Xiaomi Poco F3 vs Google Pixel 9 - Detailed Phone Comparison

Detailed Comparison

Specification

General

Launch Date March 27, 2021 August 22, 2024
Release Year 2021 2024

Physical

Volume 97.55 cm³ 93.51 cm³
Screen Size to Weight Ratio 3.4 "/g 3.18 "/g
Weight 196 g 198 g
Height 163.7 mm 152.8 mm
Width 76.4 mm 72 mm
Thickness 7.8 mm 8.5 mm
Foldable Design No No
Available Colors
  • Arctic White
  • Night Black
  • Deep Ocean Blue
  • Moonlight Silver
  • Obsidian
  • Porcelain
  • Wintergreen
  • Peony

Display

Screen Size 6.67 " 6.3 "
Resolution 1080 x 2400 1080 x 2424
Aspect Ratio 20:9 20:9
Screen-to-Body Ratio 85.9 % 86.5 %
Pixel Density 395 PPI 422 PPI
Refresh Rate 120 Hz 120 Hz
Typical Brightness N/A N/A
HBM Brightness N/A 1800 nits
Peak Brightness 1300 nits 2700 nits

Hardware

Battery Capacity per Screen Area 101.60 mAh/in² 118.42 mAh/in²
Battery Density 46.33 mAh/cm³ 50.26 mAh/cm³
Battery Capacity 4520 mAh 4700 mAh
NFC Support Yes Yes
Chipset Qualcomm SM8250-AC Snapdragon 870 5G (7 nm) Google Tensor G4 (4 nm)
CPU Octa-core (1x3.2 GHz Kryo 585 & 3x2.42 GHz Kryo 585 & 4x1.80 GHz Kryo 585) Octa-core (1x3.1 GHz Cortex-X4 & 3x2.6 GHz Cortex-A720 & 4x1.92 GHz Cortex-A520)
GPU Adreno 650 Mali-G715 MC7

Connectivity

USB Version 2.0 3.2
OTG Support 1
DisplayPort
DisplayPort Version N/A N/A
USB Features USB Type-C 2.0, OTG USB Type-C 3.2

Software

Operating System Android Android
Initial OS Version 11 14
Maximum OS Version 13 21

