1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Xiaomi Poco F3 | Motorola Edge 30 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 163.7 x 76.4 x 7.8 mm | 159.4 x 74.2 x 6.8 mm | Poco F3 is slightly larger and thicker, potentially feeling less comfortable in smaller hands or pockets. Edge 30 is more compact and sleek. |
| Weight | 196g | 155g | Edge 30 is significantly lighter, making it more comfortable for prolonged use and one-handed operation. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.67" | 6.5" | Poco F3 has a slightly larger screen, providing a more immersive viewing experience, but Edge 30 is still plenty big. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2400 | Both offer the same crispness for daily use, video playback, and browsing. |
| PPI | 395 | 405 | Practically identical pixel density; differences are not noticeable. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both have vibrant colors and deep blacks, great for media consumption. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 144Hz | Edge 30's higher refresh rate results in slightly smoother animations and scrolling, especially noticeable in fast-paced games. |
| Brightness | 1300 nits | 0 nits | Poco F3 offers dramatically better outdoor visibility in bright sunlight. Edge 30's brightness is not specified, a significant drawback. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 870 5G (7 nm) | Snapdragon 778G+ 5G (6 nm) | Poco F3's chipset is faster for demanding games and apps. Edge 30 offers slightly better power efficiency due to smaller nm process. |
| AnTuTu Score | 800,216 | 609,900 | Poco F3 provides faster app loading and smoother multitasking. |
| GPU | Adreno 650 | Adreno 642L | Poco F3's GPU provides better performance for graphics-intensive tasks like gaming. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 4520mAh | 4020mAh | Poco F3 has a larger battery, likely resulting in longer battery life for a given usage pattern. |
| Charging | 33W Fast Charging | 33W Fast Charging | Both charge relatively quickly, good for topping up before going out. |
| Features | QC3+ / PD3.0 Support | Non-removable | Poco F3 has more advanced charging protocol support that enhances charging speed and efficiency. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Camera | 48MP, f/1.79, 1/2" Sony IMX582 | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/1.55" Omnivision OV50A | Edge 30 has a higher-resolution sensor with a slightly larger sensor size, which may lead to better low-light performance. |
| Selfie Camera | 20MP, f/2.45, 1/3.4" Samsung S5K3T2 | 32MP, f/2.25, 1/3.14" Samsung JD1 | Edge 30 has a higher-resolution front-facing camera for better selfies and video calls. |
| Depth Camera | Not Available | 2MP, f/2.4 | Edge 30 features an extra depth camera for portrait mode shots, allowing for more realistic background blur. |
| Wide + Macro Camera | Not Available | 50MP, f/2.2, 1/2.76" Samsung S5KJN1 | Edge 30 has a dedicated Wide Angle and Macro camera for more versatility. |
| Video Recording | 4K@30fps with EIS up to 1080p@960fps | 4K@30fps with HDR, EIS up to 720p@960fps | Both offer 4K, but the Edge 30 has HDR and also has EIS at all resolutions. |
| Camera Features | Basic Features | OIS, PDAF, RAW, Night Mode, and basic features. | Edge 30 offers advanced camera features, enhancing photo and video quality. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11, up to 13 | Android 12, up to 13 | Edge 30 ships with a newer OS out of the box, and both get the same max version. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | WiFi 6 | WiFi 6 | Both support the latest standards for fast and stable wireless connections. |
| Bluetooth | 5.1 | 5.2 | Edge 30 has the slightly newer Bluetooth, offering minor improvements in efficiency and range. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, etc. | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, etc. | Poco F3 supports more satellite systems, offering better location accuracy, particularly in challenging conditions. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128/256 GB | 128/256 GB | Both provide adequate storage for most users. |
| RAM | 6/8 GB | 6/8 GB | Both provide enough RAM for multitasking and smooth operation. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone supports expandable storage, which may be a limitation for some users. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res, Stereo Speakers | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers, 2 microphones | Poco F3 features Hi-Res Audio for higher fidelity audio, making it slightly better for audiophiles. Edge 30 has 2 microphones for clearer recording. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Side-mounted Fingerprint | Basic Fingerprint Sensor | Poco F3's side-mounted fingerprint sensor is often faster and more convenient than a basic sensor. |
| Build | |||
| Screen Protection | Gorilla Glass 5 | Gorilla Glass 3 | Poco F3 offers superior screen protection against scratches and minor impacts. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Ultrasonic proximity virtual | Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Proximity | Poco F3 has an ultrasonic proximity sensor for improved performance. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Xiaomi Poco F3 Advantages:
- Superior Performance: The Snapdragon 870 chipset and Adreno 650 GPU provide significantly better performance for demanding tasks and gaming.
