Is the Soundcore P31i/R60i NC worth the upgrade from the Xiaomi Redmi Buds 3?
Verdict
Clear upgrade
Going from the Xiaomi Redmi Buds 3 to the Soundcore P31i/R60i NC buys you 19.8 points of HearWiki score - a clear step up that reviewers agree on rather than a marketing refresh. The gains are concentrated in sound (5.5 to 7.5), calls (5.0 to 7.0) and value (7.0 to 9.0). On paper: battery life 5 h to 10 h, active noise cancelling and bluetooth 5.2 to 6.1. Worth checking: driver size goes 12 mm to 11 mm. That costs $7 more, or about $0 per point of score - reasonable value for the jump. If your current pair is worn out or the gains line up with how you listen, this one is worth the money.
What actually changes
Sub-scores both products have, on the same 0-10 scale. Bars extend right for a gain, left for a loss.
- Sound5.57.5
- Battery6.58.0
- Calls5.07.0
- Value7.09.0
Spec differences
Only where the two genuinely differ - everything they share is omitted.
| Spec | Redmi Buds 3 | P31i/R60i NC | Direction |
|---|---|---|---|
| Battery life | 5 h | 10 h | |
| Active noise cancelling | No | Yes | |
| Codecs | SBC, AAC, aptX | SBC, AAC, LDAC | |
| Bluetooth | 5.2 | 6.1 | |
| Multipoint pairing | No | Yes | |
| Water resistance | IP54 | IP55 | |
| Battery incl. case | 20 h | 50 h | |
| Driver size | 12 mm | 11 mm | |
| Microphones | 2 | 6 | |
| Quick charge | 10 min → 1.5 h | 10 min → 3.5 h | |
| Driver | 12 mm dynamic | 11 mm dynamic |
About this verdict
Direction matters here: this page answers "Redmi Buds 3 to P31i/R60i NC". The other direction is a separate question with a different answer. Scores blend published review verdicts across true wireless and shift as new reviews land, so a marginal call today may not be one next quarter.