Xiaomi Poco M3 vs Apple iPhone 16 Plus - Detailed Phone Comparison

Detailed Comparison

Specification

General

Launch Date November 27, 2020 September 20, 2024
Release Year 2020 2024

Physical

Volume 120.44 cm³ 97.64 cm³
Screen Size to Weight Ratio 3.3 "/g 3.37 "/g
Weight 198 g 199 g
Height 162.3 mm 160.9 mm
Width 77.3 mm 77.8 mm
Thickness 9.6 mm 7.8 mm
Foldable Design No No
Available Colors
  • Cool Blue
  • Poco Yellow
  • Power Black
  • Black
  • White
  • Pink
  • Teal
  • Ultramarine

Display

Screen Size 6.53 " 6.7 "
Resolution 1080 x 2340 1290 x 2796
Aspect Ratio 19.5:9 19.5:9
Screen-to-Body Ratio 83.4 % 88 %
Pixel Density 395 PPI 460 PPI
Refresh Rate N/A N/A
Typical Brightness 400 nits 1000 nits
HBM Brightness N/A 2000 nits
Peak Brightness N/A N/A

Hardware

Battery Capacity per Screen Area 140.71 mAh/in² 104.12 mAh/in²
Battery Density 49.82 mAh/cm³ 47.87 mAh/cm³
Battery Capacity 6000 mAh 4674 mAh
NFC Support No Yes
Chipset Qualcomm SM6115 Snapdragon 662 (11 nm) Apple A18 (3 nm)
CPU Octa-core (4x2.0 GHz Kryo 260 Gold & 4x1.8 GHz Kryo 260 Silver) Hexa-core (2x4.04 GHz + 4x2.20 GHz)
GPU Adreno 610 Apple GPU (5-core graphics)

Connectivity

USB Version 2.0 2.0
OTG Support 1
DisplayPort 1
DisplayPort Version N/A N/A
USB Features USB Type-C 2.0, OTG USB Type-C 2.0, DisplayPort

Software

Operating System Android iOS
Initial OS Version 10 18
Maximum OS Version

Comparison Summary

Smartphone Comparison: Xiaomi Poco M3 vs. Apple iPhone 16 Plus

1. Specifications Comparison

FeatureXiaomi Poco M3Apple iPhone 16 PlusPractical Impact
Design
Dimensions162.3 × 77.3 × 9.6 mm160.9 × 77.8 × 7.8 mmPoco M3 is slightly taller and thicker, potentially feeling bulkier in hand; iPhone 16 Plus is more compact.
Weight198g199gNegligible difference in weight.
Display
Size6.53"6.7"iPhone 16 Plus offers a slightly larger screen, providing a more immersive experience for media consumption and gaming.
Resolution1080x23401290x2796iPhone 16 Plus has a much sharper display, resulting in crisper text and images.
PPI395460iPhone 16 Plus has higher pixel density, making the screen appear more detailed and less pixelated.
TechnologyIPS LCDOLEDiPhone 16 Plus offers superior contrast, deeper blacks, and more vibrant colors compared to the LCD screen of Poco M3.
Refresh Rate60Hz60HzBoth have the same refresh rate, resulting in similar smoothness in screen transitions.
Brightness0 nits2000 nitsiPhone 16 Plus is significantly brighter, making it much easier to view the screen under direct sunlight.
Performance
ChipsetSnapdragon 662 (11 nm)Apple A18 (3 nm)iPhone 16 Plus offers vastly superior performance, handling demanding tasks and games more smoothly. Apps open much faster on the iPhone.
AnTuTu Score185,0281,753,018iPhone 16 Plus scores dramatically higher in benchmarks, indicating much better processing capabilities for everyday use and demanding tasks.
GPUAdreno 610Apple GPU (5-core/6-core)iPhone 16 Plus has a more powerful GPU, providing better graphics performance in games and graphics-intensive applications.
Battery
Capacity6000mAh4674mAhPoco M3 has a larger battery, potentially offering longer battery life; however, real-world usage varies.
Charging18W fast charging25W fast chargingiPhone 16 Plus supports faster charging, potentially reducing time spent plugged in.
FeaturesReverse charging, 22.5W in-box25W Wireless ChargingPoco M3 can charge other devices; iPhone 16 Plus offers wireless charging convenience.
Camera
Standard Camera48MP, f/1.79, 1/2", 0.80µm48MP, f/1.6, 1/1.3", 1.00µmiPhone 16 Plus captures more light and detail with its larger sensor and wider aperture, especially in low light.
Selfie Camera8MP, f/2.0, 1/4", 1.12µm12MP, f/1.9, - , -iPhone 16 Plus selfie camera is sharper with more detail, wider aperture helps in low-light.
Wide Angle + MacroN/A12MP, f/2.2, 1/2.55", 1.40µmiPhone 16 Plus offers additional versatility with a wide-angle and macro camera, enhancing photographic capabilities.
Video1080p@30fpsUp to 4K@60fps with HDRiPhone 16 Plus records higher quality videos with superior stabilization and HDR capabilities.
FeaturesDigital Zoom, etcCinematic, OIS, 4K Video, etciPhone 16 Plus offers more advanced features like Cinematic Mode, OIS, and 4K video recording for professional-level video.
Software
OSAndroid 10iOS 18Different operating systems; iOS is known for its simplicity and security, while Android offers greater customization.
Connectivity
Wi-Fi802.11acWiFi 6EiPhone 16 Plus has more advanced WiFi with faster speeds and better performance in congested environments.
Bluetooth5.05.3iPhone 16 Plus has a more recent Bluetooth version with improved energy efficiency and features.
GPSGPS, GLONASS, etcGPS, GLONASS, etciPhone 16 Plus supports more satellite systems for better location accuracy.
SIMDual SIM (Nano)Dual SIM (Nano + eSIM)iPhone 16 Plus offers the flexibility of using an eSIM, while Poco M3 can have two physical SIMs.
Storage
Internal64GB/128GB128GB/256GB/512GBiPhone 16 Plus offers significantly more internal storage options for large media libraries.
RAM4GB/6GB8GBiPhone 16 Plus offers more RAM, enhancing multitasking capabilities.
ExpandableNoNoNeither phone offers expandable storage.
Audio
QualityHi-Res AudioDolby Atmos, Noise cancellationiPhone 16 Plus offers advanced audio features for immersive experiences, while Poco M3 supports hi-res playback.
Security
FeaturesFingerprint SensorBasic FeaturesPoco M3 offers fingerprint security; iPhone 16 Plus has basic security.
Build Quality
ProtectionGorilla Glass 3UnknownPoco M3 has known screen protection; iPhone 16 Plus screen protection is not known.
Sensors
SensorsFingerprint, Accelerometer, etcProximity, Accelerometer, etciPhone 16 Plus has additional sensors like gyroscope and barometer, while Poco M3 has a fingerprint sensor and ultrasonic proximity sensor.

