Smartphone Comparison: Xiaomi Poco F3 vs. Motorola Edge 40 Neo
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Xiaomi Poco F3 | Motorola Edge 40 Neo | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 163.7 × 76.4 × 7.8 mm | 159.6 × 72 × 7.9 mm | Poco F3 is slightly larger, may be less comfortable in hand; Edge 40 Neo is more compact and easier to handle. |
| Weight | 196g | 170g | Edge 40 Neo is significantly lighter, making it more comfortable for extended use, especially one-handed. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.67" | 6.55" | Poco F3 offers a slightly larger viewing area, beneficial for media consumption. The difference is not huge. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2400 | Identical sharpness, both displays will look similarly clear. |
| PPI | 395 | 402 | Almost identical pixel density, both displays will look sharp. |
| Technology | AMOLED | P-OLED | Both technologies offer vibrant colors, good contrast, and deep blacks. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 144Hz | Edge 40 Neo has a slightly smoother scrolling and animation, beneficial for gaming and fast-paced content. |
| Brightness | 1300 nits | 1300 nits | Both offer the same peak brightness making them easily visible outdoors. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 870 5G (7 nm) | MediaTek Dimensity 7030 (6 nm) | Poco F3's chip is significantly faster, offering smoother performance, faster app loading, and better gaming. |
| Antutu Score | 800,216 | 527,666 | Poco F3 has superior performance, ideal for demanding tasks like gaming and multitasking. |
| GPU | Adreno 650 | Mali-G610 MC3 | Poco F3's GPU offers better graphics performance, particularly noticeable in gaming. |
| Camera | |||
| Rear Main | 48MP, f/1.79, 1/2", 0.80µm | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/1.55", 1.00µm | Edge 40 Neo has a larger sensor, potentially better low-light performance and captures more detail despite lower aperture. |
| Selfie | 20MP, f/2.45, 1/3.4", 0.80µm | 32MP, f/2.4, 0.70µm | Edge 40 Neo has a higher resolution, may capture more detailed selfies. |
| Wide/Macro | N/A | 13MP, f/2.2, 1.12µm | Edge 40 Neo offers more versatile shooting options with a dedicated wide-angle + macro lens. |
| Video | 4K@30fps EIS, 1080p@ up to 960fps | 4K@30fps EIS, 1080p@ up to 240fps | Both capture up to 4K videos with EIS; Poco F3 has higher slow-motion options; Edge 40 Neo has standard video stabilization. |
| DXOMark | N/A | Main 103 (Photo 102, Video 116) | Motorola Edge 40 Neo's camera is objectively rated through DXOmark; Poco F3 has no official rating. |
| Features | Triple camera, Manual focus | Dual camera, OIS, PDAF, LAF, RAW, Night Mode | Edge 40 Neo has better autofocus, optical image stabilization (OIS) for sharper photos, RAW capture, and dedicated Night Mode for improved low-light shots. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 4520mAh | 5000mAh | Edge 40 Neo offers slightly longer battery life on average. |
| Charging | 33W | 68W | Edge 40 Neo charges much faster, reducing downtime. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 (upgradable to 13) | Android 13 (upgradable to 15) | Edge 40 Neo provides a more up-to-date experience with newer Android features and longer software support, less bloatware. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6, MIMO | Wi-Fi 6 | Poco F3 supports MIMO which may improve WiFi performance and stability in busy networks. |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.1 | Bluetooth 5.4 | Edge 40 Neo has a newer Bluetooth version, offering potential improvements in connectivity and efficiency. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo, GPS (L1+L5), BeiDou (B1), Galileo (E1+E5a), BeiDou (B2), NavIC System | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, SUPL, Galileo, BeiDou (B1) | Poco F3 has more navigation systems, better accuracy in some situations. Edge 40 Neo supports SUPL. |
| SIM | Dual SIM (Nano) | Dual SIM (Nano + eSIM) | Edge 40 Neo gives an extra option of using an eSIM which may be more convenient if you travel frequently. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128GB or 256GB | 256GB | Both have similar storage capacities, but Edge 40 Neo is more consistent, as Poco F3 may have 128GB version which is limiting if you need more space. |
| RAM | 6GB or 8GB | 8GB or 12GB | Edge 40 Neo has more RAM options for better multitasking capabilities. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone supports expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers, 2 microphones | Poco F3 gives an edge when listening with headphones due to Hi-Res certification. Edge 40 Neo has an advantage when calling due to 2 microphones. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | basic fingerprint sensor | Poco F3 side-mounted fingerprint sensor is more ergonomic and quicker to access. |
| Build | |||
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | Poco F3 has superior screen protection against scratches and breaks. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Ultrasonic Proximity | Fingerprint, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Proximity | Poco F3 offers a more accurate ultrasonic proximity sensor. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Xiaomi Poco F3 Advantages:
- Superior Performance: The Snapdragon 870 chipset provides significantly better performance in benchmarks, translating to smoother app usage, better multitasking, and more fluid gaming.
