Owners of the legendary Xiaomi Redmi Note 3 often wonder about the current status of the software of their device. Despite the considerable age of the model, released in the mid-2010s, this smartphone is still popular as a reliable workhorse or device for children. The answer to the question which Android is it on the Redmi Note 3 is not unambiguous and depends on many factors, including processor modification and sales region.
Official support for the device has long been discontinued, which means there are no security updates and new features from the manufacturer. However, the developer community continues to keep the gadget alive by offering various software options. Understanding which version of the operating system you have or can install is critical for the compatibility of modern applications.
In this article we will take a detailed look at the evolution of firmware, technical limitations of hardware and customization options. You will learn why two apparently identical models can run on different system cores and how this affects their performance in 2026-2026. We will also touch on the issue of data security when using outdated software.
Official versions of Android and the evolution of MIUI
Initially, the smartphone entered the market with a pre-installed operating system Android 5.1.1 Lollipop, over which a shell was stretched MIUI 7. This was a standard solution for the budget segment of that time. Later, during over-the-air updates, users got the opportunity Android 6.0 Marshmallow with shell MIUI 9. This became the final official point of development for most global versions of the device.
The situation with the Chinese versions of the smartphone was somewhat different. Thanks to the earlier start of sales and active testing, Chinese users sometimes got access to beta versions MIUI 10, still based on Android 6.0. However, the sixth version of the robot remained a stable branch for the mass user. Attempts to force an update to Android 7.0 Nougat officially failed due to driver limitations.
⚠️ Attention: An attempt to manually install global firmware on a Chinese version of the device (or vice versa) without unlocking the bootloader will block the system boot (Bootloop). Always check the device region before flashing.
It is important to understand that MIUI is not just a skin, but a deep modification of the system. Even being on an older version of Android, the shell Xiaomi provided functionality comparable to newer versions of pure Android. However, the lack of support for new Google APIs limits the launch of modern banking applications and services.
The final official version for Redmi Note 3 is Android 6.0 Marshmallow coupled with MIUI 9 or 10 (beta).
Platform differences: Snapdragon vs MediaTek
One One of the most confusing moments for owners is the existence of two completely different hardware platforms under the same name. Redmi Note 3 was produced in two main modifications: Special Edition (SE) based on Qualcomm Snapdragon 650 and version based on MediaTek Helio X10. The processor directly determines which maximum Android is available for installation.
The model on Snapdragon 650 (often labeled as "Kenzo" or "Kate") is considered more successful and popular. It was for this that the largest number of custom firmwares were released. Qualcomm's chip architecture allowed enthusiasts to port newer versions of Android, up to Android 9 Pie and even Android 10 through the community.
The version on MediaTek Helio X10 (codename "Hmnote3") has more limited support. Due to the closed nature of MediaTek drivers and the lack of an active developer community for this platform, owners of such devices often get stuck on Android 5.1 or 6.0. Finding stable custom firmware based on Android 7+ for the MediaTek version is extremely difficult.
- 📱 Snapdragon 650: High customization potential, support for Android 7-10, active community.
- 📉 MediaTek Helio X10: Limitation on Android 5.1-6.0, difficulty finding firmware, lower performance.
- 🔍 How to check: Go to
Settings → About phoneand look at the "Processor" line or use the CPU-Z application.
Custom firmware capabilities (Custom ROM)
Since official support has ended, the only way to get the latest software versions is to install custom firmware. Enthusiasts ported such popular builds as LineageOS, Xiaomi.eu, Resurrection Remix and Pixel Experienceto the device (mainly Snapdragon). This allows you to run it on your smartphone Android 7, 8, 9 and in some cases Android 10.
The installation process requires unlocking the bootloader through the official tool Mi Unlock and installing a custom recovery TWRP. This gives you access to complete control over the system. However, it is worth considering that switching to custom firmware is a risk. Unstable versions may have bugs in the operation of the camera, Bluetooth or communication module.
The project deserves special attention Xiaomi.eu. This is a modified version of Chinese firmware, cleared of advertising and Chinese services, with the addition of global languages. For Redmi Note 3, there are versions Xiaomi.eu based on Android 7 and higher, which work more stable than the global official versions and provide a more recent interface.
Risks of installing custom firmware
Installing third-party software will void the warranty (if it is still valid), may lead to data loss if installed incorrectly and theoretically increases vulnerability of the device if the firmware is taken from an unverified source. Always make a backup.
