Smartphone Comparison: Xiaomi Poco M3 vs. Huawei nova 8i
1. Specifications Comparison
Design
| Feature | Xiaomi Poco M3 | Huawei nova 8i | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 162.3 × 77.3 × 9.6 mm | 161.9 × 74.7 × 8.6 mm | Poco M3 is slightly wider and thicker, potentially feeling bulkier in hand. Nova 8i is more compact and may be easier to handle. |
| Weight | 198g | 190g | Nova 8i is lighter by 8g, which is a small difference but could be noticeable during extended usage. |
Display
| Feature | Xiaomi Poco M3 | Huawei nova 8i | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 6.53" | 6.67" | Nova 8i has a slightly larger screen, offering a more immersive viewing experience. |
| Resolution | 1080x2340 | 1080x2376 | Both have very similar resolutions; negligible difference in sharpness. |
| PPI | 395 | 391 | Both offer similar pixel density; negligible difference in clarity. |
| Technology | IPS LCD | IPS LCD | Both use the same display technology, expected similar color reproduction and viewing angles. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 60Hz | Both have standard 60Hz, good for everyday usage but not ideal for high-refresh rate gaming. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Peak brightness is not listed. |
Performance
| Feature | Xiaomi Poco M3 | Huawei nova 8i | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 662 (11 nm) | Qualcomm Snapdragon 662 (11 nm) | Both phones have identical chipsets, offering similar performance for daily tasks. |
| AnTuTu Score | 185,028 | 201,000 | Nova 8i shows marginally better performance, around 9% higher in benchmarks, indicating smoother multitasking. |
| GPU | Adreno 610 | Adreno 610 | Both have identical GPUs; similar graphics performance for gaming and graphics-intensive tasks. |
Camera
| Feature | Xiaomi Poco M3 | Huawei nova 8i | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main Camera Resolution | 48MP, f/1.79 | 64MP, f/1.9 | Nova 8i has a higher resolution sensor, which may capture more detailed photos. Poco M3 has a slightly wider aperture, potentially performing better in low light. |
| Main Camera Sensor Size | 1/2" | N/A | Poco M3’s main sensor is relatively large, potentially better low light sensitivity. Sensor size for Huawei not available. |
| Selfie Camera Resolution | 8MP, f/2.0 | 16MP, f/2.0 | Nova 8i's higher resolution front camera may capture sharper, more detailed selfies. |
| Wide Angle Lens | N/A | 8MP, f/2.2 | Nova 8i offers more flexibility with a dedicated wide-angle camera, useful for group photos or landscapes. |
| Portrait Lens | N/A | 2MP, f/2.4 | Nova 8i has a dedicated depth sensor for better portrait mode with background blur. |
| Macro Lens | N/A | 2MP, f/2.4 | Nova 8i has a dedicated macro camera allowing close up images. |
| Video Recording | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps | Both record at the same resolution and framerate, suitable for standard use. |
| Camera Features | Triple camera, Digital image stabilization, Autofocus, Touch focus, Manual focus, Continuous shooting, Geotagging, Panorama, HDR, Face detection, White balance settings, ISO settings, Exposure compensation, Scene mode, Self-timer | Quadruple camera, Digital image stabilization, Autofocus, Touch focus, Phase detection autofocus (PDAF), Continuous shooting, Geotagging, Panorama, HDR, Face detection, White balance settings, ISO settings, Exposure compensation, Scene mode, Self-timer | Nova 8i offers a more versatile camera system, including an extra lens and phase detection autofocus. |
Battery
| Feature | Xiaomi Poco M3 | Huawei nova 8i | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 6000mAh | 4300mAh | Poco M3 has a significantly larger battery, likely offering much longer battery life for all-day use. |
| Charging | 18W fast charging | 66W fast charging | Nova 8i charges much faster, significantly reducing charging times. |
| Features | Reverse charging, 22.5W fast charger in-box | N/A | Poco M3 can act as a power bank and includes a fast charger in the box. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Xiaomi Poco M3 Advantages:
- Significantly Larger Battery: The 6000mAh battery offers substantially longer usage between charges, making it ideal for heavy users or those who are frequently away from power sources.
