All colors A$ 273. Cheapest I have seen. Free express shipping for 3 days (till 17th). Bought note 2 few months ago and arrived in less than a week. very happy with the phone. Note 3 should be even better, Though bootloader is still not unlocked.
So when you buy a $1000 iphone and the screen cracks, you are paying for what you get?
I don't think the build quality of the xiaomi phones are any lower than many of the established western brands
Anyone know a good place to get a tempered glass screen protector?
I just got mine from aliexpress, a long with a back cover.
Suggested link? Did you go a super cheap one or one that's around $7-8USD?
I just got a cheap one, no idea what the difference between them was haha so I just bought the one someone linked on whirlpool.
this is what i got, no idea if the others are actually better: http://www.aliexpress.com/item/Xiaomi-Redmi-Note-3-Tempered-…
and http://www.aliexpress.com/item/Xiaomi-Redmi-Note-3-TPU-Case-… for the back
@MagicTsukai: They are actually know as the same phone in China. The 'pro' tag was only added to differentiate between the Snapdragon 650 and Mediatek chips.
Damn, great price. Paid ~$330 for mine several weeks ago and am over the moon with it. Really fantastic phone, especially once it is running a non-China ROM.
Can't recommend enough at this price for anyone even considering an upgrade. ~80,000 Antutu can't be wrong!
What rom you're running ?
The phone was delivered to me with the latest stable China ROM installed. I followed the mega thread on the mi forums and very quickly was up and running with the latest stable global ROM.
Finger print etc all works just like any other droid phone. Best phone I've owned since switching to droids.
Link to the mi forums you have been using?
http://en.miui.com/thread-235865-1-1.html if the one. Follow it carefully and you'll have no troubles. The whirlpool thread is also a mine of great help and info:
Mi bruised and battered MI Note 2 testifies that if it is anything to go by given the ill treatment it has ensured, that the RMN3 will be a quality product.
How long have you had MI note 2?
9 months. Three overseas trips.
Would you recommend Xiaomi to people based on this experience?
Mi bruised
I see what you did there ;)
I have one of these. Even though the internal memory is 32GB, the amount available for apps is partitioned at 2GB… stupid.
Defeats the purpose of all that internal memory if you can only install 2GB of apps onto it (the rest can only be used for media — but you have an SD card slot for that already). Some of my older phones did that too. I don't know who's idea that was. My Galaxy S6 does not do that. I have the full 32GB available for apps.
There is likely a method to resolve that.
I still don't understand why they partitioned it. The rest acts like an SD card. But if the whole thing was one partition for apps, you can still put media on it, so there's nothing to gain in partitioning it.
I could semi understand it if it was a phone that didn't have an SD card slot. Maybe Android requires an SD card slot so it needs to emulate one (although this wasn't the case with my S6). But for a phone that has a built in SD card slot already? I don't understand it at all.
Does anyone has a workaround for this?
Edit — now confused with below comment saying there's nothing as such.
@superm86: it doesn't sound right at all. I think that user is doing something wrong for only 2gb to be available
@GameChanger: If you go to the app manager it will show you how much storage is available. Might say something like 534MB of 2048MB available.
Even though you have 32GB. The rest of that storage will be seen as SD card. Which is fine except for the fact that you can't install apps onto an SD card. So those big apps like GPS maps and some games might not fit.
The same thing has happened with several of my previous Androids, but those didn't have SD card slots like this one does.
Might be crossing my wires here, but that's not at all what my phone reports. It shows, clearly that I have some 21gb spare space for app installation, of the 32gb allotted for these things.
The RAM manager shows anywhere between 500mb and 1.8gb, depending on what processes are running and how recently I did a cache wipe.
Really?
I'm looking at mine, and I don't see anything like that. I have like 8 gigs worth of games installed already
yup this. mine has the full 32gb to use. i dont know what dodgy rom this guy has.
That must be it then. I didn't mess with the rom, that's just how it came. Maybe the seller did it for me. But like I said, previous phones I've had including HTC did the same thing.
would this be a good replacement for OnePlus One? (on Vodafone network)
Well it is an upgrade, looks/feels better, will be faster, maybe slightly better camera. but overall the one plus is still a decent phone, so it depends on your own preferences.
if i flash using the global rom, will i still get the fingerprint support? am thinking of buying one of these as my htc m7 is dying now..
Yep, all Miui roms have fingerprint support.
If it's an official MUIU ROM for the phone the fingerprint will work. I think it's only if you flash the ASOP (read not MUIU) that the fingerprint reader stops working.
you should ask for them to install the global rom. most people do. mine came with google play and global updated rom.
I'm flashing it with the latest Global rom the first thing I do. I wouldn't try them, unless the box was still factory sealed…..even then :P
Any help on how to flash an international Rom would be helpful.
