The Xiaomi Mi Note 3, which has been marketed as an upgraded version of the popular lineup, is still a source of interest for users looking for a balance between performance and cost. However, software is often the main stumbling block for owners of this device. The question of which Android is installed on the Xiaomi Mi Note 3 initially and to which version it can be officially upgraded is critical to assessing the relevance of the gadget in today’s environment.
Initially, the device came with Android 7.1.1 Nougat, which was a good indicator at the time of release. Over time, Xiaomi has released several major updates to the MIUI interface, which brought not only visual changes, but also more recent versions of the core system. Understanding the current software base is necessary for every owner, as it depends on compatibility with modern applications, banking services and games.
In this article, we will take a closer look at the evolution of firmware for this model, discuss official support, and discuss alternative upgrades. You will learn why the official update has stopped on a particular version and what to do if you are in desperate need of a fresher Android.
Official update history: from Nougat to Pie
The Xiaomi Mi Note 3’s journey in the world of updates was quite busy, but unfortunately not endless. Initially, the smartphone was released on the basis of Android 7.1.1 with the shell MIUI 8. This ensured stable operation and access to all the basic functions of the manufacturer’s ecosystem. Users received a well-optimized product that quickly won the sympathy of the audience thanks to the smooth operation of the Snapdragon 660 processor.
The device was later upgraded to Android 8.0 Oreo in MIUI 9 and MIUI 10, a significant leap as the eight brought improved notification, background and power management. For the Mi Note 3, the update was a kind of “middle ground” when the system had already learned to use iron resources efficiently, but not yet became overloaded with unnecessary functions.
The final official development phase was the upgrade to Android 9.0 Pie with the arrival of the MIUI 11 shell, which many users still consider the most stable version for this model, and after that, the official updates to the basic version of the operating system stopped, although security patches were released for some time.
⚠️ Warning: Trying to install firmware from another Xiaomi model (such as the Mi 6 or Mi 8) through the standard Recovery menu will result in a bootloader lock or a complete device failure (the “brick”). Always check the model code name (jason) before you run the firmware.
It’s important to understand that ending support at Android 9 level is standard practice for mid-range smartphones of the period.Manufacturers usually guarantee two major OS updates, which was met in this case.
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Official support for Xiaomi Mi Note 3 ended on Android 9 Pie (MIUI 11/12), further updates are possible only through third-party solutions.
Technical limitations and compatibility with Android 10+
Why didn’t Xiaomi Mi Note 3 get the official Android 10? The answer lies in the company’s policy and the technical features of Qualcomm drivers. Snapdragon 660 processor, although very popular, stopped receiving driver updates from the chipmaker necessary for the correct operation of new versions of Android with the core of the more recent versions.
Xiaomi has to adapt each new Android to a specific hardware. When the processor vendor stops supporting, further development becomes economically inexpedient. That is why users faced the ceiling in the form of Android 9. However, the optimization of MIUI allows even on this version to run most of the relevant applications from Google Play.
There is a common misconception that the absence of the number "10" or "11" in the settings makes the phone useless. API level (API Level in Android 9 is still high enough to support messengers, navigators and banking applications for several more years, problems can only arise with software that requires specific features of newer cores, such as some system security features or widgets.
Why did MIUI 12 run on Android 9?
It's also worth mentioning the difference between the global firmware version and the Chinese version. The Chinese version (China ROM) sometimes received updates later or earlier, but in the end all the regional modifications came to the same denominator. If you purchased a device from Aliexpress or other sites, you may have a global version that has its own Google certification features.
- 📱 System core: Remains on version 4.x, This is the case with Android 9, despite the version number.
- 🛡️ Security: Security patches stopped coming out regularly after 2020-2021 years, which requires caution when installing unknown applications.
- 🚀 Performance: The absence of heavy background processes of new Android has a positive effect on the speed of the old iron.
MIUI 12 and 12.5: Swan Song for Mi Note 3
Many Xiaomi Mi Note 3 owners were surprised to find that their devices were on the list of MIUI 12 shell supporters, which was a pleasant surprise, since usually devices older than 3 years do not receive such major interface updates.
MIUI 12 on the Mi Note 3 runs on top of Android 9 Pie. This means that visually and functionally you will get new animations, improved control center, health tracking and updated widgets, but under the hood will remain the old system. For many, this was a compromise: fresh design without the risks associated with the instability of new versions of Android on old hardware.
MIUI 12.5 Enhanced also made its way to some regions for this model, bringing memory optimization and reduced power consumption, which is critical for a device with a new battery, and it's more fluid, and it's more frieze when you switch between applications.
However, installing MIUI 12 on the Mi Note 3 can be hard on the Snapdragon 660 processor. Animations can slow down and heat up the device when you're working hard. If you prioritize speed over appearance, it might make sense to stay on MIUI 11 or even roll back on MIUI 10.
⚠️ Attention: Update to MIUI 12 on Xiaomi Mi Note 3 can lead to accelerated battery discharge.Before installation, it is recommended to make a full backup of data and clear the cache of partitions.
Castom firmware: how to get Android 11, 12 and newer
For enthusiasts who are starving at newer Android features, there is an alternative to custom firmware. The XDA community is actively supporting the Xiaomi Mi Note 3 (codenamed jason), which allows you to install Android 10, 11, 12 and even more recent versions on the device through projects like LineageOS, Pixel Experience or crDroid.
Installing custom firmware requires unlocking the bootloader, an official procedure from Xiaomi, but it requires waiting (usually 168 hours) and having a Mi Account. Once unlocked, you get full access to the system, but you lose the warranty (if it is still relevant) and access to some banking applications without additional manipulation.
The installation process itself looks something like this:
- Unlock the bootloader through the Mi Unlock utility.
- Install custom Recovery (usually TWRP)
- Download the firmware image (.zip) and firmware through Recovery.
☑️ Preparation for the installation of custom firmware
The advantages of custom firmware are obvious: fresh Android, no advertising and extra software from Xiaomi, a high degree of customization. However, there are also disadvantages: the camera can perform worse due to the lack of original photo processing algorithms, and VoLTE and NFC can require complex configuration or not work at all.
fastboot flash recovery twrp-3.x.x.x-jason.img
fastboot boot twrp-3.x.x.x-jason.imgVersion comparison: stock MIUI vs. custom
To help you make a decision, it's worth comparing the experience of using official firmware and custom solutions. The official MIUI is sharpened for specific hardware: modem, sensors and camera work is optimized. Cast firmware, being more "clean", often squeezes more performance, but can suffer from bugs.
| Characteristics | Official MIUI (Android 9) | Castomic (LineageOS/PE) | Influence on the user |
|---|---|---|---|
| Android version | 9.0 (Pie) | 10 - 13 (depending on build) | Access to new OS functions |
| Camera. | Original, stable. | Often worse (GCam port needed) | Quality of photos and videos |
| Security | Patches through 2021 | Regular updates | Data protection |
| Stability | Tall. | Medium (possible bugs) | Daily comfort |
| NFC / Pay | It works out of the box. | Requires settings (Magisk) | Payment by phone |
As you can see from the table, the choices are your priorities. If you're using your phone as your primary phone and you care about the stability of your connection and your camera, you'd better stay on MIUI. If you're a geek, you like to experiment, and you need a fresh interface, customization is a great choice.
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To improve the camera on custom firmware, be sure to install the Google Camera port (GCam), adapted for the Xiaomi Mi Note 3 sensors. This will return the quality of the photo to the level of the original.