Smartphone Comparison: Motorola One 5G Ace vs. Xiaomi Poco M3 Pro 5G
1. Specifications Comparison
Here's a detailed comparison of the key specifications for the Motorola One 5G Ace and the Xiaomi Poco M3 Pro 5G, with a focus on their practical impact:
| Feature | Motorola One 5G Ace | Xiaomi Poco M3 Pro 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 166.1 × 76.1 × 9.9 mm | 161.8 × 75.3 × 8.9 mm | The Xiaomi is more compact and thinner, making it slightly more pocketable and comfortable to hold. The Motorola is taller and thicker. |
| Weight | 212g | 190g | The Xiaomi is noticeably lighter, which can enhance comfort during extended use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.7" | 6.5" | The Motorola offers a slightly larger screen, potentially better for media consumption. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2400 | Identical resolutions mean similar sharpness, though the Xiaomi has a slightly higher PPI due to the smaller screen size. |
| Pixel Density (PPI) | 393 | 405 | The difference in PPI is minimal and practically unnoticeable to the naked eye, both displays will appear equally sharp |
| Technology | IPS LCD | IPS LCD | Both use the same LCD technology, meaning similar viewing angles and color reproduction characteristics. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 90Hz | The Xiaomi has a higher refresh rate, resulting in smoother scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Brightness data is missing, making it difficult to assess outdoor visibility. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 750G 5G (8 nm) | Mediatek Dimensity 700 (7 nm) | The Xiaomi's chipset is slightly more power-efficient and has a higher benchmark score. This could lead to better performance in demanding tasks. |
| AnTuTu Score | 330,000 | 379,761 | The Xiaomi has a higher benchmark score which translates to a more responsive user experience and better performance in gaming. |
| GPU | Adreno 619 | Mali-G57 MC2 | The Xiaomi has a higher benchmark score which translates to a more responsive user experience and better performance in gaming. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both have the same battery capacity, which should offer similar battery life. |
| Charging | 15W fast charging | 18W fast charging | The Xiaomi supports slightly faster charging, meaning less time plugged in. |
| Features | 10W rapid charger in-box, Non-removable | Reverse charging, Non-removable | The Xiaomi’s reverse charging could be useful for topping up other devices. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Camera | 48MP, f/1.7, 0.80µm | 48MP, f/1.79, 0.80µm, 1/2" sensor (Omnivision OV48B) | The Motorola has a slightly wider aperture which can be beneficial in low-light conditions. |
| Selfie Camera | 16MP, f/2.2, 1.12µm | 8MP, f/2.0, 1.12µm, 1/4" sensor (Omnivision OV8856) | The Motorola takes higher resolution selfies. The Xiaomi has a slightly wider aperture which may lead to better low-light performance. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 8MP, f/2.2, 1.12µm | N/A | The Motorola includes a wide-angle lens for more versatile photography. |
| Portrait Mode (Depth) | N/A | 2MP, f/2.4, 1.75µm, 1/5" sensor (GalaxyCore GC02M1) | The Xiaomi includes a depth sensor for better portrait mode images. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP, f/2.4, 1.75µm | 2MP, f/2.4, 1.75µm, 1/5" sensor (Hynix HI-259) | Both offer macro lenses for close-up photography |
| Video Recording | 4K@30fps, 1080p@60fps | 1080p@30fps | The Motorola can record higher resolution videos at a better framerate. |
| Slow Motion | 60 fps | 960 fps | The Xiaomi is able to record slow-motion at a much higher framerate. |
| Features | PDAF, LAF, Continuous shooting, Panorama, RAW | N/A | The Motorola has additional focusing capabilities for faster and sharper images and has greater post processing capabilities with RAW support. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 10 | Android 11 | The Xiaomi has a more recent version of Android, potentially offering more features and up-to-date security. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac, Dual Band | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac, Dual Band, MiMO | Both support similar Wi-Fi bands, Xiaomi supports MiMO for faster connection speeds. |
| Bluetooth | 5.1 LE, A2DP, EDR | 5.1 LE, A2DP, EDR, HID | The Xiaomi has an additional Human Interface Profile for enhanced device interaction. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, SUPL, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | Xiaomi supports more satellite systems providing better location accuracy. |
| SIM | Single SIM | Dual SIM, Dual Standby | The Xiaomi offers dual SIM functionality, useful for work/personal lines or when travelling. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 64GB/128GB | 64GB/128GB | Both have similar storage options. |
| RAM | 4GB/6GB | 4GB/6GB | Both have similar RAM options. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone supports expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | 2 microphones | Hi-Res Audio | The Xiaomi offers slightly better audio quality for music and media. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Rear-mounted fingerprint sensor | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | The Xiaomi's side-mounted fingerprint sensor may be more convenient for some users. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Protection | Unknown | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | The Xiaomi provides better screen protection against scratches. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Proximity | Fingerprint, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Ultrasonic Proximity (virtual) | Both have a comprehensive sensor suite; the Xiaomi offers a virtual proximity sensor; while the Motorola includes a physical proximity sensor. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Motorola One 5G Ace Advantages:
- Larger Screen: The 6.7" screen offers a more immersive experience for media consumption and gaming.
