Xiaomi Mi MIX 3 camera

Xiaomi Mi MIX 3 Price, Specs, Design Leaked – 100% Screen To Body Ratio

As expected Xiaomi Mi MIX 2 didn’t disappoint us at all. Instead, we get to witness a better screen-to-body ratio and compact 18:9 metal chassis. There were some flaws in the flagship. Well, almost every flagship has one. But most importantly, Xiaomi Mi MIX 2 delivered the same performance and premium quality like Samsung Note 8, Huawei Mate 10 di but with 2X lesser the price. However, the Mi MIX 2 flagship has been released a couple of months back. This allows us to shift our attention to the third generation of MIX family, or should we say ‘Xiaomi Mi MIX 3’. There are many questions regarding the flagship. This includes Xiaomi Mi MIX 3 price, specs, design, and features. Let’s uncover them all with the first leaked information about the phone.

Xiaomi Mi MIX 3 featured

Xiaomi Mi MIX 3 Price, Specs, Design Leaked

Design & Appearance

The expected design of Xiaomi Mi MIX 3 is too easy to guess. As we witness that the screen-to-body ratio has been increased from the first generation to the second. However, in the third generation, it should be further improved. If Xiaomi wants to make the greatest long-lasting impact, as it did with Xiaomi Mi MIX surprise release, the company has to make the screen-to-body ratio more than 95% and reaching to the maximum 100%.

Xiaomi-Mi-MIX-3

The first leak of Xiaomi Mi MIX 3 suggests the same. The Chinese manufacturer might remove the chin of the phone. A famous leakster named ‘Zealer’ has set three design prototypes for the next year’s flagship. This may suggest three different versions each with different sensors layout and design layout. If Xiaomi makes this move, it might have to face some production issues and have to work twice as hard and dedicate more time. However, it would be better if the company stick to only one design.

Click to Enlarge

Chances of two version are more likely, rather than a single one. It could be Xiaomi Mi MIX 3 and Xiaomi Mi MIX 3 Plus (an upsized version).

Also Read: Vernee Mix 2 Preview – A Perfect Mi MIX 2 Rival For $189.99

If MIX 3 goes Dual Display will Xiaomi rule out the Fingerprint reader option?

Xiaomi Mi MIX series is all about innovation. So definitely, Xiaomi will try to bring something new for the new generation. The leaked images suggest us the dual screen display. This is a great idea and could work like in Meizu PRO 7. However, that would rule out the option for fingerprint module. But what if Xiaomi comes up with the on-screen fingerprint technology and integrates it in the mini secondary display or the primary one.

Xiaomi-Mi-MIX-3 leaked
The on-screen fingerprint reader will truly be a groundbreaking technology

Will there be any space for the front camera?

It’s a difficult question to answer. If Xiaomi goes for removing the chin, then they obviously have to remove the front camera. However, there are three possible alternatives. First is to introduce a rotatable camera. The second one is to go for a new groundbreaking screen layout that might have a space for the front camera. Last but not the least is to bring the Essential Phone’s front camera layout concept.

Mi mix 3
This layout is somewhat true as Xiaomi may retain the same camera layout but going dual lens and 95% screen ratio as well.

As far as the material is concerned, the metal and ceramic options in MIX 2 are fine. But for better grip and feel it should have a 3D curved, sandblasted back in case of metal chassis. For ceramic, Corning Gorilla Glass Protection might do the trick as ceramic is too weak.

Screen & Display

Xiaomi MIX 3 will continue the 5.99-inch screen display. If the company wanted to push the flagship, the display might even reduce to 5.6-inch or 5.5-inch which is the most standard size recently. Who knows we might even witness a 2K or a 4K, bezel-less, Super AMOLED display. However, the chances are odd because more resolution means more battery consumption and low benchmark points on that resolution.

Curved or 2.5D screen?

Introducing a curved display will be a brilliant idea, but that depends on a budget of the phone. As a cheap alternative, the 2.5D glass similar to MIX 2 can get the job done. The thing that is sure for now is a better compact bezel-less display with some innovation and technology.

Xiaomi-Mi-Mix-3-Concept-Design-Leaked-side-view

The sensors and the notification LED can become an issue on a 100% screen to body ratio. The best way to solve this is to integrate those within the screen, make a different screen layout like said before, or introduce an always-on mini screen on the back.

Also Read: Xiaomi Mi MIX 2 Vs Xiaomi Mi MIX – When Generations Collide

Hardware & Performance

There’s no doubt Xiaomi will remain loyal to Qualcomm because it always has been. In the third generation, we will obviously witness the power of Snapdragon 845. It will be the same SoC featuring in Mi 7. However, if other manufacturers such as Huawei, Samsung, and Apple release much better flagships than Xiaomi Mi 7, then Xiaomi might go for an overclocked or maximized Snapdragon 845, to conquer all benchmarks. Let’s hope Snapdragon 845 turns AI such as Kirin 970. Indeed, the future for artificial intelligence is bright.

snapdragon-845

Will it be the first phone to feature UFS 3.0?

