Smartphone Comparison: Xiaomi Poco F3 vs. Google Pixel 7 Pro
1. Specifications Comparison
Design
| Feature | Xiaomi Poco F3 | Google Pixel 7 Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 163.7 × 76.4 × 7.8 mm | 162.9 × 76.6 × 8.9 mm | Poco F3 is slightly taller, while the Pixel 7 Pro is thicker; Pixel 7 Pro has slightly larger overall volume |
| Weight | 196g | 212g | Poco F3 feels lighter and more comfortable for extended use. Pixel 7 Pro may feel denser in hand. |
| Build | Gorilla Glass 5 (screen) | Gorilla Glass Victus (screen) | Pixel 7 Pro offers superior scratch and shatter resistance for the screen. |
Display
| Feature | Xiaomi Poco F3 | Google Pixel 7 Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 6.67" | 6.7" | Negligible size difference; both offer large screens for immersive viewing |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1440x3120 | Pixel 7 Pro's display is significantly sharper, resulting in finer details and better clarity |
| PPI | 395 | 512 | Pixel 7 Pro provides a noticeably crisper and more detailed viewing experience |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both offer vibrant colors, deep blacks, and excellent contrast. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both offer smooth scrolling and animations |
| Brightness | 1300 nits | 1500 nits | Pixel 7 Pro is more visible under direct sunlight thanks to higher peak brightness. |
Performance
| Feature | Xiaomi Poco F3 | Google Pixel 7 Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Snapdragon 870 5G (7 nm) | Google Tensor G2 (5 nm) | Both are capable chipsets but with different strengths: Tensor G2 excels at AI and computational tasks; Snapdragon 870 is known for raw performance. |
| AnTuTu Score | 800,216 | 831,716 | Both phones offer comparable performance levels; Real-world difference is minimal for daily tasks. |
| GPU | Adreno 650 | Mali-G710 MP7 | Different GPU configurations which affects graphics performance during demanding applications like gaming and video editing |
Camera
| Feature | Xiaomi Poco F3 | Google Pixel 7 Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main Camera | 48MP, f/1.79, 1/2", 0.8µm | 50MP, f/1.85, 1/1.31", 1.2µm | Pixel 7 Pro's larger sensor captures more light, resulting in better low-light performance, larger pixel size results in better dynamic range. |
| Selfie Camera | 20MP, f/2.45, 1/3.4", 0.8µm | 10.8MP, f/2.2, 1/2.65", 1.22µm | Pixel 7 Pro's larger sensor and aperture enable better low-light selfies and wider dynamic range |
| Telephoto Lens | None | 48MP, f/3.5, 1/2", 0.8µm | Pixel 7 Pro offers optical zoom capabilities for capturing detailed images at a distance. |
| Wide Angle Lens | None | 12MP, f/2.2, 1/2.3", 1.55µm | Pixel 7 Pro can capture broader scenes for landscape photography or group shots. |
| Video | 4K@30fps EIS, up to 960fps slow-mo | 4K@60fps HDR, OIS, EIS, up to 240fps slow-mo | Pixel 7 Pro offers higher frame rates, HDR video, and optical image stabilization (OIS) for smoother, higher quality video. |
| Additional Features | Digital Zoom, Triple Camera, EIS, Autofocus, etc | Optical Zoom, OIS, PDAF, LAF, RAW, Night Mode | Pixel 7 Pro offers superior camera capabilities with more features for varied shooting conditions |
| DxOMark | Not Available | Mobile: 147, Selfie: 142 | Pixel 7 Pro has been tested by DxOMark and it received high scores for both mobile and selfie camera |
Battery
| Feature | Xiaomi Poco F3 | Google Pixel 7 Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 4520 mAh | 5000 mAh | Pixel 7 Pro may offer slightly longer battery life due to higher capacity. |
| Charging | 33W Fast Charging | 23W Fast Charging, 23W Wireless Charging | Poco F3 has faster wired charging, while the Pixel 7 Pro offers slower wired charging but also supports wireless charging. |
| Features | QC3+/PD3.0 | Reverse Charging, No Charger in Box, Wireless Charging, Reverse Wireless Charging | Pixel 7 Pro offers more charging flexibility with both wireless and reverse charging, but you will have to buy a charging brick separately. |
Other
| Feature | Xiaomi Poco F3 | Google Pixel 7 Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| OS | Android 11 (up to 13) | Android 13 (up to 14) | Pixel 7 Pro offers the latest Android version and will get more updates. |
| Bluetooth | 5.1 | 5.2 | Pixel 7 Pro has a newer Bluetooth version with improved connectivity. |
| WiFi | Wi-Fi MiMO | - | Poco F3 supports Wi-Fi MiMO for potentially faster and more stable connections. |
| GPS | GPS (L1+L5), BeiDou (B1, B2), Galileo (E1+E5a), NavIC | GPS, GLONASS (L1), QZSS | Poco F3 offers more satellite systems for potentially more accurate location tracking. |
| SIM | Dual Nano SIM | Dual SIM (Nano + eSIM) | Pixel 7 Pro offers an eSIM option for digital SIM switching, while the Poco F3 utilizes two physical nano SIMs |
| Storage | 128/256 GB | 128/256/512 GB | Pixel 7 Pro offers a higher 512 GB storage option for users with extensive media libraries |
| RAM | 6/8 GB | 12 GB | Pixel 7 Pro has more RAM which enables better multitasking and performance for demanding apps and games |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone supports microSD card for storage expansion |
| Audio | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio | Noise cancellation mic, 3 microphones | Both offer good audio output; Poco F3 offers Dolby Atmos support; Pixel 7 Pro offers noise cancellation and multiple mics for better calls |
| Security | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | basic fingerprint sensor | Poco F3's side-mounted fingerprint sensor may be faster and more convenient for some users. |
| Sensors | Ultrasonic proximity virtual | Proximity, Barometer, Magnetometer | Pixel 7 Pro includes environmental sensors like barometer, which are useful for specific apps and scenarios. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Xiaomi Poco F3 Advantages:
- Lighter and Slimmer: More comfortable for extended holding and pocketing.
