For the first time ever, Xiaomi released two new additions to their popular gaming line, all at the same time. Meet the new Xiaomi Black Shark 3 and Black Shark 3 Pro.
This is the first time that Black Shark released two new smartphones at the same time, instead of gradually coming up with different devices with confusing names.
The reason for this is, it will give consumers flexibility depending on their budget. Xiaomi fans can opt for the cheaper Black Shark 3 if they want to save money or go with the Pro model if they want to splurge.
But how different are these devices are with each other? Do you really have to spend more to get the best mobile gaming experience, or are you better off settling with the budget option?
We’ll answer those questions in our Xiaomi Black Shark 3 versus Black Shark 3 Pro specifcations and features comparison.
Xiaomi Black Shark 3 | Xiaomi Black Shark 3 Pro | |
| Operating System | Android 10 Joy UI 11 | Android 10 Joy UI 11 |
| SIM | Dual SIM Dual Standby | Dual SIM Dual Standby |
| Display | 6.7-inch FHD+ AMOLED 2400 x 1080 pixel resolution ~392ppi HDR10+ 90Hz refresh rate MEMC 2.0 display processor | 7.1-inch QHD+ AMOLED 3120 x 1440 pixel resolution ~483ppi HDR10+ 90Hz refresh rate MEMC 2.0 display processor |
| Processor | 2.84GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon 865 octa-core Dual Heatsink | 2.84GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon 865 octa-core Dual Heatsink |
| RAM | 8GB/12GB | 8GB/12GB |
| GPU | Adreno 650 | Adreno 650 |
| Storage | 128GB/256GB UFS 3.0 non-expandable | 256GB/512GB UFS 3.0 non-expandable |
| Front camera | 20-megapixel | 20-megapixel |
| Rear Camera | 64-megapixel (f/1.8) 13-megapixel (ultra-wide, f/2.25) 5-megapixel (depth sensor) PDAF LED flash | 64-megapixel (f/1.8) 13-megapixel (ultra-wide, f/2.25) 5-megapixel (depth sensor) PDAF LED flash |
| Audio | Headphone jack Stereo speakers | Headphone jack Stereo speakers |
| Security | In-display fingerprint scanner Face unlock | In-display fingerprint scanner Face unlock |
| Connectivity | 4G LTE, 5G WiFi 6 Bluetooth 5.0 GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, BDS, NAVIC USB Type-C Magnetic pins | 4G LTE, 5G WiFi 6 Bluetooth 5.0 GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, BDS, NAVIC USB Type-C Magnetic pins |
| Others | n/a | Physical trigger buttons |
| Dimensions | 168.72 x 77.33 x 10.42mm | 177.9 x 83.29 x 10.1mm |
| Weight | 222g | 253g |
| Battery | 4,720mAh 65W fast charger Magnetic 18W charger (sold separately) | 5,000mAh 65W fast charger Magnetic 18W charger (sold separately) |
| Colors | Lightning Black Armor Gray Star Silver | Lightning Black Armor Gray |
| Price | 8GB/128GB: CNY3,499 (~Php25,500) 8GB/256GB: CNY4,699 (~Php34,300) 12GB/256GB: CNY4,999 (~Php36,400) | 8GB/256GB: CNY4,699 (~Php34,300) 12GB/256GB: CNY4,999 (~Php36,400) |
As you just saw, the Xiaomi Black Shark 3 and Black Shark 3 Pro are pretty much the same devices. They even have the same design, with a triangular camera bump that was duplicated on the bottom for symmetry.
Their prices might be different, but Xiaomi doesn’t want budget-conscious customers to feel they are making a huge compromise by going with the cheaper Black Shark 3.
If performance is only you’re after, then saving cash and going with the non-Pro Xiaomi Black Shark 3 is a no-brainer.
This thing is powered by the same Qualcomm Snapdragon 865 processor. Easily one of the best and fastest chipset you can find on any Android phone. They come with two heatsink for better thermals.
The screen might be smaller, but it still has that fast 90Hz refresh rate. It should make gaming feel smoother, helping the fast processor to fully flex its power.
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Besides the performance, the Xiaomi Black Shark 3 and Black Shark 3 Pro also share the same cameras.
We have a 64-megapixel primary shooter, a camera that you’d find in a lot of flagships today. There’s also the 13-megapixel ultra-wide, 5-megapixel depth sensor, and a 20-megapixel selfie camera.
Both devices also come with stereo speakers, in-display fingerprint scanners, and Joy UI based on Android 10 which gives an edgy look and have better gaming optimizations.
We also have a special magnetic pin on the back that lets you quickly snap a charger (sold separately) if your battery runs out in the middle of a game. It’s also less distracting than the traditional charger that sticks out on the sides when you’re playing in landscape mode.
And of course, there’s the ultra-fast 65W fast charger, which can easily give a full charge in under an hour. Xiaomi had to split the battery into two to achieve this feat without overheating and blowing up the device. It’s kind of a similar implementation with OPPO’s SuperVOOC technology.
Again, the Xiaomi Black Shark 3 is a no-compromise option and already a great device as it is.
But if you don’t mind spending a bit more, the Xiaomi Black Shark 3 Pro has some worthwhile advantages over the non-Pro model.
For one, it has a bigger and sharper 7.1-inch QHD+ panel, versus the 6.7-inch FHD+ screen that the former has.
Xiaomi also crammed in a larger 5,000mAh battery (vs 4,720mAh) on this handset. With a device as powerful as this, you want the biggest battery you can get.
Xiaomi’s website also says that it will have a 512GB model. Albeit, the pricing for that one has not been announced yet.
Probably the most interesting one is the addition of two physical pop-up triggers each corner. These extra physical buttons should be great for shooting games and whatnot.
But if those extras don’t matter to you — and if you don’t like carrying an enormous 7-inch smartphone — then you might be better off with the Xiaomi Black Shark 3.
The Black Shark 3 price starts at only CNY3,499 (~Php25,500) for the 8GB/128GB model. That’s CNY1,200 (~Php8,700) cheaper than the Pro model’s starting price of CNY4,699 (~Php34,300) for the 8GB/256GB variant.