1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Xiaomi Poco F3 | OnePlus 9RT 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 163.7 × 76.4 × 7.8 mm | 162.2 × 74.6 × 8.3 mm | Poco F3 is slightly taller and wider, while the 9RT is a bit thicker; minor differences, likely not noticeable for most users. |
| Weight | 196g | 198.5g | Virtually identical weight, no practical difference. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.67" | 6.62" | Both displays are almost identical in size; negligible difference. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2400 | Identical resolution, expect similar sharpness. |
| PPI | 395 | 397 | Practically identical pixel density, negligible difference in visual sharpness. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both offer vibrant colors and deep blacks. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both offer smooth scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 1300 nits | 0 nits (Data Missing) | Poco F3 likely significantly better for outdoor visibility in bright sunlight (OnePlus 9RT 5G data missing), if the value is not zero. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 870 (7 nm) | Snapdragon 888 (5 nm) | 9RT offers slightly better performance due to a newer processor with a smaller manufacturing process. |
| Antutu Score | 800,216 | 881,700 | 9RT is around 10% faster in benchmarks, translating to slightly smoother performance in demanding tasks and games. |
| GPU | Adreno 650 | Adreno 660 | 9RT has a more powerful GPU for better graphics performance in games. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 4520mAh | 4500mAh | Similar battery capacity, both should offer comparable battery life. |
| Charging | 33W fast charging | 65W fast charging | OnePlus 9RT will charge much faster, reducing waiting time for a full charge. |
| Features | Supports QC3 + / PD3.0 fast charging protocol | 2*2250mAh double battery cells | Both share the same non-removable battery but different battery tech. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Camera | 48MP, f/1.79, 1/2" | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/1.56" | 9RT has larger sensor and larger pixel size, likely resulting in better low-light performance. 9RT has more resolution, and slightly less bright aperture |
| Selfie Camera | 20MP, f/2.45, 1/3.4" | 16MP, f/2.4, 1/3.13" | Poco F3 has higher resolution while the 9RT has a larger sensor, both with similar aperture size. |
| Wide Angle Lens | Not available | 16MP, f/2.2, 1/3.09" | 9RT offers a wider field of view, allowing for more creative photography. |
| Macro Lens | Not available | 2MP, f/2.4 | 9RT has a dedicated macro lens for close-up shots. |
| Video | Up to 4K@30fps with EIS, No Stabilization | Up to 4K@60fps with HDR and EIS | 9RT provides better video recording features (HDR), up to 60 fps and better stabilization. |
| Features | 4K Video, Digital zoom, Triple camera, Digital image stabilization, Autofocus, Touch focus, Manual focus, Continuous shooting, Geotagging, Panorama, HDR, Face detection, White balance settings, ISO settings, Exposure compensation, Scene mode, Self-timer | 4K Video, Digital zoom, Triple camera, Digital image stabilization, Optical Stabilization (OIS), Autofocus, Touch focus, Manual focus, Phase detection autofocus (PDAF), Continuous shooting, Geotagging, Panorama, HDR, Face detection, White balance settings, ISO settings, Exposure compensation, Scene mode, Self-timer, RAW, Night Mode | 9RT has OIS and PDAF for better photography. 9RT supports RAW and Night Mode for better picture taking. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11, Max 13 | Android 11, Max 13 | Both phones have an old OS, but will be updatable to Android 13. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 6 | Both phones support modern Wi-Fi standards for fast and reliable internet connections. |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.1 | Bluetooth 5.2 | 9RT has a newer Bluetooth version, possibly offering improved power efficiency and connection stability. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo, GPS (L1+L5), BeiDou (B1), Galileo (E1+E5a), BeiDou (B2), NavIC System | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo, GPS (L1+L5), BeiDou (B1), Galileo (E1+E5a) | Poco F3 offers more advanced satellite systems for more accurate location tracking. |
| SIM | Dual SIM | Dual SIM | Both support two SIM cards. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128 GB or 256 GB | 128 GB or 256 GB | Both phones have identical storage options. |
| RAM | 6 GB or 8 GB | 8 GB or 12 GB | 9RT has more RAM, enabling smoother multitasking and handling of resource-intensive applications. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone supports expandable storage, so choose the right internal storage capacity. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | Dolby Atmos, Noise cancellation microphone, Stereo Speakers | Both phones have great audio capabilities, Poco F3 offers Hi-Res audio whereas 9RT provides noise cancellation microphone. |
| Security | |||
| Features | side-mounted fingerprint sensor | basic fingerprint sensor | Poco F3 has a more advanced side-mounted fingerprint sensor, likely faster and more convenient. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | Screen protection data missing | Poco F3 has confirmed screen protection (9RT data is missing). |
| Sensors | Biometric: Fingerprint; Motion: Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope; Proximity: Ultrasonic proximity virtual | Biometric: Fingerprint; Proximity: Proximity; Motion: Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Both have standard sensors, but Poco F3 includes a virtual proximity sensor, while the 9RT has a normal proximity sensor. |
| ## 2. Key Differences Analysis |
Xiaomi Poco F3 Advantages:
- Brighter Display: The Poco F3 has a significantly higher brightness (1300 nits vs. missing data), which provides superior visibility in bright outdoor conditions, making it better for use under direct sunlight.
