Smartphone Comparison: Xiaomi Poco F3 vs. Sony Xperia 1 IV
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Xiaomi Poco F3 | Sony Xperia 1 IV | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 163.7 × 76.4 × 7.8 mm | 165 × 71 × 8.2 mm | Poco F3 is wider and thinner, might feel less comfortable in small hands; Xperia 1 IV is taller and slightly thicker, can feel more premium and less bulky |
| Weight | 196g | 185g | Xperia 1 IV is slightly lighter, noticeable during extended use, making it less fatiguing to hold |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.67" | 6.5" | Poco F3 offers a slightly larger screen for immersive media consumption, while the Xperia is more compact |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1644x3840 | Xperia 1 IV has much sharper text and images, resulting in greater visual clarity and detail, especially noticeable in VR and video content |
| PPI | 395 | 643 | Xperia 1 IV's higher pixel density means significantly sharper images, more fine details are visible |
| Technology | AMOLED | OLED | Similar quality displays, both offer excellent contrast and deep blacks. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both offer smooth scrolling and animations, making the user interface feel more responsive and gaming smoother. |
| Brightness | 1300 nits | 0 nits | Poco F3 is significantly brighter and more suitable for outdoor use in sunlight, making its screen easily readable |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 870 5G (7 nm) | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 (4 nm) | Xperia 1 IV's newer chipset offers faster performance and better energy efficiency, resulting in smoother multitasking and gaming. |
| AnTuTu Score | 800,216 | 1,076,100 | Xperia 1 IV provides noticeably faster app loading and smoother gameplay due to its higher benchmark scores |
| GPU | Adreno 650 | Adreno 730 | Xperia 1 IV provides superior graphics performance, resulting in smoother gameplay and better image processing, especially noticeable in intensive 3D games |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 4520mAh | 5000mAh | Xperia 1 IV's larger battery should provide slightly longer usage between charges, depending on usage patterns |
| Charging | 33W Fast Charging | 30W Fast Charging | Poco F3 charges slightly faster, reducing the time you need to be plugged in. |
| Features | QC3+/PD3.0 fast charging | Bypass Charging | Poco F3 supports multiple fast-charging protocols, while the Xperia 1 IV can bypass charging to reduce heat and battery degradation while gaming |
| Camera | |||
| Rear Camera (Standard) | 48MP, f/1.79, 1/2", Sony IMX582, 0.8µm | 12MP, f/1.7, Sony Exmor RS, 1.8µm | Poco F3 takes higher resolution photos (48MP), while Xperia 1 IV has a larger pixel size, which captures more light, resulting in better low-light images |
| Selfie Camera | 20MP, f/2.45, 1/3.4", Samsung S5K3T2, 0.8µm | 12MP, f/2.0, unknown sensor, unknown µm | Poco F3 offers a higher resolution selfie, while Xperia 1 IV has wider aperture, which is better in low-light conditions and can result in more natural bokeh effect |
| Telephoto Lens | N/A | 12MP, f/2.3, 1/3.5", Sony IMX650, 1.0µm | Xperia 1 IV can zoom into subjects, which provides more flexibility for photographers. |
| Wide Angle Lens | N/A | 12MP, f/2.2, Sony Exmor RS, unknown µm | Xperia 1 IV offers a wider field of view which is beneficial for capturing landscapes or group photos. |
| ToF 3D Sensor | N/A | unknown sensor, unknown µm | Xperia 1 IV has a dedicated sensor for depth information, improving portrait mode and AR experiences. |
| Video | 4K@30fps with EIS, up to 960fps slow-motion | 4K@120fps with HDR, OIS, EIS, up to 960fps slow-motion | Xperia 1 IV offers smoother and better stabilized video recording and 4k@120 fps capabilities, suitable for high-quality and slow-motion videos. |
| DxOMark | N/A | Mobile: 105, Photo: 107, Video: 92 | Xperia 1 IV has been independently tested and scored well in both photo and video quality |
| Camera Features | Triple camera, digital stabilization, Manual Focus, No OIS | Quadruple camera, OIS, Optical Zoom, RAW, Ultra stable Video | Xperia 1 IV is capable of professional-level photography, and better video due to OIS, whereas Xiaomi Poco F3 lacks OIS. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 (Upgradable to 13) | Android 12 (Upgradable to 13) | Xperia 1 IV has a slightly newer version of Android out of the box. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6, MIMO | Wi-Fi 6 | Both phones support fast Wi-Fi, Xiaomi Poco F3 has slightly better wifi with Wi-Fi MiMO. |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.1, LE, APT-x, LDAC, AAC | Bluetooth 5.2, LE, APT-x, LDAC, AAC, AVRCP and other profiles | Xperia 1 IV has a newer version of Bluetooth which offers slightly better range, speed and more audio profiles. |
| GPS | GPS (L1+L5), BeiDou, Galileo, NavIC | GPS (L1+L5), QZSS, Galileo | Poco F3 has a slightly better and more comprehensive location services. |
| SIM | Dual SIM (Nano) | Dual SIM (Nano + eSIM) | Xperia 1 IV supports eSIM, providing more flexibility for users with multiple carriers. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128GB or 256GB | 256GB or 512GB | Xperia 1 IV offers more storage capacity, suitable for users with large media libraries. |
| RAM | 6GB or 8GB | 12GB or 16GB | Xperia 1 IV has more RAM, allowing it to handle more demanding applications and multitasking smoothly. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone offers expandable storage, requiring users to choose the correct configuration at the point of purchase. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | Both devices deliver a similar high quality audio experience. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Both phones offer the same security feature for quick and secure unlocking. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | Xperia 1 IV has superior screen protection for more durability and scratch resistance. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Ultrasonic proximity | Fingerprint, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Proximity, Barometer | Xperia 1 IV has extra sensors, giving the user slightly more accurate information on their surroundings and is useful for more features, including gaming |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Xiaomi Poco F3 Advantages:
- Significantly Brighter Display: The 1300 nits brightness ensures excellent outdoor visibility, especially in bright sunlight.
