Crucial Warning: Never cross-flash firmware, modems, or kernels designated for the domestic Redmi Note 3 Pro (kenzo) onto this Kate device. Cross-flashing corrupts the NON-HLOS.bin modem partition, causing permanent "No Service", lost IMEI, or bootloops. When flashing in Mi Flash Tool, always select "clean all" (flash_all.bat) — never select "clean all and lock" on unofficially unlocked handsets.
Download Firmware for Xiaomi Redmi Note 3 Special Edition (kate)
kate_global_images_V10.2.1.0.MHRMIXM_20190114.0000.00_6.0_global_52f71e4360.tgz
Final official stock Global Stable Fastboot package for Redmi Note 3 Special Edition (kate). Contains rawpartition0.xml, flash_all.bat, and official kate modem drivers.
MD5: 52f71e4360b986500ec717b3f573fe3b
xiaomi.eu_multi_HMNote3SE_V10.2.1.0.MHRMIXM_v10-6.0.zip
Community-optimized multi-language stable ROM specifically targeted for HMNote3SE (kate). Removes bloatware, integrates full European language support and Google Mobile Services. Flash via TWRP.
MD5: f14e4f94b2dba13e5aec12996fe58497
KATE-ZCX-TWRP-3.0.2-X-20161230.zip
Dedicated ZCX-TWRP recovery package tailored for the 152mm kate partition map. Supports official incremental MIUI OTA updates and automated SuperSU/dm-verity patching.
⬇️ Download via MediaFireFlashing Overview for Xiaomi Redmi Note 3 Special Edition (kate)
- Download and unpack official kate Fastboot package to C:\kate_fw
- Install Qualcomm USB Drivers and Mi Flash Tool on 64-bit Windows PC
- Boot Redmi Note 3 SE into Fastboot mode (Volume Down + Power)
- In Mi Flash Tool, select unpacked root directory and toggle "clean all"
- Click Flash, wait for "success" status, and await automatic reboot into MIUI 10
Expand preparation checklist for Xiaomi Redmi Note 3 Special Edition (kate)
- Confirm your device is the 152mm Special Edition model 2015161 (in Fastboot run 'fastboot getvar product', which returns 'kate').
- Unlock the bootloader using official Mi Unlock before flashing Fastboot packages.
- Install official Qualcomm USB Drivers and Mi Flash Tool on a 64-bit Windows PC.
- Ensure the 4050mAh battery has at least 50% charge.
- Extract the .tgz archive using 7-Zip twice until flash_all.bat and raw partition images appear in the root folder.
- Use a quality microUSB data cable connected directly to a rear motherboard USB 2.0 port.
- Never attempt to flash kenzo recovery or modem files onto this 152mm board.
Compatibility & Bootloader Notes
Official Fastboot TGZ flashing requires an unlocked bootloader via official Mi Unlock. Snapdragon 650 on Redmi Note 3 allows Emergency Download (EDL 9008) unbricking via motherboard test points without authorized accounts.
Ready to Flash This Firmware?
Full step-by-step instructions for Xiaomi Redmi Note 3 Special Edition (kate), including prerequisites, error fixes, and screenshots, are on FlashGuideHub's Mi Flash Tool guide.
Can also be flashed via Fastboot: Open Fastboot Guide →
Frequently Asked Questions
The Special Edition (model 2015161, codename kate) is physically 152 mm tall—exactly 2 mm taller than the standard 150 mm kenzo (model 2015116). This extra height accommodated redesigned RF antennas for global cellular bands. Because of this dimension change, standard Kenzo cases, bumper frames, and screen protectors do not fit Kate.
The standard Chinese/Indian Kenzo lacked 4G LTE Band 20 (800 MHz) and Band 28 (700 MHz), creating poor reception in Europe and Taiwan. Xiaomi engineered Kate specifically as an export model with an upgraded Qualcomm WTR2965 RF transceiver and revised power amplifiers to support 4G Band 20 and Band 28.
No. Cross-flashing Kenzo ROMs onto Kate (or vice-versa) corrupts the baseband modem partition (NON-HLOS.bin), resulting in "No Service", lost IMEI, or bootloops. Custom ROMs and recovery builds must explicitly target kate (or HMNote3SE).
ZCX-TWRP was developed to support incremental official MIUI OTA updates without bricking the device or overwriting custom recovery. It includes automated boot image patching and specific partition mounts that accommodate Kate’s 152mm board partition table.