Smartphone Comparison: Xiaomi Poco F3 vs. Motorola Moto G72
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Xiaomi Poco F3 | Motorola Moto G72 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 163.7 x 76.4 x 7.8 mm | 160.5 x 74.4 x 7.9 mm | Poco F3 is slightly larger, Moto G72 slightly more compact. Difference is not massive, but might favor smaller hands with Moto. |
| Weight | 196g | 166g | Moto G72 is noticeably lighter, making it more comfortable for extended one-handed use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.67" | 6.6" | Virtually the same size, negligible difference in screen real estate. |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 | 1080 x 2400 | Identical sharpness and clarity. |
| PPI | 395 | 402 | Almost indistinguishable pixel density, both screens are sharp. |
| Technology | AMOLED | P-OLED | Both offer vibrant colors and deep blacks, quality is similar but with slightly different tech |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both offer smooth scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 1300 nits | 0 nits | Poco F3 offers significantly better outdoor visibility in bright sunlight; Moto G72 brightness is unknown. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 870 (7nm) | MediaTek Helio G99 (6nm) | Poco F3 provides substantially better performance for demanding tasks and gaming. |
| AnTuTu Score | 800,216 | 415,300 | Poco F3 is significantly faster; smoother app loading, multitasking, and gaming. |
| GPU | Adreno 650 | Mali-G57 MC2 | Poco F3 has superior graphics performance, especially noticeable in gaming. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 48MP, f/1.79, 1/2", Sony IMX582 | 108MP, f/1.7 | Moto G72 boasts higher resolution, potentially capturing more detail. |
| Selfie Camera | 20MP, f/2.45, 1/3.4", Samsung S5K3T2 | 16MP | Poco F3 offers a higher resolution front camera for selfies. |
| Wide Angle Lens | No | 8MP, f/1.9 | Moto G72 offers more versatility in shooting. |
| Macro Lens | No | 2MP, f/2.4 | Moto G72 allows for close-up shots with a dedicated lens. |
| Video | Up to 4K@30fps with EIS, Slow-mo 960fps | Up to 1080p@60fps, Slow-mo 120fps | Poco F3 supports higher quality video recordings and more capable slow-motion. |
| Camera Features | 4K Video, Manual Focus, EIS, etc. | PDAF, LAF, EIS etc. | Poco F3 offers 4K video and manual focus, while Moto G72 provides faster autofocus. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 4520 mAh | 5000 mAh | Moto G72 has a slightly larger battery, potentially offering a bit longer battery life. |
| Charging | 33W Fast Charging (Li-Polymer) | 33W Fast Charging (Li-Ion) | Charging speeds are identical, but battery technology differs. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 (upgradeable to 13) | Android 12 (no guaranteed upgrades) | Moto G72 ships with newer Android, Poco F3 has guaranteed upgrades. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) | Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) | Poco F3 supports faster, more efficient Wi-Fi connectivity. |
| Bluetooth | 5.1 (LE, aptX, LDAC, etc.) | 5.0 (LE) | Poco F3 has a newer Bluetooth version with more audio codecs. |
| GPS | More systems (L1+L5, etc.) | Fewer systems | Poco F3 has more accurate positioning systems. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128/256 GB | 128/256 GB | Same maximum capacity, no expandable storage on either. |
| RAM | 6/8 GB | 6/8 GB | Both provide ample RAM for multitasking and gaming. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone allows for storage expansion. |
| Audio | |||
| Features | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers | Poco F3 provides higher quality audio through Hi-Res support. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Side-mounted fingerprint | Basic fingerprint sensor | Poco F3 offers a more convenient and perhaps faster fingerprint scanner. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Gorilla Glass 5 | Unknown | Poco F3 has more durable screen protection. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Ultrasonic Proximity, etc. | Magnetometer etc. | Slight differences in sensor sets; Both have standard sensors like gyro and accelerometer. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Xiaomi Poco F3 Advantages:
- Superior Performance: Snapdragon 870 chipset offers significantly higher performance for gaming, demanding apps, and multitasking.
