1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Xiaomi Poco F3 | Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G (2023) | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 163.7 × 76.4 × 7.8 mm | 162.8 × 73.8 × 9.2 mm | Poco F3 is slightly wider; Moto G Stylus is thicker. Moto G might feel bulkier in pocket but provides better grip due to being less wide. |
| Weight | 196g | 202g | Poco F3 is lighter, potentially more comfortable for extended one-hand use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.67" | 6.6" | Negligible difference in screen size, both feel similar in hand. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2400 | Identical sharpness for both. |
| PPI | 395 | 399 | Nearly identical sharpness, no visible difference. |
| Technology | AMOLED | IPS LCD | Poco F3 offers superior contrast, deeper blacks, and more vibrant colors making media consumption better. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both offer smooth scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 1300 nits | 0 nits (spec missing) | Poco F3 is much better for use in direct sunlight. Motorola's brightness is missing - cannot make an evaluation on outdoor visibility. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 870 5G (7 nm) | Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 (4 nm) | Poco F3 offers faster processing for demanding tasks, better gaming performance, and quicker overall app loading. |
| Antutu Score | 800,216 | 565,000 | Poco F3 has significantly higher performance, indicating superior responsiveness. |
| GPU | Adreno 650 | Adreno 710 | Poco F3's GPU handles graphics better in demanding games. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 4520mAh | 5000mAh | Moto G Stylus 5G has slightly better battery life on paper; real-world may vary based on usage. |
| Charging | 33W | 20W | Poco F3 charges faster, reducing downtime. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera Res | 48MP | 50MP | Moto G Stylus 5G has slightly higher resolution on paper, but real world difference may be negligible; sensor size is more impactful. |
| Main Camera Aperture | f/1.79 | f/1.88 | Poco F3's wider aperture can potentially capture more light in low-light scenarios. |
| Main Camera Sensor Size | 1/2" | 1/1.55" | Moto G Stylus has a larger sensor, usually better for low light situations. |
| Selfie Camera Res | 20MP | 16MP | Poco F3 captures more detailed selfies. |
| Selfie Aperture | f/2.45 | f/2.5 | Poco F3's wider aperture allows better low light selfie capture. |
| Wide Angle + Macro Camera | No | 8MP, f/2.2 | Moto G Stylus has an additional wide angle + macro camera offering versatility when capturing photos. |
| Video Features | 4K@30fps with EIS, 1080p options | 4K@30fps, 1080p options, | Both record in 4k. Poco F3 offers more options, but Moto G Stylus has better image stabilization capabilities. |
| OIS | No | Yes | Moto G Stylus has OIS for clearer photos in low light. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 (upgradable to 13) | Android 13 | Moto G Stylus has a newer OS version out of the box which may provide longer software support. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6, MIMO | Wi-Fi 6 | Poco F3 supports MIMO providing faster and reliable wireless connections in congested networks. |
| Bluetooth | 5.1 | 5.2 | Moto G Stylus has the newer Bluetooth version with potential minor improvements in power efficiency and connection stability. |
| SIM | Dual SIM | Single SIM | Poco F3 supports two SIM cards simultaneously; useful for separating work/personal life or when traveling. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 128GB or 256GB | 128GB or 256GB | Both have similar storage options. |
| RAM | 6GB or 8GB | 4GB, 6GB, or 8GB | Both have similar RAM options. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone supports expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Audio Features | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers, Hi-Res Audio | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers, 2 microphones | Poco F3 has slight audio edge with Hi-Res Audio. Moto G Stylus has additional mic for sound capture. |
| Security | |||
| Security Features | Side mounted fingerprint sensor | Side mounted fingerprint sensor | Both have similar technology which is reliable and secure. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | Unknown | Poco F3 has superior scratch protection on the screen. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Xiaomi Poco F3 Advantages:
- Superior Display: AMOLED panel offers vibrant colors, deeper blacks, and better contrast, enhancing the viewing experience, especially for media consumption.
- Higher Performance: Snapdragon 870 chipset provides faster processing, better gaming, and smoother multitasking. This advantage is significant for heavy users and gamers.
- Faster Charging: 33W fast charging significantly reduces charging time.
- Brighter Screen: 1300 nits max brightness is much better for outdoor visibility in bright conditions.
