1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Xiaomi Poco F3 | Nothing Phone (2a) Plus | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 163.7 × 76.4 × 7.8 mm | 161.7 × 76.3 × 8.5 mm | Poco F3 is slightly taller but thinner; Nothing (2a) is more compact but thicker. The difference in size is minor. |
| Weight | 196g | 190g | Nothing (2a) is slightly lighter, which might be noticeable during extended use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.67" | 6.7" | Negligible difference in screen size; both provide ample viewing area. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2412 | Virtually identical sharpness; no noticeable difference in clarity. |
| PPI | 395 | 395 | Identical pixel density, both displays are sharp. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both offer vibrant colors and deep blacks. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Smooth scrolling and animations on both phones. |
| Brightness | 1300 nits | 1300 nits | Identical peak brightness, excellent for outdoor visibility. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 870 (7 nm) | Mediatek Dimensity 7350 Pro (4 nm) | The Snapdragon 870 in the Poco F3 is generally a more powerful chipset. The Dimensity 7350 Pro (4 nm) is more power efficient. |
| AnTuTu Score | 800,216 | 805,721 | Very similar benchmark performance in general use. |
| GPU | Adreno 650 | Mali-G610 MC4 | Adreno 650 is generally more powerful for gaming; the Mali-G610 MC4 is no slouch either. |
| Camera | |||
| Rear (Main) | 48MP, f/1.79, 1/2", Sony IMX582 | 50MP, f/1.88, 1/1.56", Samsung GN9 | Nothing (2a) has a larger sensor and larger pixels for better light capture and detail; Poco F3 has a slightly wider aperture. |
| Rear (Wide + Macro) | None | 50MP, f/2.2, 1/2.76", Samsung S5KJN1 | Nothing (2a) offers a dedicated wide-angle/macro lens, offering more shooting versatility. Poco F3 does not. |
| Front (Selfie) | 20MP, f/2.45, 1/3.4", Samsung S5K3T2 | 50MP, f/2.2, 1/2.76", Samsung S5KJN1 | Nothing (2a) has a significantly higher resolution sensor and larger pixel size. Wider aperture on the Nothing Phone. |
| Video Recording | Up to 4K@30fps with EIS | Up to 4K@30fps with EIS | Similar high-quality video capabilities; differences in slow-motion frame rates (Poco F3 is higher) |
| Camera Features | Triple camera, Manual focus | Dual camera, OIS, PDAF | Nothing (2a) has OIS for better stabilization and PDAF for faster autofocus; Poco F3 has a triple camera setup and manual focus. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 4520 mAh | 5000 mAh | Nothing (2a) has a larger battery, potentially longer battery life. |
| Charging | 33W Fast Charging | 50W Fast Charging | Nothing (2a) charges faster, more convenient for quick top-ups. |
| Charging Features | QC3+/PD3.0 | No charger included | Poco F3 supports several fast-charging protocols and includes a charger. Nothing (2a) does not. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 (upgradable to 13) | Android 14 (upgradable to 17) | Nothing (2a) has a newer operating system, longer software support. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | WiFi 6 | WiFi 6 | Both support the same Wi-Fi standards. |
| Bluetooth | 5.1 | 5.3 | Nothing (2a) has a newer Bluetooth version, potentially more stable and efficient. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo, NavIC | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo, NavIC | Both support multiple satellite systems; slight variations in supported systems (Poco F3: L1+L5, B1, E1+E5a, B2; Nothing (2a): L1+L5, QZSS). |
| SIM | Dual SIM | Dual SIM | Both support dual SIM functionality. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128GB or 256 GB | 256GB | The Nothing Phone (2a) has only one storage option - 256 GB. The Xiaomi Poco F3 also has a 256GB option. |
| RAM | 6GB or 8GB | 12GB | Nothing (2a) has more RAM for smoother multitasking. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone supports external storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers, 3 microphones | Poco F3 has Dolby Atmos, Nothing (2a) has 3 microphones. Both have Hi-Res Audio and stereo speakers. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Basic fingerprint sensor | Poco F3 has a side-mounted sensor; Nothing (2a) has a standard sensor. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Protection | Gorilla Glass 5 | Gorilla Glass 5 | Both phones offer similar screen protection. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Ultrasonic Proximity | Fingerprint, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Proximity | Both offer standard sensor suites. Poco F3 has an Ultrasonic Proximity sensor. Nothing Phone 2a has a proximity sensor. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Xiaomi Poco F3 Advantages:
- Potentially stronger performance: Snapdragon 870 generally outperforms the Dimensity 7350 Pro for heavy tasks and gaming.
