Smartphone Comparison: Xiaomi Poco F3 vs. Xiaomi Mi 11 Lite 5G
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Xiaomi Poco F3 | Xiaomi Mi 11 Lite 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 163.7 × 76.4 × 7.8 mm | 160.5 × 75.7 × 6.8 mm | Poco F3 is slightly larger and thicker, potentially less comfortable in small hands. Mi 11 Lite 5G is more compact and pocketable. |
| Weight | 196g | 159g | Mi 11 Lite 5G is significantly lighter, better for extended use and portability. Poco F3 will feel more substantial in the hand. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.67" | 6.55" | Poco F3 offers a slightly larger screen, better for media consumption and gaming. Mi 11 Lite 5G is slightly more compact for one-handed use. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2400 | Both offer the same sharpness; pixel density is very similar |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Identical display technology offering vibrant colors and deep blacks. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 90Hz | Poco F3 provides smoother scrolling and animations, a noticeable difference in gaming and UI navigation. |
| Brightness | 1300 nits | 0 nits | Poco F3 has significantly higher peak brightness making it much better for outdoor visibility in bright sunlight. Note: The Mi 11 Lite 5G brightness is a missing specification |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 870 5G (7 nm) | Snapdragon 780G (5 nm) | Poco F3 has a more powerful processor, resulting in faster app loading and smoother gaming. Mi 11 Lite 5G is still performant for most daily tasks, but will struggle more with heavy use. |
| AnTuTu Score | 800,216 | 567,671 | Poco F3 has a significantly higher benchmark score, indicating noticeably faster overall performance. |
| GPU | Adreno 650 | Adreno 642 | Poco F3 has a more powerful GPU, better for graphics-intensive tasks like gaming. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 48MP, f/1.79, 1/2", Sony IMX582 | 64MP, f/1.79, 1/1.97", Samsung GW3 | Mi 11 Lite 5G has higher resolution, a slightly larger sensor resulting in better image detail and low-light performance. |
| Selfie Camera | 20MP, f/2.45, 1/3.4" | 20MP, f/2.24 | Mi 11 Lite 5G has a slightly wider aperture for better low-light selfies. |
| Wide Angle Lens | Not Available | 8MP, f/2.2 | Mi 11 Lite 5G provides a wider field of view, useful for group shots and landscapes. |
| Macro Lens | Not Available | 5MP, f/2.4 | Mi 11 Lite 5G can capture detailed close-up shots. |
| Video Recording | Up to 4K@30fps with EIS | Up to 4K@30fps with EIS | Both offer similar high quality video recording and stabilization capabilities |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 4520mAh | 4250mAh | Poco F3 has a slightly larger battery, potentially providing slightly longer battery life. |
| Charging | 33W Fast Charging | 33W Fast Charging | Both support the same fast charging speed. |
| Battery Features | QC3 + / PD3.0 fast charging protocol | Non-removable | Poco F3 offers additional fast charging protocol support. |
| Other | |||
| OS | Android 11, Max version 13 | Android 11, Max version 13 | Both will receive same OS upgrade to Android 13. |
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 6 | Both have similar WiFi standards |
| Bluetooth | 5.1 | 5.2 | Mi 11 Lite 5G has a slightly newer Bluetooth version. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo, GPS (L1+L5), BeiDou (B1), Galileo (E1+E5a), BeiDou (B2), NavIC System | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, GPS (L1+L5), Galileo (E1+E5a) | Poco F3 has more extensive GPS support for potentially more accurate location tracking. |
| Storage | 128/256 GB | 128/256 GB | Both offer the same storage options. |
| RAM | 6/8 GB | 6/8 GB | Both phones offer similar RAM configurations. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone supports expandable storage. |
| Audio | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | Poco F3 has slightly better audio features with Dolby Atmos |
| Build Quality Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | Corning Gorilla Glass 6 | Mi 11 Lite 5G has a slight edge with Corning Gorilla Glass 6, offering better protection against scratches and minor impacts. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Xiaomi Poco F3 Advantages:
- Significantly Higher Performance: Snapdragon 870 chipset and Adreno 650 GPU offer a substantial performance advantage, leading to smoother gameplay, faster app loading, and better overall responsiveness.
- Brighter Display: 1300 nits peak brightness makes the Poco F3 display significantly more viewable in bright sunlight.
- Higher Refresh Rate: 120Hz refresh rate offers smoother animations and a more fluid user experience.
- Better Audio: Dolby Atmos provides an enhanced audio experience.
