Xiaomi Mi Mix 3 hands-on review

GSMArena team, 25 October 2018.

The slider

We already covered how the slider works, now it's time to focus on what it does. The basic function is to bring out the dual front-facing camera so you can snap a selfie (the camera launches automatically).

Or, if your phone is ringing, you can slide it to answer and close it to hang up. The third thing the slider can do is open a customizable menu with your most-used apps.

There will be an option that lets you switch between launching the selfie camera and the menu, but it will be delivered as a day-one OTA update.

Anyway, the phone plays sound effects as you open and close the phone. Those will be customizable thanks to that same update.

The camera

The Xiaomi Mi Mix 3 has two dual cameras, so let's look at them one at a time.

The rear camera brings the same hardware. The main module has a 12MP Sony IMX363 image sensor with large 1.4µm pixels and Dual Pixel autofocus. The lens has an f/1.8 aperture and 4-axis Optical Image Stabilization. The other module has a 2x telephoto lens and uses a 12MP sensor with 1.0µm pixels.

An impressive 12+12MP dual camera

Xiaomi did achieve higher image quality out of the same setup thanks to improved processing. By the time the event in Beijing ended, the sun was already setting, which gave us the opportunity to try out the night mode. So, here are some photos taken at dusk.

The night mode works pretty fast and does manage to bring out more detail.

Mi Mix 3 camera samples: Night mode

We also tried the HDR mode, even though this wasn't the best light for it. Still, you can see it rescue some of the highlights.

Mi Mix 3 photos: HDR on • HDR off • Night mode

A big addition to the video department is the support for higher frame rates. It can do 1080p at 240fps continuously and at 960fps for short clips. Real time videos at 2160p resolution gained a 60fps mode too.

The selfie camera is a significant improvement over the 2S. The Mi Mix 3 now has a dual camera and the main module is much more impressive with its 24MP resolution. It has 0.9µm pixels, with support for 4-in-1 pixel binning. There's also a 2MP depth sensor for bokehs.

Dual selfie camera

Camera, day 2

We took the Xiaomi Mi Mix 3 on a photo tour around Beijing. We made the best of the day and tested both the main camera and the telephoto camera. We used the AI mode throughout the day and out first impression of it is that we'd just leave it on. Most of the time it made only subtle differences, but more importantly it didn't mess up.

So, here are a few shots with the main 12MP camera, starting at a Mars-themed exhibition by Xiaomi at the Bird's Nest. We also shot some photos in the streets (in the shadows of buildings) and indoors, so we covered various lighting conditions.

Xiaomi Mi Mix 3: photos from the main camera