Xiaomi is definitely not one to lag behind and since Meizu just updated its competitive offer – the Meizu m3s, it comes as no surprise that an upgraded Xiaomi Redmi 3 was also made official. It bears the Redmi 3s moniker and adds even more value to its affordable asking price.
The Xiaomi Redmi 3s is still equipped with a 5-inch, 720p display, fitted inside the same body as its sibling, measuring – 139.3 x 69.6 x 8.5mm and also weighing exactly as much at 144grams. However, there is now a round fingerprint reader on the back of the unit. And the upgrade extends to internals as well. The device utilizes an octa-core Snapdragon 430 SoC, which is no powerhouse, but is still better than the Snapdragon 616 in the non “s” model.
The camera setup, on the other hand, looks unaltered. The Redmi 3s has a 13MP rear shooter with an aperture of f/2.0, a single LED flash and phase detection auto focus. On the front, there is a 5MP, f/2.2 selfie cam. A 4,100 mAh battery still runs the show and you get the typical set of connectivity options, like 4G LTE, Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Bluetooth 4.1, GPS + GLONASS.
Last, but not least, the Xiaomi Redmi 3s will now be offered in two memory versions. The basic 2GB RAM, plus 16GB of expandable storage is said to cost just CNY 699 ($106) on the local market and the more spacious 3GB RAM, plus 32GB will go for CNY 899 ($136). Color options include dark grey, silver and gold. Needless to say, there are impressively affordable price points, which users in China can expect to take advantage of starting June 16. However, it is also worth noting that if and when the device reaches international markets, it will cost a bit extra.
