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Xiaomi Black Shark 3S 256GB vs Xiaomi Mi 9 Explorer 256GB

Created date: 2020-07-30 16:25:04, Updated date: 2022-06-24 17:43:29

Xiaomi Black Shark 3S 256GBXiaomi Mi 9 Explorer 256GB
Xiaomi Black Shark 3S 256GBXiaomi Mi 9 Explorer 256GB

Are you having trouble comparing the differences in features and performance of the "Xiaomi Black Shark 3S 256GB" and "Xiaomi Mi 9 Explorer 256GB", or unsure about their differences in ease-of-use, and wondering which to buy? We did a deep-dive comparison of the features, specs, and capabilities of these two smartphone, and provided our rating of which one was a better buy.

Xiaomi Black Shark 3S 256GBXiaomi Mi 9 Explorer 256GB
Xiaomi Black Shark 3S 256GB

Xiaomi Mi 9 Explorer 256GB

General rating:
Portabilityrating-image2.7
54/100
rating-image3.2
63/100
Weightrating-image2.3
46/100
rating-image3.1
61/100
Size of screenrating-image4.6
91/100
rating-image4.5
90/100
Screen clarityrating-image4.2
83/100
rating-image4.2
84/100
Battery durationrating-image4.1
82/100
rating-image3.5
69/100
Processing capabilityrating-image4.9
98/100
rating-image4.9
98/100
Memory capacityrating-image5.0
99/100
rating-image5.0
99/100
Storage capacityrating-image4.6
91/100
rating-image4.6
91/100
Rear camera functionrating-image5.0
100/100
rating-image4.9
97/100
Front camera functionrating-image4.1
81/100
rating-image4.1
81/100

Compare Performance and Usability

Size comparison of "Xiaomi Black Shark 3S 256GB" and "Xiaomi Mi 9 Explorer 256GB". Which one would you choose?

Your device's size has a huge influence on how easy it is to hold or to operate with one hand. The smaller your device's width, the easier it will be to hold, but you'll also need to take device thickness into account. And when the length and width are both smaller, you'll find that it's much easier for you to operate it one-handed, since your fingers will find it much easier to reach where you want them to. On the other hand, longer lengths and wider widths might lead to devices that are hard to carry in your pocket, bulky even when you keep them in your bag, and all around less portable.

The "Xiaomi Black Shark 3S 256GB" is 77.3mm wide, 168.7mm tall, and 10.4mm thick. The "Xiaomi Mi 9 Explorer 256GB" is 74.7mm tall, 157.5mm wide, and 7.6mm thick.

Comparing the width and thickness of the main unit, the "Xiaomi Mi 9 Explorer 256GB" is smaller and more compact compared to the "Xiaomi Black Shark 3S 256GB". Therefore, it is easier to grip and hold the "Xiaomi Mi 9 Explorer 256GB" than the "Xiaomi Black Shark 3S 256GB". For this reason, the "Xiaomi Mi 9 Explorer 256GB" is recommended.

Comparing the width and height of the main unit, the "Xiaomi Mi 9 Explorer 256GB" is smaller and more compact than the "Xiaomi Black Shark 3S 256GB". As a result, the "Xiaomi Mi 9 Explorer 256GB" is easier to operate with one hand and it is more portable without getting in your way than the "Xiaomi Black Shark 3S 256GB". Therefore, the "Xiaomi Mi 9 Explorer 256GB" is recommended.

Comparing the overall size of the main unit, the "Xiaomi Mi 9 Explorer 256GB" is smaller than the "Xiaomi Black Shark 3S 256GB". As a result, it is easier to use the "Xiaomi Mi 9 Explorer 256GB" with one hand compared to the "Xiaomi Black Shark 3S 256GB", and its size makes it more comfortable to carry around. For this reason, the "Xiaomi Mi 9 Explorer 256GB" is recommended.

