Smartphone Comparison: Xiaomi Poco F3 vs. vivo X100 Pro
1. Specifications Comparison
Design
| Feature | Xiaomi Poco F3 | vivo X100 Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Dimensions | 163.7 × 76.4 × 7.8 mm | 164.1 × 75.3 × 8.9 mm | Poco F3 is slightly wider and thinner; X100 Pro is a bit taller and thicker. X100 Pro will feel more substantial in the hand, Poco F3 will feel slightly more compact. |
| Weight | 196g | 221g | Poco F3 is significantly lighter, making it more comfortable for prolonged use. X100 Pro might feel heavier, especially during extended holding |
| Build Material | Not specified | Not specified | Missing specification, cannot assess real world impact |
Display
| Feature | Xiaomi Poco F3 | vivo X100 Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Size | 6.67" | 6.78" | vivo X100 Pro has a slightly larger screen, offering a more immersive experience for media consumption. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1260x2800 | vivo X100 Pro provides a noticeably sharper and more detailed display. |
| Pixel Density | 395 PPI | 452 PPI | vivo X100 Pro offers much clearer text and images, making it better for reading and viewing detailed content. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both provide vibrant colors and deep blacks typical of AMOLED displays. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both offer smooth scrolling and animations, ideal for gaming and fast-paced content. |
| Brightness | 1300 nits | 3000 nits | vivo X100 Pro is significantly brighter, ensuring excellent visibility even under direct sunlight. |
Performance
| Feature | Xiaomi Poco F3 | vivo X100 Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 870 (7nm) | Mediatek Dimensity 9300 (4nm) | vivo X100 Pro's newer and more powerful chipset offers faster processing, smoother multitasking, and improved gaming performance. |
| AnTuTu Score | 800,216 | 1,881,325 | vivo X100 Pro shows much better overall performance, suitable for demanding tasks and high-end gaming. |
| GPU | Adreno 650 | Immortalis-G720 MC12 | vivo X100 Pro’s GPU is significantly more powerful, leading to better graphics performance, especially in gaming. |
Camera
| Feature | Xiaomi Poco F3 | vivo X100 Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Main Camera | 48MP, f/1.79, 1/2", Sony IMX582 | 50MP, f/1.75, 1", Sony IMX989 | vivo X100 Pro offers better image quality, especially in low light, due to its larger sensor and wider aperture. |
| Selfie Camera | 20MP, f/2.45, 1/3.4", Samsung S5K3T2 | 32MP, f/2.0, 1/2.8", Samsung S5KGD2 | vivo X100 Pro produces sharper and brighter selfies with better low-light performance due to the larger sensor and wider aperture. |
| Wide Angle Lens | Not Available | 50MP, f/2.0, 1/2.76", Samsung S5KJN1 | vivo X100 Pro offers versatile wide-angle shots, capturing more of a scene. |
| Telephoto + Macro Lens | Not Available | 50MP, f/2.5, 1/2", Omnivision OV64B | vivo X100 Pro has a dedicated telephoto and macro lens for zoomed and close-up photography. |
| Video Recording | 4K@30fps (EIS) | 8K@30fps, 4K@60fps (EIS) | vivo X100 Pro captures higher-resolution video and more options for frame rates, suitable for professional video recording. |
| DXOMark Score | Not Available | Mobile: 150, Photo: 149, Video: 145 | vivo X100 Pro has a significantly higher camera score, indicating better overall performance. |
| Features | Basic Set | Advanced Set (OIS, Gimbal, RAW, Night Mode) | vivo X100 Pro includes more advanced features that provide better image stabilization and more options for advanced photography. |
Battery
| Feature | Xiaomi Poco F3 | vivo X100 Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Capacity | 4520 mAh | 5400 mAh | vivo X100 Pro is expected to offer longer battery life, requiring less frequent charging. |
| Charging | 33W Fast Charging | 100W Fast Charging | vivo X100 Pro charges much faster, reducing downtime. |
| Features | QC3+/PD3.0 | 50W Wireless, Reverse Charging | vivo X100 Pro offers more versatility, including wireless charging and the ability to charge other devices wirelessly. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Xiaomi Poco F3 Advantages:
- Lighter and More Compact: Weighing 196g, it's significantly lighter and more comfortable for extended use, especially for those with smaller hands or those who prioritize portability.
