Xiaomi Redmi Note 3 and 3 Pro: How to distinguish models

The Xiaomi smartphone market in the mid-2010s created a real confusion that still baffles many buyers: the model range was replenished with a device known under the code name Kenzo, which in different regions was sold as Redmi Note 3 or Redmi Note 3 Pro. The main difficulty is that these gadgets are almost identical, but their technical stuffing is radically different.

Understanding the difference is critical, as it determines custom firmware installation, gaming performance, and even accessory compatibility. In this article, we’ll go into detail on how to identify a device so you can know exactly what’s in your hands.

Key hardware differences of processors

The main watershed between the two versions of the smartphone is the platform installed. The base version of the Redmi Note 3 (often designated as SE or Special Edition) runs on the MediaTek Helio X10 chipset (MT6795), a mid-range solution that was popular at the time of release but quickly became obsolete.

The more powerful version of the Redmi Note 3 Pro is based on the Qualcomm Snapdragon 650 (MSM8956) processor, which delivers significantly higher graphics accelerator performance and better energy efficiency, and it is the presence of Snapdragon that makes this version the preferred one for enthusiasts.

Visually, it is impossible to determine the type of processor without turning on the device, but knowing this feature helps to understand why one phone warms up more or discharges faster.

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The Snapdragon 650 processor in the Pro version provides 40-50% higher performance in games compared to the MediaTek Helio X10.

It's worth noting that the core architecture is also different: MediaTek uses the classic big.LITTLE scheme with the same cores, while the Snapdragon 650 uses powerful Cortex-A72 cores in conjunction with the energy-efficient Cortex-A53, which gives the Pro version an edge in heavy tasks.

Visual differences and marking on the body

The first thing to do when you look at a device is to flip it over and look at the back cover carefully. Although the design of metallic unpainted aluminum is the same, the information stickers can tell you a lot. The original packaging and the factory film often indicate the exact model.

Note the MI logo. In some revisions of the base version, the logo was pressed into metal, whereas in the Pro version it was often laser-engraved or not at all on the global versions. However, you should not rely on the logo alone, since factories could change the stamps.

• 🔍 Look for the words “Redmi Note 3” without the Pro console – this is often (but not always) a sign of the version on MediaTek.
• 🔍 Check the weight of the device: the version on the Snapdragon is slightly heavier due to a different layout of the board (164 g vs 160 g).
• 🔍 Check the connectors: the location of the microphone hole and the IR port is identical, but the soldering quality around USB-port may differ.

It is important to understand that visual techniques only give indirect clues. Chinese manufacturers often used uniform shapes for enclosures, changing only the insides.

Checking through the system menu and About Phone

The most reliable software way is to look at the system settings. Go to Settings → Phone. Here we're looking at the line "Processor" or "Model." If you see the MT6795, you're looking at the normal version. If the MSM8956 is the Pro.

Also worth paying attention to is the kernel and build version. The "Build Number" line often encrypts platform codes. MediaTek is characterized by designations starting with HMNOTE3, while Snapdragon is often labeled as HMNOTE3S or has different indexes depending on the region.

⚠️ Warning: The firmware can be modified, and if you buy a phone from hand, the data in the About Phone menu can be modified to mask the real model.

Also check the RAM capacity. Although both versions could be equipped with 3 GB of RAM, the Pro version later received modifications with 4 GB of RAM. The presence of 4 GB of RAM is a complete sign of the Pro version, since MediaTek did not support this volume in this form factor.

Use of engineering menus and codes

For deep diagnostics, Android engineers have provided special codes, enter them in the Phone app, you will be taken to the hidden test menu. For Xiaomi, the code ##6484## is relevant, which opens the application. CIT-Menu (Hardware Test).

You can test components in this menu, but we're interested in the system information, and if you go to the corresponding section, you'll see the exact name of the SoC (System on Chip), and there's code ##4636### that opens the phone information menu.

##6484##
##4636##

In the window that opens, look for the line "Device Model" or "Processor." This is more difficult to fool the system, since this data is read directly from the processor's hardware registers when booting.

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If the code doesn't work or the menu is empty, you may have a global firmware installed with reduced access rights to engineering functions. Try installing the Phone Info app from the Play Market.

Analysis of camera and multimedia characteristics

The cameras are another indicator, though less obvious. Both models have basic 16MP modules, but they have different sensors. The Pro version uses a Samsung S5K3P3 or Sony IMX298 sensor, which provide better color reproduction and focus speed.

The base version on MediaTek was often packed with Omnivision sensors or lower-quality Samsung modules, and the difference is noticeable when shooting in low light: the Pro version produces less digital noise.

In addition, the Pro version supports Hi-Fi audio technology, which is noticeable when listening to music through high-end wired headphones. The sound becomes cleaner, with a wider stage.

Comparison of firmware and unlocking capabilities

For the modder community, the difference between these phones is huge. the Redmi Note 3 Pro has a fully unlockable bootloader (officially), allowing you to install any customized recaps (TWRP) and firmware (LineageOS, Pixel Experience).

MediaTek version (MTK) The bootloader is closed, and obtaining superuser rights requires exploiting vulnerabilities, which is insecure and difficult. MTK-The version stopped coming out much earlier.

⚠️ Attention: Attempting to pass ROM, Destined for Snapdragon, on the MediaTek version (and vice versa) will result in a "brick" (completely inoperable) device.

If you plan to use the phone as a testing ground for Android experiments, the choice should fall solely on the Pro version.

Diagnostics through third-party applications

If the built-in tools are in doubt, specialized utilities will come to the rescue. The CPU-Z or AIDA64 application will show comprehensive information about the hardware.

Once installed, run the scan, and the tab "SOC" or "Device" will give the exact name of the chipset, which is the fastest way for an inexperienced user.

And look at the graphics accelerator. MTK-version of this is PowerVR. G6200, And in the Pro, Adreno 510. 3D-graphics between them are significant, which immediately catches the eye in benchmarks such as AnTuTu.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)