ScoreDimensions (width x height x thickness)
Xiaomi Black Shark 3S 256GB54/10077.3mm x 168.7mm x 10.4mm
Xiaomi Mi 9 Explorer 256GB63/10074.7mm x 157.5mm x 7.6mm

Which one is easier to hold, "Xiaomi Black Shark 3S 256GB" or "Xiaomi Mi 9 Explorer 256GB"? Compare weight

The device weight will effect how quickly you tire from holding it, and how much stress is put on your wrist. The lighter it is, the longer you can hold it without feeling tired. Also, less stress on your wrist will make using it easier and more pleasant. Unless the weight is right for you, it might put too much strain on your body and make using it more stressful.

The "Xiaomi Black Shark 3S 256GB" weighs 222.0g. The "Xiaomi Mi 9 Explorer 256GB" clocks in at 173.0g. If you compare the weight of the two, the "Xiaomi Mi 9 Explorer 256GB" is a considerably lighter smartphone than the "Xiaomi Black Shark 3S 256GB", with a difference of about 49g. Because of this, the "Xiaomi Mi 9 Explorer 256GB" puts less of a burden on the fingers and wrists than the "Xiaomi Black Shark 3S 256GB". If you want a smartphone that won't tire your hands out even when using it for a long time, we recommend that you buy the "Xiaomi Mi 9 Explorer 256GB" rather than the "Xiaomi Black Shark 3S 256GB".

ScoreWeight
Xiaomi Black Shark 3S 256GB46/100222.0g
Xiaomi Mi 9 Explorer 256GB61/100173.0g

Which is better in terms of display, "Xiaomi Black Shark 3S 256GB" or "Xiaomi Mi 9 Explorer 256GB"?

Screen size influences how well you can control your device, as well as how clear the display is. With a large screen, the text and buttons in apps will display large enough so you'll be less likely to accidentally tap the button next to the one you were aiming for. Plus, you'll be able to enjoy more high-impact visuals for games and movies.

The screen size on the "Xiaomi Black Shark 3S 256GB" is 6.67inch, and 6.39inch on the "Xiaomi Mi 9 Explorer 256GB". The screens of the "Xiaomi Black Shark 3S 256GB" and "Xiaomi Mi 9 Explorer 256GB" are roughly the same size, and so the ease of pressing app buttons are the same on both devices. Because of this, it is better to compare them based on other aspects of performance and function.

ScoreDisplay size
Xiaomi Black Shark 3S 256GB91/1006.67inch
Xiaomi Mi 9 Explorer 256GB90/1006.39inch

Which one has a better display, "Xiaomi Black Shark 3S 256GB" or "Xiaomi Mi 9 Explorer 256GB"?

Pixel density influences how nice your device's screen looks, with high pixel densities making screens look more beautiful, and letting you get more out of your games and movies. Plus, the nicer you screen looks, the less strain you'll be putting on your eyes, so you'll tend to be able to use your device for longer before your eyes get tired.

The screen on the "Xiaomi Black Shark 3S 256GB" has a 1080 x 2400 resolution and a pixel density of 394ppi. The "Xiaomi Mi 9 Explorer 256GB", on the other hand, has a screen resolution of 1080 x 2340 and a pixel density of 403ppi. There is not much of a difference in the pixel resolutions of the "Xiaomi Black Shark 3S 256GB" and "Xiaomi Mi 9 Explorer 256GB", so they are about the same in terms of clarity of image and gentleness on the eyes. For this reason it is better to compare them based on other aspects of performance and function.

ScorePixel density
Xiaomi Black Shark 3S 256GB83/100394ppi
Xiaomi Mi 9 Explorer 256GB84/100403ppi

How is the battery duration of "Xiaomi Black Shark 3S 256GB" different from that of "Xiaomi Mi 9 Explorer 256GB" ? See the differences

Battery performance has a big effect on the battery life of your device. However, a high battery capacity doesn't necessarily mean a long battery life. Rather, the rate of power consumption needs to be taken into consideration as well. The larger the screen and the higher the CPU performance, the higher the rate of power consumption on your battery.