- Side-mounted Fingerprint Sensor: Typically considered a more ergonomic and quicker unlocking method
- Screen Protection: Offers Corning Gorilla Glass 5 for better screen protection.
vivo X100 Pro Advantages:
- Superior Display: Larger, higher resolution, much brighter screen for better visibility, and improved viewing quality, especially outdoors
- Significantly Better Performance: Cutting-edge chipset and GPU deliver much faster app loading, multitasking, and high-end gaming performance.
- Advanced Camera System: Superior main sensor, dedicated telephoto lens, 8K video recording, and advanced stabilization features, leading to significantly better photo and video quality, and greater versatility.
- Larger Battery & Faster Charging: Longer battery life and significantly faster charging to minimize downtime.
- Advanced Features: Wireless charging, reverse charging, eSIM support, and the latest Wi-Fi and Bluetooth standards enhance connectivity and convenience.
- Better Software: Ships with a much newer version of Android, guaranteeing a better software experience
Significant Trade-offs:
- Weight vs. Features: The Poco F3 sacrifices camera capabilities, performance, and battery to achieve a lighter and more affordable design, while the X100 Pro makes no compromises on its features but ends up being heavier and bulkier
- Camera vs. Portability: The Vivo X100 pro offers a significantly better camera experience but at the cost of being a bulkier and heavier phone than the Xiaomi Poco F3.
- Price: The Vivo X100 Pro will likely be significantly more expensive than the Xiaomi Poco F3, as it is a high-end device.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Xiaomi Poco F3 Ideal User:
- Budget-conscious users seeking great value for money, prioritizing a balance of performance and price
- Users who prefer lighter, more compact devices for comfortable one-handed use.
- Users with casual photography needs who do not need the best in the market
- Users who have less demanding performance needs such as social media, browsing, and light gaming
Use Cases:
- Everyday phone for calls, texts, social media, and browsing
- Light gaming and media consumption
- Users who need an affordable device with a capable display
vivo X100 Pro Ideal User:
- Demanding users who require high-end performance for gaming, productivity, or content creation
- Photography and Videography enthusiasts who want the best possible camera capabilities
- Users who prioritize cutting-edge features such as the newest Wireless Charging, advanced camera features
- Users who are fine with a heavier and bulkier device for a more feature rich and powerful smartphone
- Users willing to pay a premium for top-tier smartphone experience
Use Cases:
- High-performance mobile gaming and content creation
- Professional-quality photography and video recording
- Users who need a flagship-level device with the latest technology
- Power users who multitask extensively
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions to Consider:
- What is my primary use case for the phone? (e.g., casual use, gaming, photography)
- How important are size and weight? (Do I prioritize a lightweight, compact device, or am I okay with a heavier, larger one?)
- How much am I willing to spend? (Is budget a significant constraint, or am I willing to pay a premium for top features?)
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Budget-Conscious User: If you prioritize value and a lighter device, the Xiaomi Poco F3 is the better choice.
- Performance and Camera Enthusiast: If you want the best possible performance, camera, and advanced features, and are willing to pay more, the vivo X100 Pro is the clear winner.
- Balanced User: If you want a capable all-around phone, the Xiaomi Poco F3 is a better pick for its balance of features and price, however the X100 pro offers a far better experience.
My Choice
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would opt for the vivo X100 Pro. While the Poco F3's lighter weight is appealing, the advantages of the X100 Pro are far more significant for my preferences. The substantially superior display with higher brightness, the much more powerful chipset, advanced camera system with a telephoto lens, and the added benefits of faster charging, wireless charging and the latest connectivity options of the vivo X100 Pro would outweigh the slight weight disadvantage. I prioritize camera performance and smooth operation above all else, and for these the vivo is the better option. I'm also comfortable paying a premium for a top tier device, and the significantly higher AnTuTu benchmark scores alongside the better software update guarantees would mean the vivo would remain relevant and a capable device for longer than the Poco F3 would.
