1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Xiaomi Poco M3 | Cubot KingKong X | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 162.3 × 77.3 × 9.6 mm | 170.9 × 82.2 × 18.7 mm | KingKong X is significantly larger and bulkier, less pocketable and comfortable to hold for long periods. Poco M3 is sleeker and more portable. |
| Weight | 198g | 388g | Poco M3 is much lighter, leading to better handling and comfort over extended usage. KingKong X feels considerably heavier and less convenient to carry. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.53" | 6.58" | Practically the same screen size. Minimal real-world difference. |
| Resolution | 1080x2340 | 1080x2408 | Both offer similar clarity, sharp images, and text. The slight difference is not noticeable in daily use. |
| Pixel Density | 395 PPI | 401 PPI | Both screens provide similarly sharp images and text. The minor difference in PPI is unlikely to be perceived by the human eye. |
| Technology | IPS LCD | IPS LCD | Identical display technology, both offer good color reproduction and viewing angles suitable for daily use. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 120Hz | KingKong X offers smoother scrolling and animations, enhancing the overall visual experience, especially in gaming and fast-paced content. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Both phones have identical peak brightness, which is unhelpful, as peak brightness is missing. Both will struggle in direct sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 662 (11 nm) | Mediatek Dimensity 7050 (6 nm) | KingKong X has a more modern and powerful chipset resulting in smoother performance, faster app loading, and better gaming. |
| AnTuTu Score | 185,028 | 545,000 | KingKong X exhibits significantly better performance, suitable for demanding apps and games. Poco M3 may struggle with more intensive tasks. |
| GPU | Adreno 610 | Mali-G68 MC4 | KingKong X's GPU offers better graphics performance, which is noticeable in gaming and graphic-intensive applications. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Camera | 48MP, f/1.79, 1/2", 0.8µm | 100MP, f/1.89, 1/1.8", 0.61µm | KingKong X features higher resolution sensor, offering more detail, particularly in good lighting. Poco M3's wider aperture may perform slightly better in low light. KingKong X has a larger sensor, which may improve low light performance. |
| Selfie Camera | 8MP, f/2.0, 1/4", 1.12µm | 32MP, f/2.25, 1/2.8", 0.80µm | KingKong X offers higher resolution, resulting in sharper selfies. Poco M3's wider aperture may perform slightly better in low light, but the smaller sensor may not perform as well. |
| Portrait Camera | N/A | 5MP, f/2.4, 1/3.4", 1.12µm | KingKong X enables dedicated portrait mode with depth effects, while Poco M3 relies on software processing, which may not be as effective. |
| Macro Camera | N/A | 5MP, f/2.4, 1/3.4", 1.12µm | KingKong X offers dedicated macro shots, allowing close-up photography, whereas Poco M3 does not. |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps | KingKong X can record higher-quality 4K videos, providing more detail and flexibility for video recording. |
| Camera Features | Digital zoom, image stabilization, manual focus, continuous shooting, face detection, white balance settings, ISO settings, exposure compensation | 4K Video, Phase detection autofocus (PDAF) | Poco M3 offers more manual settings. KingKong X has faster autofocus. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 6000mAh | 10200mAh | KingKong X provides significantly longer battery life, reducing the need for frequent charging, beneficial for long days or travel. |
| Charging | 18W | 33W | KingKong X charges faster, minimizing downtime, especially convenient when using the larger battery. |
| Battery Features | Reverse charging, 22.5W charger in-box, Non-removable | Non-removable | Poco M3 can charge other devices. KingKong X does not offer this feature. Poco M3 has a charger in the box, while the KingKong X does not state the presence of a charger. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 10 | Android 14 | KingKong X runs a much newer Android version, which includes the latest features, security updates, and optimizations. Poco M3's software is quite old now and could have compatibility issues with new apps. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | 802.11ac | 802.11ax (WiFi 6) | KingKong X supports the latest WiFi standard, offering faster and more stable connections. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 LE | 5.1 LE | KingKong X has a slightly newer version offering minor improvements in connection stability and power efficiency |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo, NavIC System | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | Poco M3 supports more satellite systems for potentially more accurate location tracking, although this would be negligible in everyday use. |
| SIM | Dual SIM Dual Standby | Dual SIM Dual Standby | Both phones have Dual SIM capabilities, allowing users to use two SIM cards simultaneously. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 64GB or 128GB | 256GB or 512GB | KingKong X offers much more internal storage, allowing more photos, videos, and apps, without reliance on external storage. |
| RAM | 4GB or 6GB | 16GB | KingKong X has a significantly higher RAM, enabling smoother multitasking and improved performance with memory-intensive applications. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone supports expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | Basic Audio Features | Poco M3 provides a superior audio experience, with higher quality output and immersive sound. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Both offer similar convenient fingerprint unlock. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | Unknown | Poco M3 offers better screen protection against scratches and minor impacts. KingKong X's protection is not known. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Accelerometer, Compass, Ultrasonic proximity virtual | Fingerprint, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Proximity, Geomagnetic | KingKong X has more sensors that provide extra functionality in specific use cases, such as VR games that use gyroscope. Poco M3 only uses ultrasonic proximity. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Xiaomi Poco M3 Advantages:
- Lighter and More Compact: The Poco M3 is significantly lighter and easier to handle, making it more portable.