The "Xiaomi Black Shark 3S 256GB" has a battery capacity of 4729.0mAh, while the "Xiaomi Mi 9 Explorer 256GB" has a 3300.0mAh battery. With regards to battery performance, the "Xiaomi Black Shark 3S 256GB" has a substantially larger battery capacity than the "Xiaomi Mi 9 Explorer 256GB", with a difference of 1429mAh. The "Xiaomi Black Shark 3S 256GB" can be used without charging for a longer time than the "Xiaomi Mi 9 Explorer 256GB", so it can be used when out and about. If you want a smartphone with a longer-lasting battery, we recommend that you buy the "Xiaomi Black Shark 3S 256GB" rather than the "Xiaomi Mi 9 Explorer 256GB".

ScoreBattery capacity
Xiaomi Black Shark 3S 256GB82/1004729.0mAh
Xiaomi Mi 9 Explorer 256GB69/1003300.0mAh

Which is better in terms of CPU function, "Xiaomi Black Shark 3S 256GB" or "Xiaomi Mi 9 Explorer 256GB"?

Your CPU's speed will influence the processing power of the applications you run, and together with the number of cores in the CPU, as well as its clock frequency, will determine the processing power available for apps. The higher these performance factors, the smoother your games and apps will run. Conversely, if these factors are too low, your apps and games will be sluggish and struggle to run.

The "Xiaomi Black Shark 3S 256GB" is equipped with a Qualcomm SM8250 Snapdragon 865 5G processor, and its performance speed is 2.84GHz+2.42GHz+1.8GHz×8(8.0-cores). The "Xiaomi Mi 9 Explorer 256GB" uses an Qualcomm SM8150 Snapdragon 855 CPU that performs at a speed of 2.84GHz+2.42GHz+1.78GHz×8(8.0-cores). There is also no real discrepancy between the CPU performances of the "Xiaomi Black Shark 3S 256GB" and "Xiaomi Mi 9 Explorer 256GB". Because of this, both phones will feel practically identical in terms of smoothness when running apps and ease of game play. This is why it is better to compare them based on other aspects of performance and function.

ScoreCPU specs
Xiaomi Black Shark 3S 256GB98/1002.84GHz+2.42GHz+1.8GHz×8(8.0-cores)
Xiaomi Mi 9 Explorer 256GB98/1002.84GHz+2.42GHz+1.78GHz×8(8.0-cores)

How is "Xiaomi Black Shark 3S 256GB" different from "Xiaomi Mi 9 Explorer 256GB" in terms of memory capacity?

Your device's multimedia performance and app stability are both influenced by the amount of memory it has available. The more memory, the more apps you can use simultaneously, while keeping everything stable and smooth. Plus, there'll be less chance of animations lagging or apps crashing. You also need to keep in mind that some games won't run at all if there's not enough memory available.

The "Xiaomi Black Shark 3S 256GB" has 12.0GB of memory. The "Xiaomi Mi 9 Explorer 256GB", on the other hand, has 12.0GB. Memory performance is roughly the same for both the "Xiaomi Black Shark 3S 256GB" and "Xiaomi Mi 9 Explorer 256GB"; as a result, multitasking, playing 3D games, and using VR feels the same on both devices. Because of this, it is better to compare them based on other aspects of performance and function.

ScoreRAM size
Xiaomi Black Shark 3S 256GB99/10012.0GB
Xiaomi Mi 9 Explorer 256GB99/10012.0GB

Which has a better storage capacity, "Xiaomi Black Shark 3S 256GB" or "Xiaomi Mi 9 Explorer 256GB"?

Storage capacity determines the amount of data you'll be able to save on your device. The more storage you have, the more photos you can take and the more apps you can install. Plus, if your smartphone is compatible with SD cards, then you can increase the amount of available storage. However, SD cards have a slower writespeed, making them less desirable in terms of performance, and users should be aware that it won't be possible to transfer all kinds of data to the card.

