1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Xiaomi Poco F3 | Nothing Phone (2a) | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 163.7 × 76.4 × 7.8 mm | 161.7 × 76.3 × 8.6 mm | Poco F3 is taller, Phone (2a) is thicker; slight difference in hand feel and pocketability. |
| Weight | 196g | 190g | Phone (2a) is slightly lighter; may be noticeable over extended use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.67" | 6.7" | Negligible difference; both provide a large viewing area. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2412 | Essentially identical; very similar sharpness and clarity. |
| Pixel Density | 395 PPI | 394 PPI | Imperceptible difference in sharpness. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both offer vibrant colors and deep blacks; good for media consumption. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Smooth scrolling and animations; good for gaming and daily use. |
| Brightness | 1300 nits | 1300 nits | Both offer excellent outdoor visibility in bright conditions. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 870 5G (7 nm) | Mediatek Dimensity 7200 Pro (4 nm) | Poco F3 has slightly better benchmark performance, while the Dimensity 7200 Pro is more power-efficient and slightly newer. |
| AnTuTu Score | 800,216 | 688,952 | Poco F3 scores higher, indicating slightly better raw performance for demanding tasks. |
| GPU | Adreno 650 | Mali-G610 MC4 | Different GPUs: Poco F3 is slightly better for gaming while Nothing Phone (2a) has a more modern design, but the real world performance is comparable. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Camera Resolution | 48MP | 50MP | Phone (2a) has slightly higher resolution; may provide marginally more detail. |
| Standard Camera Aperture | f/1.79 | f/1.88 | Poco F3 has a slightly wider aperture, potentially better low-light performance |
| Standard Camera Sensor Size | 1/2" | 1/1.56" | Phone (2a) has a larger sensor; potentially better low-light performance and image quality. |
| Standard Camera Sensor Model | Sony IMX582 Exmor RS | Samsung GN9 | Different sensors; impacting image processing and quality. |
| Standard Camera Pixel Size | 0.80 µm | 1.00 µm | Phone (2a) has larger pixels; improved light capture for better low-light performance. |
| Selfie Camera Resolution | 20MP | 32MP | Phone (2a) captures more detailed selfies. |
| Selfie Camera Aperture | f/2.45 | f/2.2 | Phone (2a) has a wider aperture, potentially better low-light performance |
| Selfie Camera Sensor Size | 1/3.4" | 1/2.74" | Phone (2a) has larger sensor, potentially better image quality and low light performance |
| Selfie Camera Sensor Model | Samsung S5K3T2 | Sony IMX615 | Different sensors impacting image processing. |
| Selfie Camera Pixel Size | 0.80 µm | 0.80 µm | Identical pixel size. |
| Wide Angle + Macro Camera | None | 50MP, f/2.2, 1/2.76" sensor, Samsung S5KJN1 | Phone (2a) offers wide-angle and macro shooting, adding versatility. |
| Video Recording | 4K@30fps with EIS, 1080p@ up to 960fps | 4K@30fps with EIS, 1080p@ up to 120fps | Both record in 4K, Poco F3 offers more slow motion options, and the Nothing Phone (2a) offers superior digital stabilization and OIS. |
| Camera Features | Triple camera, Manual Focus | Dual camera, OIS, PDAF, RAW, Night Mode | Phone (2a) has more advanced camera features like OIS and night mode, suggesting better all-around photo quality. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 4520mAh | 5000mAh | Phone (2a) has a larger battery; may provide slightly longer battery life. |
| Charging | 33W Fast Charging, Li-Polymer | 45W Fast Charging, Li-Ion | Phone (2a) charges faster. |
| Battery Features | QC3+/PD3.0 Support | No Charger in Box | Poco F3 supports quick charging protocols while Phone (2a) doesn't include a charger. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 (upgradable to 13) | Android 14 (upgradable to 17) | Phone (2a) has a newer Android version out of the box and likely longer software support. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 6 | Both support latest Wi-Fi standards. |
| Bluetooth | 5.1 | 5.3 | Phone (2a) has a newer Bluetooth version. |
| GPS | L1+L5, BeiDou (B1,B2), Galileo (E1+E5a), NavIC | L1+L5, NavIC, QZSS | Both feature dual-band GPS, but Poco F3 has a more comprehensive selection of systems (BeiDou B1 & B2, Galileo E1 & E5a). Phone (2a) includes QZSS. |
| SIM | Dual SIM Dual Standby | Dual SIM Dual Standby | Both support dual SIM functionality. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128/256 GB | 128/256 GB | Same storage options for both. |
| RAM | 6/8 GB | 8/12 GB | Phone (2a) has more RAM available, for better multitasking and heavy applications performance. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither support expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res, Stereo | Hi-Res, Stereo, 3 Microphones | Both offer Hi-Res audio and stereo speakers. Poco F3 offers Dolby Atmos for a more immersive experience, and the Phone (2a) has three microphones for better noise canceling during calls. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Side-mounted Fingerprint | Basic Fingerprint | Poco F3 has a more advanced side-mounted fingerprint sensor which can also be used for quick actions. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | Both offer same screen protection. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Ultrasonic proximity virtual | Proximity, Gravity | Both phones have common sensors, with the Poco F3 including an Ultrasonic proximity sensor and the Nothing Phone (2a) an additional gravity sensor. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Xiaomi Poco F3 Advantages:
- Slightly Higher Benchmark Performance: Snapdragon 870 offers slightly better raw performance based on AnTuTu scores.