- More Versatile Camera System: Includes a wide-angle lens, offering more flexibility for different shooting scenarios. It also supports 4k video recording.
- Better Selfie Camera: Higher resolution (16MP vs 8MP) for more detailed selfies.
- Advanced Camera Features: Includes phase detection, and laser autofocus, continuous shooting, panorama mode and RAW support.
Xiaomi Poco M3 Pro 5G Advantages:
- More Compact and Lighter Design: Easier to handle and more pocketable due to its reduced size and weight.
- Smoother Display: The 90Hz refresh rate results in smoother animations and a more fluid user experience.
- Better Performance: A higher AnTuTu benchmark score due to the Dimensity 700 chipset leads to smoother and more responsive performance.
- Faster Charging: 18W charging allows for quicker battery replenishment.
- More Recent Android Version: Comes with Android 11 out of the box, meaning better software features and security.
- Enhanced Audio: Supports Hi-Res audio for better audio quality.
- Dual SIM Support: Useful for managing multiple phone numbers or when travelling.
- Better Screen Protection: Comes with a Corning Gorilla Glass 3 screen for scratch resistance.
Trade-offs:
- The Motorola has a larger display and a more versatile camera setup, but is bulkier and heavier than the Xiaomi.
- The Xiaomi offers better performance and a smoother display with its 90Hz panel, but lacks a wide-angle lens and has a lower resolution front-facing camera.
- The Xiaomi has faster charging, but its video recording is capped at 1080p@30fps compared to the 4k@30fps offered by the Motorola.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Motorola One 5G Ace:
- Ideal User: Content consumers, photography enthusiasts, and users who prefer a larger display for media and gaming.
- Use Cases:
- Watching movies and videos on a larger screen.
- Taking diverse photos and videos using its multi-lens camera system, including wide-angle shots.
- Users who want the potential to take more professional-looking photos due to the inclusion of RAW support.
- Strengths: Larger screen and more versatile cameras.
Xiaomi Poco M3 Pro 5G:
- Ideal User: Users who prioritize smooth performance, a comfortable form factor, and a modern software experience.
- Use Cases:
- Everyday tasks such as web browsing and social media, where the 90Hz display will make a noticeable difference.
- Gamers and heavy app users due to the better performance.
- Users wanting a compact, lighter phone that's easy to carry around.
- Users that need dual sim functionality.
- Strengths: Smoother display, better performance, more compact, and dual SIM functionality.
4. Decision Framework
Here are three key questions to consider when choosing between these two phones:
Screen Preference: Do you prioritize a larger screen size or a smoother refresh rate?
- If a large display is essential for media consumption and you prefer a more versatile camera system, the Motorola One 5G Ace is the better choice.
- If you prioritize a smoother, more fluid user experience and a more compact device, the Xiaomi Poco M3 Pro 5G is preferable.
Performance vs. Camera Versatility: Which matters more to you, raw performance or camera flexibility?
- If you prioritize overall performance, the Xiaomi Poco M3 Pro 5G with its stronger chipset and better benchmark scores is the better option.
- If you need a versatile camera system with a wide-angle lens, alongside more advanced features such as RAW support the Motorola One 5G Ace is more suitable.
Size and Ergonomics: Do you prefer a larger, more feature-rich phone or a smaller, more pocketable device?
- If you prefer a larger screen with additional camera options despite the added bulk, go with the Motorola One 5G Ace.
- If you value a light, comfortable phone that fits easily in your pocket, the Xiaomi Poco M3 Pro 5G is the better choice.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- For the Content Creator: The Motorola One 5G Ace with its 4k video, wide-angle lens, and better selfie camera is the better option.
- For the Power User: The Xiaomi Poco M3 Pro 5G with its faster processor, 90Hz screen and lighter form factor will feel more responsive during daily tasks.
- For the Budget-Conscious User: Both offer a good price-to-value ratio, but the specific choice depends on whether you prefer the Motorola's larger display and camera system or the Xiaomi's smoother screen and overall performance.
What I Would Choose and Why
Given my preferences, I would choose the Xiaomi Poco M3 Pro 5G. While I appreciate the Motorola's larger screen and more versatile camera system, the Xiaomi's smoother 90Hz display, more compact form factor, better performance, and more recent version of Android provide a more compelling overall user experience for my daily needs.
As someone who values a fast and responsive phone that is easy to handle, the Xiaomi's side-mounted fingerprint sensor and lighter weight add to its practicality. The slightly faster charging is also a useful addition for everyday life. Although I appreciate the Motorola's wide angle lens, the additional features of the Xiaomi are more valuable to me.
Ultimately, the best choice depends on individual needs and preferences. However, the Xiaomi offers a more complete and modern experience for me.
