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Global Version Xiaomi Redmi Note 3 Pro SE - 3GB / 32GB / 5.5" FHD / 16.0MP / B28 - US$158.64 (~AU$206.27) Shipped @ AliExpress

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The Note 4 release for a while. XDA developer rated the Note 4 mid spec and still reckon Note 3 is better, for Aussies band 28 is definitely an advantage.
So before these all run out, I thought I'd share this deal. I've never bought from this seller before today.
I've been using the normal Note 3 for 3 months now from a LG G2. I love this phone and it handles all my needs without any issues so far. The 4000mh battery is definitely a slap in the face for most flagship phones.
So I decided to get the one with B28, not that my TeleChoice 4G (partial Telstra) and some Voda in 2nd SIM not good, I mostly get 4G. I just need a back up phone, and while Cashreward gives 10% discount. Alibonus gives 10% all the time anyway.

One most complained is the screen protector and cases aren't fit properly. I search Ali site and find these claim to fit properly and place the order with the first seller who has better rating. The price is for both case and tempered glass 2mm.

AU$3.35 https://www.aliexpress.com/item/Tempered-Glass-For-mi4C-4S-m…

AU$3.36 https://www.aliexpress.com/item/Official-Global-Version-Xiao…

Warning, buying at your own risk as me, I haven't got any issues with Ali yet. Hope it keeps that way.

PS. I'm using MIUI8 stable version via OTA update. It's 4G & 3G when 2 sims, MIUI makes it very easy to choose which sim does what and many other things, better than LG G2 UI overall. you can only have 2 sims or 1 sim + 1 mircoSD at a time.
has B28 but no NFC for whatever reason. Camera is ok not great. Finger print is fast and easy

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closed Comments

    • I don't believe Optus has B28 so possibly a point for the ZUK…

      • Thanks for the reply. I just came across this link from WP which indicates Optus has band 28. Perhaps Optus uses band 28 in only limited areas?

        http://whirlpool.net.au/wiki/mobile_phone_frequencies

        Any other input is appreciated! :)

        • +6

          Both Telstra and Optus use B28 extensively and is where most of their 4G network expansion is taking place. Once Voice over LTE (4G) is introduced it will be critical as the most far reaching network frequency for both voice and data. Even more so outside of capital cities.

          You are absolutely not future proofing your phone if it doesn't have B28.

          Ridiculous to get a phone without it in my opinion.

        • +1

          @constipated:

          Thanks for your valuable input.
          Am I right in assuming that it is not possible at all to unlock a certain band on a phone?

        • +1

          @kiokoshin:
          Not possible cause it's a hardware feature (Antenna), not software.

          Band 28 is certainly not the killer feature that it's put out to be, especially if you are metro. It just means you'll get 4G in more places.
          You'll still get mobile signal in the vast majority of cases, but it'll be 3G only.

        • Just as pleased I stand corrected - thanks for research done/adding info.
          I think 'constipated's' comment below is most relevant.
          Regards.

  • How does this compare to the Redmi Note 4X? Its roughly the same price

    • +2

      Note 3 has better GPU, for games, and this variant has band 28
      Note 4X has newer CPU that should use less power and have longer battery life.

    • +1

      3 is slightly more powerful for games. most reviews mention it is not noticeable in usage and gaming — the performance boost only offers a bit more gpu in v.intensive games where the 3 doesn't run them at max anyway..

      4 has even better battery life and a much better camera. much better low light performance. camera performance is very subjective, but i personally found the 3 to be borderline unacceptable. the formfactor and design, based on the mi5 is also a lot nicer.

      • Yeah that's what I'm thinking. Doesn't this look like a better deal?
        https://www.aliexpress.com/item/Original-Xiaomi-Redmi-Note-4…

        • yeh saw that. personally i'd go for it but im not prepared to wait more than a week.

      • thanks for the excellent summary. ended up choosing the 4x over the 3, mostly for the improved camera performance. the camera on the 3 was basically worthless/useless.

      • How much of an improvement is there in the camera department?

