Xiaomi Civi 3 review
The Xiaomi CVi 3 is the fourth generation of the CV series, designed specifically for female users. It boasts a sleek and dazzling design with a dual-color Patchwork back cover, featuring a golden variant with a unique dividing line that adds to its visual appeal. The phone's camera system has improved significantly, with a bionic front camera design housing two 32-megapixel cameras. The left camera features autofocus support, while the right one offers a wider viewing angle. The camera app also includes new features such as switching between CV film and CV glow styles for selfies. In terms of performance, the phone is powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 8200 Ultra platform, which provides smooth experiences in most games. However, it's worth noting that the battery life is decent but not outstanding, lasting around a day with moderate use. The CVi 3 also features a 6.55-inch screen with higher peak brightness and 12-bit color depth for improved visuals. The edges of the display are even more curved to match human eyes. While the phone's performance may not be exceptional, its design and camera capabilities make it an attractive option for those who prioritize these aspects. The CV series is becoming a strong contender in the market, rivaling other popular lines like Oppo Reno and Vivo S Series. Overall, the Xiaomi CVi 3 is a solid choice for users who value design and camera quality above all else. Its improved features and sleek design make it an attractive option for those looking for a reliable daily driver or a gift for a friend.
Build Quality and Design
The Xiaomi Civi 3 boasts a sleek and dazzling packaging that sets the tone for its premium build quality. The phone's design is particularly noteworthy, featuring a dual-color Patchwork aesthetic that adds a touch of elegance to its overall look. The golden variant I had the pleasure of reviewing features a back cover with two different tones of golden, separated by a distinctive dividing line that gives it a unique and eye-catching appearance. The camera module, positioned in the top left corner of the back cover, has been redesigned to resemble an island shape, setting it apart from other Xiaomi devices. This attention to detail is impressive, especially considering the phone's affordability. The delicate scale on the outside of the Ring adds another layer of sophistication to the design. One of my initial concerns was that the Civi 3 might feel bulky or heavy due to its slightly thicker profile compared to some other Xiaomi phones. However, upon closer inspection, I found that the curvature of the screen and back cover has been carefully designed to make the phone comfortable to hold in hand. The front face features a stunning 6.55-inch screen with impressive peak brightness and 12-bit color depth. The edges of the display are even more curved than its predecessor, making it feel premium to hold. In terms of design, I'm thoroughly impressed by the Civi 3's innovative approach. It not only looks great but also feels solid and well-built in hand. The attention to detail and the thoughtfulness that has gone into designing this phone make it a standout product in its class. Overall, I would highly recommend the Xiaomi Civi 3 for anyone looking for an affordable yet stylish smartphone with excellent build quality.
Battery Life
The Xiaomi Civi 3 is a phone that excels in many aspects, but one area where it falls short is battery life. While the device's 4500mAh battery may seem generous, it lasts about the same as its predecessor, which is disappointing considering the growing demand for long-lasting batteries. Charging speeds are a redeeming factor, with the Civi 3 supporting up to 67W fast charging. This means that you can quickly top up your phone when needed, but it doesn't quite make up for the mediocre battery life. In our tests, the Civi 3's battery life was average at best. It easily lasted a day with moderate use, but heavy users may find themselves needing to recharge mid-afternoon. The battery performance is particularly surprising given the device's thickness and weight, which could have accommodated a larger battery. While the Civi 3's battery life is not a deal-breaker, it does leave some room for improvement. Given the phone's focus on camera capabilities and design, it's surprising that Xiaomi didn't prioritize a more substantial battery. Ultimately, if you're looking for a phone with exceptional battery life, the Civi 3 may not be the best choice. However, if you're willing to compromise on this front in exchange for a great camera experience, then the Civi 3 is still worth considering.
Display
The Xiaomi CVi 3 boasts an impressive display that sets it apart from its predecessor and even some other smartphones in its class. The 6.55-inch screen features a higher peak brightness and supports 12-bit color depth, providing a more vivid visual experience for outdoor use and HDR content. The edges of the display are even more curved to match human fingers, a feature that Xiaomi has carried over from previous models. Notably, I was surprised to find that the edges of the display are almost free of any noticeable light leakage, even when viewed at an angle. One of the standout features of the CVi 3's display is its support for 12-bit color depth, which allows for a more accurate and detailed representation of colors. This is especially noticeable when watching HDR content or taking photos with the phone's camera. In terms of sheer display quality, the CVi 3 holds its own against other smartphones in its class. While it may not be the most impressive display on the market, it is certainly one of the better ones at this price point. Overall, the display on the Xiaomi CVi 3 is a significant improvement over previous models and provides a more enjoyable visual experience for users. Whether you're watching videos or taking photos with the phone's camera, the display is sure to impress.