- Advanced GPS: Supports more satellite systems for better location tracking
- Side-Mounted Fingerprint Sensor: More advanced and potentially faster than a basic fingerprint sensor.
- Hi-Res Audio: Offers Hi-Res audio for an enhanced audio experience.
- Screen Protection: Utilizes Corning Gorilla Glass 5 for superior screen protection against scratches and impacts.
- Ultrasonic Proximity Sensor: Advanced virtual proximity sensor.
OnePlus 9RT 5G Advantages:
- Better Performance: Snapdragon 888 provides slightly better performance, translating to snappier responsiveness and better gaming performance.
- Faster Charging: 65W charging provides much faster charging times, enabling less time plugged in and more time using your phone.
- Superior Camera: Larger main camera sensor, additional wide-angle and macro lens, and better video capabilities and additional features like OIS and PDAF make for a more versatile camera system.
- More RAM: Option for 12 GB of RAM allows for smoother multitasking and better performance with demanding applications.
- Noise Cancellation Microphone: Better for phone calls and voice recordings.
- Newer Bluetooth: Supports the latest Bluetooth standard for better connection and audio experience.
Trade-offs:
- Poco F3: sacrifices camera quality and processor performance for a brighter display, more accurate GPS, a side-mounted fingerprint sensor, and a virtual proximity sensor.
- OnePlus 9RT 5G: Prioritizes performance, camera versatility, and faster charging at the expense of display brightness and GPS accuracy, also having an older style sensor.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Xiaomi Poco F3 Ideal Users:
- Outdoor Users: Those who frequently use their phone in bright sunlight and value display visibility above all.
- Navigation Enthusiasts: Users who require precise GPS tracking for outdoor activities like hiking, running, or driving.
- Audiophiles: Users who appreciate Hi-Res audio for a richer listening experience.
- Cost-Conscious Gamers: Gamers who need good performance at a reasonable price.
- Users seeking advanced proximity and fingerprint sensor tech: Users who want the latest tech for sensors.
OnePlus 9RT 5G Ideal Users:
- Photography Enthusiasts: Those who prioritize versatile camera systems with advanced features for high-quality photos and videos.
- Power Users: Users who frequently multitask, play demanding games, and need a high level of overall performance.
- Busy Individuals: Those who require fast charging to quickly top up their battery during short breaks.
- Multimedia Consumers: Those who value a great sound experience with noise cancellation, especially for calls and video playback.
- Users seeking a more versatile device: Users who want more features overall.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- How often do you use your phone in bright sunlight? If frequently, the Poco F3's brighter display is a big advantage.
- How important is camera quality and versatility? If photography is a priority, the OnePlus 9RT is a superior choice.
- How important is fast charging and performance? If you need quick charging and the highest performance, the 9RT is the better option.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Casual User If your usage is mainly browsing, social media, and occasional photos, and you value price, the Poco F3 is the better option.
- Scenario 2: Photography Focus If you enjoy taking photos and videos often, the OnePlus 9RT is better due to its better camera setup.
- Scenario 3: Power User If you want the most powerful phone, the OnePlus 9RT has the better CPU and additional RAM, and faster charging.
- Scenario 4: Outdoor User: If you frequently use your phone in sunny places, the Poco F3 offers a brighter screen.
My Choice
If I had to choose between these two phones, I would choose the OnePlus 9RT 5G.
Here's why:
- Performance: While the Poco F3 has a good processor, the Snapdragon 888 in the OnePlus 9RT is a noticeable step up, which makes a difference in gaming and heavy app usage.
- Camera: The 9RT's camera system is significantly more versatile and capable with a larger sensor, OIS, PDAF, wide angle and macro lenses for photography and HDR 4K video recording.
- Fast Charging: The significantly faster charging speed is a real benefit, especially if you're on the go frequently.
- More RAM: The 12GB RAM provides smoother and more reliable multitasking, and is better for heavy usage.
Although the Poco F3 has a brighter screen and more advanced GPS, and superior screen protection, the overall package of the OnePlus 9RT, especially its superior performance, camera, and fast charging capabilities, makes it the better option for my needs as a power user. The lack of information about the screen protection of the 9RT is a concern, but as a user who also uses a screen protector, it would be mitigated.
