Xiaomi Redmi 3: 12 ways to distinguish the original from the fake (with photos and tests)

Xiaomi Redmi 3 is still popular in the secondary market due to its balance of price and performance, but it is this popularity that has attracted the attention of scammers: according to analysts, up to 30% of offers on sites like Avito or OLX contain fakes. Fake versions often pass off as the original, using external similarities and fake packaging. But you can distinguish the real Redmi 3 from the copy – if you know what to look for.

In this article, we will examine all the key features of the original, from visual details of the case to software testing and hardware tests. You will learn which parts of the package are never forged qualitatively, how to check the IMEI and serial number, and what hidden features are only in the real Xiaomi Redmi 3.

1. Packaging check: 5 parts that can not be faked

Packaging is the first and most obvious sign of a fake. Fraudsters often skimp on the quality of the box, so the original Redmi 3 packaging has several unique features that are difficult to replicate:

• 📦 Box material: the original is made of thick cardboard with a matte coating that does not shine in the light.
• 🔍 Logo embossed: The original box has the Mi logo and Redmi 3 in deep embossed, and you can feel it with your fingers.
• 📏 Box sizes: the original packaging has exact dimensions 154 × 76 × 22 - Even if it's a deviation 2–3 mm is a sign of forgery.
• 🖼️ Hologram: There's a holographic sticker on the back of the original box with a tilt pattern that's either missing from the fakes, or it's a regular sticker with no effect.
• 📄 Documentation: complete with the original manual in Chinese and English with the seal Xiaomi. in fakes are often found typos or instructions in bad Russian.

Pay special attention to the serial number on the box. On the original package, it is laser-painted and has clear contours, whereas on fakes, the number can be printed or handwritten, and check whether the serial number on the box matches the number on the battery sticker (more on this in the next section).

⚠️ Warning: Fraudsters often use original boxes from other Xiaomi models (e.g. Redmi 2 or Redmi Note 3).Always check the model on the box with the inscription on the phone itself!

2. External examination of the phone: what gives a fake

Even if the packaging looks perfect, the phone itself could be a copy.Inspect the Redmi 3 case for the following details:

• 📱 Back buttons: The original volume and power buttons have metallic luster and sharp edges, and on fakes, they are often plastic or blurred edges.
• 🔴 Notification indicator: the original Redmi 3 is located to the left of the front camera and glows white, red and blue. For fakes, the indicator can be on the right or only glow in one color.
• 🔊 Speakers: The original has one speaker on the bottom edge, whereas counterfeits are sometimes equipped with two (like the Redmi Note) or placed asymmetrically.
• 📸 Camera: The original Redmi 3 has a 13 MP dual flash main camera. counterfeits often have 8MP or single flash.

Also note the weight and tactile sensations. The original Redmi 3 weighs 144g and has a matte metal body that doesn't slide in the hands. Counterfeiting is usually lighter (about 120-130g) and can be made of plastic to metal.

Another reliable way is to check the connector for SIM-In the original Redmi 3, it is located on the left side and supports two nano-SIMs or one nano-SIM. + For counterfeits, trays can be on the right edge or support only one. SIM-map.

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If the seller refuses to provide photos of the case from different angles (especially the back panel and the tray for SIM), this is a reason to be wary. Ask to photograph the phone next to a coin or ruler - this will help to assess the real size.

3. IMEI and serial number check: how to calculate fake

Each original Xiaomi Redmi 3 has a unique IMEI and serial number that can be verified through official services.

1. Find the IMEI: it is listed on the box, under the battery (if it is removable) and in the phone settings (Settings → Phone → General information → IMEI). All three IMEIs must match.
2. Check the IMEI on Xiaomi’s website: go to the official checkout page and enter the number.The original will show the Redmi 3 model and Authentic status.
3. Check the serial number, it must match the number on the box and under the battery. The original serial number starts with the letters LGA, LGB or LGC.

If the seller cannot provide an IMEI or serial number before the purchase, it is 100% a sign of fraud.

• The IMEI begins with the numbers 00000 or repeating characters.
• The serial number does not pass the check on the Xiaomi website.
• The IMEI on the box and the phone are not the same.

For additional verification, you can use the command ##4636##, which will open the service menu, where the phone information section will indicate the real IMEI. If it does not match the one on the box, you have a fake.