- Better Audio Quality: Features Hi-Res Audio and Stereo Speakers, offering a superior listening experience.
- Reverse Charging: Can charge other devices, turning it into a power bank.
- Screen protection: Uses Corning Gorilla Glass 3, meaning the screen should be more resistant to scratches.
- More satellite systems for GPS: Poco M3 has NavIC, and this should lead to more accurate location tracking.
Cubot KingKong X Advantages:
- Superior Performance: The Dimensity 7050 chipset, along with higher RAM, provides significantly better performance for gaming and multitasking.
- Larger Battery & Faster Charging: Offers much longer battery life and quicker charging times, ideal for heavy usage.
- Better Display: Higher refresh rate display (120Hz) offers a smoother user experience.
- Significantly Better Cameras: Higher resolution sensors for both main and selfie cameras, plus a dedicated portrait lens and macro lens.
- 4K Video Recording: Can record higher-quality 4K videos.
- Newer OS: Runs on Android 14, which is more secure and has better compatibility.
- More Storage: Offers considerably more internal storage for media and apps.
- More Sensors: Has Gyroscope and dedicated proximity sensors, which is helpful for AR apps.
- Better WiFi: WiFi 6 support for faster and more efficient data transfers.
Trade-offs:
- The Poco M3 sacrifices performance and battery life for a more compact and lightweight design. It also uses a much older version of Android.
- The KingKong X is bulky and heavy but gains significant advantages in performance, battery, camera capabilities, and software. It lacks the audio quality of the Poco M3 and uses an unknown level of screen protection.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Xiaomi Poco M3 Ideal User:
- Budget-Conscious Users: Those looking for a cheap phone with a decent battery and basic functionality.
- Light Users: Individuals who primarily use their phone for calls, messaging, browsing, and light social media, and prefer a smaller form factor.
- Audio Enthusiasts: Users who prioritize good audio quality with stereo speakers and Hi-Res audio support.
Use Cases:
- A secondary phone for work or travel.
- A basic smartphone for elderly users who prefer simplicity.
- A media consumption device for podcasts and music.
Cubot KingKong X Ideal User:
- Power Users: Those who need a phone for demanding applications and gaming.
- Outdoor Enthusiasts: Users who prioritize long battery life for extended trips without charging.
- Photography and Videography: Individuals who want a versatile camera system and prefer to record videos in high quality.
- Users Requiring Latest Software: Those who want a modern operating system with the newest features and security.
Use Cases:
- Gaming, especially those that are graphics-intensive.
- Outdoor photography and videography.
- Work requiring heavy multitasking or complex applications.
- Extended travel with no access to power.
Price-to-Value Ratio:
- Xiaomi Poco M3: Offers a good price-to-value ratio for budget users with basic needs, but will be starting to feel dated now.
- Cubot KingKong X: Provides a higher price-to-value ratio for users willing to spend more for premium features, performance, and long-term usability.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- What is your budget? The Poco M3 is a cheaper phone, while the KingKong X is significantly more expensive.
- What is the main use case? If it is light use, the Poco M3 may suffice, but for demanding usage, the KingKong X is superior.
- Do you prioritize battery life and performance, or compactness and audio quality? The KingKong X excels in battery and performance, while the Poco M3 offers a more compact form and slightly better audio.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Basic daily usage, limited budget. The Xiaomi Poco M3 is suitable, as long as its age and the lack of software updates are not an issue.
- Scenario 2: Heavy multitasking, gaming, and media creation. The Cubot KingKong X is the better choice, offering significantly better performance, battery, and camera capabilities.
- Scenario 3: Long trips without power outlets. The Cubot KingKong X would be the better option due to its long battery life, but may be cumbersome due to the weight and size.
- Scenario 4: Good audio is important, with a smaller phone. The Xiaomi Poco M3 is a better option due to stereo speakers and Hi-Res audio support.
My Choice
If I had to choose, I would select the Cubot KingKong X. While I appreciate the compact form factor and better audio of the Poco M3, the significant advantages offered by the KingKong X in terms of performance, battery life, and camera quality are more important for my usage patterns. The much newer Android OS also ensures better long-term usability and access to the latest features. Though heavier and bulkier, the improved performance and versatility outweigh the drawbacks for me. Ultimately, I would always choose to buy a phone that is newer, faster, and more capable in order to prolong its lifespan.
