Alright, let's dive into a detailed comparison of the Nokia X30 and Xiaomi Poco M4 5G. I'm excited to break down these phones and see where they shine, and where they might fall short for different users.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here's a detailed look at how these two phones stack up, focusing on real-world implications:
| Feature | Nokia X30 | Xiaomi Poco M4 5G | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 158.9 × 73.9 × 8 mm | 164 × 76.1 × 8.9 mm | Nokia X30 is more compact; Poco M4 5G is larger and may feel less comfortable in smaller hands |
| Weight | 185g | 200g | Nokia X30 is noticeably lighter, making it more comfortable for extended use |
| Build Quality | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | Nokia X30 offers superior screen protection |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.43" | 6.58" | Poco M4 5G has slightly more screen real estate, better for media consumption |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2408 | Both are very similar; resolution is sharp enough for daily use |
| PPI | 409 | 401 | Both offer similar pixel densities, sharp visuals |
| Technology | AMOLED | IPS LCD | Nokia X30 has superior contrast, deeper blacks, and vibrant colours |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 90Hz | Both offer smooth scrolling, identical refresh rate |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Both have identical peak brightness. This value is missing and should be found to do a complete analysis |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 695 5G (6 nm) | Mediatek Dimensity 700 (7 nm) | Snapdragon offers slightly better performance and efficiency due to the smaller nm process |
| AnTuTu Score | 410,072 | 381,300 | Nokia X30 has a slight edge in performance, good for gaming and heavy usage |
| GPU | Adreno 619 | Mali-G57 MC2 | Different GPUs; both are suitable for casual gaming, Snapdragon's Adreno has better performance |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 4200mAh | 5000mAh | Poco M4 5G has a significantly larger battery, leading to longer battery life |
| Charging | 33W Fast Charging (Lithium) | 18W Fast Charging (Li-Polymer) | Nokia X30 charges significantly faster; Poco M4 5G will take longer to fully charge |
| Features | Non-removable | Reverse Charging, Non-removable | Poco M4 5G can be used to charge other devices |
| Camera | |||
| Rear Main Camera | 50MP, f/1.8 | 13MP, f/2.2 | Nokia X30 has much higher resolution and wider aperture, resulting in better photos |
| Selfie Camera | 16MP, f/2.4 | 5MP, f/2.2 | Nokia X30 takes higher resolution selfies |
| Wide Angle Lens | 13MP, f/2.4 | N/A | Nokia X30 offers an ultra-wide lens for expansive shots |
| Portrait Lens | N/A | 2MP, f/2.4 | Xiaomi Poco M4 5G has a dedicated depth sensor |
| Video Recording | Up to 1080p@60fps | Up to 1080p@30fps | Nokia X30 can record at higher framerates; both phones are acceptable for standard video use |
| Features | OIS, CDAF, Panorama, Continuous Shooting | 4K Video Recording | Nokia X30 has more focus and image stabilization features, Poco M4 5G can record 4K video |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 12 (upgrade to 13) | Android 12 | Nokia X30 offers one major OS upgrade, important for long-term updates |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | WiFi 6 (802.11ax) | 802.11ac | Nokia X30 supports the latest WiFi standard for faster speeds and less congestion |
| Bluetooth | 5.1 LE (AptX, LDAC, SBC, AAC) | 5.1 LE (HID) | Nokia X30 has wider range of audio codec support |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | Nokia X30 has additional GPS system for more accurate positioning |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128GB/256GB | 64GB/128GB | Nokia X30 offers more storage capacity in the top end configuration |
| RAM | 6GB/8GB | 4GB/6GB | Nokia X30 has more RAM, resulting in better multitasking and gaming |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | No support for SD cards on either device |
| Security | |||
| Biometric Sensor | basic fingerprint sensor | side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Xiaomi Poco M4 5G's sensor is more advanced |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Proximity, Fingerprint | Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Compass, Proximity, Fingerprint | Xiaomi Poco M4 5G has an additional compass |
2. Key Insights
Nokia X30:
- Strengths: Superior AMOLED display, better main camera and selfie camera, faster performance, faster charging, more RAM and internal storage, WiFi 6, better build quality, and one major OS update (Android 13).
- Competitive Advantages: The Nokia X30 prioritizes image quality, display vibrancy, and performance, making it a more premium option. Its faster charging and a wider range of audio codecs make it better for power users who want top-tier features.
- Trade-offs: It has a smaller battery compared to the Poco M4 5G.
Xiaomi Poco M4 5G:
- Strengths: Significantly larger battery, which should result in longer battery life and a side-mounted fingerprint reader.
- Competitive Advantages: The Poco M4 5G prioritizes battery life and is a practical choice for users who need a phone to last all day.
- Trade-offs: Inferior display, cameras, overall performance, slower charging, and no confirmed OS upgrade.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
- Nokia X30:
- Ideal User: Users who value high-quality photos, vivid displays, smooth performance, faster charging, and long term software updates. This is a phone for media consumers, social media enthusiasts, and those who want a premium feel.
- Use Case: Excellent for photography, streaming videos, social media, moderate to heavy gaming and day-to-day productivity.
- Xiaomi Poco M4 5G:
- Ideal User: Budget-conscious users who prioritize long battery life and basic day-to-day functionality. This phone is great for users who want a reliable device without breaking the bank.
- Use Case: Great for day-to-day tasks like browsing, messaging, and some light gaming, particularly when a long battery life is needed.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions to guide your decision:
- How much do I value display quality and camera performance?
- If you desire a vibrant display and better photos, the Nokia X30 is the clear winner.
- Is battery life a top priority?
- If you need a phone that lasts all day, the Poco M4 5G's larger battery is the better choice.
- How important is long-term software support for me?
- If you want a device that will get a major OS update, the Nokia X30 is the better option.
Scenario-Based Recommendations
- The Mobile Photographer: If you often take photos, whether for personal use or sharing on social media, the Nokia X30 is the better choice. Its superior camera specs and features will give you sharper, more detailed images, and the ultra-wide lens will give you more flexibility.
- The On-the-Go User: If you spend most of your day out and about, with limited access to charging, the Poco M4 5G’s battery life is your best bet. The larger battery capacity ensures that the phone will last throughout the day without issues.
- The Budget-Conscious Buyer: The Poco M4 5G offers very good value for the price. Its good enough for day to day use, with an emphasis on battery life, which can be a big bonus for some users.
- The Tech Enthusiast: If you are always looking for the latest tech and want a premium experience, the Nokia X30 with its better display, faster performance, and more modern features is the better pick.
Personal Choice
If I were choosing between these two, I'd personally go with the Nokia X30. Here's why:
As a tech journalist and analyst, I value the quality of the display, and the camera, both of which the Nokia X30 excels at. While the battery is smaller, the fast charging makes it less of a concern. The additional RAM and storage give the phone more headroom for productivity, and I am happy to see that it gets a confirmed OS upgrade. The better build quality with Gorilla Glass Victus also provides additional piece of mind.
While the Poco M4 5G is a solid budget option, the Nokia X30 fits better with my priorities and preferences. It offers a more refined experience and better hardware overall.
