Smartphone Comparison: Xiaomi Poco F3 vs. OnePlus Nord 2 5G
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Xiaomi Poco F3 | OnePlus Nord 2 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 163.7 x 76.4 x 7.8 mm, 196g | 159.1 x 73.3 x 8.3 mm, 189g | Poco F3 is larger and slightly heavier, Nord 2 is more compact and lighter, which impacts portability and one-handed use |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.67" | 6.43" | Poco F3 offers a larger viewing area, better for media consumption, gaming; Nord 2 is easier to handle and pocket |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2400 | Both provide the same sharpness for their respective sizes |
| PPI | 395 | 409 | Similar pixel density, both offer crisp visuals |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both have vibrant colours and deep blacks |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 90Hz | Poco F3 offers smoother scrolling and animations for a more fluid experience, particularly noticeable in gaming |
| Brightness | 1300 nits | 0 nits (Data Missing) | Poco F3 should be much better for outdoor visibility in bright sunlight. Oneplus Nord 2 Brightness is missing. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 870 5G (7 nm) | Mediatek Dimensity 1200 (6 nm) | Snapdragon 870 offers slightly higher performance in benchmarks, potentially leading to smoother multitasking and gaming |
| AnTuTu Score | 800,216 | 714,400 | Poco F3 will likely have slightly faster app launches and smoother performance in demanding applications |
| GPU | Adreno 650 | Mali-G77 MC9 | Different GPUs, Poco F3's Adreno 650 is generally considered slightly better for gaming |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 4520mAh | 4500mAh | Similar battery capacity, should provide comparable all-day usage |
| Charging | 33W Fast Charging | 65W Fast Charging | OnePlus Nord 2 5G charges much faster, allowing for quicker top-ups and less downtime |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 48MP, f/1.79, 1/2", IMX582 | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/1.56", IMX766 | OnePlus Nord 2 has a larger sensor for better light sensitivity and detail in photos |
| Selfie Camera | 20MP, f/2.45, 1/3.4", S5K3T2 | 32MP, f/2.45, 1/2.74", IMX615 | OnePlus Nord 2 has a higher resolution and a larger sensor for brighter, more detailed selfies |
| Wide Angle Lens | None | 8MP, f/2.25, 1/2.8", IMX355 | OnePlus Nord 2 offers more versatile photography options with its wide-angle camera, excellent for group shots |
| B&W Lens | None | 2MP, f/2.4, 1/5", GC02M1 | OnePlus Nord 2 has more versatile photography with this additional B&W lens |
| Video | Up to 4K@30fps, EIS | Up to 4K@30fps, EIS | Both offer similar video resolution, but OnePlus Nord 2's EIS is likely better because of the OIS support. |
| Camera Features | 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, Continuous autofocus, Phase detection autofocus (PDAF), Continuous shooting, Geotagging, Panorama, HDR, Face detection, White balance settings, ISO settings, Exposure compensation, Scene mode, Self-timer, RAW | OnePlus Nord 2 has additional OIS, Continuous autofocus, and RAW support, which leads to sharper images and more creative control |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11, Upgradable to 13 | Android 11, Upgradable to 13 | Both have the same base android and upgrade capability. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | WiFi 6 (802.11ax) | WiFi 6 (802.11ax) | Both support fast Wi-Fi standards for reliable connections |
| Bluetooth | 5.1 | 5.2 | OnePlus Nord 2 has a slightly newer version of Bluetooth |
| GPS | GPS (L1+L5), BeiDou (B1), Galileo (E1+E5a), BeiDou (B2), NavIC System | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo | Poco F3 offers more satellite systems, potentially leading to more accurate location tracking |
| SIM | Dual SIM Dual Standby | Dual SIM Dual Standby | Both offer dual sim capability. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128GB/256GB | 128GB/256GB | Both offer the same storage configurations |
| RAM | 6GB/8GB | 6GB/8GB/12GB | OnePlus Nord 2 5G offers a higher RAM option (12GB) for heavy multitasking and gaming |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone allows for microSD card expansion. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | Noise cancellation microphone, Stereo Speakers | Poco F3 offers better overall audio quality, but the Oneplus Nord 2 has a dedicated noise cancellation microphone |
| Security | |||
| Features | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | basic fingerprint sensor | Poco F3 provides a more convenient side-mounted fingerprint sensor |
| Build | |||
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | Both offer the same scratch resistance |
| Sensors | Biometric: Fingerprint; Motion: Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope; Proximity: Ultrasonic proximity virtual | Biometric: Fingerprint; Proximity: Proximity; Motion: Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Poco F3 has the benefit of an Ultrasonic proximity sensor |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Xiaomi Poco F3 Advantages:
- Larger Display & 120Hz Refresh Rate: Offers a more immersive viewing experience and smoother visuals, great for multimedia and gaming.