- Reverse Charging: The ability to charge other devices can be handy in a pinch.
- Hi-Res Audio: Potentially superior audio quality for music enthusiasts.
- Gorilla Glass 3 Protection: Offers better screen protection against scratches and minor impacts.
- NavIC Support: Supports more satellite systems which can be helpful when using navigation applications.
Huawei nova 8i Advantages:
- Faster Charging: The 66W fast charging significantly reduces downtime, appealing to those with busy lifestyles.
- More Versatile Camera: The quad-camera setup, including wide-angle, depth, and macro lenses, offers greater flexibility for different photography scenarios.
- Better Benchmark Performance: Marginally better performance for everyday use.
- Better Audio Quality: Enhanced by noise cancellation microphones which are useful for phone calls and recordings.
- Advanced Bluetooth Codecs: Supports APT-x, LDAC, AAC for better wireless audio quality
Trade-offs:
- Poco M3: Has a slower charging speed, lacks a versatile quad-camera system, and it's bulkier and heavier.
- Nova 8i: Offers a smaller battery, so users may need to charge more frequently, and has an unknown display screen protection.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Xiaomi Poco M3 Ideal User:
- Heavy Battery Users: Those who need all-day battery life without frequent charging, such as travelers, outdoor workers, or people who consume a lot of media on their phones.
- Budget-Conscious Buyers: Offers great battery life and a decent display at a lower price point.
- Users Prioritizing Durability: The Corning Gorilla Glass 3 screen protection can give peace of mind for everyday use.
Music Enthusiasts: Hi-Res Audio can be a key feature that appeals to audiophiles.
- Specific Use Case: A long-distance traveler relying on GPS navigation and media consumption throughout the day.
Huawei nova 8i Ideal User:
- Photography Enthusiasts: Those who value versatile camera systems, including wide-angle, portrait and macro capabilities.
- Users Prioritizing Fast Charging: Those with busy schedules who need to top up their battery quickly.
- Multitaskers and Gaming enthusiasts: Those that appreciate a slightly smoother overall performance due to the slightly better Antutu score.
Users Prioritizing Audio Quality: Those that appreciate enhanced sound quality with bluetooth headphones.
- Specific Use Case: Social media content creators who require high-quality photos and videos, and need quick charging between shoots.
Price-to-Value Ratio:
- Poco M3: Offers exceptional battery life for the price, making it a great budget-friendly option.
- Nova 8i: Provides more versatile camera capabilities and faster charging, appealing to users willing to spend slightly more for these features.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- How important is battery life to you? (Are you often away from charging points, or do you prioritize quick charging?)
- How often do you use your camera? (Do you need a versatile camera setup for various scenarios?)
- What is your budget? (Are you looking for the best possible features for a set price?)
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
Scenario 1: "Power User" - Prioritizes maximum battery life and doesn't mind a bulkier device.
- Recommendation: Xiaomi Poco M3 is the better choice due to its significantly larger battery.
Scenario 2: "Photography Lover" - Values versatile camera capabilities and fast charging.
- Recommendation: Huawei nova 8i is a better fit, given its quad-camera system and much faster charging.
Scenario 3: "Budget Conscious" - Needs a reliable phone with a decent screen, great battery at a great price
- Recommendation: Xiaomi Poco M3 is a better fit, given it's excellent battery life at a good price.
My Choice
If I were to choose between these two phones, I would personally go for the Xiaomi Poco M3. While the Huawei nova 8i has a better camera system and faster charging, my priorities lean towards long battery life. As a user who spends a lot of time away from charging points, the 6000mAh battery of the Poco M3 is a significant advantage. The slightly lower benchmark score and slower charging are acceptable trade-offs for me, especially considering the other features, such as reverse charging and Hi-Res audio. Ultimately, the Poco M3 aligns better with my specific needs as a heavy user who prioritizes battery endurance, it's also slightly cheaper.