- Brighter Display: 1300 nits brightness ensures excellent outdoor visibility, a significant advantage in sunny conditions.
- Better Video Recording: Supports 4K video recording, higher frame rates for slow motion, and EIS for smoother footage.
- Enhanced Audio: Hi-Res Audio support offers improved audio quality for audiophiles.
- Faster Wi-Fi and Bluetooth: Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.1 provide faster speeds and better connectivity.
- More Advanced Fingerprint Sensor: Side mounted for convenience.
- Superior Screen Protection Gorilla Glass 5 is far superior to unknwon on the G72.
Motorola Moto G72 Advantages:
- Lighter Design: More comfortable for extended use and easier to handle one-handed.
- Larger Battery: 5000mAh battery could result in marginally longer battery life.
- Dedicated Camera Lenses: Macro and Wide angle add versatility for creative shots.
- Potentially Lower Price: May be a more affordable option, depending on current market prices.
- Newer OS out of the box: Ships with Android 12, but upgrade path is unclear.
Significant Trade-offs:
- Poco F3: Heavier, lacks a dedicated macro or wide-angle camera lens, and no expandable storage.
- Moto G72: Significantly lower performance, weaker display brightness, lacks 4k recording, less capable Bluetooth and Wi-Fi, and less capable video recording options.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Xiaomi Poco F3 Ideal User:
- Gamers: Demanding mobile games require the powerful processor and GPU.
- Power Users: Those who frequently multitask, run intensive apps, and want a responsive experience.
- Content Creators: Users who need high-quality video recording and smooth video capture.
- Multimedia Consumers: Appreciate the Hi-Res audio and vibrant display.
Motorola Moto G72 Ideal User:
- Casual Users: Need a reliable phone for everyday tasks, web browsing, and social media.
- Budget-Conscious Buyers: Those seeking a functional device with good battery life at a lower price.
- Photography Enthusiasts: Those who desire wide-angle and macro lenses for creative shots.
- Users who prefer a lighter phone: Those who prioritize comfort.
Use Cases:
- Poco F3: Gaming, video editing, streaming high-definition content, intensive social media use.
- Moto G72: Daily communication, light photography, browsing, using office apps, and watching some videos, all while lasting longer than the Poco F3.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- Performance Needs: Do you need a high-performance phone for gaming and demanding applications? Or is casual use sufficient?
- Camera Priorities: Do you need versatile shooting options including wide and macro lenses? Or is the video quality, or high resolution selfie camera a priority?
- Budget: How much are you willing to spend?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
Scenario 1: You are a gamer who wants to play demanding games and needs great graphics. Recommendation: Xiaomi Poco F3 is the clear choice due to its superior performance.
Scenario 2: You want a phone with long battery life, a decent camera, and a light form factor for everyday use. Recommendation: Motorola Moto G72 offers a more comfortable experience for the average user.
Scenario 3: You are on a tight budget, and need a phone that works well in sunlight for reading. Recommendation: This is a tough one, but for usability and screen visibility alone Xiaomi Poco F3 is the only phone to choose.
My Choice
If I had to choose, I would personally pick the Xiaomi Poco F3. While I appreciate the Moto G72's lighter build, slightly larger battery, and versatile camera lenses, the significant performance advantage, much brighter display, and superior video recording capabilities of the Poco F3 make it the better all-around device. The Poco F3's chipset ensures smooth operation for demanding tasks, future proofing it to a degree, and the Hi-Res audio enhances the multimedia experience. The brighter screen is crucial for outdoor visibility, and video features are more robust, which is a priority for me. The side-mounted fingerprint sensor and Gorilla Glass 5 protection provide further benefits for long term usability. Ultimately, the Poco F3's superior performance and overall experience outweigh the benefits of the Motorola G72.