2. Key Differences Analysis

Xiaomi Poco M3 Advantages:

  • Larger Battery: The 6000mAh battery potentially provides longer usage between charges.
  • Reverse Charging: Allows the phone to charge other devices.
  • In-Box Charger: Includes a 22.5W fast charger.
  • Fingerprint Sensor: Offers basic biometric security.
  • Affordability: Likely to be a much more budget-friendly option.
  • Hi-Res Audio: Supports high-quality audio playback for audiophiles.

Practical Implications: The Poco M3 is designed for users who prioritize battery life and cost-effectiveness. It's a good choice for those who need a phone that can last all day without needing frequent charging and don't need high performance.

Apple iPhone 16 Plus Advantages:

  • Superior Performance: The Apple A18 chip provides significantly faster processing, app loading, and gaming performance.
  • High-Quality Display: OLED display with higher resolution, brightness, and pixel density for a better visual experience.
  • Advanced Camera System: Better image quality in various lighting conditions with more features including 4K HDR video, and additional lenses.
  • Faster Charging: 25W charging and wireless charging.
  • Latest Software: iOS 18 offers a polished user experience and timely updates.
  • Advanced Connectivity: Support for WiFi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3.
  • More Storage: Larger storage options available.
  • Dolby Atmos: Enhanced spatial audio with more immersive sound.
  • More RAM: Better multitasking, faster app switching.
  • Additional Sensors: More environmental and motion sensors (gyroscope, barometer).

Practical Implications: The iPhone 16 Plus offers a premium experience with top-tier performance, superior display, and advanced camera capabilities. It’s ideal for users who demand the best possible performance and are deeply invested in the Apple ecosystem.

Trade-offs:

  • Price: The iPhone 16 Plus will be significantly more expensive than the Poco M3.
  • Battery: Poco M3 offers a larger battery with potentially longer life.

3. User Profiles & Recommendations

Xiaomi Poco M3 Ideal User:

  • Budget-Conscious Users: People who want a reliable smartphone without spending a lot of money.
  • Heavy Battery Users: Those who prioritize long battery life over performance and advanced features.
  • Basic Use Cases: Everyday tasks such as calling, texting, browsing, and casual media consumption.
  • Specific Examples:
    • Students needing an affordable phone for basic communication and schoolwork.
    • Individuals who need a reliable secondary phone with a long battery life.
    • Users who primarily use their phone for social media, browsing, and watching videos.

Apple iPhone 16 Plus Ideal User:

  • Performance Enthusiasts: Users who demand top-tier processing power for gaming and demanding apps.
  • Photography Lovers: Those who prioritize high-quality cameras and advanced video capabilities.
  • Apple Ecosystem Users: Individuals deeply integrated into the Apple ecosystem and who value the user experience.
  • Professional Users: Those who require a reliable, high-performance device for work.
  • Specific Examples:
    • Professionals who need a high-performing phone for productivity and communication.
    • Content creators who need a versatile camera with advanced video capabilities.
    • Gamers who require a smooth and immersive gaming experience.
    • Users who value a premium build quality and a polished, feature-rich user experience.

4. Decision Framework

Key Questions to Consider:

  1. Budget: How much are you willing to spend on a smartphone?
  2. Performance Needs: Do you need top-tier performance for gaming and demanding applications, or is basic performance adequate?
  3. Camera Priorities: How important is camera quality and advanced features to you?

Scenario-Based Recommendations:

  • Budget-Focused Scenario: If budget is the primary concern and you prioritize battery life, the Xiaomi Poco M3 is the better choice.
  • Performance-Focused Scenario: If you need the best possible performance, a high-quality display, and the most advanced camera features, the Apple iPhone 16 Plus is the superior option.
  • Balanced Scenario: If you seek a balance between cost and performance, there are other phones to consider. These two are at either extreme of the spectrum.

My Choice

If I were choosing between these two phones, I would choose the Apple iPhone 16 Plus. While the Xiaomi Poco M3 is an excellent budget-friendly option, the difference in performance, display quality, and camera capabilities of the iPhone 16 Plus is substantial. My preference lies in the premium experience, superior processing power for all tasks, and the excellent photography and videography features that the iPhone 16 Plus provides. The superior screen and better long term support of iOS would make the iPhone a better choice for me. Although it is significantly more expensive, the enhancements in technology and user experience would be more beneficial to me in the long run.

Emily Harper
Emily Harper

Technology Insights Specialist

Dedicated technology writer specializing in mobile device analysis and technology communication. Expert at translating complex smartphone features into clear, actionable insights for diverse audiences.

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Bridging technical complexity with engaging, accessible narratives.