  • +3

    For a phone that has Band 28, I don't think these can't be beaten price to performance ratio. They're great units for the price. There's still a pretty dedicated user base and modding community for them too.

  • Does this have an external memory card slot or is the max 32gig?

    • +2

      you can use a slot for the second sim-card or for a microSD (only one at the time).

  • I'm waiting for the Mi5 to come down in price. Hopefully aliexpress will be doing some discounts for the end of the month

    • thats where it's at for me too..
      it's good price for the note 3.. but I bought one at the same price in November.. 4+ months and no discounts..

    • mi5 doesn't have a card slot if that matters to you

      • It has usb on the go, which is good enough for me

    • +1

      The Mi 6 is expected to be released mid-April, so if history repeats, expect some price drops on the Mi 5 around then

      http://www.pcadvisor.co.uk/new-product/mobile-phone/xiaomi-m…

      • expect to buy mi5 but look like only white color is available atm

  • Have been using a similar spec'd (bigger screen\battery, less band 28) MI MAX and can say their phones are top notch. Camera is no where near as good as the S7, but considering you get 4 phones for the price of 1, no one in our family has complained so far!

    • +2

      Agreed, I accidentally drowned my RN3P in Thailand jetskiing, bought the Mi Max, usage for a week now. Getting lots of attention at work, ended up ordering them for 2colleagues. I got mine with the SD652 128GB 4GB RAM for $368. Ordered 2x SD652 64GB 3GB for $305 each today. Great phone, similar performance to the RN3P, just massive screen at 6.44inches.

  • Does this have the same camera as the non-SE version?

    • Afaik yes.
      Camera is average.
      Bad in low light.
      You can check out the photos in reviews.

  • +2

    Another other sellers that offer expedited shipping?

    edit: Thinking to grab from this seller instead so I can opt for DHL shipping
    https://www.aliexpress.com/item/Official-Global-Version-Xiao…

  • Has anyone here read any rumors about a Redmi Note 4 Special Edition ( main reason to have B28 and hopefully also dual active 4G/3G sims like the latest Note 3 running MIUI8 6.11.24 with Global Developer Rom )

    I have been tempted to get a Redmi Note 3 Pro SE so often ( to replace my as new LG G2 still as new but lacking B28 needed for me ), but keep missing sales and prefer not to get Gold.

  • +8

    For anyone interested, LineageOS (previously CyanogenMod) works excellently on the Redmi Note 3.

    This guide here is an absolute dream, as you don't need to unlock the bootloader in order to flash LineageOS:
    https://forum.xda-developers.com/redmi-note-3/how-to/kate-gu…

    Works for both the normal edition (Kenzo) and the special edition (Kate), just make sure you get the correct ROM. I have successfully done it on two Special Edition Redmi Note 3's.

    Honestly, this is the easiest way to get a nice unbloated Android OS on the RN3.

    • Thanks for the info :)
      I am tossing up between this phone and the smaller redmi 4 pro prime. Do you know if it is similarly simple to flash cyanogen on that one?

      • Sorry, only have experience with the Redmi Note 3.

        But the XDA forums are a great place to start researching.

  • Its a great phone for the price, I'd rather get this over the Redmi Note4x (SD625 version)

    Other than Camera, the only complaint is the speaker which is on the back of the phone (where as the the newer Xiaomi phones have them under the bottom)

    The position of the speaker can sometime cause issue specially when you are video chatting

    • I am every torn between the Redmi Note4x (SD625 version) and this phone. I wonder if it's worth waiting for the 4x to go down in price :S

      • Would you also not be interested to get a SE with band28?? Saving a few $ is always good, but having better reception ( sometimes that or low signal in regional/rural areas or much slower internet speeds ) now and in near future to me is worth more and much more important.

        The only reason I am retiring my as new LG G2 ( which is better than this phone in most areas ), is because it lacks only the important ( for me B28 ).