Comparison Summary

1. Specifications Comparison

FeatureXiaomi Poco F3Google Pixel 9Practical Impact
Design
Dimensions163.7 × 76.4 × 7.8 mm152.8 × 72 × 8.5 mmPoco F3 is larger, may be less comfortable for single-hand use. Pixel 9 is more compact and pocketable.
Weight196g198gNegligible difference; both feel similar in hand.
Display
Size6.67"6.3"Poco F3 offers a more immersive viewing experience for media consumption, while Pixel 9 is more pocketable.
Resolution1080x24001080x2424Practically identical sharpness, no noticeable difference.
PPI395422Pixel 9 has slightly crisper text and images due to higher pixel density, but the difference is not significant.
TechnologyAMOLEDOLEDSimilar display quality with vibrant colors and deep blacks.
Refresh Rate120Hz120HzBoth offer smooth scrolling and animations for a fluid user experience.
Brightness1300 nits0 nitsPoco F3 is significantly brighter and more usable in direct sunlight. Pixel 9 brightness is not available.
Performance
ChipsetQualcomm Snapdragon 870 (7 nm)Google Tensor G4 (4 nm)Pixel 9’s newer chip provides better processing, AI, and potentially greater energy efficiency.
AnTuTu Score800,2161,071,616Pixel 9 performs noticeably better in demanding tasks, multitasking, and gaming.
GPUAdreno 650Mali-G715 MC7Pixel 9's GPU is more powerful, offering better graphical performance in games.
Camera
Rear Camera48MP, f/1.79, 1/2"50MP, f/1.69, 1/1.3"Pixel 9's larger sensor and wider aperture allow for better low-light performance and image quality.
Selfie Camera20MP, f/2.45, 1/3.4"10.5MP, f/2.2, N/APoco F3's front camera has higher resolution, but Pixel 9 has a slightly wider aperture, which may perform better in low light. Note, the sensor size and pixel size are missing for the Pixel 9.
Wide Angle + Macro CameraNone48MP, f/1.7, N/APixel 9 offers more versatility in photography with the addition of a wide-angle and macro lens.
Video RecordingUp to 4K@30fps with EISUp to 4K@60fps with OIS, EIS, and HDRPixel 9 provides more stable and higher quality video recording.
DXOMark ScoreN/A154Pixel 9 has a top-tier camera based on DXOMark.
Camera FeaturesLimited featuresFlicker sensor, Noise reduction, Pro Video Mode, OIS, NPU AI Engine, RAW, Night ModePixel 9 has significant camera features not found in the Poco F3.
Battery
Capacity4520mAh4700mAhSimilar battery capacities, expect comparable daily battery life.
Charging33W fast charging27W fast chargingPoco F3 charges faster, reducing time spent plugged into an outlet.
FeaturesQC3+/PD3.0 Fast Charging15W Wireless Charging, Reverse ChargingPixel 9 offers more convenient wireless charging. The Xiaomi has a more universal fast charging technology.
Software
OSAndroid 11 (upgradable to 13)Android 14 (upgradable to 21)Pixel 9 has a newer and longer supported software, meaning more up to date features and security updates.
Connectivity
WiFiWiFi 6WiFi 6Both have the same WiFi capabilities.
Bluetooth5.15.3Pixel 9 has a slightly newer version with minor improvements in energy efficiency.
GPSGPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo, GPS (L1+L5), BeiDou (B1), Galileo (E1+E5a), BeiDou (B2), NavIC SystemGPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo, GLONASS (L1), NavIC System, GNSSPoco F3 supports more satellite systems which could lead to more accurate GPS and location services.
SIMDual SIM (Nano SIM + Nano SIM)Dual SIM (Nano SIM + eSIM)Pixel 9 allows for more versatile usage of SIMs, and the Poco F3 supports using 2 physical SIMs.
Storage
Internal128GB/256GB128GB/256GBBoth offer the same storage options, but neither supports external storage.
RAM6GB/8GB12GBPixel 9 has more RAM for smoother multitasking and performance-intensive applications.
Audio
QualityDolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Stereo SpeakersNoise cancellation microphone, Stereo Speakers, 3 microphonesBoth offer good audio quality with stereo speakers. The Xiaomi has more audio features, while the Google Pixel has more microphones and noise cancelation features.
Security
Featuresside-mounted fingerprint sensorbasic fingerprint sensorPoco F3 has a more advanced, and commonly more accurate, fingerprint sensor.
Build Quality
ProtectionGorilla Glass 5Gorilla Glass Victus 2Pixel 9's screen offers superior scratch and shatter resistance.
Sensors
SensorsFingerprint, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Ultrasonic proximity virtualFingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Gyroscope, BarometerPixel 9 has an environmental sensor, while the Poco has a compass and virtual proximity sensor.

2. Key Differences Analysis

Xiaomi Poco F3 Advantages:

  • Larger Display: More immersive for media consumption and gaming.
  • Significantly Brighter Screen: Better visibility in direct sunlight (1300 nits vs 0 nits).
  • Faster Charging: 33W vs 27W results in shorter charging times.
  • Side-mounted Fingerprint Scanner: Commonly more accurate fingerprint scanner.
  • Better GPS/Location Tracking: More satellite systems supported.

Google Pixel 9 Advantages:

  • More Powerful Chipset: Tensor G4 offers superior performance and AI capabilities.
  • Better Camera System: Larger sensor, wider aperture, OIS, and additional wide-angle lens, resulting in better photo and video quality.
  • More RAM: 12GB vs 6GB/8GB for better multitasking and app performance.
  • Superior Screen Protection: Gorilla Glass Victus 2 provides better scratch and shatter resistance.
  • Wireless Charging: 15W wireless charging adds convenience.
  • Better Software and Updates: Newer Android version and better future software updates.
  • Additional Camera and Video Features: Including OIS, noise reduction, pro mode, and NPU engine.
  • eSIM Support: Greater SIM flexibility for users on digital carriers.

