Smartphone Comparison: Xiaomi Poco M3 vs. Apple iPhone SE (2022)
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Xiaomi Poco M3 | Apple iPhone SE (2022) | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 162.3 × 77.3 × 9.6 mm | 138.4 × 67.3 × 7.3 mm | Poco M3 is significantly larger and bulkier, less pocketable than the compact iPhone SE. |
| Weight | 198g | 144g | iPhone SE is noticeably lighter, more comfortable for extended use and single-handed operation. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.53" | 4.7" | Poco M3 offers a much larger screen for media consumption and easier viewing. iPhone SE provides a small, highly portable screen. |
| Resolution | 1080x2340 | 750x1334 | Poco M3 has a sharper, more detailed display due to higher pixel count. iPhone SE's resolution is visibly lower. |
| Pixel Density (PPI) | 395 | 326 | Poco M3 offers sharper text and images due to higher PPI. iPhone SE's display might appear less sharp. |
| Technology | IPS LCD | IPS LCD | Both offer similar color reproduction and viewing angles. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 60Hz | Both provide standard smoothness for everyday use. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Screen brightness information is missing. Will be similar in use, but will need to be tested for real world use. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 662 (11 nm) | Apple A15 Bionic (5 nm) | iPhone SE's chipset is vastly more powerful, ensuring faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and better gaming. |
| AnTuTu Score | 185,028 | 1,225,939 | iPhone SE has benchmark performance that is multiple times higher than the Poco M3, making it more future-proof. |
| GPU | Adreno 610 | Apple GPU (4-core) | iPhone SE has a much more powerful GPU, leading to better graphics performance in demanding tasks like gaming. |
| Camera | |||
| Rear Camera Resolution | 48MP | 12.2MP | Poco M3 has a higher resolution, potentially capturing more detail in bright light. Actual image quality depends on image processing. |
| Rear Camera Aperture | f/1.79 | f/1.8 | Poco M3 has a marginally wider aperture, potentially better in low-light. |
| Front Camera Resolution | 8MP | 7MP | Poco M3 has slightly higher resolution for selfies. |
| Front Camera Aperture | f/2.0 | f/2.2 | Poco M3's front camera may perform slightly better in low light. |
| Video Recording | 1080p@30fps | Up to 4K@60fps | iPhone SE offers significantly better video recording capabilities with higher resolutions, frame rates, and stabilization. |
| Video Stabilization | No | OIS | iPhone SE offers Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) which results in smooth video recordings and better low light image quality. |
| DxOMark Score | Not tested | 100 (Mobile) | iPhone SE has been tested to have a much better camera with high photo and video scores. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 6000mAh | 2018mAh | Poco M3 has a significantly larger battery, likely offering much longer battery life. However, real world performance is always different from theoretical values. |
| Charging | 18W Fast Charging | 18W Fast Charging | Both support 18W fast charging. |
| Additional Battery Features | Reverse charging, 22.5W charger in-box | None | Poco M3 can be used to charge other devices, and includes faster charger. iPhone SE does not include charger in box. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 10 | iOS 15.4 (Upgradable to 18) | iPhone SE provides a streamlined, user-friendly experience with long-term software support. Poco M3’s android 10 is dated. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 5 | Wi-Fi 6 | iPhone SE supports newer, faster Wi-Fi. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.0 | Both have same standard of Bluetooth. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo, NavIC System | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Wi-Fi, Cell ID | Poco M3 supports more satellite systems for potentially better accuracy. iPhone uses cell IDs for faster lock times. |
| SIM | Dual Nano SIM | Dual SIM (Nano SIM + eSIM) | iPhone SE offers eSIM for flexibility. Poco M3 supports two physical SIM cards. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 64GB/128GB | 64GB/128GB/256GB | iPhone SE offers more storage options and a larger max storage. |
| RAM | 4GB/6GB | 4GB | Poco M3 has options for more RAM for improved multitasking |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phones support Micro SD. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Stereo speakers, Hi-Res audio | Basic | Poco M3 has higher quality audio with better audio immersion and separation. |
| Security | |||
| Features | side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Basic fingerprint sensor | Poco M3 has a better fingerprint sensor placement. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Gorilla Glass 3 | Unknown | Poco M3 has a better screen protection. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Accelerometer, Compass, Ultrasonic proximity virtual | Fingerprint, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Barometer, Proximity | iPhone SE has more advanced sensors, which are good for gaming and other tasks. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Xiaomi Poco M3 Advantages:
- Larger Display: Offers a more immersive viewing experience for media and browsing.