- Better Connectivity: Supports MIMO which provides faster and reliable wireless connections
- Better Selfie Camera: Higher resolution and wider aperture for better low-light performance.
- Hi-Res Audio: Delivers higher quality audio through headphones and speakers.
- Dual SIM Support: Supports two SIM cards simultaneously.
Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G (2023) Advantages:
- Larger Battery: 5000mAh offers slightly more battery life, potentially longer use without needing a recharge.
- Newer OS: Ships with Android 13, which may provide longer software update support.
- Versatile Camera System: Includes a wide-angle + macro lens, adding versatility to photos.
- OIS: Optical image stabilization is excellent for low-light photos and smoother videos.
- 2 Microphones: Provides better sound recording quality.
- Newer Bluetooth: The newer Bluetooth version may have slight power and connection benefits.
Trade-offs:
- Poco F3: Lacks a dedicated macro camera and OIS, and has slightly less battery capacity and single sim support, but the display and performance far exceed those shortcomings.
- Moto G Stylus 5G: Suffers from lower overall performance, worse display quality, and significantly slower charging, however, offers the benefit of an additional camera and OIS for photos and videos. Its lack of brightness information may be cause for concern.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Xiaomi Poco F3 - Ideal User:
- Gamers: Benefits from high performance and smooth refresh rate.
- Media Consumers: Enjoys vibrant AMOLED display for watching videos and browsing.
- Power Users: Needs fast performance and quick charging.
- Frequent Travelers: Benefits from having dual-sim and dual-standby support.
- Users Prioritizing Display Quality: For those who want the most vibrant and high quality screen.
Specific Use Cases for Xiaomi Poco F3:
- Playing graphically intensive games
- Watching high-resolution videos and HDR content
- Multitasking between demanding apps
- Long commutes where quick charging is a must
- Using dual SIM cards for personal and work lines.
Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G (2023) - Ideal User:
- Casual Photographers: Appreciates the wide-angle and macro lens for creative photography.
- Users Prioritizing Battery: Needs longer battery life for extended use.
- Users Preferring Stock Android: Appreciates the clean software experience.
- Video and Content Creators: Those who value OIS and additional mics.
Specific Use Cases for Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G (2023):
- Taking a variety of photos and videos (wide-angle, macro)
- Long days without access to power outlets
- Users who need to record audio in their daily life.
- Users who want to use a stylus (stylus not included)
Price-to-Value:
- The Xiaomi Poco F3 provides a higher level of performance for the price and has more features.
- The Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G is more of a mid-range device that offers less power and a worse screen, but may appeal to a specific crowd seeking a large battery, a wide-angle lens, OIS and dual mic support.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions to Consider:
- How important is display quality and brightness to you? (AMOLED vs IPS LCD, 1300 nits vs unknown)
- Do you prioritize performance or battery life? (Snapdragon 870 vs Snapdragon 6 Gen 1, 4520mAh vs 5000mAh)
- Do you need a versatile camera system, including OIS, or are you fine with a standard camera setup? (Wide-angle + macro vs. no wide-angle, with OIS vs. without OIS)
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1 (Performance Focused): If you're a gamer, frequently multitask, or need a snappy phone, the Xiaomi Poco F3 is the better choice.
- Scenario 2 (Battery Focused): If you prioritize battery life and casual photography, and you can live with the slower performance and worse screen the Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G (2023) may be adequate, although it does miss key specifications for screen brightness.
- Scenario 3 (Balanced): If you want a mix of solid performance, a decent camera, a great display, and faster charging, Xiaomi Poco F3 offers the superior mix of features.
What I Would Choose
Based on my analysis and user preferences, I would choose the Xiaomi Poco F3. The main reason being the superior display technology that comes with the AMOLED screen and its bright 1300 nits, especially when compared to the unknown brightness of the Motorola G Stylus 5G. Moreover, the significantly better chipset in the Poco F3 leads to better overall performance, smoother experience and an overall better user experience. These two advantages are too important for me to overlook in my daily usage. While the Motorola offers a larger battery, a versatile camera setup and OIS, the Poco F3's combination of display and performance makes it a more compelling choice for my needs. The lack of dual sim support in the Moto G Stylus 5G is another major drawback, especially if travelling internationally or if using it for both work and personal use.
