Design and Craftsmanship
The Micromax In Note 3 adopts a minimalist aesthetic with a matte-finished polycarbonate back that resists fingerprints. Available in Obsidian Black and Boulder Grey, its 8.3mm thickness and 195g weight ensure a comfortable grip. The rear camera module protrudes slightly but integrates smoothly. Physical buttons offer tactile feedback, and the USB-C port, 3.5mm headphone jack, and speaker grille align neatly at the bottom. A textured power button doubles as a fingerprint sensor, achieving unlock speeds of 0.3 seconds with 98% accuracy. The IP52 rating provides basic dust and splash resistance—a practical touch for daily use.
Display Brilliance
Featuring a 6.43-inch Full HD+ AMOLED display (2400 × 1080 pixels), the In Note 3 delivers vibrant colors and deep blacks. With a 20:9 aspect ratio and 409 PPI pixel density, text appears sharp, and HDR10 support enhances Netflix and Prime Video streaming. The 60Hz refresh rate suffices for smooth scrolling, though rivals offer 90Hz. Peak brightness reaches 550 nits, ensuring visibility under sunlight. Corning Gorilla Glass 3 protects against scratches, while the punch-hole cutout for the 16MP selfie camera minimizes distractions. Widevine L1 certification enables HD playback on OTT platforms.
Performance: Power Unleashed
At its core lies the MediaTek Helio G95 chipset—a 12nm octa-core processor with two Cortex-A76 cores (2.05GHz) and six Cortex-A55 cores (2.0GHz). Paired with Mali-G76 MC4 GPU and 4GB/6GB RAM options, it handles multitasking effortlessly. In benchmarks, it scores 305,000 on AnTuTu v9, outperforming the Snapdragon 662 in the same price bracket. Real-world testing shows seamless app switches, 30 Chrome tabs without reloads, and smooth gameplay. Call of Duty: Mobile runs at Medium settings (60fps) with minor frame drops in intense battles, while Genshin Impact requires Low settings for stability. The UFS 2.2 storage (64GB/128GB, expandable via microSD) ensures app launches in under 2 seconds and file transfers at 350MB/s.
Software: Clean and Customizable
Running stock Android 12, Micromax promises two OS updates and quarterly security patches—a rarity in budget segments. The near-stock UI eliminates bloatware; only essential apps like FM Radio and File Manager are preinstalled. Features like Game Mode block notifications during gameplay, and Digital Wellbeing tracks screen time. The sidebar enables one-handed use, and theming options offer font/icon customization. Google’s Privacy Dashboard and mic/camera access indicators enhance security. Minor bugs in initial builds were resolved via OTA updates.
Camera System: Versatile Imaging
The quad-camera array includes a 48MP Samsung ISOCELL GM1 primary sensor (f/1.79), 5MP ultrawide (115° FoV), 2MP macro, and 2MP depth sensor. Daylight shots exhibit 95% color accuracy with balanced exposure, though dynamic range trails premium phones. Pixel-binning produces crisp 12MP photos with minimal noise. The ultrawide suffers from edge distortion and softness in low light. Night mode brightens shadows but adds grain. Macro shots require steady hands for usable details. Portraits achieve natural bokeh with precise edge detection. The 16MP front camera supports 1080p/30fps video and AI beautification. Video recording maxes at 4K/30fps (primary) or 1080p/60fps (ultrawide), with electronic stabilization reducing shakes.
Battery and Charging
A 5,100mAh battery powers the device for 14–16 hours of mixed use: 6 hours of streaming, 4 hours of gaming, or 8 hours of browsing. PCMark’s battery test clocks 12.5 hours at 200 nits brightness. The 33W fast charger (bundled) refuels 50% in 30 minutes and 100% in 75 minutes. Power-saving modes extend longevity during emergencies, and adaptive charging protects battery health overnight.
Audio, Connectivity, and Extras
Dual stereo speakers deliver clear audio at 85dB, though bass lacks depth. Dirac Audio Tuner optimizes output for headphones via the 3.5mm jack. Connectivity covers 4G VoLTE (dual-SIM), Wi-Fi 5, Bluetooth 5.1, and GPS with GLONASS support. NFC enables contactless payments, and the hybrid microSD slot accepts cards up to 512GB. Haptic feedback is precise for typing and gaming.
Value Proposition
Priced at ₹12,499 (4GB/64GB) and ₹13,999 (6GB/128GB), the In Note 3 undercuts competitors like Redmi Note 11 and Realme Narzo 50. Its strengths—Helio G95, AMOLED display, clean Android 12, and 33W charging—justify its “power-packed” branding. Compromises include average low-light photography and no high-refresh-rate screen. For users prioritizing performance and software longevity over camera finesse, it’s a compelling choice.
Gaming Performance Deep Dive
The Helio G95’s HyperEngine technology optimizes resource allocation during gaming. In BGMI, the device maintains 40fps on Smooth-Extreme settings for 45 minutes before thermal throttling (surface temperature: 42°C). Graphite sheet cooling prevents abrupt shutdowns. Asphalt 9 runs at High-Quality/30fps without stutter. The Game Space app locks brightness, blocks calls, and frees RAM. Touch sampling rate peaks at 180Hz, ensuring responsive controls.
Real-World User Experience
Daily usage reveals strengths: the AMOLED display excels during commutes, speakers provide clear calls, and bloat-free software stays agile. Challenges include average indoor photography and slippery back texture. Heavy gamers should opt for the 6GB variant. After three months, users report 0% battery degradation and consistent performance.
Competitive Landscape
Compared to the Redmi Note 11 (Snapdragon 680), the In Note 3 leads in CPU/GPU performance but lags in camera versatility. Against the Realme Narzo 50 (Helio G96), it matches processing power but offers superior software support. Its stock Android experience rivals Moto’s offerings, while pricing disrupts the ₹10K–15K segment.