- More Extensive GPS Support: Wider range of satellite systems improves location accuracy.
- Larger Battery: Slightly larger battery offers potentially better battery life.
Practical Implications: The Poco F3 is the clear choice for power users and gamers, offering performance benefits for demanding tasks. The brighter screen is also much better for outdoor usage.
Xiaomi Mi 11 Lite 5G Advantages:
- Lighter and More Compact: Much lighter and thinner, making it more comfortable for extended use and portability.
- Better Main Camera: Higher resolution sensor (64MP) and larger sensor resulting in better photo detail.
- Wider Aperture Selfie Camera: Slightly wider aperture for better low light selfies.
- Wide Angle and Macro Cameras: Offers more versatile shooting options with wide-angle and macro lens.
- Newer Bluetooth: Bluetooth 5.2 allows for more efficient and stable connections.
- Better Build Quality Protection: Gorilla Glass 6 offers slightly better protection against scratches and minor impacts compared to Gorilla Glass 5 on Poco F3.
Practical Implications: The Mi 11 Lite 5G excels in portability and camera versatility. It is designed for users who prioritize a lightweight device and enhanced camera features, whilst also providing a decent performance experience for day-to-day tasks.
Trade-offs:
- Poco F3: Sacrifices some portability and camera versatility for raw power and better outdoor visibility.
- Mi 11 Lite 5G: Trades some performance for a more portable and versatile camera system.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Xiaomi Poco F3 Ideal Users:
- Gamers: Demanding gamers who need top-tier performance and smooth refresh rate.
- Power Users: Users who frequently multitask, run demanding apps, and need maximum processing power.
- Outdoor Users: Users who need a screen that can be viewed clearly in bright sunlight.
- Media Consumers: Users who value vibrant visuals and enhanced audio quality.
- Tech Enthusiasts: Users who prioritize high performance and advanced features.
Specific Use Cases:
- Playing demanding mobile games at high frame rates.
- Editing videos or photos on the go.
- Consuming HDR content in bright outdoor conditions.
- Using the phone for GPS navigation in areas with challenging signals.
- Heavy multitasking with various apps open simultaneously.
Xiaomi Mi 11 Lite 5G Ideal Users:
- Everyday Users: Users who prioritize a lightweight, stylish device for daily tasks.
- Photography Enthusiasts: Users who value versatile camera options with wide-angle and macro lenses.
- Users with Smaller Hands: Those who find large phones uncomfortable, prefer pocketable devices, and prefer lighter devices.
- Social Media Users: Those who enjoy taking and sharing photos and videos frequently.
Specific Use Cases:
- Taking casual photos and videos of friends, family and landscapes.
- Using the wide-angle lens for group shots.
- Taking macro shots of small objects.
- Carrying the phone comfortably in a pocket or bag all day.
- Making video calls or recording content in well-lit conditions.
Price-to-Value: The Poco F3 typically offers a higher price-to-performance ratio compared to Mi 11 Lite 5G and is generally a better value for users needing top-tier performance. The Mi 11 Lite 5G has a price advantage but makes compromises in areas that some users might value.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- Do you prioritize gaming and performance, or a compact and lightweight design?
- Do you take a lot of photos, and if so, do you value versatility with wide-angle and macro lenses?
- Do you frequently use your phone in bright sunlight?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Mobile Gaming Enthusiast: Choose the Xiaomi Poco F3. Its superior performance, smoother display, and advanced audio will enhance your gaming experience.
- Scenario 2: Casual User Focusing on Portability and Everyday Photography: Choose the Xiaomi Mi 11 Lite 5G. It offers a lightweight design, versatile camera, and comfortable handling for daily use.
- Scenario 3: User who values a balance of Performance and Camera: This one is tricky, it depends on what you prioritise more. If you need better overall performance, the Xiaomi Poco F3 will be a better choice and the camera will be adequate. However, if you want a more versatile camera setup and a decent day-to-day performance, the Xiaomi Mi 11 Lite 5G may be better suited for you.
- Scenario 4: Heavy Outdoor User: Choose the Xiaomi Poco F3. It has superior outdoor visibility with its higher brightness screen.
My Choice
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would choose the Xiaomi Poco F3. While the Mi 11 Lite 5G has a more portable design, better main camera and additional versatile camera options, my priority would be the raw performance and better outdoor visibility offered by the Poco F3. The significantly superior performance will result in a much more fluid experience and the brighter screen will allow the device to be more usable in a wider variety of scenarios, while the camera is adequate for day-to-day usage and general photos.
