Smartphone Comparison: Xiaomi Poco F3 vs. Asus Zenfone 10
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Xiaomi Poco F3 | Asus Zenfone 10 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Launch Date | 2021-03-27 | 2023-07-10 | The Zenfone 10 is a significantly newer device, likely offering more up-to-date software and features. |
| Dimensions | 163.7 x 76.4 x 7.8 mm | 146.5 x 68.1 x 9.4 mm | The Poco F3 is larger and thinner; the Zenfone 10 is more compact and thicker, making it more pocketable and easier to handle one-handed. |
| Weight | 196g | 172g | The Zenfone 10 is lighter, enhancing portability and comfort during prolonged use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.67" | 5.92" | The Poco F3 has a larger display, better for media consumption and multitasking; the Zenfone 10's smaller screen is easier for one-handed use and more pocketable. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2400 | Identical resolution means sharpness will be affected primarily by pixel density (PPI). |
| Pixel Density (PPI) | 395 | 445 | The Zenfone 10's higher pixel density results in a sharper display with finer details. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both offer vibrant colors and deep blacks. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 144Hz | The Zenfone 10 has a slightly smoother experience with faster refresh rates, especially noticeable when scrolling or gaming. |
| Brightness | 1300 nits | 1100 nits | The Poco F3 has higher peak brightness, making it more readable in direct sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 870 (7nm) | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 (4nm) | The Zenfone 10's newer chip offers significantly better performance, including faster app loading, better multitasking and more efficient power usage. |
| AnTuTu Score | 800,216 | 1,532,000 | The Zenfone 10 has dramatically better performance (nearly double), which translates to snappier response and better gaming capabilities. |
| GPU | Adreno 650 | Adreno 740 | The Zenfone 10's Adreno 740 GPU provides a major performance advantage in graphics-intensive tasks like gaming and video editing. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 4520mAh | 4300mAh | The Poco F3 has a slightly larger battery, but real-world battery life will depend on software optimization and usage patterns. |
| Charging | 33W fast charging | 30W fast charging, 15W wireless, 5W reverse | The Poco F3 charges slightly faster via cable. The Zenfone 10 offers the convenience of wireless charging and reverse charging. |
| Features | QC3+/PD3.0 | 15W wireless, 5W reverse wired | Poco F3 offers faster wired charging protocol; Zenfone 10 brings wireless charging convenience. |
| Camera | |||
| Rear Camera (Main) | 48MP, f/1.79, 1/2", 0.8µm | 50MP, f/1.9, 1/1.56", 1.0µm | The Zenfone 10 has a larger sensor with bigger pixels, generally meaning better low-light performance. |
| Selfie Camera | 20MP, f/2.45, 1/3.4", 0.8µm | 32MP, f/2.5, 1/3.2", 0.7µm | The Zenfone 10 has a higher resolution and slightly larger sensor. |
| Wide Angle/Macro Camera | None | 13MP, f/2.2, 1/3.06", 1.12µm | The Zenfone 10 has a dedicated wide-angle/macro lens, offering more versatile shooting options. |
| Video | 4K@30fps, 1080p up to 960fps | 8K@24fps, 4K@60fps, 1080p up to 480fps | Zenfone 10 captures higher quality video with 8K recording; both support high frame rate slow-motion but at different framerates. |
| Stabilization | EIS | HDR, EIS, OIS, Gimbal | The Zenfone 10 has a much more sophisticated stabilization system with OIS and Gimbal support, resulting in smoother videos. |
| Features | Digital zoom, Triple camera, Autofocus | Digital zoom, Dual camera, OIS, Gimbal | Zenfone 10 offers much advanced photography features and video capabilities. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11, upgrade to 13 | Android 13, upgrade to 15 | Zenfone 10 has a newer Android OS with guaranteed future updates, providing a more modern user experience. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 7 | The Zenfone 10 has the latest Wi-Fi standard, offering faster speeds and lower latency. |
| Bluetooth | 5.1 | 5.3 | The Zenfone 10 has a newer version of Bluetooth, providing improved connectivity and range. |
| GPS | GPS (L1+L5), BeiDou (B1, B2), Galileo (E1+E5a), NavIC System | GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (L1), BeiDou (B1, B2), Galileo (E1+E5a), NavIC System, QZSS (L1 + L5) | The Zenfone 10 supports a wider range of GPS satellites for better location accuracy. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128GB/256GB | 128GB/256GB/512GB | The Zenfone 10 offers a larger 512GB storage option. |
| RAM | 6GB/8GB | 8GB/16GB | The Zenfone 10 has higher RAM options for smoother multitasking. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone has expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Audio Features | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | Hi-Res Audio, Noise cancellation microphone, Stereo Speakers, 2 microphones | Zenfone 10 offers noise cancellation and dual microphones, improving call quality and audio recording. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Both have basic biometric security using a side-mounted sensor. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Gorilla Glass 5 | Gorilla Glass Victus | The Zenfone 10 uses the tougher Gorilla Glass Victus. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Ultrasonic proximity | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Gravity, Hall | The Asus Zenfone 10 features a wider range of sensors. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Xiaomi Poco F3 Advantages:
- Larger Display: Better for media consumption and multitasking.
- Slightly Higher Peak Brightness: Better visibility in direct sunlight.