- Wider Aperture Main Camera : Slightly wider aperture for improved light sensitivity and potential low light performance.
- More Slow Motion Video Recording Options: Offers more slow motion options with 1080p recording at up to 960fps.
- Dolby Atmos: Provides an enhanced audio experience for media consumption.
- More Comprehensive GPS System Support: Supports additional satellite systems like BeiDou B1, B2, and Galileo E1+E5a for improved location accuracy.
- Side-Mounted Fingerprint Sensor: Provides faster unlocking and may be preferred by some users.
Nothing Phone (2a) Advantages:
- Newer Chipset: The Mediatek Dimensity 7200 Pro is more power-efficient and features a more modern design.
- Superior Main Camera Sensor: Larger sensor size and pixel size for better light capture, detail, and low-light performance.
- More Versatile Camera System: Includes a wide-angle and macro lens, adding versatility.
- Optical Image Stabilization (OIS): Provides better video and still image quality, especially in low-light.
- Phase Detection Autofocus (PDAF): Faster and more accurate focusing.
- RAW Photo Capture: Offers more flexibility for post-processing of images.
- Night Mode: Dedicated night mode for significantly better low-light photos.
- Newer Android Version: Comes with Android 14 out of the box for the latest software features and longer support.
- Larger Battery: Slightly larger battery capacity, potentially better battery life.
- Faster Charging: Supports 45W fast charging for quicker recharges.
- More RAM: Up to 12GB of RAM available for better multitasking.
- Three Microphones: Improved audio capture for better calls and recordings.
Trade-offs:
- Poco F3 trades superior camera hardware and software of the Nothing Phone (2a) for a slightly better performance on benchmarks and more slow motion recording options.
- Nothing Phone (2a) trades slightly behind benchmark performance of the Poco F3 for a superior camera experience, newer Android version, better battery life, faster charging, and more RAM.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Xiaomi Poco F3 Ideal User:
- Gamers: Users who prioritize raw performance, and appreciate the slightly higher benchmark scores of the Snapdragon 870.
- Budget-Conscious Users: Users looking for a balance of performance and display features at a lower price, even if it is an older model.
- Users Who Prioritize Location Accuracy: Users who may need better location accuracy from GPS
- Users that require fast charging protocols. Users that already have chargers that support QC3/PD3.0.
Nothing Phone (2a) Ideal User:
- Photography Enthusiasts: Users who prioritize camera quality, especially low-light performance and versatility, will benefit from the enhanced features.
- Users Who Value Software Updates: Those who want the latest Android version and longer software support.
- Multitaskers: Users who benefit from the increased RAM and better multi-tasking capabilities.
- Users who require long battery life Users that value a longer battery life, paired with faster charging times.
- Users that want a more modern phone Users that value a more modern phone, and are attracted to the design of the Nothing Phone (2a).
Use Cases:
Xiaomi Poco F3:
- Playing demanding games at higher frame rates.
- Media consumption where Dolby Atmos enhancement provides a better audio experience.
- Users that need very accurate GPS location
Nothing Phone (2a):
- Taking high-quality photos and videos, especially in low-light conditions.
- Smooth multitasking between multiple applications.
- Extended use throughout the day, thanks to the larger battery and more efficient chipset.
Price-to-Value Ratio:
- The Xiaomi Poco F3, being an older model, is likely to be available at a lower price.
- The Nothing Phone (2a) comes with a modern design, better camera, updated Android, and potentially longer software support, which justifies the price premium.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
How important is raw processing power vs. camera quality?
- If raw performance and benchmark scores are your focus, the Poco F3 is marginally better.
- If you prioritize camera versatility and low-light performance, the Nothing Phone (2a) excels.
How important is the latest software and long-term software support?
- The Nothing Phone (2a) ships with the newest Android version, with extended support.
- Poco F3 ships with an older Android version and might lack further updates.
What are my main daily usage scenarios?
- If gaming is a priority, the Poco F3 is good but the Nothing Phone (2a) offers a good overall experience.
- If photography and battery life is essential, the Nothing Phone (2a) is the superior choice.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
Scenario 1: Budget Gamer: If you are on a tight budget and need a phone for gaming, the Xiaomi Poco F3 is a good option.
Scenario 2: Photography Enthusiast: If you want a capable camera system and are willing to spend a bit more, the Nothing Phone (2a) is the best pick.
Scenario 3: Daily User with Long Battery Life: If you need a reliable phone for daily use, with a strong focus on battery and software support, the Nothing Phone (2a) is the best fit.
Scenario 4: Users with Quick Charging Infrastructure: If you have a plethora of Quick Charge 3.0 or Power Delivery 3.0 chargers, then the Poco F3 will be the best fit as the Nothing Phone (2a) does not include a charger in the box.
My Choice:
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would pick the Nothing Phone (2a). While the Poco F3 is a good phone for the price, the Nothing Phone (2a) offers a better overall experience. The better camera performance is a huge draw for me, as is the larger battery life, faster charging, and more up to date software. While the benchmark scores for gaming might be slightly lower, in real world usage it will be negligible for my use case, and the better camera features, longer software updates and improved battery life are more important factors for me personally.
