Introduction
Released in 2017, the Xiaomi Mi Pad 3 still holds relevance today for those seeking a reliable and affordable tablet for basic tasks, media consumption, and light productivity. Despite being a slightly outdated device, it packs a punch in terms of performance, making it an ideal choice for users who don’t require cutting-edge specs but still want a smooth experience.
Let’s dive into the detailed specifications, key highlights, accessories, and how the Mi Pad 3 compares to its competitors in today’s market.
Summary Table of Detailed Specifications
| Feature | Xiaomi Mi Pad 3 (2017) |
|---|---|
| Initial Price | $249.99 |
| Release Date | April 5, 2017 |
| OS (at Launch) | Android 7.0 Nougat |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT8176 |
| CPU | Hexa-core (2×2.1 GHz Cortex-A72 & 4×1.7 GHz Cortex-A53) |
| CPU Benchmark Score | 2000 |
| GPU | PowerVR GX6250 |
| GPU Benchmark Score | 650 |
| RAM | 4GB |
| Storage | 64GB (Non-expandable) |
| Screen Size | 7.9 inches |
| Screen Resolution | 2048 x 1536 pixels |
| Display Type | IPS LCD |
| Display Aspects | 4:3 |
| Main Camera | 13MP, Autofocus |
| Selfie Camera | 5MP, Fixed Focus |
| Video Recording | 4K @ 30fps, 1080p @ 60fps |
| Battery | 6600mAh Li-Po |
| Charging | 5V/2A, Non-removable |
| Weight | 328g |
| Dimensions | 200.4 x 132.6 x 7mm |
| Body Material | Metal Back, Glass Front |
| Colors Available | Gold, Silver, Gray |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n, Bluetooth 4.0 |
| Ports | USB-C, 3.5mm headphone jack |
| Water Resistance | None |
| Accessory Support | Xiaomi Smart Pen, Keyboard Cover |
| Biometrics | None |
| Audio | Dolby Vision, HDR10+, Stereo Speakers |
| Bundled Wall Charger | 10W |
| Warranty | 1 year |
Key Highlights of the Xiaomi Mi Pad 3
- Compact Design: With its 7.9-inch form factor and lightweight build (328g), the Mi Pad 3 is highly portable and perfect for on-the-go use.
- Decent Performance: The Hexa-core Mediatek MT8176 processor and 4GB of RAM ensure smooth performance for multitasking and media consumption, making it a suitable tablet for casual users.
- Impressive Display: The 2048 x 1536 resolution IPS LCD screen offers vibrant colors and crisp details, ideal for watching movies, reading, or web browsing.
- Media-Friendly: The tablet comes with Dolby Vision and HDR10+ support, making it great for media enthusiasts looking to stream high-quality content.
- All-Day Battery Life: The large 6600mAh battery supports all-day usage with moderate tasks like browsing, watching videos, and light gaming.
Support Accessory Section
The Xiaomi Mi Pad 3 offers support for various accessories to boost productivity and functionality:
- Xiaomi Smart Pen: For note-taking, sketching, and enhancing productivity on apps that support stylus input.
- Keyboard Cover: Turn your tablet into a mini-laptop by pairing it with a keyboard cover for efficient typing and multitasking.
- USB-C Accessories: The USB-C port allows for fast charging and connecting external devices like storage drives, external displays, and more.
Comparison with Competitors
In the 2017 tablet market, the Xiaomi Mi Pad 3 competed with several mid-range and high-end tablets. Below is how it stacks up against some of its key rivals in terms of performance and value:
- iPad Mini 4 (2017): At a higher price point, the iPad Mini 4 offers the iOS ecosystem and a more polished user experience but falls short in terms of hardware specs like RAM and internal storage.
- Samsung Galaxy Tab S3 (2017): The Galaxy Tab S3 was more expensive, but it had a better AMOLED display and S-Pen included. However, the Mi Pad 3’s performance remains comparable due to its powerful chipset and competitive pricing.
- Lenovo Tab 4 8 Plus: In the same price range, the Lenovo Tab 4 8 Plus offered expandable storage and LTE support, but the Mi Pad 3 surpassed it with a higher resolution display and better GPU for gaming and media rendering.
Who is Right for the Xiaomi Mi Pad 3?
The Xiaomi Mi Pad 3 is ideal for users who:
- Casual Media Consumers: If you primarily use your tablet for watching videos, browsing, and reading, the Mi Pad 3’s display and Dolby-enhanced sound will provide an excellent experience.
- Students and Writers: Its compact size, along with keyboard cover and stylus support, makes it a great tool for note-taking, writing, and studying on the go.
- Budget-Conscious Shoppers: Those who want a high-resolution display, decent performance, and stylish design without breaking the bank will find the Mi Pad 3 to be a great value.
Conclusion
Although the Xiaomi Mi Pad 3 is slightly outdated by modern standards, it still serves as a powerful and versatile tablet for casual users, students, and media enthusiasts. Its combination of affordability, performance, and media-friendly features makes it a competitive choice, even when stacked against newer devices.
If you’re looking for a reliable and portable tablet with excellent display quality and strong accessory support at a budget-friendly price, the Mi Pad 3 could still be the right device for you.