- Dolby Atmos: Enhanced audio experience with spatial audio.
- Side-mounted fingerprint scanner: Generally faster than standard sensors.
- Included Charger: Comes with a charger, saving additional purchase costs.
Nothing Phone (2a) Plus Advantages:
- Newer Software: Android 14 out of the box with longer update support.
- Significantly better cameras: Larger main sensor, dedicated ultrawide/macro, better selfie camera with OIS and PDAF resulting in better image quality and more versatile photography options.
- Larger Battery and Faster Charging: Longer battery life and quicker top-ups.
- More RAM: 12GB of RAM enables better multitasking.
- Newer Bluetooth Standard: Bluetooth 5.3 provides a more stable and efficient connection.
- More Compact: The device is slightly smaller than the Poco F3.
Trade-offs:
- Poco F3 offers potentially stronger chipset for demanding tasks, but with an older OS and less versatile camera.
- Nothing Phone (2a) has a superior camera system and software but a slightly weaker chip and a missing charger in box.
- Poco F3 offers a potentially more convenient fingerprint scanner but the Nothing Phone (2a) is not that far behind.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Xiaomi Poco F3 Ideal User:
- Gamers: Users who prioritize raw performance and gaming.
- Budget-Conscious Buyers: Users looking for a powerful device for less money.
- Users who like more saturated colours and prefer manual camera options: This device allows more in-depth control over your images.
- Those who need charging protocols: This phone supports more advanced charging protocols and comes with a charger out of the box
Use Cases:
- Playing graphic-intensive games.
- Multi-tasking between multiple apps at the same time.
- Enjoying media consumption.
Nothing Phone (2a) Plus Ideal User:
- Photography Enthusiasts: Users who prioritize camera quality and versatility.
- Users who value Software updates: Users who want the latest software and prolonged support.
- Average smartphone user: This phone is great for users who do basic day to day tasks and some photography.
- Users who value better battery life: If you are a heavy user then the battery life on this device will be beneficial.
- Users who don't mind using their own charger: This device does not come with a charger out of the box.
Use Cases:
- Taking high-quality photos and videos in various conditions.
- Longer usage times due to better battery life.
- Users who prefer the newer Android experience.
Price-to-Value Ratio:
- The Poco F3 tends to be priced more aggressively making it a great budget phone with a powerful chipset. However, it does compromise in camera quality and software updates.
- Nothing Phone (2a) offers a better overall package for general users who value camera quality and longer software support. The price might be higher as a result.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions to Consider:
- Performance Needs: Do I prioritize gaming and demanding tasks over camera and battery life?
- Camera Importance: How much do I value high-quality photos and diverse shooting modes?
- Software and Updates: Do I want the latest Android version with longer update support?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Gamer on a Budget: Choose the Xiaomi Poco F3 for its stronger gaming performance at a lower price.
- Scenario 2: Photography Enthusiast: Choose the Nothing Phone (2a) Plus for its superior camera system.
- Scenario 3: General User: Choose the Nothing Phone (2a) Plus for its better battery life, newer software, and overall balanced performance.
My Choice
Personally, I would choose the Nothing Phone (2a) Plus. While the Poco F3 has a very powerful chipset, the Nothing Phone (2a) Plus offers a more well rounded experience. The superior camera system is a significant advantage for me. I take a lot of pictures in my day-to-day life. Additionally, having a better battery life and software experience make it a better device for my needs. The included charger is a nice to have, but it doesn't justify the compromise on camera performance. The slightly weaker chip is not a concern as the phone is still very capable and smooth in everyday use. I also value long-term software support more than raw power in this case.
