Xiaomi Redmi 3S Prime is a smaller, more budget friendly version of the Redmi Note 3. But more importantly this phone doesn’t compromise on battery life, just like its big brother. And yes, Xiaomi is quick to point out this is a Made in India phone, from the box to the accessories. Like the bigger Redmi Note 3, Xiaomi is also launching the Redmi 3S in two versions in India: The cheaper version costs Rs 6, 999 and has 2GB RAM+ 16GB storage, while the Rs 8, 999 one is called the Redmi 3S Prime and comes with 3GB RAM, 32GB storage and a fingerprint sensor.
If 2015 was the year of phones with the Rs 6, 999 price-tag, 2016 is all about Rs 9, 999 as the coveted tag. Anyone who’s in the market for a new phone with a budget between Rs 8, 999 to Rs 12, 000, is likely to be confused. Should I spend Rs 2, 000 more and get the 32GB version of a phone? Is the one with a bigger camera better? Do I need more RAM? These are all valid questions, especially if you are buying a smartphone with limited cash to spare, and want something that will at least last a whole year.
With the Redmi 3S, Xiaomi once again has new phones for under Rs 7, 000 and Rs 9, 000. The Chinese startup is hoping to cover all the price points in the budget category, and in a market like India where every penny matters, this is a strategy others are also following. So is the Redmi 3S/Redmi 3S Prime worth the hype? Is this the ideal budget phone you can buy in India right now? Here’s our review of the Redmi 3S Prime version.