Xiaomi Mi Note 3: 8GB RAM, Snapdragon 835, 256GB?

No, the Xiaomi Mi Note 3 does not have an 8GB RAM, Snapdragon 835, or 256GB storage option. The phone, released in September 2017, ships with a Snapdragon 660 processor, 4GB or 6GB of RAM, and 64GB or 128GB of internal storage, with no microSD slot for expansion.

Background: The Mi Note 3’s Place in Xiaomi’s Lineup

The Mi Note 3 was positioned as a mid-range flagship, bridging the gap between the budget Redmi series and the true flagship Mi series. In 2017, Xiaomi’s flagship was the Mi 6, which used the Snapdragon 835. The Mi Note 3 was designed to offer a larger screen and better camera than the Mi 6, but at a lower price, which is why it used the mid-tier Snapdragon 660 instead of the top-tier 835.

This was a deliberate move: the Snapdragon 660 was built on a 14nm process and offered good performance for everyday tasks, but it lacked the raw power and some features of the 835, such as support for Quick Charge 4.0 and higher-end gaming performance. The Mi Note 3 was also the first Xiaomi phone to feature a dual-camera setup with 2x optical zoom, a feature that was becoming popular at the time.

Specifications: What the Mi Note 3 Actually Has

Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 660 (8-core, up to 2.2 GHz)
RAM: 4GB or 6GB LPDDR4X
Storage: 64GB or 128GB UFS 2.1 (no microSD slot)
Display: 5.5-inch Full HD (1920×1080) IPS LCD
Battery: 3500 mAh with Quick Charge 3.0
Cameras: 12MP + 12MP dual rear (wide + telephoto), 16MP front
OS: MIUI based on Android 7.1.1 Nougat (later updated)

All versions of the Mi Note 3 come with the Snapdragon 660. There is no variant with a Snapdragon 835, 8GB of RAM, or 256GB of storage. The highest configuration is 6GB RAM + 128GB storage, which was sold in China and some other markets.

Why the Confusion? Similar Names and Rumors

The confusion likely arises from the Mi Note series itself. The Mi Note 2 (2016) had a Snapdragon 821, and the Mi Note 3 was expected to follow with a flagship chip. Also, Xiaomi released the Mi Mix 2 in the same month, which had a Snapdragon 835 and 6GB/8GB RAM options, so some people may have mixed up the two models.

There were also rumors before the Mi Note 3’s launch that it would be a “bigger Mi 6” with a Snapdragon 835, but those proved false. The actual device was a mid-range phone, which disappointed some enthusiasts who had hoped for a flagship Note.

Performance and Real-World Usage

The Snapdragon 660 is a capable processor for daily use. It handles social media, web browsing, video streaming, and most apps smoothly. Gaming performance is decent for casual games, but demanding titles like PUBG Mobile or Fortnite may require lower graphics settings to run smoothly.

With 4GB or 6GB of RAM, multitasking is generally fine, though heavy apps may reload more often than on a phone with 8GB. The lack of expandable storage means you must choose the right capacity at purchase, as 64GB can fill up quickly with photos, videos, and apps.

Comparison: Mi Note 3 vs. Phones with Snapdragon 835

If you are considering a phone with the Snapdragon 835, 8GB RAM, and 256GB storage, here are some models from the same era that actually had those specs:

Xiaomi Mi Mix 2: Snapdragon 835, up to 8GB RAM, 256GB storage (top model)
OnePlus 5T: Snapdragon 835, up to 8GB RAM, 128GB storage (no 256GB)
Samsung Galaxy S8/S8+: Snapdragon 835 (in some regions), 4GB RAM, up to 256GB via microSD
Google Pixel 2 XL: Snapdragon 835, 4GB RAM, up to 128GB storage

The Mi Note 3 is not in this league. It competes more with phones like the Xiaomi Mi 6 (which had the 835 but only 6GB RAM) or the OPPO R11 (which also used the Snapdragon 660).

Common Problems and Limitations

No expandable storage: If you buy the 64GB model, you cannot add more storage later.
Outdated software: The Mi Note 3 received MIUI updates but is unlikely to receive Android 10 or later. Security patches may also be outdated.
No NFC in some regions: The Chinese version lacks NFC, which means no Google Pay or contactless payments.
Battery life: The 3500 mAh battery is average; heavy use may require a mid-day charge.

Is It Worth Buying in 2025?

As a budget secondary phone or a collector’s item, the Mi Note 3 can still work for basic tasks. However, its aging processor, lack of software updates, and limited storage make it a poor choice as a primary device. For the price it might sell for now (often under $100 used), you could find a more modern budget phone with better performance, a newer Android version, and expandable storage.

If you specifically need a phone with 8GB RAM, a Snapdragon 835, and 256GB storage, look for a used Xiaomi Mi Mix 2 (the 8GB/256GB version) or a OnePlus 5T (though it maxes at 128GB). These will offer better performance, but also come with outdated software.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the Xiaomi Mi Note 3 have a Snapdragon 835?

No, it has a Snapdragon 660. The Snapdragon 835 was reserved for Xiaomi’s flagship models like the Mi 6 and Mi Mix 2.

Can I expand the storage on the Mi Note 3?

No, the Mi Note 3 does not have a microSD card slot. You are limited to the internal 64GB or 128GB.

Is the Mi Note 3 good for gaming?

It can handle casual games, but for heavy games like Genshin Impact or Call of Duty Mobile, you will need to lower graphics settings and may still experience frame drops.

What Android version does the Mi Note 3 run?

It launched with Android 7.1.1 Nougat and was updated to Android 8.1 Oreo with MIUI. It did not receive Android 9 or later officially.

Is the Mi Note 3 worth buying in 2025?

Only as a cheap backup phone or for basic use. It lacks modern features like NFC (in some versions), has outdated software, and limited storage.

Method: the standard formula for this calculation, rounded as each result states. See how the calculators work or report an error.

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