Xiaomi launched a lot of affordable smartphones in the last months, and they specifically target a lot of potential customers. There are phones focused on battery life, price, cameras, and much more. Recently, the company’s sub-brand Redmi split from Xiaomi and launched the Redmi 7 and the Redmi Y3, very affordable handsets with well-balanced specs. Here we will compare these devices alongside the Xiaomi Mi Play, that is a recent entry-level phone from the mother company. Given that they come with a very similar price, a lot of people are wondering which one to choose. With this specs comparison, we will try to clear your ideas about them.
Xiaomi Redmi Y3 vs Xiaomi Redmi 7 vs Xiaomi Mi Play
| Xiaomi Redmi Y3 | Xiaomi Redmi 7 | Xiaomi Mi Play | |
|---|---|---|---|
| DIMENSIONS AND WEIGHT | 158.7 x 75.6 x 8.5 mm, 180 grams | 158.7 x 75.6 x 8.5 mm , 180 grams | 147.76 x 71.89 x 7.8 mm, 150 grams |
| DISPLAY | 6.26 inches, 720 x 1520p (HD+), 269 ppi, IPS LCD | 6.26 inches, 720 x 1520p (HD+), 269 ppi, IPS LCD | 5.84 inches, 1080 x 2280p (HD+), 432 ppi, IPS LCD |
| PROCESSOR | Qualcomm Snapdragon 632, octa-core 1.8 GHz | Qualcomm Snapdragon 632, octa-core 1.8 GHz | MediaTek Helio P35, octa-core 2.3 GHz |
| MEMORY | 3 GB RAM, 32 GB – 4 GB RAM, 64 GB – micro SD dedicated slot | 2 GB RAM, 16 GB – 3 GB RAM, 32 GB – 3 GB RAM- 3 GB RAM, 64 GB – 4 GB RAM, 64 GB – micro SD dedicated slot | 4 GB RAM, 64 GB – micro SD slot |
| SOFTWARE | Android 9 Pie, MIUI | Android 9 Pie, MIUI | Android 8.1 Oreo, MIUI |
| CONNECTIVITY | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, Bluetooth 4.2, GPS | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Bluetooth 4.2, GPS | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, Bluetooth 4.2, GPS |
| CAMERA | 12 + 2 MP f/2.2 2 MP front camera |
12 + 2 MP f/2.2 8 MP f/2.0 front camera |
Dual 12 +2 MP 8 MP front camera |
| BATTERY | 4000 mAh, fast charging 10W | 4000 mAh, fast charging 10W | 3000 mAh, fast charging 10W |
| ADDITIONAL FEATURES | Dual SIM slot | Dual SIM slot | Hybrid Dual SIM slot |
Design
Despite their very affordable price tag, Redmi Y3, Redmi Y7, and Xiaomi Mi Play come with a stunning design. As you can see from the image, they come with reflective back covers and very narrow bezels around the display, thanks to the waterdrop notch. And they even have a pretty nice build quality. I personally prefer the Redmi Y3 due to its more rounded design and elegant design, but also because it is splash resistant. On the other hand, someone may prefer the Xiaomi Mi Play due to its glass back and more compact dimensions.
Display
If you want a very nice display, at least for an entry-level handset, then go for the Xiaomi Mi Play. While the Redmi Y3 and the Redmi 7 have a low-end HD panel, the Xiaomi Mi Play is equipped with a Full HD+ screen, so it provides a higher level of detail. On the other hand, it is a smaller display, so not the best for productivity, but it is easier to use with one hand. Both Redmi Y3 and Redmi 7 have a bigger 6.26-inch IPS display.
Specs & Software
While Xiaomi Mi Play has a more detailed display, I define Redmi Y3 and Redmi 7 more reliable when it comes to performance. The Helio P35 found on the Mi Play looks more powerful than the Snapdragon 632, but it has to manage a Full HD+ display and a smaller battery. So, in the long term, you will definitely get a more constant result with the Redmi Y3 and Redmi 7 based on the Snapdragon 632 platform. However, this depends on the scenario and you may get different results with certain usages such as gaming and multi-tasking. Another advantage of the Redmi Y3 and Redmi 7 (which come with the same hardware department in their most expensive variants) is the presence of a micro SD dedicated slot, while on the Xiaomi Mi Play you get a shared micro SD slot, so you will have to decide what to use between dual SIM and micro SD.
Camera
Redmi Y3 wins the overall camera comparison. It has exactly the same rear cameras as the Redmi 7, but it comes with a way better selfie camera. The snapper has a huge 32 MP resolution, so selfies are much more detailed and accurate compared to the standard 8 MP cameras on the Redmi 7 and Xiaomi Mi Play. Also, note that on Redmi Y3 and Redmi 7 you can record 1080p videos at 60 fps.
Battery
Redmi Y3 and Redmi 7’s batteries are simply huge if we consider their other components. With a large 4000 mAh capacity, they have to power efficient HD displays and a very efficient Snapdragon 632 chipset. Thanks to the big capacity and the efficient components, they last even more than two days on a single charge, and they can be charged pretty quickly with their 10W fast charging technology. Xiaomi Mi Play has a standard 3000 mAh and even a less efficient Full HD+ display, so battery life is definitely not its strongest point.
Price
Redmi Y3 (3/32 GB) carries a €130/$145 starting price tag just like Redmi 7 (2/16GB), but the price of the Redmi Y3 is referred to the Indian market, while the one of Redmi 7 refers to the global one. For the Xiaomi Mi Play, you’d have to spend €170/$190 (4/64 GB). Judging from the overall specifications, Redmi Y3 is the best choice due to its big battery and better camera department.
Xiaomi Redmi Y3 vs Xiaomi Redmi 7 vs Xiaomi Mi Play: PROs and CONS
Xiaomi Redmi Y3
PROs
- Better selfie camera
- Bigger display
- Big battery
- Splash resistant
CONS
- HD display
Xiaomi Mi Play
PROs
- Compact and lightweight
- Good design
- Better hardware
CONS
- Smaller battery
Redmi 7
PROs
- Very affordable
- Bigger display
- Big battery
- Splash resistant
CONS
- HD display