4. Software tests: how to check firmware and iron

Even if the phone looks like the original, the stuffing may be different. To make sure you're looking at the real Redmi 3, follow these steps:

• 🔧 Processor test: the original Redmi 3 is equipped with a Qualcomm Snapdragon 616 chipset (MSM8939v2). You can find out the model of the processor through the application CPU-Z (If it says another chip (like MediaTek), it's a fake.

Another reliable way is to check the MIUI version. The original Redmi 3 runs on MIUI (even if it's the older version). Fakes often use custom firmware based on Android Go or stripped-down versions of MIUI with translation errors. To find out the version, go to Settings → About Phone → MIUI version.

We also recommend that you install the Antutu Benchmark app and run a performance test. The original Redmi 3 should score about 35,000-40,000. If the result is significantly lower (for example, 20,000), this indicates a weak processor characteristic of counterfeits.

⚠️ Note: Some fakes are able to fake information in settings, showing a false model or version MIUI. Always combine software tests with testing. IMEI and externally!

5.The camera and speaker test: what scammers are missing

Camera and sound are two things that are hard to fake. The original Redmi 3 has a 13 MP main camera with autofocus and a 5 MP front camera. Fakes often save on modules by installing cameras with a resolution of 8 MP or 2 MP.

To check the camera:

1. Take a photo in good light and dimmed light. The original should preserve the details and not "wash" the picture.
2. Try recording video in Full HD (1080p). Fakes often only support 720p.
3. Turn on the front camera and check if there are no strong noises or distortions around the edges.

Also note the sound:

• 🔊 The original Redmi 3 has one speaker on the bottom edge with a clear sound without wheezing.
• 🎧 When connecting headphones, the sound should be stereo (in fakes, often mono).
• 📞 During the call, the voice of the interlocutor should be clean, without echo or interference.

If the camera is blurry and the speaker is wheezing or the sound is deaf, it's a fake, and you should also be wary if the camera settings don't have HDR or Panorama modes, which are not in most fakes.

6.Battery and Charging Check: Where Scammers Save

The original Redmi 3 is equipped with a 4100 mAh battery, while counterfeits often have a 2000-2500 mAh battery. You can check the real capacity using the AccuBattery app (available in the Play Market). If the program shows a capacity of less than 3800 mAh, this is a reason to doubt the authenticity.

Also note:

• ⚡ Charger: the original power supply has power 5V/2A And it says Xiaomi with a hologram. 1A or without a logo.
• 🔋 Charging time: Original charges from 0 to 100% in 2 to 2.5 hours.If the phone charges longer than 4 hours, it's a sign of a weak battery.
• 🔌 Connector. USB: The original Redmi 3 has a microUSB connector with a metal frame. For fakes, the connector can be plastic or wobbly.

Another test is to check the heating: the original Redmi 3 should not warm much when charging or heavy use. If the case heats up to 45°C or higher (can be checked using the CPU Monitor app), this may indicate a poor-quality battery or processor.

⚠️ Warning: Some fakes use bloated or used batteries. Always ask the seller to provide a photo of the battery (if it is removable) or a video of the charging process!

7.Where and how to buy Xiaomi Redmi 3, so as not to run into a fake

Even if you know all the signs of the original, you can run into scammers if you buy a phone in unreliable places.

• 🏬 Official stores: Mi Store, Xiaomi Shop in Russia, AliExpress Official Store (marked "Original").
• 🛒 Large marketplaces: Wildberries, Ozon, Yandex Market (only sellers with a rating above 4.8).
• 🤝 Secondary Market: Avito, OLX, But only in person with a check-up. IMEI and externally.

What can't be done:

• Buying a phone with your hands without checking (especially if the seller is in a hurry).
• Trust sellers who claim the phone is “brought from China” without documents.
• Buy Redmi 3 at a price below 5000-6000 rubles (in 2026 this is a clear sign of a fake).

If you are buying online, be sure to:

1. Photo of a box with an IMEI and serial number.
2. Video with the phone turned on and a demonstration of the camera.
3. Check or warranty card (if the phone is new).

Remember, the real Xiaomi Redmi 3 can’t be cheaper than 5,000 rubles in 2026.If the price is too tempting, it’s probably a fake or a phone with problems.

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The most reliable way to avoid counterfeiting is to buy only in official stores or from trusted sellers with a guarantee of return.

FAQ: Frequent questions about fake Xiaomi Redmi 3