Xiaomi Mi A3 vs Xiaomi Mi 9 SE Specs Comparison

Xiaomi has just unveiled its latest Android One smartphone, the Mi A3. Apart from the stock Android UI, the Mi A3 also has 4GB of RAM, Snapdragon 665, and triple rear cameras. We put it up against another of Xiaomi‘s smartphones recently launched this year, the Mi 9 SE. Check it out!

Xiaomi Mi A3

• Larger screen
• Expandable storage up to 256GB via micro SD
• 32MP front camera
• 3.5mm audio jack
• Larger battery capacity
• Stock Android

Xiaomi Mi 9 SE

• Faster CPU performance
• Larger RAM capacity
• NFC support

Beginning with the display, the Mi A3 comes with a larger screen size at 6.088-inches, while the Mi 9 SE comes in a smaller size of 5.97-inches. While the 9 SE does have a smaller display, it has an FHD+ resolution, compared to the A3’s HD+ resolution. Both smartphones are Super AMOLED though, and both of them have Xiaomi’s Dot Drop display — which is pretty much just a fancy term to say that they have drop notches upfront. Both smartphones are also protected with Corning Gorilla Glass 5.

When it comes to processors, the Mi A3’s powered by Snapdragon 665, one of the latest mid-range chipsets launched by Qualcomm. An upgrade over the Snapdragon 660, the SD 665 has an 11nm architecture and comes equipped with Kryo 260 Cortex A-73 and Cortex-A-53 processors. We’ve yet to see the actual performance of the SD 665 on a device, however.

On the other hand, the Mi 9 SE is powered by Snapdragon 712, the successor to the Snapdragon 710. We’ve seen the SD 712 perform, and with its 10nm architecture and multiple cores, the SD 712 would be more powerful than the SD 665. The SD 712 is, after all, built mainly for gaming and AI.

The Mi A3 has 4GB RAM, while the Mi 9 SE easily trumps that with its 6GB RAM. Both smartphones have two storage variants, 64GB and 128GB. While some people may be satisfied with those storage options, the Mi A3 goes an extra mile with its expandable storage of up to 256GB via microSD. The Mi 9 SE doesn’t have any storage expansion options, which might be a disappointment for some.

As for cameras, the A3 possesses a 48MP + 8MP + 2MP triple rear camera setup. Meanwhile, the 9 SE has 48MP + 13MP + 8MP cameras, also located on the rear. On paper, the Mi 9 SE’s triple cameras trump what the A3 has. Still, both of them do have a 48MP main shooter and ultrawide lenses. Front camera-wise, the A3 has a 32MP shooter, while the 9 SE has a 20MP one. The specs do look good on paper but of course, we’ve yet to see how the A3’s cameras actually perform.

Users may virtually pay using the Mi 9 SE’s NFC support; unfortunately, the Mi A3 doesn’t have this feature. Something that can be found on the Mi A3 though is a 3.5mm audio jack, which the Mi 9 SE in turn, doesn’t have. Both smartphones have face unlock features and have in-display fingerprint scanning. The two devices also have USB Type-C as their charging ports.

OS-wise, while both the A3 and Mi 9 SE run on Android 9 Pie, the A3 has Android One, which is the stock Android. As for the Mi 9 SE, it has Xiaomi’s MIUI 10. Stock Android means the A3 doesn’t have any bloatware, while the 9 SE has Xiaomi apps and other third-party apps in it. Not to mention, some ads in the UI.

Last but not least, the Mi 9 SE has a 3,070mAh battery capacity, but the Mi A3 is set to last longer with its 4,030mAh battery capacity. The smartphones also have 18W fast charge support.

Here are the prices of each smartphone and their variants:

Mi A3:

• 4GB + 64GB – EUR 249PHP 15,340USD 261INR 22,158CNY 1,904 (~PHP 14,270USD 243INR 20,614EUR 232CNY 1,771)
• 4GB + 128GB – EUR 279PHP 17,188USD 293INR 24,828CNY 2,134 (~PHP 15,989USD 272INR 23,098EUR 260CNY 1,984)

Mi 9 SE:

• 6GB + 64GB: PHP 15,990USD 272INR 23,099EUR 260CNY 1,984
• 6GB + 128GB: PHP 17,990USD 307INR 25,988EUR 292CNY 2,233

We’ve yet to know about the Xiaomi Mi A3’s local pricing and availability so, between the two devices, the Mi 9 SE is currently the more accessible one as it’s been available for purchase in the country since May. If you’d like a device with expandable storage and a stock Android experience, do go for the Mi A3. If you’d rather have a device with FHD+ resolution and a better CPU performance, go for the Mi 9 SE.

Which phone is your pick? Share it with us in the comments!