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Verdict
The Xiaomi Mi Mix 3 5G is a good phone, though the sliding mechanism is a bit fiddly. One disappointment of the original version was its middling battery life, and Xiaomi fixed that shortcoming in the 5G model.
The phone’s cameras have also been upgraded thanks to software optimizations, and there’s tons of power under the hood. Meanwhile, the screen looks great, even if it can’t compete with those of the Samsung Galaxy S10s of the world.
What it boils down to is 5G, and whether you need it...
The Mi Mix 3 5G may be one of the most affordable 5G phones in the UK, but for what it costs on-contract, you can pick up significantly better 4G alternatives like the Huawei P30 Pro or the Galaxy S10 Plus on equivalent Vodafone 4G tariffs.
For Australians, it's the cheapest 5G phone available on the market at the moment although you currently can't get it with any of the carrier's plans. This makes it ideal for those wanting to test the 5G waters without spending almost twice as much, but those waters aren't quite ready yet.
So if you find it at a price that works for you, and you want something a bit different that has 5G, it’s a good phone. If you can hang tight for the service to get better though, that would be our recommendation.
Who's this for?
As with all 5G phones, the Xiaomi Mi Mix 3 5G is for early adopters in need of speed (in a handful of locations as of yet). If you have the cash and want to future-proof your next 24-month on-contract smartphone, and you’ve checked that 5G reaches your work or home, then it’s one to consider.
Should you buy it?
If you don’t have the cash to spare and aren’t covered by 5G just yet, we’d hold off picking up any 5G phones on-contract unless the price is incredibly appealing when you’re reading this review.
First reviewed: August 2019
Don't need 5G? Check out these alternatives:
Xiaomi Mi Mix 3
The Xiaomi Mi Mix 3 is virtually identical in terms of design and specs to the 5G version; however, it packs wireless charging and a lower price tag. If you like the sliding functionality but don’t need 5G data speeds, it’s the obvious alternative.
Read our full Xiaomi Mi Mix 3 review
Xiaomi Mi 9
We preferred Xiaomi’s Mi 9 flagship to the Mi Mix 3. It’s more traditional, and is incredibly elegant, sitting like a dream in a hand or pocket. While there’s a small notch, it isn’t overbearing, and the triple camera setup is also more versatile than that of the Mi Mix 3 5G.
Read our full Xiaomi Mi 9 review
Samsung Galaxy S10 Plus
The Galaxy S10 Plus is a harder sell than the P30 Pro if you’re in the UK. Its chipset isn’t as powerful or efficient as the Snapdragon 855 found in the US version, or the Mi Mix 3 5G. Still, its capabilities are greater than those of Xiaomi’s 5G phone, with three cameras, a better screen, and wireless charging, making it a great alternative.
Read our full Samsung Galaxy S10 Plus review
