Smartphone Comparison: Xiaomi Poco F3 vs. Xiaomi Poco M4 5G
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Xiaomi Poco F3 | Xiaomi Poco M4 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 163.7 × 76.4 × 7.8 mm | 164 × 76.1 × 8.9 mm | Poco M4 5G is slightly thicker (1.1mm) and has larger volume, may feel bulkier in hand. |
| Weight | 196g | 200g | Both phones are similar in weight, minor difference. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.67" | 6.58" | Negligible difference in size, both provide a large viewing experience. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2408 | Near identical sharpness, display clarity is similar. |
| PPI | 395 | 401 | Both offer very similar pixel density, with no real noticeable difference in sharpness. |
| Technology | AMOLED | IPS LCD | AMOLED offers deeper blacks, higher contrast, more vibrant colors, and better power efficiency for dark themes; IPS LCD is typically cheaper but has lower contrast. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 90Hz | 120Hz offers smoother animations and scrolling, especially noticeable in gaming and fast-paced apps. |
| Brightness | 1300 nits | 0 nits | Poco F3 is significantly brighter, much easier to view outdoors under bright sunlight, while the M4 5G brightness is not specified. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 870 5G (7 nm) | Mediatek Dimensity 700 (7 nm) | Snapdragon 870 is a much more powerful chip; Expect superior app loading, multitasking, and gaming performance on the Poco F3. |
| AnTuTu Score | 800,216 | 381,300 | Poco F3 has significantly higher performance; Expect a smoother experience overall, and better for more demanding tasks like gaming. |
| GPU | Adreno 650 | Mali-G57 MC2 | Adreno 650 is superior for gaming; expect higher framerates and smoother graphics on the Poco F3. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera Resolution | 48MP | 13MP | Poco F3 captures more detail and offers potentially better image quality, especially in good light. |
| Main Camera Aperture | f/1.79 | f/2.2 | Wider aperture on Poco F3 lets in more light, improving low-light performance. |
| Selfie Camera Resolution | 20MP | 5MP | Poco F3 captures significantly more detail in selfies, better for high quality selfies and video calls. |
| Selfie Camera Aperture | f/2.45 | f/2.2 | Wider aperture on Poco M4 5G will help with low light selfies. |
| Portrait Mode | No | 2MP Depth Sensor | Poco M4 5G has dedicated depth sensor for better portrait mode performance |
| Video Recording | Up to 4K@30fps with EIS | 1080p@30fps | Poco F3 offers higher quality video recording and has more frame rate options. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 4520mAh | 5000mAh | Poco M4 5G has slightly larger battery, but real-world battery life depends on usage and other factors. |
| Charging | 33W Fast Charging | 18W Fast Charging | Poco F3 charges much faster; less time spent plugged in. |
| Battery Features | QC3+/PD3.0, Non-Removable | Reverse Charging, Non-Removable | Poco F3 supports faster charging protocol, Poco M4 5G can be used to charge other devices. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 (upgradable to 13) | Android 12 | Poco M4 5G has a newer out-of-the-box Android version, but both should receive updates |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | WiFi 6 | WiFi 5 | Poco F3 offers faster WiFi speeds and better performance on compatible networks. |
| Bluetooth | 5.1 with APT-x, LDAC, SBC, AAC | 5.1 with EDR, HID | Poco F3 supports high-quality Bluetooth audio codecs, while M4 5G supports EDR. |
| GPS | More systems including L1+L5, NavIC | Basic GPS | Poco F3 offers more precise location accuracy. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 128GB/256GB | 64GB/128GB | Poco F3 has a higher storage option. |
| RAM | 6GB/8GB | 4GB/6GB | Poco F3 has more RAM available, can handle more demanding apps. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone has expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | Basic audio | Poco F3 has superior audio quality with stereo speakers and advanced codecs. |
| Security | |||
| Security | Side-mounted fingerprint | Side-mounted fingerprint | Similar biometric security. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | Poco F3 has better screen protection against scratches and impacts. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Ultrasonic proximity virtual | Proximity | Poco F3 offers a more advanced proximity sensor. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Xiaomi Poco F3 Advantages:
- Significantly Superior Performance: The Snapdragon 870 chipset offers a much faster, smoother experience for gaming, multitasking, and resource-intensive applications.