        • +1

          I'm using a One Plus One atm. Which doesn't have B28. I get reception in most areas which is why I'm thinking that B28 isn't all too important to me. This with the addition of not playing high intensive games makes me lean to the 4x. BUT the rear fingerprint sensor is said to be better in the note 3. ANDDDD I'm back to square one.

        • @iceblock333:
          Sure, your priorities are a little different to mine. The One Plus One is a nice phone, so if your phone is still running well and looking nice, then waiting for the Note 4 with B28 would be my advice. I too like upgrading phones to play with etc but often feel there is not a whole lot different. I'm not a big gamer either, but want decent performance to run apps, but most importantly need the best reception I can get, and that is often the B28 for Telstra and Optus and B5 ( Vodafone ) where I use the phone with all three networks. For me the Moto G4 Plus would be nice too if a bit cheaper.

        • +1

          @ozhunter68: Well I don't change my phone until there is an issue with my current phone. The OPO has been playing up a lot this past year. I mean I could just flash it again and hope it last another few months. But I'm definitely in the market for a new one. But you're right, my priorities are different to yours. Maybe I'll try holding out until there's a 4x bargain. Here's to hoping.

  • Sony z3+ better bang for buck than this..

    • Z3 a smaller phone and has similar specs with a better camera for like an extra $120

  • I have problem with Xiaomi phone as GPS function not working correctly.
    Can anyone confirm GPS working properly in this version ?

    • +1

      You probably have a faulty unit, GPS should be working flawlessly.

    • The issue is with MIUI extreme battery saving functions. disable those and GPS works. Apps like Strava don't record without it.

  • Does anyone have a good guide the encompasses everything in terms of buying these sort of cheaper china phones, the like sof one plus etc and how the OS works? Have never flashed or got into the bootloader and all the other terms thrown around - abit confused how it all works? Have always just bought out of the box your common samsungs, iphone, sony xperia z3 currently, so the OS that I got is the straight of box one that I update and use.

    I see a lot of these xiaomi phones on sale recently and just wanted to learn how hard it was to set up these OS (or can you use the one it comes with) and whether it was worth the pain veruss buying your 'standard' brand off the shelf at jb hi fi? THanks!

    • +1

      You can use the OS that comes with it. Many flash a ROM on the phone because they want a more 'stock' Android experience. MIUI is a heavy android skin which has a lot of cool features but it's not stock Android. If you've used a Samsung before then it's kind of similar to TouchWiz (Samsung's Android skin). If you're not tech savvy/haven't flashed a ROM before then yes - there is a bit of a learning curve. Although there are many guides out there. The risk is if the process stuffs up, you could end up with a bricked phone.

      For the price you pay, the hardware is top notch and something equivalent would likely be 3x more at a brick and mortar store like JB. That's the appeal of these Xiaomi phones.

    • +4

      Im an ex iPhone user (Iphone 3G, 4, 5, 6) after I dropped my iPhone 6 and was too tight to buy another and screen size, I really hated Android until I bought my Xiaomi. I got the Note 4 Pro (3GB/64GB) and I love it. I paid $257AUD delivered over 6 months ago and think its the bees knees. The MIUI is awesome, it makes the android OS feel like an iphone UI, but more functionality and none of the limitations. For $250, its a lot of phone and was really impressed by the build quality (metal back and edges), very refined, personally I think it rivals that of Apple. Dual sim card slots (or 1xSIM and 1xMicroSD) is awesome for travelling.

      The only downside is the camera isnt fantastic, but its not terrible. Some lowlight shots arent great, but generally speaking its fine. The no B28 isnt a big deal everyone makes it out to be, I work in the Pilbara (north west australia) in the middle of nowhere at times, and live 60kms out of Perth CBD, i've never had coverage issues, the same as my iPhone 6.

      In answer to your question, buy the global edition, turn it on, update the OS (it will ask you to anyway) and just use it. Nothing you really need to do to tinker (as long as you dont buy the chinese version). My global version came preloaded with Google Play store and was very easy to use.

  • +1

    bought this for $240 or so very happy with it.
    MIU8 interface was fine
    Changed to lineage to try it out. Also runs fine.