Camera
The Xiaomi Civi 3 is a sleek and feature-packed device that has garnered attention for its exceptional camera capabilities, particularly in selfie mode. As the fourth generation of the series, it boasts an impressive design and features that make it a strong contender among mid-range smartphones. The CV3's front camera is a standout feature, with a dual-lens setup consisting of two 32-megapixel cameras. The left lens has a larger aperture and autofocus support, making it ideal for capturing clear and detailed selfies in various lighting conditions. The right lens offers a wider viewing angle, perfect for group shots. One of the most impressive features of the CV3's camera is its ability to switch between "CV Film" and "CV Lumin" modes using a new button in the top-right corner of the preview window. This allows users to customize their selfie style and achieve a more natural look with better contrast. The powerful flash on the CV3's front lenses makes it possible to capture great selfies even in low-light conditions. Users can also manually adjust the brightness, color temperature, and exposure compensation to get the perfect shot every time. The CV3's selfie cameras support 4K video recording at 30fps, making them ideal for capturing smooth and detailed videos. This is a significant upgrade over some other Xiaomi devices, such as the Xiaomi 13 Ultra, which only supports 1080p video recording. While not the primary focus of the CV3, its rear cameras also perform admirably. The Sony IMX 800 wide-angle lens and optical image stabilization (OIS) support make it suitable for capturing sharp images in low-light conditions. Overall, the Xiaomi Civi 3's camera capabilities make it an excellent choice for those who value selfie photography. Its impressive design, feature-rich interface, and exceptional camera performance make it a strong contender in the mid-range smartphone market.
Price and Value
In the world of smartphones, it's not often that we see devices designed specifically with women in mind. The Xiaomi Civi 3, however, is one such gem. As a phone tailored towards female users, it boasts an impressive camera system and sleek design. The CV series has always had an edge over other Xiaomi phones in terms of camera capabilities, and the Civi 3 is no exception. With its quad-camera setup featuring Sony's IMX 800 as a wide-angle lens, this device takes stunning selfies, especially with the help of its powerful flash for low-light conditions. But what really sets the Civi 3 apart is its price point. Priced relatively lower than other Xiaomi flagships, it offers incredible value for those who want top-notch camera capabilities without breaking the bank. The phone's performance is smooth and efficient, thanks to the MTK Dimensity 8200 Ultra platform. While not the most powerful chipset out there, it provides a seamless experience in daily use and gaming. In terms of battery life, the Civi 3 lasts about as long as its predecessor, with a 4500mAh battery that charges quickly at up to 67 Watts. However, this phone's true value lies in its camera capabilities, which make it an excellent choice for those who take selfies frequently. For those who prioritize camera quality and design over raw power, the Xiaomi Civi 3 is definitely worth considering. Its sleek design, impressive camera system, and affordable price point make it a compelling option in the smartphone market. If you're looking for a secondary phone or a gift for a female friend, this device would be an excellent choice. Just remember to weigh your priorities – if you need top-of-the-line performance, there may be other options better suited to your needs.
Performance
The Xiaomi Civi 3 is powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 8200 Ultra platform, which is essentially a modified version of the regular Dimensity 8200 chipset. While the CPU and GPU performance are almost identical to the standard model, it's still capable of handling most daily tasks with ease and providing a smooth gaming experience. In terms of gaming performance, the Civi 3 can handle demanding games at high graphics settings, but may not be able to reach the same level as more powerful smartphones. However, for casual gamers, the phone will suffice, and the Dimensity 8200 Ultra platform ensures that you won't encounter any major performance issues. The battery life of the Civi 3 is decent, with a 4500mAh power pack that lasts around the same amount of time as its predecessor. While it's not exceptional, it's still capable of getting through a day of moderate use. The charging speed is respectable, with support for up to 67W fast charging. While the Civi 3 may not be a powerhouse in terms of performance, it's still a reliable choice for those who value its unique features and design. If you're looking for a phone that can handle most tasks with ease, but don't need the absolute best gaming performance, then the Xiaomi Civi 3 is worth considering. Overall, the Dimensity 8200 Ultra platform provides sufficient power for daily use and gaming, making it a solid choice for those who want a reliable and efficient smartphone experience.
Pros
1. The Xiaomi CV3 has a sleek and dazzling packaging that includes full accessories, including a charger.
2. The phone's design features a dual-color Patchwork with a golden variant, making it look premium and stylish.
3. The camera Deco is still located in the top left corner of the back cover but its shape has changed from the rectangle to around the island, giving it a unique look.
4. The CV3's selfie lenses have a huge improvement in video recording, supporting 4K resolution, which is impressive considering the selling point of cv3 is still selfie
5. The phone's battery life lasts about the same as its predecessor and charges at up to 67 Watts, making it convenient for daily use.
6. The CV series has earned a good reputation among female users, making it a great option for those who prioritize camera performance
Cons
1. Despite having an Ultra variant of the Dimension chipset, the CPU and GPU performance is almost nothing different from the regular Dimension 8200
2. The phone's battery capacity could be improved to make up for its thin and light design.
3. While the CV3 has a powerful flash for front lenses, lighting conditions can still affect selfie quality
4. The phone's rear cameras are capable but not on par with some other phones in their segment
5. The CV3 may not be ideal for serious gamers who require high-end performance