- Better Display: The AMOLED panel with a 120Hz refresh rate provides a more vibrant, smoother, and more enjoyable viewing experience. Much brighter screen for outdoor use.
- Higher Quality Cameras: Higher resolution main and selfie cameras result in better image quality, especially in good lighting conditions.
- Faster Charging: 33W fast charging significantly reduces charging times.
- Superior Audio: Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, and stereo speakers offer a much more immersive audio experience.
- Better Connectivity: WiFi 6 and more advanced GPS offer superior connectivity and location accuracy.
- More RAM and Storage Options: Up to 8GB of RAM and 256GB of storage provide more flexibility for power users.
- Better Build Quality: Gorilla Glass 5 offers better scratch protection than the Gorilla Glass 3.
Xiaomi Poco M4 5G Advantages:
- Slightly Larger Battery: The 5000mAh battery offers a slightly larger capacity, potentially leading to marginally better battery life (depending on usage).
- Reverse Charging: Can be used to charge other devices.
- Portrait Mode: Dedicated depth sensor for better portrait mode performance.
- Newer Software Out of the Box: Ships with Android 12, potentially meaning longer software support.
- Wider Aperture on Selfie Camera: Better low-light selfies.
Trade-offs:
- Poco F3: Slightly smaller battery compared to M4 5G, missing depth camera for portraits, older Android version out of the box
- Poco M4 5G: Significantly weaker performance, lower quality display, less capable cameras, and slower charging.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Xiaomi Poco F3 is ideal for:
- Gamers: Demanding mobile games benefit greatly from the high-performance chipset and superior GPU.
- Multimedia Consumers: The AMOLED display and enhanced audio are ideal for watching videos and listening to music.
- Power Users: Those who need fast performance for multitasking, demanding apps, and general usage.
- Photography Enthusiasts: Captures higher quality images and offers more control for photography enthusiasts.
- Users in Sunny Environments: The brighter display makes outdoor visibility significantly better.
Xiaomi Poco M4 5G is ideal for:
- Budget-Conscious Users: Those seeking a 5G smartphone at a more affordable price point.
- Users Primarily Focused on Battery Life: The slightly larger battery may offer a minor advantage for less intensive usage.
- Users Who Want Reverse Charging: Ability to charge other devices using their phone's battery.
- Basic Smartphone Users: Those who primarily use their phones for social media, web browsing, and basic tasks, and do not need the extra power.
Use Cases:
- Poco F3: Playing graphic-intensive games, recording high-resolution videos, editing photos, intensive multi-tasking, viewing content in direct sunlight.
- Poco M4 5G: Casual social media browsing, basic mobile gaming, everyday photography, and users who prefer the option to charge another device with their phone.
Price-to-Value:
- The Poco F3 offers significantly better value for users seeking high-performance and a premium experience.
- The Poco M4 5G is better for those focused primarily on affordability, 5G, and are willing to sacrifice performance and display quality to save money.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions:
- How important is gaming performance to you? If you plan to play demanding games regularly, the Poco F3 is the clear winner.
- Is display quality a priority? If you value vibrant colors, deep blacks, and smooth refresh rates, the AMOLED screen of the Poco F3 will be noticeably better.
- What is your budget? If your budget is very tight and you don't need the extra performance or display quality, the Poco M4 5G might suffice.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Power User, Gaming Priority: Choose the Poco F3. Its performance is unmatched at this price point.
- Scenario 2: Casual User, Budget Focused: Choose the Poco M4 5G if your budget is very strict, and you do not need the performance.
- Scenario 3: Balanced User, Prioritizing Multimedia: Choose the Poco F3. Its screen and audio quality will be a superior experience for content consumption.
- Scenario 4: Need a Backup Device with Basic Capabilities: The Poco M4 5G will serve as a decent backup with its basic smartphone features.
My Choice
I would choose the Xiaomi Poco F3. While both are capable smartphones, the F3 provides a significantly superior user experience due to its vastly better performance, display quality, camera capabilities, and enhanced audio. These advantages make a noticeable difference in daily usage, and provide a much more enjoyable experience for gaming, multimedia consumption, and photography, which are important for me. Though it is an older model, the performance and feature set is still great in 2024. The faster charging is also a very convenient feature for my lifestyle. The slightly smaller battery is not as important as the overall power and premium display on the F3.