- Faster Charging: 33W fast charging gets you back to full battery quicker than the 30W offered by the Sony.
- More Affordable: Generally available at a lower price point, offering strong performance for the money.
- Comprehensive Location Services: Supports multiple satellite systems, offering more accurate location tracking.
Practical Implications: The Poco F3 is better for users who spend a lot of time outdoors or need a device with fast charging. It's also better for budget-conscious buyers.
Sony Xperia 1 IV Advantages:
- Higher Resolution and Pixel Density Display: The sharp 4K display provides exceptional detail and clarity, great for visual content and media consumption.
- Superior Chipset and GPU: The Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 offers better performance for demanding tasks, including gaming and multitasking.
- More RAM: With 12GB or 16GB of RAM, multitasking and heavy applications run more smoothly.
- Advanced Camera System: Offers optical zoom, OIS, and a dedicated ToF 3D sensor, leading to more versatile and high-quality photos and videos.
- Better Video Recording: Enhanced stabilization, higher 4K framerate and HDR support for professional-level video.
- Superior Screen Protection: Corning Gorilla Glass Victus provides better scratch and impact resistance, increasing device durability.
- More Storage Options: Higher storage options of 256GB or 512GB are available for users with larger media needs.
- eSIM Support: Enables easier switching between carriers.
- Bypass Charging: Reduces battery heat and degradation during intense tasks, especially during gaming sessions.
- More Bluetooth Audio Profiles: Supports more audio profiles for better connectivity with different Bluetooth devices.
Practical Implications: The Xperia 1 IV is ideal for users who prioritize display quality, camera versatility, performance, and durability.
Significant Trade-offs:
- Xiaomi Poco F3: Lacks advanced camera features and doesn't have the same level of performance as the Sony, especially in low-light scenarios, but offers significantly better outdoor visibility.
- Sony Xperia 1 IV: Is significantly more expensive, and does not have as bright of a display.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Xiaomi Poco F3:
- Ideal User: Budget-conscious users who still want a strong performing device with a great display. Also ideal for users who frequently use their phone outdoors in direct sunlight.
- Use Cases:
- Everyday browsing and social media
- Gaming on a budget
- Streaming movies/videos
- Outdoor use
- Price-to-Value: Excellent value for money, offering a lot of performance for its price.
Sony Xperia 1 IV:
- Ideal User: Professionals, photography enthusiasts, content creators, and power users seeking a high-performance device with superior display and camera capabilities.
- Use Cases:
- Professional photography and videography
- Mobile gaming
- High-fidelity media consumption
- Heavy multitasking
- Price-to-Value: Higher price tag, but offers many advanced features.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions:
- What is your budget? If you're budget-conscious, the Xiaomi Poco F3 is the clear choice.
- Do you prioritize camera and display quality over all else? If so, the Sony Xperia 1 IV is the better option.
- Will you be primarily using the device indoors or outdoors? If you spend significant time outdoors, the Xiaomi Poco F3 may suit you better due to its higher display brightness.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Budget Gaming: Xiaomi Poco F3 offers the best gaming performance for the money.
- Professional Photography/Videography: Sony Xperia 1 IV with its advanced camera system is the clear winner.
- Outdoor Use/Bright Sunlight: Xiaomi Poco F3 is significantly brighter making it more comfortable to use.
- High Resolution Media Consumption: Sony Xperia 1 IV is ideal for users that want the best quality display for streaming media.
- Long-Lasting Use/Heavy Multitasking: Sony Xperia 1 IV offers more RAM, better performance, and a larger battery, making it more suitable for demanding use.
My Choice
If I were to choose between the Xiaomi Poco F3 and the Sony Xperia 1 IV, I would select the Sony Xperia 1 IV. While the Poco F3 presents excellent value and a brighter display, my priorities align more with the superior camera system, higher resolution screen, enhanced performance, and additional durability offered by the Xperia 1 IV. I frequently engage in photography and enjoy high-fidelity media consumption, where the Xperia 1 IV's strengths would be greatly beneficial. The significantly improved performance and larger RAM, combined with a better screen protection will be useful for me when using the phone for many hours a day. Although I will use the phone outdoors, I am willing to sacrifice the peak brightness of the Xiaomi Poco F3 for the vastly improved features of the Xperia 1 IV.
