Smartphone Comparison: Xiaomi Poco F3 vs. Nothing Phone (1)
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Xiaomi Poco F3 | Nothing Phone (1) | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 163.7 x 76.4 x 7.8 mm | 159.2 x 75.8 x 8.3 mm | Poco F3 is taller and thinner; Nothing Phone (1) is more compact but slightly thicker. |
| Weight | 196g | 193.5g | Both feel similar in hand, negligible difference in weight. |
| Build | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 (Screen) | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 (Screen) | Similar screen scratch and shatter resistance. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.67" | 6.55" | Poco F3 offers a slightly larger screen for more immersive content consumption. |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 | 1080 x 2400 | Both offer sharp visuals, no difference in detail. |
| PPI | 395 | 402 | Both have similar pixel density, making it hard to tell any sharpness differences. |
| Technology | AMOLED | OLED | Both offer vibrant colors, deep blacks. Similar quality. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both provide smooth scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 1300 nits | 1200 nits | Poco F3 is slightly better for outdoor visibility in bright sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 870 5G | Qualcomm Snapdragon 778G+ 5G | Poco F3's chipset offers superior performance for demanding tasks & gaming. |
| Antutu Score | 800,216 | 624,253 | Poco F3 is considerably faster in benchmark tests (28% higher score). |
| GPU | Adreno 650 | Adreno 642L | Poco F3 has a more powerful GPU for gaming and graphics intensive tasks. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera Resolution | 48MP (f/1.79, 1/2", 0.8µm) | 50MP (f/1.88, 1/1.56", 1.0µm) | Nothing Phone (1) has slightly higher resolution and larger sensor, theoretically better in low light. |
| Selfie Camera Resolution | 20MP (f/2.45, 1/3.4", 0.8µm) | 16MP (f/2.2, 1/3.13", 1.0µm) | Poco F3 has higher megapixel count. Nothing Phone (1) with larger sensor for better low light selfies. |
| Wide Angle + Macro | None | 50MP (f/2.2, 1/2.76", 0.64µm) | Nothing Phone (1) has a dedicated ultrawide/macro lens, offering more versatility. |
| Video | 4K@30fps with EIS | 4K@30fps with HDR, EIS | Both offer 4K recording. Nothing Phone (1) includes HDR video & has Optical Image Stabilisation (OIS) for better video quality. |
| Camera Features | Triple camera, Digital Stabilization | Dual camera, Optical Stabilization (OIS), Ultra Stable video | Nothing Phone (1) has OIS for better stabilization. Poco F3 has triple camera setup vs dual camera setup on Nothing Phone (1). |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 4520mAh | 4500mAh | Similar battery capacity for similar daily usage. |
| Charging | 33W Fast Charging | 33W Fast Charging, Wireless Charging (15W) | Nothing Phone (1) offers the convenience of wireless charging (15W) and reverse wireless charging (5W). |
| Features | Supports QC3 + / PD3.0 | Reverse Charging, No charger in box, Wireless Charging (15W), Reverse wireless charging 5W | Nothing Phone (1) has wireless charging and the ability to reverse charge other devices. Poco F3 includes faster charging protocols, comes with a charger in the box. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 (upgradable to 13) | Android 12 (upgradable to 15) | Nothing Phone (1) launches with a newer version of Android and will have a longer support. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 6 | Both offer similar Wi-Fi standards. |
| Bluetooth | 5.1 | 5.2 | Nothing Phone (1) has a newer Bluetooth version. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo, GPS (L1+L5), BeiDou (B1), Galileo (E1+E5a), BeiDou (B2), NavIC System | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo, GPS (L1+L5), Galileo (E1+E5a), NavIC System | Both offer similar GPS capabilities. Nothing Phone (1) supports QZSS, while Poco F3 supports BeiDou (B1) and (B2). |
| SIM | Dual SIM | Dual SIM | Both support dual SIM functionality. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128GB/256GB | 128GB/256GB | Both offer the same storage options. |
| RAM | 6GB/8GB | 8GB/12GB | Nothing Phone (1) has a higher RAM capacity (12GB variant), offering better multitasking. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither device offers expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | Stereo Speakers, 3 microphones | Poco F3 offers richer audio features (Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio) and better audio immersion. Nothing Phone (1) offers better microphone setup for improved voice calls or recordings. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Side-mounted Fingerprint Sensor | Basic Fingerprint Sensor | Poco F3’s side mounted fingerprint sensor is generally considered faster and more reliable. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Ultrasonic proximity virtual | Fingerprint, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Proximity, RGB | Poco F3 features a virtual proximity sensor. Nothing Phone (1) has a physical proximity sensor and RGB sensor. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Xiaomi Poco F3 Advantages:
- Superior Performance: The Snapdragon 870 chipset and Adreno 650 GPU offer significantly better performance for demanding games and heavy multitasking, leading to snappier app launches and smoother overall experience.
