Smartphone Comparison: Xiaomi Poco F3 vs. Apple iPhone SE (2022)
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Xiaomi Poco F3 | Apple iPhone SE (2022) | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 163.7 × 76.4 × 7.8 mm | 138.4 × 67.3 × 7.3 mm | Poco F3 is larger, which may be less comfortable for single-handed use. iPhone SE is more compact. |
| Weight | 196g | 144g | iPhone SE is significantly lighter, making it easier to carry and use for extended periods. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.67" | 4.7" | Poco F3 has a much larger screen, better for media consumption and multitasking. iPhone SE is smaller, more pocketable, but limiting for content viewing. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 750x1334 | Poco F3 provides sharper visuals and more detailed text. iPhone SE has a lower resolution, impacting clarity. |
| Pixel Density | 395 PPI | 326 PPI | Poco F3's sharper display results in crisper images and text. iPhone SE has lower pixel density. |
| Technology | AMOLED | IPS LCD | Poco F3 has better blacks, higher contrast, more vibrant colours, and more power efficiency with dark themes. iPhone SE's LCD is less vibrant. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 60Hz | Poco F3's display is significantly smoother for animations and scrolling. iPhone SE has a standard refresh rate. |
| Brightness | 1300 nits | 0 nits (Not Specified) | Poco F3 will have much better visibility in direct sunlight. iPhone SE's brightness is not specified but likely lower based on technology. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 870 5G (7 nm) | Apple A15 Bionic (5 nm) | iPhone SE's A15 Bionic is significantly more powerful, resulting in smoother operation and superior app performance. |
| AnTuTu Score | 800,216 | 1,225,939 | The iPhone SE (2022) outperforms the Xiaomi Poco F3 in benchmarks, indicating more speed and better performance for demanding tasks. |
| GPU | Adreno 650 | Apple GPU (4-core) | iPhone SE has better graphics performance, beneficial for gaming and intensive applications. |
| Camera | |||
| Rear Camera Resolution | 48MP | 12.2MP | Poco F3 captures more detail with a higher resolution sensor. iPhone SE has lower resolution, however is known to perform well with image processing. |
| Rear Camera Aperture | f/1.79 | f/1.8 | Poco F3 has a wider aperture to capture more light. |
| Front Camera Resolution | 20MP | 7MP | Poco F3 front camera will result in better detail and sharper images for selfies. |
| Front Camera Aperture | f/2.45 | f/2.2 | iPhone SE has a wider aperture, allowing for better low light performance on the front camera. |
| Video Recording | Up to 4K@960fps | Up to 4K@60fps with HDR, OIS | iPhone SE offers OIS and HDR across all resolutions. Poco F3 offers various slow-motion modes. |
| Camera DXOMark | Not Available | 100 (Mobile), 126 (Photo), 106 (Video) | iPhone SE is a capable camera phone, as benchmarked by DXOMark. |
| Features | Triple camera, digital stabilization, manual focus | Optical stabilization (OIS), RAW support | iPhone SE has OIS for better low light shots and can save in RAW format for editing. Poco F3 has a more versatile setup but digital image stabilization. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 4520mAh | 2018mAh | Poco F3 has a significantly larger battery, offering potentially longer battery life. |
| Charging | 33W Fast Charging | 18W Fast Charging | Poco F3 charges faster, allowing quicker return to use. |
| Battery Type | Li-Polymer | Li-Ion | Different battery types with minor differences in characteristics. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 (upgradable to 13) | iOS 15.4 (upgradable to 18) | Different ecosystems with distinct advantages. Android allows greater customization, and iOS is known for ease of use and updates. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | WiFi 6, Dual Band, Direct, Display, MiMo | WiFi 6, Dual Band, MiMo | Both offer similar Wi-Fi capabilities, however, the Poco F3 includes Wi-Fi Direct and Display. |
| Bluetooth | 5.1 with AptX, LDAC | 5.0 | Poco F3 has a newer version with better codec support. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Wi-Fi, Cell ID | Poco F3 offers more satellite systems for better accuracy in areas with poor satellite reception. |
| SIM | Dual Nano SIM | Dual Nano SIM + eSIM | iPhone SE supports an eSIM for greater flexibility with carrier changes. Poco F3 supports two physical sims. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128GB/256GB | 64GB/128GB/256GB | Both come in similar options for internal storage, but the iPhone SE also offers the smaller 64GB option. |
| RAM | 6GB/8GB | 4GB | Poco F3 has more RAM for better multitasking and faster app switching. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone supports expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Features | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res, Stereo | Basic Audio | Poco F3 offers an enhanced audio experience, which is more immersive with stereo speakers and Dolby Atmos |
| Security | |||
| Features | Side-mounted fingerprint | Basic fingerprint sensor | Poco F3 has a faster and more conveniently placed fingerprint sensor. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Gorilla Glass 5 | Unknown | Poco F3 offers better protection for the screen from scratches and damage. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Ultrasonic Proximity | Fingerprint, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Proximity, Barometer | iPhone SE offers more sensors, including a barometer for atmospheric data. Poco F3 has an ultrasonic virtual sensor for proximity detection. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Xiaomi Poco F3 Advantages:
- Larger, Smoother Display: The 120Hz AMOLED display provides a significantly better viewing experience with vibrant colors and smoother animations, ideal for media and gaming.