@bamsegod:
Follow the recovery update steps: http://en.miui.com/a-233.html
Using Rom from here: http://en.miui.com/download-301.html
@Spectator: Actually, follow the Fastboot Update steps: http://en.miui.com/a-234.html
And when you use the flashing program, make sure you select "Flash all". That will wipe EVERYTHING ;)
Question for experts, between this phone and local stock Huawei Mate 7 Gold $488 @ Mobile citi, which is a better buy for complete Noob like me switching over from iPhone 4s, and who don't know anything about Muiu, rom, or band 28?
Price is a big factor so is specs but ease of use is also important for me. Cheers
well, coming from an IOS system, all will be completely new to you so you dont have to worry about the MUIU and rom at the moment. The band 28 relies heavily on your provider maybe someone from here can clarify that one. So just enjoy the experience and welcome to the world of Android =)
Thanks. Actually I was partially lying lol. I have been using an asus tablet for a year so I'm not completely new to android but I'm a noob to android phones. I'm using Vodafone right now so I hope that's fine
Vodafone has no band 28, so it will make no difference on that
MIUI (which this phone runs) is popularly known as an Android and iOS hybrid. So, actually this wouldn't be too much of a shock for you compared the the Huawei whic has emotion UI. The Mate 7 is nearly 1.5 years old now as well. So it is definitely has dated internals compared to the Redmi. The only plus points depending on your needs for the Huawei is the larger screen size (6in vs 5.5) and that it has many more LTE bands that would allow you to have high speed 4G whereas the Redmi will get only regular 4G (not 4GX for eg which is Telstra super speed offering).
Thank you. The size isn't that big a deal and regular 4g is good enough for me. I'm just worried about all the talk of flashing the rom etc. I don't know anything at all about that and I don't own a computer. So will it be okay if I just use the phone as it is, without having to modify anything or flash the phone or something?
Many retailers sell it with Global Rom installed, I have no idea about eGlobal, you could ask them what ROM version comes installed, and whether they can install global.
The other versions range from pure chinese (unlikely to get this), or some sort of weird hybrid that mine came with, which had english, google play and all that, but some random chinese stuff as well ( i mean, no bloat apps, but if you go into the MIUI store you get chinese named stuff, its not a big deal)
The actual process to flash to global is pretty easy, but you do need a PC to do it
@Pacify:
Cheers. Is there any big disadvantage if I just use it as it is without flashing the rom or whatever the process is called?
depends on the version they give you. chances are its either going to be on global or the hybrid version, so it won't really matter that much
and Huawei support Dual Sim Dual Active whereas Redmi only supports Dual Sim Standby
Thanks. Something to think about
as others said, Xiaomi phones use a modified version of Android called MIUI (My UI). Basically wherever they can, they make it feel like your on an iPhone. but still giving you the full power of Android.
Thanks all for the feedback. Appreciate all your comments. I guess the xiaomi has the edge now after thinking about it.
Anyone know where to get a tempered glass screen protector which won't take a month to receive?
Any good silicone cases?
With the Nuglas, you can get 2 for $13.95. Cheers
EDIT: Ordered ;)
The Nuglas is selling for $9.95 when I select it. Am I doing something wrong?
i got the nuglas, its nice.
So I saw on youtube this phone can record 4k videos using the Google camera app. Have any current owners tried it? Video looks jerky though.
really interested in this. how do i actually claim warranty if something bad happens with the phone? and how long is the warranty?
Warranty is difficult. Xiaomi requires you to physically bring the phone into one of their service stores. You're better of getting it repaired locally if possible. It's a risk involved in buying these types of phones.
I Purchased my Xiaomi note 2 around January. I have so far purchased 12 Xiaomi note 2's .
I bought 8 from Eglobal and 4 from Gearbest. They are all running the MIUI 7 Global Rom.
I have found that anyone who sees this phone sais , wow what's that phone.. They pick it up and play with it for a couple of minutes and say "wow ! order me one" hence why I have so far bought 12 of them for family and friends. So far they have all been trouble free. I am certainly sold on the quality and versatility of this brand. After seeing this deal upgrading my Note 2 to a Note 3. Just because I can.
As for Eglobal. They are fantastic .. Express shipping and timely dispatch. I can't say the same about Gearbest.
FWIW
Neither myself or any of my family or friends have noticed any reception or data speed issues due to the missing "band 28".
I can vouch for that. I am with optus and have friends on Telstra and Vodafone with the same phone. Mind you , before this I have had several Samsung phones , last one I had was a Galaxy Note 4 qhich I sold a few weeks ago. I actually much prefer the clean UI of MIUI O/S. To my previous cluttered , bloatware ridden Samsung Galaxy Note 4. I really can't say anything negative to say about the phone or the UI.
And no, I am not associated with Xiaomi or Eglobal.
Why the long post ? I just wanted to share my experience..
So anyone sitting on the fence about getting one of these .. "Just do it" you won't regret it..