The "Xiaomi Black Shark 3S 256GB" has 256.0GB of storage, while the "Xiaomi Mi 9 Explorer 256GB" has 256.0GB. There is no real difference between the "Xiaomi Black Shark 3S 256GB"and "Xiaomi Mi 9 Explorer 256GB" 's ROMs and storage capacities, so both can store roughly the same amount of photographs and apps. Because of this, it is better to compare them based on other aspects of performance and function.

ScoreStorage size
Xiaomi Black Shark 3S 256GB91/100256.0GB
Xiaomi Mi 9 Explorer 256GB91/100256.0GB

Compare the rear cameras of "Xiaomi Black Shark 3S 256GB" and "Xiaomi Mi 9 Explorer 256GB". Which one has better picture quality?

One factor in how well your rear camera (the camera on the back of your device) performs is its megapixel count. With a higher megapixel count, you'll be able to take photos with sharper detail, photos that stay clear and sharp even when printed.

The main camera on the "Xiaomi Black Shark 3S 256GB" has 64.0MP. The "Xiaomi Mi 9 Explorer 256GB" has 48.0MP. The rear facing cameras of the "Xiaomi Black Shark 3S 256GB" and "Xiaomi Mi 9 Explorer 256GB" have roughly the same performance, so the quality of the photograph and video footage they can capture is around the same. Because of this, it is better to compare them based on other aspects of performance and function.

ScoreRear-camera resolution
Xiaomi Black Shark 3S 256GB100/10064.0MP
Xiaomi Mi 9 Explorer 256GB97/10048.0MP

Which has a front camera with better picture quality, "Xiaomi Black Shark 3S 256GB" or "Xiaomi Mi 9 Explorer 256GB"?

One indication of how well your forward facing camera (the camera on the same side as your device's screen) performs is how many megapixels it has. More megapixels means you'll be able to take photos with sharper detail, that still look amazing printed out.

The forward-facing camera on the "Xiaomi Black Shark 3S 256GB" has a resolution of 20.0MP. The "Xiaomi Mi 9 Explorer 256GB"'s has 20.0MP. There is little difference between the camera capabilities and the pixel density of the "Xiaomi Black Shark 3S 256GB" and "Xiaomi Mi 9 Explorer 256GB"'s front facing cameras, so the quality of photographs and video footage is virtually the same. Because of this, it is better to compare them based on other aspects of performance and function.

ScoreFront-camera resolution
Xiaomi Black Shark 3S 256GB81/10020.0MP
Xiaomi Mi 9 Explorer 256GB81/10020.0MP

Compare Performance Specs

Xiaomi Black Shark 3S 256GBXiaomi Mi 9 Explorer 256GB
ImageXiaomi Black Shark 3S 256GBXiaomi Mi 9 Explorer 256GB
MakerXiaomiXiaomi
Release date2020-08-042019-06
ColorSky Cloud Black/Crystal BlueTransparent Black
OSAndroidAndroid
Dimensions (width x height x thickness)77.3mm x 168.7mm x 10.4mm74.7mm x 157.5mm x 7.6mm
Weight222.0g173.0g
Display size6.67inch6.39inch
Display typeAMOLEDSuper AMOLED
Screen resolution (width x height)1080 x 24001080 x 2340
Pixel density394ppi403ppi
Battery capacity4729.0mAh3300.0mAh
ChipsetQualcomm SM8250 Snapdragon 865 5GQualcomm SM8150 Snapdragon 855
CPU specs2.84GHz+2.42GHz+1.8GHz×8(8.0-cores)2.84GHz+2.42GHz+1.78GHz×8(8.0-cores)
RAM size12.0GB12.0GB
Storage size256.0GB256.0GB
Rear-camera resolution64.0MP48.0MP
Front-camera resolution20.0MP20.0MP

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