  • Anyone know anything about the redmi note 5?

  • I bought from this seller.. and was happy with the purchase.. came pretty quickly and phone is a beast for the price.
    https://www.aliexpress.com/item/Official-Global-Version-Xiao…

    • Still nobody has heard anything about the possibility of a Redmi Note 4 Special Edition in future?????

  • Anyone have any links for a wallet case for this phone?

    • aliexpress search "152mm redmi note 3 case wallet"

  • Love mine. Thanks for the link to the screen protectors.

  • +1

    A word of warning, should it be necessary. Unless you're prepared to gamble all of your money against the item arriving or the item is faulty then I'd advise not dealing with this company. As they make clear should you write to them, they only act as an agent between buyer and seller so, being based outside of Australia, you'll have no Consumer Protection, not even some protection through Paypal because they don't accept Paypal payments, the imposed extra you pay for a warranty won't be worth 'the paper it's printed on' and their disputes procedure is virtually non existent as it appears to be geared towards the seller, NOT the buyer. Do a search on Google and you'll see what others, like myself, have found.

  • anyone know here i can buy the case/screen protector? i already got the phone, i just dont want to use aliexpress due to their lack of support with paypal.

  • Will this work on all Optus 3G bands?

    • +1

      Yes. 4g too

  • May I ask what's in the box? I bought a Mi5 last year, and a silicon case was included by default.

  • +1

    Hi Just want to give you a heads up of a problem with the redmi note 3 with band 28. We bought three for a group of us, they all worked for a period then one has stopped charging correctly, we have updated the rom, tried fast charging apps. Putting on for 4-5 hours only gets to 67% then it gets stuck. This is a problem that other people seem to be having as well.

    We have tried the original charger and cable, we have tried blitzwolf with gold plated tronsmart cables and a same with a 2.5A raspberry pi charger they all charge the other redmi note 3's much faster.
    My phone is on charge right now and his has gone up 1% whilst mine has gone up 7% (mine is on his is off)

    http://en.miui.com/thread-205417-9-1.html

    That being said I'm very happy with my phone except the fingerprint scanner doesn't work the first time you unlock the device and sometimes neither does the swipe pattern. You need to wait 5 minutes after it's turned on to unlock the device…. don't ask me why. But after that it's golden very fast finger print scanner and mine charges normally within 2ish? hours.

  • Hi All,

    Can someone quickly tell me if the below link is Band 28 phone?

    https://www.aliexpress.com/item/Official-Global-Version-Xiao…

    I just purchased the above but the item description does not have band 28. I copy pasted the link from this thread.

    If its the wrong version, how do I cancel the order?

    Please HELP!!

    EDIT: I cancelled the order but it says:
    Cancelled Orders Fund Processing

    Does it mean its cancelled?

    Thanks

  • Has anyone gotten their phones yet? I've waited for a month and has not arrived.

    • Is yours held up in Singapore Post too? Mine hasn't been received in Australia and AustPost says the month delay means our phones never made it on the plane

      • How did you find out about the delay in Singapore Post? Should I contact the seller?

        • I investigated. I've asked seller to start investigation but Xiaomi won't do anything to save us any time. Xiaomi think that Aliexpress shipping means they're allowed to wait for the full 45 days and Aliexpress will compensate us, but we're not going to get the same price again. Or will take another two months to reship our phones and endure the same shit delay again!

        • @lovepeoplenotmoney: I received my phone today, but their didn't include the extra Xiaomi Band that I paid for. Grr.

        • @howyt: Thank goodness you got yours, knowing you got your phone just gave me some hope. When did you order? I ordered mine Mar 27 but still haven't arrived in BNE

        • +1

          @lovepeoplenotmoney: I bought mine on 19 Mar, so hopefully you get yours soon.

        • @howyt: thanks bruh, put in a dispute for the mi band. The first sign you know something isn't right, raise a credit card dispute, even if you're an A3 or A4 member on Aliexpress

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