1. Specifications Comparison
Design
| Feature | Xiaomi Poco F3 | Honor X8b | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 163.7 × 76.4 × 7.8 mm | 161.1 × 74.6 × 6.8 mm | Poco F3 is larger and thicker, Honor X8b is more pocketable and easier to handle. |
| Weight | 196g | 166g | Honor X8b feels significantly lighter and less tiring to hold for long periods. |
Display
| Feature | Xiaomi Poco F3 | Honor X8b | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 6.67" | 6.7" | Negligible difference in screen size, both are very similar. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2412 | Both offer sharp displays, the difference is not noticeable. |
| PPI | 395 | 394 | Pixel density is practically identical, resulting in similar image clarity. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both offer vibrant colors and deep blacks, resulting in good viewing experience. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 90Hz | Xiaomi Poco F3 offers smoother scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 1300 nits | 2000 nits | Honor X8b is much more readable in bright sunlight, which is a big practical advantage. |
Performance
| Feature | Xiaomi Poco F3 | Honor X8b | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 870 5G (7 nm) | Qualcomm Snapdragon 680 4G (6 nm) | Poco F3 has a significantly faster chipset for demanding tasks, gaming, and overall snappier experience. |
| AnTuTu Score | 800,216 | 250,000 | Poco F3 offers significantly better performance for intensive gaming, multitasking, and future-proofing. |
| GPU | Adreno 650 | Adreno 610 | Poco F3 has a much more powerful GPU for better gaming and graphics-intensive applications. |
Camera
| Feature | Xiaomi Poco F3 | Honor X8b | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rear Main Camera | 48MP, f/1.79, 1/2" Sony IMX582, 0.8µm | 108MP, f/1.75 | Honor X8b captures more detailed images in good light, but sensor size and pixel size are missing. |
| Front Selfie Camera | 20MP, f/2.45, 1/3.4" Samsung S5K3T2, 0.8µm | 50MP, f/2.1 | Honor X8b takes higher resolution selfies, aperture is wider and better in low-light. |
| Wide Angle Lens | N/A | 5MP, f/2.2 | Honor X8b provides additional versatility with a wide-angle camera. |
| Macro Lens | N/A | 2MP, f/2.4 | Honor X8b includes a macro lens for close-up shots. |
| Video Recording | 4K@30fps, 1080p up to 960fps with EIS | 1080p@30fps | Xiaomi Poco F3 offers higher-resolution 4K video and superior slow-motion capabilities. |
| Features | 4K Video, EIS, Manual Focus | PDAF, Front Flash | Poco F3 has better video capabilities, Honor X8b focuses on autofocus and low light performance. |
Battery
| Feature | Xiaomi Poco F3 | Honor X8b | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 4520mAh | 4500mAh | Battery life should be comparable between the two phones. |
| Charging | 33W Fast Charging | 35W Fast Charging | Honor X8b will slightly recharge faster than Xiaomi Poco F3. |
| Features | QC3+/PD3.0 | None | Xiaomi Poco F3 supports more charging protocols. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Xiaomi Poco F3 Advantages:
- Superior Performance: The Snapdragon 870 chipset provides significantly better CPU and GPU performance. This translates to faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and better gaming capabilities.
- Smoother Display: 120Hz refresh rate offers a more fluid user experience, especially when scrolling or playing games.
- Better Video Recording: 4K video recording and more advanced slow-motion modes provide a superior video capture experience.
- Enhanced Audio: Dolby Atmos and Hi-Res Audio support, along with stereo speakers offer an immersive audio experience.
- More Advanced Connectivity: Supports WiFi 6, Bluetooth 5.1 with APT-X and LDAC, and more GPS satellite systems.
- Gyroscope: The presence of the Gyroscope allows better usage in AR applications and gaming.
- Screen Protection: Gorilla Glass 5 provides superior durability.
Honor X8b Advantages:
- Lighter and Thinner: Significantly more comfortable to hold and easier to carry around.
- Brighter Display: Much better visibility in outdoor and bright environments thanks to the 2000 nits of brightness.
- Higher Resolution Cameras: Higher megapixel count on both front and rear cameras, which can lead to better detail in good light, although sensor information is missing.
- Additional Camera Lenses: Includes a wide-angle and macro lens for added versatility.
- Faster Charging: Slightly faster charging than the Xiaomi Poco F3.
- Front Flash: Honor X8b offers a front-facing flash for better selfies in dark environments.
- Newer Android Version: Ships with Android 13 out of the box, offering a slightly more updated software experience.
- Larger Storage Option: 512GB storage option vs 256GB max on the Poco F3.
Significant Trade-offs:
- Performance vs. Portability: The Poco F3 prioritizes performance over a lighter design, while the X8b favors portability and camera versatility over raw power.
- Display Smoothness vs. Outdoor Visibility: Poco F3 has a smoother display with a 120Hz refresh rate, while the Honor X8b is much brighter for better outdoor use.
- Video Quality vs. Camera Versatility: The Poco F3 excels in video recording quality, while the X8b offers more camera lenses for versatility.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Xiaomi Poco F3 is Ideal For:
- Gamers: The powerful chipset and GPU provide a superior gaming experience.
- Power Users: Those who require smooth multitasking and quick app loading will appreciate the high-end Snapdragon processor.
- Media Consumers: Users who enjoy watching videos and listening to music will benefit from the vibrant display, stereo speakers, and enhanced audio features.
- Video Creators: Users who value video recording quality and stabilization.
Use Cases:
- High-end mobile gaming
- Video editing and content creation on the go
- Demanding productivity tasks
- Streaming movies and TV shows
Honor X8b is Ideal For:
- Casual Users: Everyday users who prioritize a light phone and good photos.
- Photography Enthusiasts: Those who want a versatile camera system with wide-angle and macro options, and a very high resolution selfie camera.
- Users in Bright Environments: The very high screen brightness makes it perfect for outdoor use.
- Users who prefer portability: Those who want a slim, light phone for daily usage.
Use Cases:
- Casual photography and social media sharing
- Comfortable one-handed use for daily tasks
- Outdoor use and navigation
- Taking selfies
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- How important is gaming and high performance? If gaming or demanding tasks are a priority, the Poco F3 is the better choice. If not, the Honor X8b will be sufficient.
- Do you prioritize portability and outdoor visibility or display smoothness and video quality? The Poco F3 has a smoother display and better video, while the Honor X8b excels in portability and outdoor brightness.
- How important is camera versatility and high-resolution selfies? The Honor X8b provides additional camera lenses and a superior front facing camera.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Gaming & Performance Focused: Choose the Xiaomi Poco F3 for its superior processing power, smoother display, and better video recording capabilities.
- Scenario 2: Photography & Daily Use: Choose the Honor X8b for its more versatile camera system, brighter display, and more portable design.
- Scenario 3: Balanced User: If you want both good performance and a great screen but do not need the best of either, the decision will come down to personal preferences in terms of portability, camera, and outdoor visibility.
My Choice
If I had to choose, I would pick the Xiaomi Poco F3. While the Honor X8b has its merits, the Poco F3's superior performance, smoother display, and better video capabilities align more with my needs as a power user. The Snapdragon 870 is a significant advantage for gaming and demanding applications, and that, combined with the better audio and screen protection makes up for the lack of secondary camera lenses and the higher weight. While I appreciate the portability of the Honor X8b, the better performance and feature set of the Poco F3 would make it the better long-term device for me.
