Xiaomi Redmi 3 Pro Review: A Premium Feel at an Affordable Price

Xiaomi continues to push the boundaries of what budget smartphones can offer with the Redmi 3 Pro, a device that builds on the success of its predecessors. Priced at NPR 23,500, this model introduces several premium features such as a fingerprint sensor, a substantial 4100mAh battery, and a sleek metal finish. However, whether it justifies the cost requires a closer look.

The Redmi 3 Pro boasts an all-metal construction that gives it a premium appearance and feel. Although the metal surface can be slightly slippery, the phone remains easy to handle thanks to its compact size. Despite housing a large battery, the device feels surprisingly light. A standout feature is the responsive fingerprint scanner located on the rear, easily accessible with the index finger.

Equipped with a 5-inch 720p IPS display, the screen is bright and visible even in direct sunlight, offering good viewing angles. It includes a reading mode that warms the display for comfortable reading, though the overall presentation remains standard.

Under the hood, the phone runs on a 64-bit octa-core Snapdragon 616 processor clocked at 1.5 GHz, paired with 3GB of RAM. This combination ensures smooth multitasking and decent gaming performance, although extended sessions with demanding games can cause the device to heat up and result in occasional frame drops and lag. For those seeking better performance in this price range, alternatives like the Redmi Note 3 exist. Storage is generous at 32GB, with expansion possible through a hybrid slot that can accommodate either a second SIM or a microSD card.

The software experience is powered by Xiaomi's MIUI 7.2, built on Android 5.1. MIUI resembles Apple's iOS in that it lacks an traditional app drawer, instead placing all apps directly on the home screen. It provides extensive customization options, including various themes and features like one-handed mode. However, the interface also bundles unnecessary bloatware.

Photographically, the Redmi 3 Pro features a 13-megapixel rear camera with flash and autofocus, though images tend to lack detail and exhibit average color accuracy. The 5-megapixel front camera produces results suitable for social media but falls short of high-quality standards. The camera app is responsive and offers numerous filters and features such as HDR, panorama mode, and face detection.

One of the phone's strongest assets is its 4100mAh non-removable battery, supported by fast charging technology. This power source easily lasts a full day of heavy use and recharges to full capacity in just over three hours.

Connectivity options include dual SIM support (GSM+GSM/CDMA), with one slot serving as a hybrid for either a second SIM or a microSD card. Additional connectivity features encompass WiFi, Bluetooth 4.1, GPS, and an infrared blaster, allowing the device to function as a remote control for TVs and other appliances.

In conclusion, Xiaomi has made a notable impact in the mid-range market with the Redmi 3 Pro. Its robust battery life, solid build quality, and attractive design set a new benchmark for budget smartphones. However, the ordinary display and subpar camera performance are notable drawbacks. While not ideal for photography enthusiasts, the phone delivers reliable performance and a premium feel, making it a compelling option compared to rivals at the same price point.