Smartphone Comparison: Xiaomi Poco F3 vs. Huawei nova 11
1. Specifications Comparison
Feature | Xiaomi Poco F3 | Huawei nova 11 | Practical Impact |
---|---|---|---|
Design | |||
Dimensions | 163.7 × 76.4 × 7.8 mm | 161.3 × 75 × 6.9 mm | Poco F3 is slightly larger and thicker, which might feel less sleek and comfortable in the hand compared to the slimmer nova 11. |
Weight | 196g | 168g | Huawei nova 11 is significantly lighter, making it more comfortable for prolonged use. |
Display | |||
Size | 6.67" | 6.7" | Very similar display sizes, negligible difference in practical terms. |
Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1084x2412 | Both offer a sharp, high-definition viewing experience, with minimal practical difference in pixel density. |
PPI | 395 | 391 | Both have very similar pixel density, resulting in nearly identical sharpness. |
Technology | AMOLED | OLED | Both offer vibrant colors, deep blacks, and excellent contrast ratios. |
Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Smooth scrolling and animations, both provide a fluid user interface and enhanced gaming experience. |
Brightness | 1300 nits | 950 nits | Poco F3 has significantly higher peak brightness, making it more usable in bright outdoor conditions. |
Performance | |||
Chipset | Qualcomm SM8250-AC Snapdragon 870 5G (7 nm) | Qualcomm SM7325 Snapdragon 778G 4G (6 nm) | Snapdragon 870 in Poco F3 is a more powerful chip, resulting in noticeably faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and better gaming performance. The nova 11's Snapdragon 778G is still competent for everyday tasks, but will not have as strong performance in intensive apps. |
AnTuTu Score | 800,216 | 587,561 | Poco F3 has a significantly higher benchmark score, indicating better overall performance and responsiveness compared to the nova 11. |
GPU | Adreno 650 | Adreno 642L | Adreno 650 in Poco F3 delivers better graphics performance, particularly beneficial for gaming. |
Battery | |||
Capacity | 4520 mAh | 4500 mAh | Both phones offer similar battery capacity, expect similar battery life under typical usage. |
Charging | 33W fast charging | 66W fast charging | Huawei nova 11 offers faster charging, which is a practical advantage for users who frequently need to top up their phones quickly. |
Features | QC3 + / PD3.0 fast charging | Reverse Charging | Poco F3 supports more universal fast charging protocols. Nova 11 can charge other devices wirelessly. |
Camera | |||
Rear Main Camera | 48MP, f/1.79, 1/2" sensor, 0.8µm pixels | 50MP, f/1.9 | Huawei nova 11 has slightly higher resolution, while Poco F3 has a wider aperture and larger sensor which can lead to slightly better low light performance. Sensor model is unknown on the Nova 11. |
Front Camera | 20MP, f/2.45, 1/3.4" sensor, 0.8µm pixels | 60MP, f/2.4, 1/2.8" sensor, 0.61µm pixels | Huawei nova 11 has a much higher resolution selfie camera with a wider aperture, potentially delivering better detail and low-light performance for selfies and video calls. |
Rear Wide Angle + Macro Camera | None | 8MP, f/2.2 | Huawei nova 11 has a dedicated wide-angle/macro lens for more versatility in photography; Poco F3 lacks this functionality. |
Video | Up to 4K@30fps with EIS, slow-motion 960fps | Up to 720p@960fps with EIS, slow-motion 960fps | Xiaomi Poco F3 offers higher video recording quality with 4K capability. |
Features | Triple camera, Manual focus | Dual camera, Continuous autofocus, PDAF, RAW | Poco F3's triple camera offers more lens versatility, Manual focus offers more control over photo settings. Nova 11 offers Continuous autofocus, better for capturing video of moving objects, and RAW captures more details, allowing for better post-processing. |
Software | |||
OS | Android 11 (upgradable to 13) | Unknown | Poco F3 has a clearly defined Android OS, while the Nova 11 operating system is unknown. |
Connectivity | |||
WiFi | WiFi 6 | WiFi 6 | Both support the latest WiFi standards, ensuring fast and stable wireless connections. |
Bluetooth | 5.1 | 5.2 | Huawei nova 11 has a newer Bluetooth version for improved connectivity. |
GPS | GPS (L1+L5), Beidou (B1), Galileo (E1+E5a), BeiDou (B2), NavIC | GPS (L1+L5), Beidou (B1), Galileo (E1+E5a), NavIC, QZSS (L1 + L5) | Huawei nova 11 supports more satellite systems for potentially more accurate location services. |
SIM | Dual SIM, Dual Standby | Dual SIM, Dual Standby | Both phones allow for dual SIM usage. |
Storage | |||
Internal | 128GB or 256GB | 128GB, 256GB, or 512GB | Huawei nova 11 offers a larger maximum storage option, beneficial for users who store large media files on their device. |
RAM | 6GB or 8GB | 6GB, 8GB or 12GB | Huawei nova 11 provides the option for up to 12GB of RAM, which provides better multitasking and app performance. |
Expandable | No | No | Neither phone supports expandable storage. |
Audio | |||
Quality | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | Stereo Speakers | Poco F3 offers a more premium audio experience with Dolby Atmos and Hi-Res Audio support for immersive audio. |
Security | |||
Features | Side-mounted fingerprint | Basic fingerprint | Poco F3 uses a more convenient side-mounted fingerprint sensor. |
Build Quality | |||
Screen Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | Unknown | Poco F3 offers superior screen protection against scratches and minor impacts. |
Sensors | |||
Features | Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Ultrasonic proximity virtual | Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Proximity, Gravity | The Poco F3 features an Ultrasonic proximity virtual sensor, while the Nova 11 has a traditional proximity and a gravity sensor. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Xiaomi Poco F3 Advantages:
- Superior Performance: The Snapdragon 870 chipset offers significantly higher performance, leading to a smoother and faster user experience, especially in demanding tasks.