- Better Screen Protection: Corning Gorilla Glass 5 provides better protection against scratches and drops compared to Gorilla Glass 3 on the Edge 40 Neo.
- Hi-Res Audio: Delivers better audio quality, especially when using headphones.
- More Accurate Navigation: Supports more navigation systems such as GPS L1+L5.
- MIMO WiFi: Better WiFi stability in crowded networks.
Motorola Edge 40 Neo Advantages:
- Newer Software: Runs on a newer version of Android, offering more up-to-date features and security updates.
- Better Camera: Larger sensor, OIS, and features like PDAF and Night Mode provide more versatile and higher-quality photography.
- Larger Battery & Faster Charging: Longer battery life and faster charging speeds offer better convenience.
- Lighter & More Compact Design: More ergonomic, comfortable, and easy to handle design, especially for extended use.
- More RAM Options: Comes in 12 GB options, which results in better performance if you are into multitasking.
- eSIM Support: Provides extra convenience when you are travelling and need to switch carriers.
- DXOMark Score: The only phone of the two with an objective camera rating, which is helpful for camera enthusiasts.
- 2 Microphones: Better audio quality for calls.
- Wide Angle + Macro Lens: More versatile photography options.
Trade-offs:
- Poco F3: Offers superior performance but is bulkier and has older software.
- Edge 40 Neo: Offers a more balanced package with better camera and battery but compromises on raw performance.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Xiaomi Poco F3:
- Ideal User:
- Gamers looking for smooth performance.
- Users who prioritize raw speed and processing power.
- Budget-conscious users not prioritizing the latest software updates.
- Use Cases:
- High-end mobile gaming.
- Demanding apps and multitasking.
- Users who frequently use WiFi in busy environments and want maximum stability.
- Users who love listening to music using headphones and appreciate Hi-Res Audio.
- Price-to-Value: Offers excellent performance for its price, making it attractive for budget-minded users who do not want to compromise performance.
Motorola Edge 40 Neo:
- Ideal User:
- Users who prioritize a good camera system with good photo quality.
- Users who want a comfortable, lighter, and more ergonomic phone.
- Users who want a smooth experience with regular software updates.
- Users who prefer a balanced smartphone experience with a focus on everyday usability.
- Users who want a phone that is ready to go for quick charging.
- Users who need an eSIM for convenience when travelling.
- Use Cases:
- Daily photography and social media sharing.
- Users who appreciate faster charging.
- Regular usage with a focus on balanced performance and modern features.
- Frequent travellers who need eSIM support.
- Price-to-Value: Offers a good balance of features, especially for the camera and battery, making it a solid all-rounder.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- Do you prioritize raw performance and gaming, or are camera quality and battery more important?
- Do you prefer a more compact, lighter phone or a slightly larger phone with more raw power?
- Is it crucial for you to have the latest Android version with the latest security updates, or are you okay with older software and updates?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Gaming Enthusiast
- Recommendation: Xiaomi Poco F3. The superior chipset and GPU will provide a better gaming experience.
- Scenario 2: Everyday User & Photographer
- Recommendation: Motorola Edge 40 Neo. Its more versatile camera, faster charging, and lighter design will be better for daily use and photography.
- Scenario 3: Budget-Conscious Performer
- Recommendation: Xiaomi Poco F3. It offers great performance at a budget-friendly price.
- Scenario 4: Software Up-to-date User
- Recommendation: Motorola Edge 40 Neo. Comes with the latest version of Android and longer support for software updates.
My Choice and Why
If I were to choose between these two phones, I would pick the Motorola Edge 40 Neo. My reasoning is as follows:
While the Xiaomi Poco F3 has better raw performance and is excellent for gaming, I prioritize a more balanced and modern smartphone experience in my day-to-day life. The Motorola Edge 40 Neo's advantages in the camera department (larger sensor, OIS, better autofocus, RAW capture) are crucial for me, as I take a lot of photos. Additionally, the faster charging, larger battery, lighter weight, and modern software are practical benefits that enhance daily usability. Finally, the inclusion of an eSIM is an added benefit if I need to switch carriers when traveling. For me, the trade-off in performance is acceptable for the improvements in the camera, battery, and software experience.