- Faster Charging and Larger Battery: The 33W charging and 4520mAh battery offer longer usage and quicker refills.
- More RAM: Offers 6GB or 8GB RAM, which will help with multitasking and faster app switching.
- Enhanced Audio: Features like Dolby Atmos and Hi-Res Audio provide a more immersive audio experience.
- More Versatile Camera: Offers a higher-resolution sensor with greater flexibility, including a triple camera setup.
- More GPS Satellite Support: Includes support for more satellites, improving accuracy in areas where reception is poor.
- Newer Bluetooth Version: Includes bluetooth 5.1 compared to the iPhone SE's 5.0.
Apple iPhone SE (2022) Advantages:
- Superior Performance: The A15 Bionic chip is considerably faster and more efficient than the Snapdragon 870, leading to better overall performance and gaming.
- Better Camera Processing: Despite having a lower-resolution sensor, the A15 Bionic's processing delivers impressive image and video quality, with features like OIS.
- Compact and Lightweight: Significantly more pocketable and comfortable to use with one hand due to smaller dimensions and lighter weight.
- iOS Ecosystem: Provides a smoother and more streamlined user experience, along with timely updates and access to the Apple ecosystem.
- eSIM support: Adds flexibility with carrier changes.
- Better Camera Stabilization: Has optical image stabilization (OIS) for better low light and stable videos.
Trade-offs:
- Poco F3: Larger size and heavier build may be less convenient for some users. The camera processing is not as refined as the iPhone.
- iPhone SE: Smaller display, shorter battery life, and slower charging.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Xiaomi Poco F3 Ideal User:
- Media Consumers: Users who frequently watch videos, play games, or browse social media will appreciate the larger, smoother display.
- Power Users: Those who demand longer battery life and faster charging.
- Multitaskers: Users who need more RAM for multiple apps.
- Android Enthusiasts: Those who prefer customization and open-source flexibility.
Specific Use Cases for Poco F3:
- Long gaming sessions or media marathons.
- Traveling where long battery life is crucial.
- Those who want a vivid and smooth display for content creation or consumption.
Apple iPhone SE (2022) Ideal User:
- Apple Ecosystem Loyalists: Users already invested in Apple's services and hardware.
- Performance Seekers: Those who prioritize a fast and smooth user experience.
- Compact Phone Preference: Users who want a pocket-friendly and lightweight device.
- Photography Enthusiasts: Users who appreciate great image processing with good low light capabilities.
- Users who want an eSIM: Those who often switch carriers.
Specific Use Cases for iPhone SE (2022):
- Quick tasks and frequent app switching.
- Users who prefer one-handed use and portability.
- Capturing high quality images or videos in most conditions.
- Users who prioritize consistent updates and ecosystem integration.
Price-to-Value:
- The Poco F3 typically offers excellent specs for its price point, making it appealing for value-conscious buyers.
- The iPhone SE is often priced higher due to brand recognition and superior performance, despite its smaller feature set.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- What do I prioritize most: a large, immersive display or a pocket-friendly phone?
- Do I need a smartphone with exceptional performance or one with a more versatile and customizable experience?
- Is battery life or overall portability more important for my daily usage?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- For Heavy Media Users/Gamers: Choose the Poco F3 for its larger, smoother display, enhanced audio, better battery and RAM.
- For Users who want the best performance, portability and camera: Choose the iPhone SE for its superior performance, compact size, and exceptional camera processing.
- For Android users: Choose the Poco F3 for its customizability and larger screen.
- For iOS users: Choose the iPhone SE for its familiarity and ecosystem integration.
My Choice
Personally, I would choose the Apple iPhone SE (2022). While the Poco F3 has a more impressive display, better audio, and larger battery, the iPhone SE’s superior performance and more importantly, better camera capabilities are more important to me. Additionally, the smaller size is more comfortable for me, and I value the smooth iOS experience along with Apple's ecosystem. While I use my phone often for media consumption, I believe the iPhone SE screen is more than acceptable for my usage, and the additional features such as OIS and eSIM are appealing to me.