- Brighter Display: The 1300 nits peak brightness makes it more usable under bright sunlight, a key practical advantage for outdoor use.
- Better Audio Features: With Dolby Atmos and Hi-Res Audio, the Poco F3 provides a more immersive audio experience, which is a great advantage for media consumption.
- Better Video Recording: 4K video recording is significantly better than the 720p available on the Huawei.
- Better Screen Protection: Gorilla Glass 5 provides superior protection against scratches and minor impacts.
Huawei nova 11 Advantages:
- Lighter and Thinner Design: The device is more comfortable to hold and carry for extended periods.
- Faster Charging: 66W fast charging allows for quicker battery top-ups, which can be very convenient for users on the go.
- Better Selfie Camera: A high-resolution 60MP front camera with a larger sensor captures more detailed and better-lit selfies, including video calls.
- Versatile Camera: Includes a dedicated wide-angle/macro lens for more photography options.
- More RAM Option: A 12GB RAM option caters to users needing heavy multitasking capabilities.
- Larger Maximum Storage Option: With a 512 GB storage option, the nova 11 has more maximum storage space.
- More Accurate Location Services: The additional QZSS satellite system can offer more accurate GPS location.
- Reverse Charging: The nova 11 has the ability to charge other devices.
Significant Trade-offs:
- Poco F3: Sacrifices a lighter design, faster charging, a more versatile rear camera system, and a higher quality front-facing camera for superior performance, brightness, video recording, and better audio quality.
- Huawei nova 11: Sacrifices performance, video recording resolution, and screen brightness for faster charging, a better selfie camera, and a lighter design.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Xiaomi Poco F3 - Ideal User:
- Gamers: The powerful chipset and GPU ensure smooth and lag-free gameplay.
- Power Users: Those who frequently multitask or use demanding apps will benefit from its superior performance.
- Media Consumers: The brighter display and better audio system enhance the experience of watching videos and listening to music.
- Budget-conscious buyers: It generally offers a better performance-to-price ratio than other flagships.
- Those wanting better video: The 4K video is a massive benefit if video recording is a high priority.
Huawei nova 11 - Ideal User:
- Selfie Enthusiasts: The high-resolution front camera provides excellent image quality for selfies and video calls.
- Users Prioritizing Design and Portability: The lighter and thinner design makes it comfortable to hold and carry, which is beneficial for all-day use.
- Users needing Quick Charging: 66W fast charging allows for significantly quicker top-ups.
- Users wanting a versatile camera: The dedicated wide-angle and macro lens offers more flexibility when it comes to taking pictures.
- Users wanting more RAM: The option for 12 GB RAM is beneficial for heavy multitasking.
- Users with High Storage Needs: The 512 GB option is very beneficial for those wanting to store a large number of files.
Specific Use Cases:
- Poco F3: Mobile gaming, video editing, graphic design, outdoor use under bright light, and music production.
- Huawei nova 11: Frequent video conferencing, social media content creation, daily tasks, users needing a sleek phone, users who take a lot of selfies, and frequent travelers.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions to Consider:
- Performance or Design? Do you prioritize raw performance and a better media experience, or a sleeker design and portability with better front camera capabilities?
- Charging Speed or Battery Features? Is faster charging more important than having Dolby Atmos and Hi-Res audio, and being able to use a more universal charging protocol?
- Camera Needs? Do you need the best possible video quality for the rear camera, or do you prioritize a better selfie camera and versatile rear camera options like wide-angle/macro?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Mobile Gaming Enthusiast: Choose the Xiaomi Poco F3 for its superior performance.
- Scenario 2: Frequent Selfie Taker: Choose the Huawei nova 11 for its high-resolution front camera and better versatile back camera.
- Scenario 3: Daily Use & Portability: The Huawei nova 11 provides a more comfortable and portable experience.
- Scenario 4: Media Consumption & High Performance: The Xiaomi Poco F3 will provide a better media experience, along with better performance.
- Scenario 5: Those that need storage: The Huawei nova 11 will provide a larger storage option.
My Choice
If I had to choose between these two phones, I would personally choose the Xiaomi Poco F3. While the Huawei nova 11 has its strong points, like a lighter design, a better selfie camera, and faster charging, I prioritize overall performance, display brightness, and audio quality. The Poco F3's Snapdragon 870 chipset is significantly more powerful, which provides smoother performance for multitasking and gaming. The higher screen brightness and Dolby Atmos audio are also big selling points for me, as I often use my phone to watch videos and listen to music. I am not a very active selfie user, so the advantage of a superior front camera on the Huawei does not benefit me as much as the superior performance of the Poco.