- Brighter Display: 100 nits higher peak brightness makes it more visible outdoors in direct sunlight.
- Enhanced Audio: Features Dolby Atmos and Hi-Res Audio for a more immersive audio experience.
- More Reliable Fingerprint Sensor: Side-mounted fingerprint sensor is faster and more reliable than the basic fingerprint sensor.
Nothing Phone (1) Advantages:
- Newer Software: Launched with Android 12 (upgradable to 15), offering a longer support for future Android updates.
- Wireless Charging: Includes convenient 15W wireless charging and 5W reverse wireless charging.
- Versatile Camera: Offers a wide-angle/macro lens and Optical Image Stabilisation (OIS) for more versatile photos and videos.
- Higher RAM Option: Available with 12GB RAM, enhancing multitasking capabilities.
- Better video recording: Includes HDR video recording.
Trade-offs:
- Poco F3: Lacks wireless charging, wider camera and slightly older software version.
- Nothing Phone (1): Lacks in raw performance and peak brightness, offers a less sophisticated fingerprint sensor.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Xiaomi Poco F3 Ideal User:
- Gamers: Users who prioritize high frame rates and smooth graphics in mobile games.
- Power Users: Those who demand fast performance for multitasking, app switching and general use.
- Outdoor Users: People who need a bright display that is visible even under bright sunlight.
- Budget-Conscious Performance Seekers: Those looking for a high-performance phone at a lower price point.
Specific Use Cases:
- High-end mobile gaming (e.g., Genshin Impact, COD Mobile)
- Running multiple apps simultaneously without slowdown.
- Outdoor photography on sunny days.
Nothing Phone (1) Ideal User:
- Design-Conscious Users: Those who appreciate a unique design with an eye-catching, transparent aesthetic.
- Photography Enthusiasts: People who value versatile camera capabilities, including ultra-wide/macro shots, Optical Image Stabilization and HDR video recording.
- Wireless Charging Lovers: Those who prefer the convenience of wireless charging and the ability to charge other devices wirelessly (reverse wireless charging).
- Software-Focused Users: Those who want a newer Android version and potentially a longer software update lifespan.
Specific Use Cases:
- Taking a variety of pictures, including wide angle shots, close-up macro shots.
- Recording high-quality video with optical stabilisation.
- Charging devices on the go with reverse wireless charging.
- Using a phone that will receive Android updates for a longer period.
Price-to-Value Ratio:
- The Poco F3 generally offers better raw performance for the price, which is great for those on a budget. The Nothing Phone (1) has a more premium design and wireless charging and better camera versatility with modern software and future updates.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- Performance vs. Features: Do you prioritize raw performance and gaming capabilities (Poco F3), or do features like wireless charging, better camera versatility and a more modern Android software matter more (Nothing Phone (1))?
- Design and Aesthetics: Do you prefer a more standard design (Poco F3) or a unique, attention-grabbing design (Nothing Phone (1))?
- Camera versatility vs power: Do you prefer a more versatile camera system with OIS and a wide angle lens (Nothing Phone 1), or a more powerful processor for gaming and general usage (Poco F3)?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Mobile Gamer: Choose Xiaomi Poco F3. Its superior chipset and GPU offer the best gaming experience.
- Scenario 2: Photography Lover: Choose Nothing Phone (1). Its wide-angle lens, OIS, HDR video and larger camera sensors offers more versatility.
- Scenario 3: Everyday User: Consider your budget. If price is critical choose Poco F3. Otherwise, choose Nothing Phone (1) for a more modern experience.
- Scenario 4: Future-Proof User: Choose Nothing Phone (1) for its newer software and longer software support.
My Choice and Explanation:
If I had to choose, I would pick the Nothing Phone (1).
My Reasoning:
While the Poco F3 offers superior raw performance, my priorities are aligned with what the Nothing Phone (1) offers. The main reason for me choosing the Nothing Phone (1) is its modern design and unique aesthetic, which aligns with my personal preference. I also value the inclusion of wireless charging and a more versatile camera, which is great for daily photography. The camera versatility with its dedicated ultrawide/macro lens, Optical Image Stabilization (OIS), along with the HDR video recording, make it a great all-round daily device. Though not as powerful as the Poco F3, the Nothing Phone (1)'s performance is still more than adequate for everyday tasks. The Nothing Phone (1) also offers a longer software support period, which is a plus for future-proofing. The combination of a modern software experience, better photography capabilities and convenient features make the Nothing Phone (1) my top choice.