- Slightly Better Performance: Snapdragon 870 provides slightly higher benchmark scores and smoother overall performance for demanding tasks.
- Enhanced Audio Quality: Dolby Atmos and Hi-Res Audio provide a superior audio experience with more detailed separation and clarity.
- Better GPS: More satellite system support leads to better accuracy in location tracking.
- Advanced proximity sensor: Ultrasonic proximity sensor is generally more accurate compared to standard proximity sensor.
OnePlus Nord 2 5G Advantages:
- More Compact & Lighter: Easier to handle, carry, and use with one hand, better portability.
- Faster Charging: 65W charging significantly reduces charging time, making it more convenient.
- Superior Camera System: Larger main camera sensor, dedicated wide-angle lens, better selfie camera, and OIS provide more versatile and higher quality photography.
- Higher RAM Option: 12GB RAM option allows for heavy multitasking and a better gaming experience.
- Better Microphone: Noise cancellation microphone, which leads to better call and audio recording quality.
Trade-offs:
- Poco F3: sacrifices camera versatility and charging speed for display, performance, and slightly better audio quality.
- OnePlus Nord 2 5G: loses slightly on display smoothness, overall performance, and some audio quality, but gains in camera quality, charging speed and portability.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Xiaomi Poco F3 is ideal for:
- Gamers: Benefit from the 120Hz display, powerful processor, and better GPU.
- Multimedia Consumers: Enjoy the larger screen and enhanced audio for movies and video streaming.
- Performance Users: Need a fast and responsive phone for daily use and heavy multitasking, and value speed.
- Users who need accurate location tracking: Better GPS due to more satellite system support.
- Budget-conscious buyers: Often priced more aggressively, excellent performance and display at lower price.
OnePlus Nord 2 5G is ideal for:
- Photography Enthusiasts: Appreciate the versatile camera system, with optical image stabilization and wide angle lens.
- Users who value portability: Compact and lightweight design makes it ideal for users who prefer a smaller form factor.
- Fast Charging Fanatics: Benefit from the 65W fast charging, minimizing downtime.
- Users who prioritize good microphone quality: Noise cancellation microphone is better for call and audio quality.
- Multitaskers: Benefit from the 12GB RAM for heavy multitasking.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions to Ask:
- How important is the display quality and smoothness? (120Hz vs 90Hz)
- What is your primary use case for the camera? (Versatility vs general quality)
- How much do you value fast charging? (33W vs 65W)
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- If you prioritize gaming and media consumption and care about location accuracy: The Xiaomi Poco F3 is a better choice.
- If you prioritize camera versatility, faster charging, and a more compact design: The OnePlus Nord 2 5G is more suitable.
- If you prioritize a higher refresh rate and overall performance the Xiaomi Poco F3 is recommended
- If you value battery charging speed the OnePlus Nord 2 5G is recommended
My Choice
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would lean towards the OnePlus Nord 2 5G. Although the Poco F3 offers a slightly better display with a higher refresh rate and a little more raw processing power, the OnePlus Nord 2 5G wins in areas that are more important for my daily use. The faster charging is a significant advantage for my on-the-go lifestyle. The camera system on the Nord 2 is more versatile with its wide-angle lens and optical stabilization, and the noise cancellation microphone makes this a good all around package. While the slightly lower refresh rate and benchmark scores are a trade off, the overall user experience and features of the Nord 2 5G would be more beneficial for me personally.