- Slightly Larger Battery Capacity: Theoretically, slightly longer battery life.
- Faster wired charging: Charging speeds are marginally faster.
Asus Zenfone 10 Advantages:
- More Compact and Lighter Design: Easier for one-handed use and more portable.
- Significantly Higher Performance: The Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 provides a major performance boost, better for gaming and heavy tasks.
- Superior Display Sharpness: Higher pixel density resulting in a sharper screen.
- Smoother Display: Faster 144Hz refresh rate.
- More Advanced Camera System: Larger sensor, optical stabilization, and a dedicated wide-angle/macro lens.
- Higher Quality Video Recording: Supports 8K video and has better stabilization.
- Wireless Charging & Reverse Charging: Adds convenience.
- Newer Software: Ships with Android 13 and will receive updates till Android 15.
- Improved Audio: Noise cancellation microphone and dual mics for better audio quality.
- Newer Wi-Fi & Bluetooth: Supports newer standards for better connectivity and speed.
- Higher RAM and storage options: Up to 16GB RAM and 512GB of internal storage.
- Better Screen Protection: Corning Gorilla Glass Victus is superior to Gorilla Glass 5.
- Wider range of sensors: Includes gravity and Hall sensors, enhancing the user experience.
Trade-offs:
- The Poco F3 trades a large screen for a slightly older chipset, while the Zenfone 10 compromises screen size for a much better processor.
- Poco F3 has faster wired charging, while the Zenfone 10 features the convenience of wireless charging.
- Zenfone 10 prioritizes portability over screen size and battery capacity.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Xiaomi Poco F3 Ideal User:
- Budget-conscious buyers: Looking for a large-screen phone with good display and solid performance at a lower price point.
- Media Consumers: Users who prioritize watching videos and browsing on a larger screen.
- General Smartphone Users: Who require reliable performance for everyday tasks.
- Users needing a slightly faster wired charging: Individuals who value quick top-ups through a physical connection.
Use Cases:
- Watching movies and TV shows, or browsing websites.
- Playing games that are not graphically intensive.
- General everyday use such as social media browsing, emails, etc.
- Users who don't require cutting-edge camera capabilities or the most robust processor.
Asus Zenfone 10 Ideal User:
- Power Users: Those who need a phone for intensive tasks like gaming or video editing.
- Users Who Value Portability: Prefer a compact phone that fits comfortably in hand and pocket.
- Photography and Videography Enthusiasts: Value the higher-quality camera and video recording capabilities.
- Tech Enthusiasts: Seeking the latest connectivity standards and software.
- Users who prioritize wireless charging: Individuals who enjoy the convenience of wireless and reverse charging.
Use Cases:
- Playing graphically demanding games at high settings.
- Capturing high-quality photos and videos in various scenarios.
- Using the phone for work-related tasks that require fast performance.
- Users who want a top-tier experience in a more pocketable form factor.
4. Decision Framework
Here are three key questions for buyers to consider:
Do you prefer a larger screen for media consumption or a more compact, pocketable device for one-handed use?
- If the answer is a bigger screen then go for the Xiaomi Poco F3, if you want a smaller phone that you can handle one-handed, go for the Asus Zenfone 10.
Is top-tier performance and camera quality a priority, or are you satisfied with good enough performance for general usage?
- If you need the best performance and camera, the Asus Zenfone 10 is the better option. If you are fine with a solid performance for daily use, you can choose the Xiaomi Poco F3.
Are the additional features of Asus Zenfone 10 worth the increased cost?
- If budget is a primary concern, the Xiaomi Poco F3 offers a good balance of features at a lower price. If you're willing to invest more for higher performance, better cameras, wireless charging, and a more modern user experience, the Asus Zenfone 10 is the right choice.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Budget Gamer: The Poco F3 is a suitable choice for casual gaming, especially if you prefer a bigger screen. However, the Zenfone 10 will provide a better experience for demanding games.
- Professional Photographer: The Asus Zenfone 10, with its advanced camera features, OIS, and 8K video recording, is clearly the superior option for photography and videography.
- Commuter: If you are constantly on the move, the Zenfone 10's compact form and lighter weight are more ideal for portability. The wireless and reverse charging are also handy.
- Media Lover on a Budget: The Poco F3 is better for watching movies, especially due to the larger screen and better peak brightness.
My Choice
Given the specifications and my preferences, I would choose the Asus Zenfone 10.
Reasons:
- Performance is paramount: As someone who uses the phone for various tasks, including gaming and some photo editing, the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 offers a significant upgrade over the Snapdragon 870, ensuring smoother performance and better future-proofing.
- Camera Capabilities: While I appreciate the good value of the Poco F3's camera, the Zenfone 10's superior camera system, including OIS and a dedicated wide-angle lens, is much more appealing for high-quality photography and videography.
- Portability and Design: I prefer a compact and lightweight phone that is easy to handle, which makes the Zenfone 10 a great fit.
- Software and connectivity: The latest software and connectivity features are valuable for future compatibility and a better overall user experience.
While the Xiaomi Poco F3 offers a larger screen and faster wired charging, the Asus Zenfone 10 provides a more complete and advanced package with its superior performance, camera capabilities, and modern features, making it a more compelling choice for my needs and priorities. The difference in cost is justified by the significantly better performance and added features.
