The Xiaomi Redmi Note 3 Special Edition (codename kate) was a specific version of the legendary Redmi Note 3, released to cater to international markets. While sharing the same powerful Qualcomm Snapdragon 650 processor and premium metal body as its standard counterpart, the kate model’s key feature was its expanded cellular band support, including the crucial LTE Band 20 for better 4G coverage in Taiwan and parts of Europe. It is also physically 2mm taller than the standard version. For owners of this specific variant, this page provides the official Global Fastboot ROM and the popular Xiaomi.eu custom ROM to restore or unbrick the device.
Important: This firmware is ONLY for the Redmi Note 3 Special Edition (kate). It is critically important that you do not flash this on the standard Redmi Note 3 (kenzo). They have different modems and partition sizes. Flashing the wrong official ROM will lead to a hard brick.
Quick Device Specs
- Device: Xiaomi Redmi Note 3 Special Edition (kate)
- Release year: 2016
- Chipset: Qualcomm Snapdragon 650
- Display: 5.5″ IPS LCD
- Battery: 4050 mAh
- Original MIUI: Android 5.1.1 (Lollipop), MIUI 8
- Key Differentiators: Supports LTE Band 20, 152mm tall (vs. 150mm kenzo)
Required Downloads
| File / Tool | Download Link |
|---|---|
| Xiaomi Mi Flash Tool | Download Latest Version |
| Xiaomi USB Drivers | Included with Mi Flash Tool |
| Bootloader Unlock Tool | Official Mi Unlock Page |
Official & Custom ROMs
| Region | Build | Android | Type | Download | Codename |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Global | V10.2.1.0.MHRMIXM | 6.0 | Official Fastboot ROM | Download | kate |
| Xiaomi.eu (Custom) | V10.2.1.0.MHRMIXM (Based) | 6.0 | Custom Recovery ROM | Download | kate |
How to Flash Official ROM (Mi Flash Tool)
Use this method to unbrick your phone or restore official firmware.
- Boot into Fastboot mode (Power + Volume Down).
- Extract the official firmware (.tgz file) and select the main folder containing the
/imagesdirectory in Mi Flash Tool. - Select clean all for a safe installation (you can use clean all and lock to return to a fully stock, locked state).
How to Flash Xiaomi.eu Custom ROM
Use this method to install a clean, multilingual custom ROM. A custom recovery like TWRP is required.
- Unlock the Bootloader: This is a mandatory first step. Use the official Mi Unlock Tool.
- Flash a Custom Recovery: You must first flash a compatible TWRP or other custom recovery for kate using fastboot.
- Boot into Recovery: Restart your phone into the custom recovery environment (e.g., Power + Volume Up).
- Wipe Data: In your recovery, perform a Factory Reset to prepare for the new ROM.
- Install the ROM: Transfer the downloaded Xiaomi.eu .zip file to your phone, then use the “Install” function in your recovery to flash it.
Device-Specific Troubleshooting for Redmi Note 3 SE (kate)
This device is sensitive to using the wrong firmware. Please read these points carefully.
- Critical: kenzo vs. kate ROM Warning: The single most common cause of bricking this device is flashing a standard kenzo fastboot ROM. This will flash the wrong modem and bootloader, leading to no network signal or a complete boot failure. ALWAYS ensure your official ROM is specifically for kate.
- Recovering from a Hard Brick (EDL Mode): If your phone is bricked (e.g., stuck in a bootloop or won’t turn on after a bad flash), the primary recovery method is EDL Mode. This requires a “deep flash cable” or shorting test points on the motherboard to force the phone into a mode where Mi Flash Tool can detect it as a “Qualcomm HS-USB QDLoader 9008” port.
- No Signal After Flashing: If you successfully flash a ROM but have no mobile network signal, it is almost certain the wrong modem firmware was installed. Re-flashing the correct, official kate fastboot ROM using the “clean all” option in Mi Flash Tool is the best way to restore the correct modem.
- Anti-Rollback Protection (ARB): Be cautious when downgrading. Newer MIUI versions on this device have Anti-Rollback Protection. Attempting to flash an older fastboot ROM over a newer one can result in a permanent brick from which recovery is extremely difficult.
FAQs
Q1. How do I know if I have the Special Edition (kate) or the standard (kenzo) version?
The most reliable way is to measure it: the kate model is 152mm tall, while the standard kenzo is 150mm tall. You can also check the original packaging for specifications, specifically looking for LTE Band 20 support.
Q2. Can I flash a kenzo ROM on my kate device?
It is strongly advised against. Official fastboot ROMs are not cross-compatible and will cause bricks. While some unified custom ROMs exist for both, you must carefully follow the developer’s instructions, which often require flashing a specific kate modem file separately.
Q3. What was the final official update for the Redmi Note 3 SE?
The device launched with Android 5.1 Lollipop and received its final major OS upgrade to Android 6.0 Marshmallow. The MIUI 10 builds provided on this page are the last official software updates for this model.
