Smartphone Comparison: Xiaomi Poco F3 vs. Xiaomi Poco X5 Pro
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Xiaomi Poco F3 | Xiaomi Poco X5 Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 163.7 × 76.4 × 7.8 mm | 162.9 × 76 × 7.9 mm | Similar sizes; negligible difference in pocketability. |
| Weight | 196g | 181g | X5 Pro is 15g lighter, making it slightly more comfortable to hold for long periods. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.67" | 6.67" | Identical screen size for both; same viewing experience in terms of size. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2400 | Identical sharpness; similar detail in images and text. |
| PPI | 395 | 395 | Both phones have the same pixel density, meaning similar sharpness. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Similar vibrant colors and deep blacks. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Smooth scrolling and animations on both; identical fluid experience. |
| Brightness | 1300 nits | 0 nits | Poco F3 has significantly higher peak brightness, making it much more visible under bright sunlight. The X5 Pro brightness value is missing/incorrect, this is a significant disadvantage. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM8250-AC Snapdragon 870 5G (7 nm) | Qualcomm SM7325 Snapdragon 778G 5G (6 nm) | Snapdragon 870 offers better performance for demanding games and apps; Snapdragon 778G is still competent for most tasks and offers slightly better efficiency |
| AnTuTu Score | 800,216 | 609,106 | Poco F3 has notably higher benchmark scores, implying faster app loading and smoother operation. |
| GPU | Adreno 650 | Adreno 642L | Poco F3's Adreno 650 GPU offers superior graphics performance for gaming and graphically intensive tasks. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 4520mAh | 5000mAh | X5 Pro has slightly larger battery capacity, likely resulting in slightly longer battery life on a full charge. |
| Charging | 33W fast charging | 67W fast charging | X5 Pro charges much faster, reducing downtime. |
| Features | Non-removable, Supports QC3 + / PD3.0 | Non-removable | Poco F3 offers more flexibility in charging using different protocols. |
| Camera | |||
| Rear Main Camera | 48MP, f/1.79, 1/2", Sony IMX582, 0.80µm | 108MP, f/1.9, 1/1.52", Samsung S5KHM2, 0.70µm | X5 Pro has much higher resolution and a larger sensor, which should lead to better detail and potentially better low-light performance. F3 has a wider apperture. |
| Front Camera | 20MP, f/2.45, 1/3.4", Samsung S5K3T2, 0.80µm | 16MP, f/2.4, 1/3.06", Omnivision OV16A1Q, 1.00µm | F3 has a slightly higher resolution front-facing camera, the X5 Pro has a larger pixel size, potentially better low-light selfies. |
| Wide Angle Lens | N/A | 8MP, f/2.2, 1/4", Samsung S5K4H7, 1.12µm | X5 Pro has a dedicated ultrawide lens for more versatile shooting. |
| Macro Lens | N/A | 2MP, f/2.4, 1/5", Omnivision OV02B10, 1.75µm | X5 Pro has a dedicated macro lens for close-up photography. |
| Video | 4K@30fps with EIS, up to 960fps slow motion | 4K@30fps with EIS, up to 240fps slow motion | Both offer 4K video with EIS; F3 has a higher slow-motion frame rate for more dramatic videos. |
| Features | Many basic modes | Ultra stable video, continuous autofocus, PDAF, RAW, Night Mode | X5 Pro offers advanced photography features that make it more versatile and help improve overall quality. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 (upgradable to 13) | Android 12 (upgradable to 13) | X5 Pro comes with a slightly newer version of Android out of the box and the devices will have the same max version. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 6 | Both offer the same Wi-Fi standards for fast and stable connections. |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.1 LE | Bluetooth 5.2 LE | X5 Pro features a newer version of Bluetooth, potentially offering better performance and efficiency with supported devices. Poco F3 supports APT-x though. |
| GPS | Comprehensive satellite support | Slightly less comprehensive satellite support | Poco F3 has more extensive support, theoretically resulting in higher location accuracy. |
| SIM | Dual SIM | Dual SIM | Both support dual SIM for using two phone numbers. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128GB or 256GB | 128GB or 256GB | Both have identical storage options, accommodating different user needs. |
| RAM | 6GB or 8GB | 6GB or 8GB | Both offer the same amount of RAM options for different levels of multitasking and gaming needs. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone supports expandable storage, meaning the user is limited to onboard storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res, Stereo speakers | Dolby Atmos, Stereo speakers, 2 microphones | Poco F3 features Hi-Res audio for superior audio quality; X5 Pro offers 2 microphones for potentially better voice recording. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Both use a side-mounted fingerprint sensor for biometric security. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Gorilla Glass 5 | Gorilla Glass 5 | Both devices offer similar levels of screen protection. |
| Sensors | Biometric: Fingerprint; Motion: Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope; Proximity: Ultrasonic proximity virtual | Biometric: Fingerprint; Proximity: Proximity; Motion: Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Poco F3 has ultrasonic proximity sensor, while the X5 Pro has proximity sensor, both devices include most of the common sensors found in modern smartphones. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Xiaomi Poco F3 Advantages:
- Superior Performance: The Snapdragon 870 chipset and Adreno 650 GPU provide significantly better performance in benchmarks, offering a smoother experience for gaming and heavy tasks.