- Significantly Larger Battery: Provides potentially much longer battery life for users who don't want to worry about charging frequently.
- Stereo Speakers & Hi-Res Audio: Offers better sound quality for multimedia consumption.
- More RAM (6GB Option): Better for running multiple apps simultaneously.
- Better Fingerprint Sensor: Side mounted fingerprint sensor is more comfortable for most people.
- Reverse Charging: Can charge other devices.
- Included Fast Charger: Comes with a 22.5W fast charger in the box.
- Lower Price: Significantly cheaper price point, making it an excellent budget option.
Apple iPhone SE (2022) Advantages:
- Significantly More Powerful Chipset: A15 Bionic provides much better performance for demanding tasks, gaming, and general smoothness.
- Far Superior Camera System: Takes higher quality photos and videos, with 4k recording and OIS for better stabilization.
- Long-Term Software Updates: Guaranteed iOS updates for many years, offering security and new features.
- Compact Design: Easy to hold and use with one hand, highly pocketable and lightweight.
- eSIM Support: Provides flexibility for managing multiple phone numbers.
- More Storage Options: Comes with an option for 256GB of storage.
- Faster Wi-Fi: Supports the latest Wi-Fi 6 standard.
- Premium Feel: Solid and sleek build quality.
Significant Trade-offs:
- Poco M3: Sacrifices performance and camera quality for better battery life, larger screen, and lower price.
- iPhone SE (2022): Sacrifices battery life and screen size for high-end performance, camera quality and compact design at higher price point.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Xiaomi Poco M3 Ideal Users:
- Budget-conscious users: Looking for a cheap smartphone with good battery life, large display, and decent audio.
- Media consumers: People who watch a lot of videos, movies, or play games.
- Users needing long battery life: Who don't have frequent access to charging.
- Casual gamers: Can play games on low settings but won't perform well in demanding games.
- Users who prioritize dual SIM and reverse charging.
Specific Use Cases:
- Long commutes: For entertainment during travel without worrying about battery life.
- Social media browsing: Large screen makes it comfortable to view content.
- Casual gaming: Suitable for less demanding games or older titles.
- Backup or secondary phone.
Apple iPhone SE (2022) Ideal Users:
- Performance-focused users: Who want a powerful, fast phone in a small, compact design.
- Photography enthusiasts: Who need a high-quality camera in a small device.
- Users invested in the Apple ecosystem: Who prefer iOS, and long term software support.
- People who value a compact design: For pocketability and one-handed operation.
- Those needing a long lasting phone that receives updates.
Specific Use Cases:
- Mobile gaming: Can play all games smoothly.
- Photography and video recording: For high quality content creation.
- Daily productivity: Fast app loading and smooth multitasking.
- Use in situations where one handed usage is needed.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- What is your budget? Poco M3 is significantly cheaper.
- What do you prioritize more: performance or battery life? iPhone SE excels in performance while Poco M3 focuses on battery life.
- How important are camera quality, and software support to you? iPhone SE has a much more capable camera and long-term software updates.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Tight Budget, Long Battery Life: If the priority is an affordable phone with all-day battery life for media consumption, the Xiaomi Poco M3 is the recommended choice.
- Scenario 2: Performance & Camera Quality, Compact Form Factor: If the priority is a powerful phone with an excellent camera in a pocketable design, and you don't mind sacrificing battery, the Apple iPhone SE (2022) is the best option.
- Scenario 3: Balanced Use, Multimedia: If the priority is balanced performance with multimedia use cases, the Xiaomi Poco M3 is suitable for everyday use as well as entertainment.
My Choice
Based on my personal preferences and priorities, I would choose the Apple iPhone SE (2022). While the Xiaomi Poco M3 is an excellent budget option with a large display and impressive battery life, the superior performance, camera quality, and long-term software support offered by the iPhone SE align more with my needs. I prefer the compact form factor for comfortable one-handed use and the ability to capture high-quality photos and videos. The A15 Bionic chip ensures that the phone will remain fast and capable for several years, which is important to me. While the battery life is a concern compared to the Poco M3, I'm willing to trade that for the other advantages offered by the iPhone SE, as I generally have access to chargers and prefer a lighter device.
