiled its latest Redmi handset in India: the Redmi 3s. Replacing the ageing Redmi 2 Prime, the Redmi 3s is a major step up from its predecessor.
The handset features a metal build that is still very uncommon to find in phones inside the sub-$150 price range in India. The 8.5mm thick handset features a 5-inch 720p display with capacitive navigation keys sitting below it. Inside the Redmi 3S is Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 430 chipset, an octa-core chip featuring eight clusters of Cortex-A53 cores that can run at as high as 1.4GHz. This is paired with an Adreno 505 GPU and 2/3GB RAM. The handset also comes with 16/32GB of internal storage and a microSD card slot.
Other notable specs fo the Redmi 3s include a 13MP f/2.0 shooter at its rear with an LED flash, and a 5MP f/2.2 selfie shooter at the front. The handset also features a fingerprint sensor at its rear, accelerometer, LTE, dual-SIM connectivity, gyroscope, IR blaster, and GPS. All this is powered by a gigantic 4100mAh battery that should ensure the Redmi 3s easily lasts a day or two of heavy usage.
Key specs of Xiaomi Redmi 3s
- 4100mAh high-density 685Wh/L battery
- 1.4GHz octa-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 430
- Premium metal body
- 13MP rear camera with PDAF, 5MP front camera
- 5-inch HD display, dual SIM (Nano- and Micro-SIM)
- LTE and VoLTE support
- 2GB RAM + 16GB Flash | 3GB RAM + 32GB Flash
- IR blaster
- Fingerprint scanner (Prime only)
- Available in Dark Grey, Silver and Gold
Xiaomi will be selling the Redmi 3s in two variants. The base variant will come with 16GB of internal storage, 2GB RAM, and lack a fingerprint scanner. It will retail for Rs. 6,999 from August 16th. The Redmi 3s Prime comes with 3GB RAM, 32GB storage, and a fingerprint scanner for Rs. 8,999. It will go on sale from 9th August on Flipkart and Mi.com. This will be an open sale, so no prior registrations will be required. The handsets will be available in Dark Grey, Silver, and Gold colors.