- Brighter Display: The 1300 nits brightness offers much better outdoor visibility.
- Hi-Res Audio: Provides higher fidelity audio, making it a better choice for audiophiles.
- Larger Battery: The 4520mAh battery offers better battery life for extended use.
- Enhanced GPS: Support for more satellite systems offers improved location accuracy.
- More Advanced Sensors: Offers an Ultrasonic proximity sensor
Motorola Edge 30 Advantages:
- Lighter & More Compact: More comfortable to hold and carry.
- Higher Refresh Rate: The 144Hz refresh rate provides smoother animations and scrolling.
- Better Camera Versatility: The addition of a depth and ultrawide/macro camera allows for more creative shots.
- Better Selfie Camera: Higher resolution and wider aperture for better selfie photos and videos.
- More Advanced Camera Features: OIS, PDAF, RAW, and Night Mode enhance image quality.
- Newer Bluetooth: Bluetooth 5.2 offers minor improvements in efficiency.
- Newer Software: Ships with a newer version of Android.
Trade-offs:
- Poco F3: Sacrifices portability, camera versatility, and some smoothness for raw performance, battery life, and outdoor visibility.
- Edge 30: Sacrifices raw power, outdoor visibility, battery life, and audio quality for a more compact design, better camera features, and smoother display.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Xiaomi Poco F3 Ideal User:
- Gamers: The Snapdragon 870 chipset and Adreno 650 GPU provide a smoother and more immersive gaming experience.
- Power Users: Those who need a phone for heavy multitasking, video editing, or other demanding tasks.
- Outdoor Users: Users who frequently use their phone in bright sunlight will benefit from the high brightness display.
- Audiophiles: Users who appreciate high-fidelity audio will like the Hi-Res Audio support.
- Users Who Value Battery Life: Those who prioritize a longer-lasting battery over other features.
Use Cases for Poco F3:
- Playing demanding mobile games at high settings
- Editing photos and videos on the go
- Using navigation apps and maps in bright sunlight
- Listening to high-quality audio through headphones
- Long days away from a charger
Motorola Edge 30 Ideal User:
- Casual Users: Those who prioritize comfort, ease of use, and overall experience.
- Photography Enthusiasts: Users who appreciate versatile camera options and higher-quality photos.
- Social Media Users: Those who want a good selfie camera and creative photography tools.
- Users who value a lighter phone: Those who want the phone to be portable and light.
- Users who value a smooth display: Those who want the smoothest scrolling experience.
Use Cases for Edge 30:
- Taking frequent photos and videos for social media
- Making video calls with friends and family
- Watching videos with smooth, high-refresh-rate display
- Using the phone for general tasks on the go
- Carrying the phone comfortably in a pocket
Price-to-Value:
- Both phones offer competitive features for their price points, but the "best" value depends on individual user priorities.
- Poco F3 leans more towards raw power and value for hardcore gamers/power users.
- Edge 30 provides a more balanced package with a lighter feel, focus on camera features, and a smoother experience.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- What is your primary use case for a smartphone? (Gaming, photography, productivity, etc.)
- Do you prioritize performance/battery life or portability/camera quality?
- How important is outdoor visibility and display smoothness to you?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1 (Gamer/Power User): If you're a gamer or a power user who needs the best performance and battery life, the Xiaomi Poco F3 is the better option.
- Scenario 2 (Casual User/Photography Enthusiast): If you prioritize a more lightweight design, a versatile camera system and a smoother screen, then the Motorola Edge 30 is the more suitable option.
- Scenario 3 (Outdoor User): If you need a phone with great outdoor visibility and battery life, then the Xiaomi Poco F3 is the only option.
My Choice
If I were to choose between these two phones, I would personally choose the Xiaomi Poco F3. While the Motorola Edge 30 has a more modern design and a slightly better camera, the Poco F3's raw performance, significantly better screen brightness, larger battery, and enhanced audio features make it a more appealing option for my use case. The advantages in performance and visibility outweigh the benefits of a slightly newer phone and camera system.