- Higher Screen Brightness: With 1300 nits, it is much better for outdoor visibility, especially under bright sunlight (X5 Pro brightness is missing/incorrect).
- Hi-Res Audio: The inclusion of Hi-Res audio and the APT-x codec enhances sound quality for audiophiles and those who appreciate higher-fidelity audio experience.
- More comprehensive GPS support: The Poco F3 provides a larger range of supported GPS satellite systems.
Xiaomi Poco X5 Pro Advantages:
- Lighter Design: The X5 Pro is lighter, offering better comfort for prolonged use.
- Better Camera System: A 108MP primary sensor with a larger sensor size and a wider variety of camera features, including ultrawide and macro lenses.
- Faster Charging: 67W charging significantly reduces charging time compared to the 33W on the F3.
- More advanced camera features: The X5 Pro includes features like Ultra stable video, continuous autofocus, Phase detection autofocus (PDAF), RAW, and Night Mode, which make it a more versatile camera phone.
- Newer Bluetooth: The X5 Pro uses the newer Bluetooth version 5.2 compared to the 5.1 on the Poco F3.
Trade-offs:
- The Poco F3 prioritizes raw performance and display quality, but lacks the camera versatility and faster charging of the X5 Pro.
- The X5 Pro, while having better camera specs and battery charging, sacrifices performance in favor of a more rounded experience.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Ideal User for Xiaomi Poco F3:
- Gamers: Those who prioritize smooth, high-performance gaming experiences.
- Power Users: Users who frequently multitask and need fast processing speeds for demanding apps.
- Outdoor Users: Individuals who need a screen that remains visible under bright conditions, such as direct sunlight.
- Audio Enthusiasts: Users who value Hi-Res audio and want better overall audio playback.
- Users who rely on high accuracy GPS: Users who use navigation often and want very accurate location tracking.
Ideal User for Xiaomi Poco X5 Pro:
- Casual Photographers: Users who want a versatile camera system with ultrawide and macro lenses for creative shooting.
- Users who prioritize camera capabilities: Users that prefer devices that provide a large set of camera features.
- Users that require fast charging: Users that are usually on the go and prefer fast charging to reduce charging time.
- Everyday Users: Users who appreciate a balance of performance, battery life, and camera features for everyday use.
- Users who want a lighter device: Users that find heavier devices difficult to hold and want a lighter option.
Specific Use Cases:
- Poco F3: Ideal for competitive mobile gaming, video editing, and outdoor navigation.
- Poco X5 Pro: Ideal for capturing everyday moments, social media content creation, and enjoying fast charging when on the go.
Price-to-Value Ratio:
The choice between the two also depends on market price fluctuations. If the Poco F3 is priced similarly or slightly higher but the user values performance, it provides good value. If the X5 Pro is at a comparable price or lower and a better camera with faster charging is a priority, it offers a compelling value.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions to Consider:
- Do you prioritize raw processing power and screen visibility for gaming and demanding tasks, or better camera versatility and faster charging?
- How much does display brightness matter to you when outside?
- Do you need advanced camera features (ultrawide lens, macro lens, night mode), or is basic photography enough?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Hardcore Gamer or Power User: Choose the Poco F3 for its superior chipset, GPU, and higher display brightness which are all crucial for an immersive experience.
- Scenario 2: Casual User & Photography Enthusiast: Choose the Poco X5 Pro for its more versatile camera system with additional lenses, faster charging, and a lighter design which are better suited to the user experience.
- Scenario 3: Balanced User: Consider the Poco F3 if performance is very important and the X5 Pro if photography or charging speed are higher priorities and the performance difference does not matter.
My Choice
If I were to choose between these two phones, I would choose the Xiaomi Poco F3. Despite the X5 Pro having a better camera, I value the raw performance and better display brightness provided by the Snapdragon 870 chipset, the Adreno 650 GPU, and the 1300 nits brightness. These would make daily usage and gaming a more enjoyable experience for me. Although I would miss the versatility of the additional lenses and faster charging of the X5 Pro, I find the performance benefits and better display to be a better trade off for my personal usage habits.
