Xiaomi Mi A3: When Xiaomi unveiled the Mi A3 in July 2019, the smartphone landscape was experiencing a shift toward premium features trickling down to mid-range devices. The Mi A3 represented a significant evolution in Xiaomi’s Android One lineup, introducing design refinements and camera capabilities that challenged expectations for budget-conscious smartphones while maintaining the pure Android experience that made the series popular.
Design Revolution with Premium Materials
The Mi A3 marked a dramatic departure from its predecessors with a complete design overhaul that brought premium aesthetics to the Android One family. Measuring 153.5 x 71.9 x 8.5mm and weighing 173.8 grams, the device struck an ideal balance between portability and substantial feel. The most striking change was the adoption of Corning Gorilla Glass 5 protection on both front and rear surfaces, creating a sophisticated glass sandwich construction with an aluminum frame.
The curved glass back panel offered three distinctive gradient finishes that Xiaomi playfully named “More than White,” “Not just Blue,” and “Kind of Gray.” These color variants featured subtle shimmer effects that shifted under different lighting conditions, particularly notable on the white variant which displayed blue undertones. The design philosophy emphasized ergonomics, with the curved edges creating a pebble-like feel that sat comfortably in users’ hands while maintaining visual appeal.
Despite the premium materials, Xiaomi managed to keep the device remarkably thin at 8.5mm, though the rear camera module did protrude slightly, causing minor stability issues when placed on flat surfaces. The inclusion of a 3.5mm headphone jack – a feature absent from many contemporary devices – demonstrated Xiaomi’s attention to practical user needs.
Display Technology with Trade-offs
The Mi A3 featured a 6.09-inch Super AMOLED display with a 19.5:9 aspect ratio, representing a significant shift from the LCD panels used in previous Mi A devices. The adoption of AMOLED technology brought deeper blacks, more vibrant colors, and better power efficiency to the series. However, this upgrade came with a controversial compromise: the resolution was limited to 720 x 1560 pixels (HD+), resulting in a pixel density of 283 ppi.
This resolution choice sparked considerable debate among tech enthusiasts, particularly since the Mi A2 offered Full HD resolution. Xiaomi’s decision reflected careful cost management while prioritizing battery life and performance over pixel density. For most users, the AMOLED panel’s superior contrast and color reproduction compensated for the lower resolution, though those accustomed to sharper displays found the compromise noticeable.
The display incorporated a waterdrop-style notch housing the front camera, maximizing screen real estate while maintaining the modern aesthetic expected from 2019 smartphones. The integration of an in-display fingerprint sensor marked another first for the Mi A series, providing quick and responsive biometric authentication.
Photography Excellence with Triple Camera System
Perhaps the Mi A3’s most compelling feature was its sophisticated camera system, which elevated photography capabilities significantly beyond its price point. The primary rear camera featured a 48MP Sony IMX586 sensor with an f/1.79 aperture, the same sensor found in much more expensive flagship devices. This main camera delivered impressive detail capture in good lighting conditions and supported 4K video recording at 30fps.
The triple camera setup was completed by an 8MP ultra-wide lens offering 118-degree field of view for landscape and group photography, plus a 2MP depth sensor for enhanced portrait mode effects. This configuration provided versatility that was uncommon in the mid-range segment during 2019, allowing users to experiment with different perspectives and shooting styles.
For selfies, the Mi A3 incorporated a 32MP front camera with an f/2.0 aperture, delivering sharp self-portraits with good detail retention. The front camera also supported HDR mode and various AI-enhanced features for improved results in challenging lighting conditions.
Camera software included various shooting modes such as Night mode for low-light photography, Portrait mode with adjustable background blur, and Pro mode for manual control over exposure settings. The integration of Google Camera features through Android One provided additional computational photography capabilities.
Battery Life and Charging Capabilities
Power management was handled by a 4030mAh lithium-polymer battery, providing all-day usage for most users despite the power-hungry AMOLED display. The combination of the efficient Snapdragon 665 processor and optimized Android One software contributed to respectable battery longevity, typically lasting 12-16 hours of mixed usage.
Charging was facilitated through a USB Type-C port with support for Quick Charge 3.0 technology, though Xiaomi included only a standard 10W charger in the box. Users seeking faster charging needed to purchase compatible Quick Charge 3.0 adapters separately. Full charging from empty typically required approximately 2.5-3 hours with the included charger.
Market Position and Pricing Strategy
At launch, the Mi A3 was priced at €249 (approximately $279) for the base 4GB/64GB configuration, with the 6GB/128GB variant commanding a modest premium. This aggressive pricing positioned the device as a compelling alternative to similarly priced competitors while offering premium features typically reserved for higher-end smartphones.
The pricing strategy reflected Xiaomi’s philosophy of providing flagship-level features at accessible price points, though certain compromises were necessary to achieve these targets. The display resolution trade-off exemplified this approach – prioritizing AMOLED technology and camera capabilities over pixel density.
Realme C75 5G comes with amoled smooth display – processor is dha
Xiaomi Mi A3 Long-term Impact and Legacy
The Mi A3’s reception was mixed but generally positive, with users appreciating the design improvements, camera capabilities, and Android One experience while noting concerns about display resolution and gaming performance. The device found particular success in markets where pure Android experiences were valued over manufacturer customizations.
Despite some controversial choices, the Mi A3 established important precedents for mid-range smartphone design and feature integration. The emphasis on camera quality, premium materials, and software experience influenced subsequent Android One devices and demonstrated that significant compromises weren’t always necessary in budget-conscious smartphones.
The device’s longevity proved impressive, with many users continuing to use Mi A3 devices well into 2024 and 2025, supported by custom ROM communities that extended software support beyond official updates. This longevity validated Xiaomi’s build quality and the enduring appeal of the Android One ecosystem.
The Mi A3 ultimately represented a mature evolution of Xiaomi’s Android One strategy, balancing premium aspirations with practical constraints while delivering genuine value in the competitive mid-range smartphone market. Its influence on subsequent device design and the broader Android One program cemented its position as a significant milestone in affordable smartphone development.