Can you tell me if we can use one Sim for call and other for data?
Yep the OS and iphone copy sold me.
At the price point they're going you can pretty much upgrade every year.
Is this much of an upgrade from the Samsung S5?
yes u will notice quite an upgrade, this is basically like a good battery version of the s6, except the camera is probably only slightly better than s5
So one sim can be data and another can be used for call/voice/sms?
Yes. We have a data pool and use a data share sim as sim 2 and all calls and SMS are made by sim1. So you can use a Prepaid simcard for all your calls and SMS . works a treat .. Setting it up is 100 times easier than I expected.
Thanks mate.
does this mean though that sim1 is only connected on 2G, and therefore more limited in coverage (and problematic when this starts to get switched off over the next 12 months)?
Yeah it'll be useless when 2g is stitched off.
Be wary, I bought a phone from these guys. It died in like 4 weeks, they made me send it back to Hong Kong to fix it (Pay postage myself). Still haven't got it back a month later. Had to buy a new phone because it took so long.
Yeah, if you do have an issue, the biggest disadvantage with buying chinese phones is the wait time to get them fixed is going to be pretty long
PayPal free returns?
I thought that too, but I don't know if this warranty returns count.
It does
Just bite the bullet and ordered one.
Hi guys, currently using a Nexus 5, will I notice a big difference in performance, camera, etc with this phone? Also, I wanted to get the white version but it indicates that it's a "Chinese version".. Is it easy to go around this, and what's involved (ie. changing the ROM)? Thanks in advance.
Nexus 5 uses the snapdragon 800. Here is a benchmark for all the recent processors and 650 beats the 808 and nearly beats the 810 which is much newer than the N5's 800. So, it will definitely perform better. The camera is comparable to a S5 (this uses a Sony sensor) which again is newer than the N5. As for the ROM there are plenty of guides to flash the official global ROM to this device. All you need is the Mi Flash software and a PC.
You might even be able to instruct eglobal to install a global rom for you.
Thank you for clarifying.
dont buy the chinese version it doesnt support many coverage bands. just buy the global version in black or gold
There is no difference as long as you flash the global rom (the bands become unlocked when flashing the global rom).
so the china version has all the same bands if i flash the global rom? i ordered the white 32gb china version for 273, and i requested that they flash global rom onto it.
@nathan-drake:
I personally wouldn't want anyone opening the sealed box. The flashing rom process is fairly easy and most people wouldn't have any problems.
@PR0r: LOL the box was unsealed and they flashed a vendor ROM onto it. Luckily i flashed the global stable ROM and all works fine. Managed to use it for 4 days with 9 hours of screen time. Standby battery life is INCREDIBLE!
I'm searching the specs online and getting conflicting specs… can I ask:
1> yes, Its dual sim so one of the sim card slot works as a SD card slot. So if you use SD card,you can only use one SIM
2> No. Battery is not removable.
There is Youtube vids showing method of gluing sim card contacts to back of SD card to regain dual sim + added memory.
Hack away brothers…. <G>
This is the Pro version so yes, it has a micro sd expansion. This is done through a unique dual SIM tray that can either accept 2x SIMs or 1x SIM and 1x Micro SD Card. Only the non pro version doesn't have sd card support (Mediatek processor).
This does not have a removable battery. You can watch some teardown videos or articles to see if it is easy to replace though.
I REALLY want one of these! Problem is I leave the country on 28 April for about 7 months, and I'd need it before then. Anyone have any insight into how long it would/should take to get one of these to WA (metro). I'm even willing to spring for Insured Priority Express Shipping for $53, but I'm a bit worried by their note on the sales page saying the phone will be dispatched from the warehouse after 4-7 working days. I've written to them to clarify, but I think this might be a bit too close to the bone - especially with Anzac day in the middle… aaargh!
$53 is a rip off. You can get DHL and TNT shipping from vendors such as Aliexpress, Everbuying for $10-20 extra. Consider buying from Vickmall which has express DHL for $15 extra making it USD 245
edit: this has free express shipping so I think you'll get it by then.
Thanks. It's not the price I'm worried about, but the timeframe. I'd happily pay it if I KNEW I'd get the damn phone in time. :/
As long as it is DHL then you will get it in time. Processing might take a few days but once it's with DHL it will be here in 2-3 days. In the first page someone bought it with express TNT and it was with them 4 days. Vickmall has good rep by the way.
Thanks for the feedback. Went with Vickmall. WIth case and DHL delivery, came to $355. Happy enough with that, for what looks like a more secure delivery timetable for me.
Thanks for letting us know.
Thanks jayx, just broke my phone so this will be a good budget replacement.
so are we waiting till tomorrow for when the free shipping goes live or am i missing something?
@sfac: If you want quality its either the flagship Samsung, HTC, Sony and Iphone.
The Nexus is simply not worth it at the price it sells for and I take a punt on Xiaomi being better quality.