Software version compatibility table
For clarity, let's compare the capabilities of different types of firmware. The data is relevant for modification on the processor Snapdragon 650as it is the most common among enthusiasts.
| Firmware type | Max. Android version | MIUI version | Stability |
|---|---|---|---|
| Official Global | 6.0 (Marshmallow) | MIUI 9 / 10 (Beta) | High |
| Official China | 6.0 (Marshmallow) | MIUI 9 / 10 (Beta) | High |
| Xiaomi.eu (Custom) | 7.1 (Nougat) / 8.1 | MIUI 10 / 11 | Medium/High |
| LineageOS (Custom) | 9.0 (Pie) / 10 | Pure Android | Medium |
As can be seen from the table, switching to custom solutions allows you to jump over several versions of Android. However, pure Android (AOSP) deprives the user of many proprietary MIUI features, such as advanced themes, second space or an advanced task manager. The choice between functionality and novelty of the system is up to the user.
It is worth noting that even when installed Android 10 via custom firmware, the operation of some hardware modules may not be optimized. A camera with old drivers in a new system often takes worse pictures than with the stock firmware. Therefore, before updating, it is worth weighing the need for new functions against the loss of quality of specific components.
Security issues and application compatibility
Using Android 6.0 or even 7.0 in modern conditions carries certain risks. Google stopped releasing security updates for these versions several years ago. This means that known system vulnerabilities will not be closed, making the device potentially vulnerable when connecting to public Wi-Fi networks or installing applications from dubious sources.
In addition, many modern applications are gradually abandoning support for older versions of the OS. Banking applications, government services and some instant messengers may require a minimum version Android 8.0 or higher. Owners of Redmi Note 3 on stock firmware will have to look for workarounds, such as using web versions of services or modified APK files, which further reduces security.
⚠️ Attention: Do not use a device with an old, unupdated version of Android to store large amounts of money in bank accounts or work with critical corporate data. It is better to use it as a media player or a navigation device.
For those who want to extend the life of the device, installing custom firmware on the base Android 9 Pie is a reasonable compromise. It provides compatibility with most current applications and receives at least basic security patches from the community, although not from Google directly.
Instructions: How to check and update the software
If you want to find out the current version or try to update officially, follow this algorithm. Remember that automatic updating to a version higher than Android 6.0 through the standard menu Settings → About phone is impossible, since the servers no longer offer new packages for this model.
To manually check the version:
- 📲 Open the menu
Settings. - 📄 Go to
About phone. - ℹ️ Click on the line
MIUI Versionto check for updates. - 🔍 To find out the Android version, click on the line several times
MIUI Version(in some versions) or look in the sectionGeneral information.
If you decide to install custom firmware, you will need a PC, a USB cable and an unlocked bootloader. The process requires care.
☑️ Checklist before flashing
The command to enter Fastboot mode, required for unlocking and flashing, is performed when the phone is turned off by holding down the button Volume Down + Power. In this mode, the cable is connected to the computer.
fastboot devicesThis command in the computer console will show whether the PC sees your device. If the serial number is displayed, the connection is successful. Further actions depend on the selected firmware method (via MiFlash or TWRP).
Before flashing, be sure to copy the "Internal Storage" folder to your computer. When changing the Android version or switching from Global to China, all data will be permanently deleted.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to officially update Redmi Note 3 to Android 10?
No, the device has officially ended with Android 6.0. Updating to Android 10 is only possible by installing custom firmware (Custom ROM), which requires unlocking the bootloader and is not supported by the manufacturer.
Why did some applications stop working on my Redmi Note 3?
Most likely, the applications require a newer version of the operating system (Android 8.0+). Older versions of Android no longer receive the security certificates and APIs required for modern software to work. The solution is to install custom firmware or use web versions of services.
What is the difference between Redmi Note 3 Pro and Special Edition?
These are the same device. The name "Special Edition" (SE) was often used for versions with a Snapdragon 650 processor to differentiate them from the regular MediaTek version. They might have different names in different regions, but technically, “Pro” and “SE” on Snapdragon are one model.
Is it safe to use banking apps on Android 6.0?
You can use them, but with caution. The system no longer receives security updates, which increases the risk of vulnerabilities. It is not recommended to root the device or install applications from unknown sources if you plan to actively use mobile banking.