The journey began two years ago when Xiaomi partnered with Google to develop the A series budget phones. This strategic move paid off, as it became the most popular Android One device and opened gateways to Western markets unfamiliar with Chinese smartphones. Let’s review its features:
Display
The Xiaomi A3 smartphone features a plastic body with glass display protection using two Gorilla Glass 5 panels, giving it a premium appearance akin to the M9. However, its price doesn’t reflect this. The AMOLED HD+ screen, measuring 6 inches, boasts a resolution of 720 x 1560 pixels. Though the screen’s low resolution may not always offer optimal display quality, its curved corners and flat surface contribute to its aesthetic appeal. The screen brightness is 363 nits.
Battery
The Xiaomi A3 boasts a larger 4030mAh battery compared to its predecessors, though slightly less than some competitors. It supports Quick Charge 3.0, enabling a 45% charge in just 30 minutes with an 18W charger, and a full charge in 1 hour and 40 minutes. Browsing time is approximately 12.5 hours, with 21 hours of video playback.
Camera
The Xiaomi A3 features a triple camera setup: a 48 MP main camera, followed by 12 MP and 2 MP lenses. The third camera acts as a depth sensor. While the main camera captures photos in full resolution, resulting in ordinary details with occasional blurriness, the secondary and tertiary cameras offer less impressive quality. The 2x zoom provides only digital zoom and cropped images without a telephoto option. The 32MP selfie camera excels in detail and color accuracy but lacks autofocus, requiring manual adjustment for different distances, making it suitable for close-up shots.
Processor
Upgraded from the Snapdragon 660 to the Snapdragon 665 chipset, the Xiaomi A3 offers improved performance, albeit with lower resolution for gaming. It features an octa-core Kryo 260 CPU and Adreno 610 GPU, consuming 20% less battery power while providing adequate performance.
Software
The Xiaomi A3 runs Android One software, ensuring faster updates and timely support. It ships with Android 9 Pie, with a commitment from Xiaomi for an Android 10 update, ensuring smooth operation without system slowdowns.
Internal Storage
The Xiaomi A3 smartphone is available in three variants: 64GB with 4GB RAM, 128GB with 6GB RAM, and another 128GB option with 4GB RAM. These options provide ample storage space, which is undoubtedly a plus point for this device. Additionally, it supports expandable memory through microSDXC external memory cards.
Final Verdict: Xiaomi’s strategy with the A3 balances improvements and compromises, such as reintroducing the 3.5mm headphone jack and expandable storage while opting for an HD+ display. The Qualcomm Snapdragon 665 chipset offers commendable performance at its price point, with improved battery life and satisfactory camera capabilities. Overall, the Xiaomi A3 appeals to Android enthusiasts seeking regular updates, good camera performance, and value for money.