The SoC will be accompanied by at least 8GB RAM + 64GB ROM. The combination is high because MIX series is a high-end family. Moreover, it won’t be 2017 but 2018. New phones are expected to feature 6GB RAM as a standard phone memory while reaching to 10 to 12GB maximum RAM. The storage technology might be UFS 3.0 featured in MIX 3 if the upcoming storage technology debuts at WMC 18. The bandwidth will be a freaking 2666MB per sec. However, if the release gets delayed than Xiaomi might have to stay on UFS 2.1.

UFS 3.0 / eMMC 5.2

As far as sensors are confirmed, the common ones such as gyro, proximity, light, compass, hall are present. The fingerprint sensor might shift from the rear module to on-display. Cantilever piezoelectric ceramic acoustic technology continues to bring some problems in MIX 2 even with some modifications. We thought that AAC technology would have been a better alternative sound receiver. Well, if not in the second generation then why not the third generation. Trust us, it will be revolutionary, and it also occupies lesser space than Cantilever piezoelectric ceramic acoustic technology. The best part is that it would be interesting to see an iris scanner as well, but it might not be possible because of the 100% screen-to-body ratio. Let’s see if Xiaomi comes up with another way to feature it.

Camera & Connectivity

The greatest disappointment in Xiaomi Mi MIX 2 was that Xiaomi ignored the dual cameras and instead featured a single camera. The year 2017 is the era of full-screen and dual camera smartphones. Maybe that is why the second generation wasn’t that popular as the first one was. Instead, the audience was attracted to Mi Note 3 with better front and dual rear cameras.

Xiaomi Mi MIX 3 camera
A rotatable camera is the best option to save space which is the best design layout for MIX 3

However, Xiaomi won’t commit the same mistake with Xiaomi Mi MIX 3. Although, low space is an issue we guess Xiaomi will come up with a camera layout similar to Mi Note 3 and Mi 6. This means shifting camera from the center to the top left which occupies much lesser space than the center one.

Xiaomi Mi MIX 3 camera
The rear slot for the front rotatable camera is clearly visible which is a good concept to feature 100% screen-to-body ratio

As far as the sensor is concerned, it will be a dual combination of 16MP Sony IMX 398 and 20MP Sony IMX 400 featuring Dual OIS and intelligent photography. Or at least it should be dual Sony IMX 386 sensors.

Also Read: Xiaomi Mi MIX 2 Camera Samples Review – Sony IMX 386 At Its Best

Xiaomi omitted the 3.5mm audio jack in MIX 2, and we are pretty sure that it won’t be available in the third generation as well because of lack of space. Instead, Xiaomi will provide a USB Type-C to 3.5mm audio jack converter. Huawei Mate 10 is the first phone to support 4.5G networking. 5G is still a long way. Looking at this Xiaomi Mi MIX 3 will support the 4.5G networking on dual SIMs (hybrid slot). Because Xiaomi is getting global rapidly, we will have a global 4G LTE support as well like in Note 3 and MIX 2.

Xiaomi Mi MIX 3 camera 12
Including the earpiece and dual flash in the rotatable front camera is a brilliant move

Also Read: Top 9 Hidden Features of MIUI 9 You Need To Know

OS & Battery

After the release of MIUI 9, Xiaomi shifts its attention to the next MIUI version, MIUI 10. Xiaomi Co-Founder and Vice President ‘Hong Feng’ has something to say about MIUI 10 as well. He exposes that the tenth version of MIUI will be smarter rather than being faster on which the current MIUI 9 relies on.

MIUI 10

Meanwhile, MIUI 10 will be quite the opposite of MIUI 9. Hong Feng says that the next MIUI will complete the unfinished business of MIUI 9, which is smart voice assistantMIUI 9 is the best Android OS to date. Meanwhile, MIUI 10 will began to move in the direction of artificial intelligence. The OS will promise the same fast speed but will become a real “smart” system. That is why we mentioned the intelligent photography in the camera section of MIX 3. It will be similar to Huawei Mate 10 but much advanced. In short, Xiaomi Mi MIX 3 will be a true AI based flagship.