- Faster Wired Charging: Charges significantly faster, reducing downtime.
- More comprehensive GPS system: Supports more satellite systems for more accurate positioning
- Wi-Fi MiMO: Provides more stable and faster Wi-Fi Connection.
- Side-Mounted Fingerprint Sensor: Can be more intuitive for some users.
Practical Implications: Better for users who prioritize comfort, value quick top-ups, and rely heavily on accurate GPS location tracking.
Google Pixel 7 Pro Advantages:
- Superior Display: Sharper, brighter, and more detailed viewing experience
- Better Camera System: Enhanced image quality, optical zoom, and versatile shooting modes.
- Wireless Charging & Reverse Charging: More convenient charging options, including sharing battery with other devices.
- More RAM: 12 GB RAM allows for smooth multitasking.
- Newer Software & Updates: The latest Android version with guaranteed updates, providing access to new features and security patches.
- Higher Capacity Battery: slightly larger battery for more battery life.
- eSIM Support: Convenient digital SIM for easy carrier switching.
- Environmental Sensors: Includes a barometer, which is useful for specific apps and scenarios.
- Better screen protection: Has Gorilla Glass Victus for more durability.
Practical Implications: Better for users who prioritize premium display quality, photography, wireless charging, long-term software support, and advanced features.
Trade-offs:
- Poco F3: Lacks advanced camera features, wireless charging, a premium display, and the latest software.
- Pixel 7 Pro: Heavier, bulkier, slower wired charging, and does not have a charging brick included.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Xiaomi Poco F3 Ideal User:
- Budget-conscious users: Prioritize value for money.
- Gamers: Benefit from the capable processor, fast charging and potentially better battery life than the Pixel 7 Pro.
- Users who prefer a lighter phone: Want a phone that's comfortable for prolonged use.
- Users that prioritize fast charging: The 33W fast charging is a significant advantage over the Pixel 7 Pro.
Specific Use Cases:
- Casual mobile gaming, streaming videos, social media browsing, everyday use, travel with reliance on accurate GPS.
Google Pixel 7 Pro Ideal User:
- Photography Enthusiasts: Want top-tier camera quality and features.
- Users who prioritize display quality: Value a sharp, vibrant, and bright screen for multimedia consumption.
- Power Users: Demand fast performance for multitasking and demanding apps.
- Users who want the latest software: Value regular updates and new Android features.
- Users who prefer wireless charging: Benefit from the convenience of wireless charging and reverse charging.
Specific Use Cases:
- Professional photography, videography, heavy gaming, content creation, daily driver for tech-savvy users, frequent use of GPS and location-based apps, long-term usability.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- What is your budget? The Poco F3 is likely a more affordable option, while the Pixel 7 Pro is a more premium choice.
- What do you prioritize most in a smartphone: Camera quality, display quality, fast charging, or battery life? The Pixel 7 Pro is the better choice for camera and display while the Poco F3 is better in terms of fast charging.
- How long do you plan to keep the phone? The Pixel 7 Pro has guaranteed software updates for longer than the Poco F3 making it more future-proof.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Limited budget, casual user - Xiaomi Poco F3: Best value for performance and overall experience for most use cases
- Scenario 2: Frequent traveler, GPS dependent - Xiaomi Poco F3: More comprehensive GPS system for better positioning.
- Scenario 3: Photography enthusiast, power user - Google Pixel 7 Pro: The superior camera, display, and performance make it worth the investment.
- Scenario 4: Need advanced features and future-proof phone - Google Pixel 7 Pro: Guarantees software updates for longer periods of time as well as having the latest Android version
- Scenario 5: Prefer convenience - Google Pixel 7 Pro: Wireless charging and reverse charging make it more convenient.
Personal Choice
If I were to choose between these two phones, I would personally select the Google Pixel 7 Pro. Here's why:
- Camera Superiority: The Pixel 7 Pro's camera system, with its larger sensors, optical zoom, and advanced software processing, would be more valuable to me as someone who often takes photos and videos, especially in low-light conditions. The higher DxOMark rating also gives me more confidence in its capabilities.
- Premium Display: As someone who enjoys consuming media, the sharper, brighter display of the Pixel 7 Pro would make a noticeable difference in my daily usage, providing more clarity and immersion.
- Future-Proofing: The promise of longer software updates and new features from Google makes it a more reliable investment for long-term use.
- Advanced Features: The availability of features such as wireless charging, reverse charging, and the latest Bluetooth version are a definite plus for me.
- More RAM: The higher RAM of 12GB will help with my day-to-day multitasking as well as in future proofing the device to handle more demanding applications.
While the faster wired charging of the Poco F3 and its lighter build are appealing, the overall package offered by the Pixel 7 Pro aligns better with my needs and priorities, specifically focusing on camera performance, display quality, software support and added features.