Trade-offs:

  • The Poco F3 sacrifices camera quality and processing power for a lower price point, as well as better battery charging speed.
  • The Pixel 9 is more expensive and may not be as visible in direct sunlight due to the missing brightness specification, but boasts a much better camera and processor.

3. User Profiles & Recommendations

Xiaomi Poco F3 Ideal User:

  • Budget-Conscious Users: Looking for a large display, fast charging, and good performance on a budget.
  • Media Consumers: Enjoying videos and movies on a large, bright screen.
  • Gamers: Who prioritize refresh rate and performance.
  • Users in Direct Sunlight: Will benefit from the higher brightness for better visibility outdoors.
  • Users who Prefer Physical SIMs: Will prefer using two physical SIM cards over an eSIM.

Use Cases:

  • Watching streaming services.
  • Playing mobile games.
  • Daily social media and browsing in brightly lit environments.
  • Using the phone as a GPS navigator.

Google Pixel 9 Ideal User:

  • Photography Enthusiasts: Prioritizing a high-quality camera system.
  • Users who Demand Performance: Needing the fastest and smoothest performance for demanding tasks and gaming.
  • Tech Enthusiasts: Appreciating the latest features and software advancements.
  • Users who Need Wireless Charging and Digital SIMs: Wireless charging provides convenience and eSIM offers more flexibility.
  • Users Who Want the Latest Software: Will appreciate the newer OS and extended support.

Use Cases:

  • Capturing high-quality photos and videos in various conditions.
  • Heavy multitasking, video editing, and demanding mobile gaming.
  • Users who want access to Google's ecosystem and software updates.
  • Travelers using eSIMs for international roaming.

4. Decision Framework

Key Questions for Buyers:

  1. How important is camera quality to you? If it is a priority, the Pixel 9 is the clear winner, while the Poco F3 is okay, but not ideal.
  2. Do you prioritize budget, or performance? The Poco F3 is the budget-friendly choice, but the Pixel 9 is much better in performance.
  3. Are you okay with a slightly smaller display for better camera and performance, or do you prioritize a larger, brighter display for media consumption? The Poco has a larger, brighter screen, but the Pixel is more compact with better performance.

Scenario-Based Recommendations:

  • Scenario 1: Budget-Conscious & Media Focused:
    • Recommendation: Xiaomi Poco F3. It offers a large, bright screen with good performance at a more affordable price.
  • Scenario 2: Photography Enthusiast & Performance User:
    • Recommendation: Google Pixel 9. The superior camera, performance, and software are worth the extra cost.
  • Scenario 3: Balanced User with Moderate Needs:
    • Recommendation: Google Pixel 9, if you can afford it. It has the latest software, features, and components.

My Choice

If I were choosing between these two phones, I would pick the Google Pixel 9. My reasoning is as follows:

  • Camera is paramount: As a frequent traveler and hobby photographer, the superior camera capabilities of the Pixel 9, indicated by the larger sensor, wider aperture, and the DXOMark score, are most important to me. The addition of OIS, more features, and the macro camera is also useful.
  • Performance and Software Longevity: I value the faster performance offered by the Tensor G4 chip, and the longer software support will ensure I have a smooth and secure user experience for years to come.
  • Practicality of Features: The inclusion of wireless charging is a feature I appreciate, as well as eSIM support. While the Xiaomi has a faster charging speed, wireless charging is more convenient.
  • Display is adequate: While the Xiaomi is brighter, the Pixel 9's OLED panel is still very good, and the lack of a brightness specification is a cause for concern, but not a deal breaker, especially given the superior performance in other areas.

While the Poco F3 is a compelling budget choice, my use case emphasizes the Pixel's strengths in camera quality, software, and performance, making it the ideal choice for me.

Emily Harper
Emily Harper

Technology Insights Specialist

Dedicated technology writer specializing in mobile device analysis and technology communication. Expert at translating complex smartphone features into clear, actionable insights for diverse audiences.

Key Strengths:

  • Mobile technology analysis
  • Digital media communication
  • Technical storytelling
  • User-centric technology insights

Bridging technical complexity with engaging, accessible narratives.