Also Read: MIUI 10 Will Be ‘Smart’ with Artificial Intelligence Says Xiaomi Vice President

As the flagship gets more and more compact, we will witness a battery capacity reducing in the new generation. Even Mi MIX 2 had 3400mAh battery which was 1000mAh lesser than Mi MIX. Xiaomi will reduce the battery size to 3000mAh or 3200mAh. Let’s hope it remains 3400mAh. Otherwise, it might come up as a drawback if the screen is 2K or 4K, high-end SoC. But even 3000mAh or 3200mAh aren’t bad because if the OS turns to be AI supported along with the processor, then this might result in more battery saving. Hopely, Xiaomi will have better short circuit protection, and overvoltage protection for countries where these hazards are too common like in India.

snapdragon_quickcharge4_0-to-5-feature_1

SD 845 will also feature QC 4.0. With a low capacity, the battery will top up in no time. We estimate the charging time to be around 20 to 40 minutes to reach from 0% to 99%.

Also Read: MIUI 9 Vs Android 8.0 – Is MIUI 9 The Fastest Android OS Anymore?

Price & Availability

Xiaomi Mi MIX 3 will range from 3599 yuan ($545) to 4999 yuan ($758) depending on the version. It will be beneficial for Xiaomi to release three editions like said before. These include:

  • Mi MIX 3 standard (8GB + 64GB) and higher (8GB + 128GB) for 3599 yuan ($545) and 3799 yuan ($575) respectively.
  • Mi MIX 3 Plus (oversized + 8GB + 128GB) for 3999 yuan ($606)
  • Xiaomi Mi MIX 3 Plus Special Edition (oversized + ceramic + 12GB + 256GB) for 4999 yuan ($758)

The phone will be available in black and white colors as rumored. There’s a high probability that there will be special limited versions including bright blue and silver grey.

Measures to Increase Space Under the Hood

  • Introducing AAC technology
  • No 3.5mm audio jack
  • Rotatable cameras (chances are odd)
  • Changing camera layout
  • On-screen fingerprint reader

Rumored Specs Sheet

ModelsMi MIX 3
Dimensions70.49 x 145.17 x 7.45 mm (Standard)
75.5 x 151.8 x 7.7mm (Plus)
WeightBelow 180 grams Standard,
185 grams Plus
MaterialMetal
Ceramic (special edition)
Body to Screen Ratio95% - 100%
Screen TypeSuper AMOLED
Screen Size5.5-inch (Standard)
5.99-inch (Plus)
Resolution1080 x 2160 px Full HD+, 401ppi
Screen propertries1500:1 contrast ratio
2.5D curved glass screen or dual curved
Capacitive
Color LED Notifications
Frameless
Multi-touch
Scratch resistant (GG 5.0)
SoCQualcomm Snapdragon 845
GPUQualcomm Adreno 630
RAM8 GB Standard and Plus
12GB Special Edition
ROM64GB to 256GB, UFS 3.0, SD card supported
MicroSDYes, hybrid SIM slot
SensorsOn-screen Fingerprint,
AAC technology,
Accelerometer
Barometer
Compass
Gyroscope
Hall
Light sensor
Proximity
Camera16 + 20MP
SensorSony IMX 398 + Sony IMX 400
TypeCMOS, dual OIS
Camera Features4K Video
Autofocus
Continuous shooting
Digital image stabilization
Digital zoom
Exposure compensation
Face detection
Geotagging
HDR
ISO settings
Optical Stabilization (OIS)
Panorama
Scene mode
Self-timer
Touch focus
White balance settings
Intelligent photography
Networks2G: 1800 MHz, 1900 MHz, 850 MHz, 900 MHz
3G: 1700/2100 MHz, 1900 MHz, 800 MHz, 1700/2100 MHz, 1800 MHz, 1900 MHz, 2100 MHz, 800 MHz, 850 MHz, 900 MHz, 1700 MHz
4G: 1700 MHz, 1700/2100 MHz, 1800 MHz, 1900 MHz, 1900+ MHz, 2100 MHz, 2300 MHz, 2500 MHz, 2600 MHz, 700 MHz, 800 MHz, 850 MHz, 900 MHz, AWS MHz
4.5G supported
Dual SIMYes, 2 x Nano SIM
ConnectivityWi-Fi 802.11ac, Bluetooth 5, No Audio Jack, Computer sync, NFC, OTA sync, Tethering, VoLTE
Battery3400mAh or 3200mAh or 3000mAh, QC 4.0
OSMIUI 10, Android 8.1
Pricearound $545 to $758 (different variants)

Our Verdict

Overall, Xiaomi will do anything possible to make the flagship more compact and provide more space for components. Only SD 845 and a better screen-to-body ratio are confirmed for now. No doubt, the rumored Xiaomi Mi MIX 3 price, specs, design we provided above are more likely fantasized Xiaomi Mi MIX 3 price, specs, design. If the fantasy gets real, surely Xiaomi Mi MIX 3 will be one of the best flagships of this era.

What do you want to see in Xiaomi Mi MIX 3? Let us know in the comment section below.