Smartphone Comparison: Xiaomi Poco M3 vs. Huawei nova Y90
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Xiaomi Poco M3 | Huawei nova Y90 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 162.3 x 77.3 x 9.6 mm | 163.3 x 74.7 x 8.4 mm | Poco M3 is slightly wider and thicker, may feel bulkier in hand. Nova Y90 is more compact and may be more comfortable for one-handed use. |
| Weight | 198g | 195g | Negligible difference in weight; both feel similar in hand. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.53" | 6.7" | Nova Y90 offers a slightly larger screen, potentially better for media consumption and gaming. |
| Resolution | 1080x2340 | 1080x2388 | Both offer a Full HD+ resolution; very similar sharpness in practice. |
| PPI | 395 | 391 | Nearly identical pixel density; sharpness is similar to the human eye. |
| Technology | IPS LCD | IPS LCD | Both offer similar viewing angles and color reproduction typical for IPS LCD. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 90Hz | Nova Y90 will have smoother scrolling and animations, more responsive user experience especially in games and browsing. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Both phones have identical peak brightness at 0 nits, we lack data to compare screen visibility in sunny conditions. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 662 (11nm) | Snapdragon 680 4G (6nm) | Nova Y90's 6nm chip is more power efficient and offers better performance, leading to faster app loading and smoother multitasking compared to the 11nm chip of Poco M3. |
| AnTuTu Score | 185,028 | 249,000 | Nova Y90 has a higher score; better performance in demanding tasks like gaming, app processing, and video editing. |
| GPU | Adreno 610 | Adreno 610 | Both phones have the same GPU; real-world gaming experience might differ due to chipset and optimizations. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 6000mAh | 5000mAh | Poco M3 has a significantly larger battery, offering potentially longer battery life; better for extended use without needing to recharge. |
| Charging | 18W Fast Charging | 40W Fast Charging | Nova Y90 charges much faster, allowing for quicker top-ups and less downtime waiting for the phone to charge. |
| Features | Reverse charging, 22.5W charger | Non-removable | Poco M3 can charge other devices and includes a faster charger in the box; these features are missing in the Nova Y90. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 48MP, f/1.79 | 50MP, f/1.8 | Nova Y90 has a slightly higher resolution but Poco M3 has a wider aperture; Image quality can vary depending on lighting and software optimization. |
| Selfie Camera | 8MP, f/2.0 | 8MP, f/2.0 | Both offer similar front camera specs for selfies; performance difference will depend on software processing and sensor quality. |
| Secondary Camera | None | 2MP, f/2.4 | Nova Y90 has additional macro and depth sensors, can be good for taking detailed close up photos. Poco M3 does not offer a secondary or tertiary camera, which is limiting. |
| Tertiary Camera | None | 2MP, f/2.4 | Nova Y90 has additional macro and depth sensors, can be good for taking detailed close up photos. Poco M3 does not offer a secondary or tertiary camera, which is limiting. |
| Video Recording | 1080p@30fps, 120fps Slow-motion | 1080p@30fps, 30fps Slow-motion | Both record Full HD video, Poco M3 has a better slow-motion capability than Nova Y90. |
| Camera Features | DIS, Manual Focus | PDAF | Xiaomi Poco M3 has additional image stabilization and manual focus, While Huawei nova Y90 has PDAF (Phase Detection Autofocus) |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Xiaomi Poco M3 Advantages:
- Larger Battery: 6000mAh battery offers significantly longer battery life, ideal for heavy users or those who often forget to charge.
- Reverse Charging: Can charge other devices, useful in a pinch.
- Hi-Res Audio & Stereo Speakers: Better audio experience for media consumption.
- Corning Gorilla Glass 3: Provides better screen protection against scratches and minor damage.
- Slow motion at 120fps Better for slow motion filming
Practical Implications of Poco M3 Advantages:
- Users who value extended battery life can use it for longer periods without recharging.
- The reverse charging feature adds flexibility in an emergency, you can charge another device such as a wireless earbuds.
- Users can enjoy better audio quality with stereo speakers and Hi-Res Audio.
- The screen is more resistant to scratches due to Corning Gorilla Glass 3.
- Users can record better slow motion videos
Huawei nova Y90 Advantages:
- Faster Charging: 40W charging significantly reduces charging time, convenient for users on the go.
- Better Performance: Snapdragon 680 provides smoother operation, faster app loading, and improved gaming performance.
- Higher Refresh Rate: 90Hz refresh rate provides a smoother, more responsive display.
- Additional Cameras: Inclusion of macro and depth sensors can lead to more versatile photos.
- Phase Detection Autofocus (PDAF) Better auto focus capabilities.
- EDR Bluetooth Faster data transfer speeds.
Practical Implications of Nova Y90 Advantages:
- The faster charging can quickly charge a depleted battery.
- Users will have a better overall experience in terms of performance, especially when using demanding apps.
- The 90Hz refresh rate will improve the user's visual experience, making animations look smooth.
- Macro and depth camera is good for a better range of photography.
- Better Bluetooth connection performance.
Trade-offs:
- Poco M3: Trades faster charging, performance, and display smoothness for significantly longer battery life, better audio and an extra camera feature.
- Nova Y90: Trades longer battery life for faster charging, better performance, smoother display, and additional cameras and PDAF capabilities.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Ideal Users for Xiaomi Poco M3:
- Budget-Conscious Users: Seeking a reliable phone with a good battery life at a lower price point.
- Heavy Media Consumers: Those who watch a lot of videos or listen to music on their phone due to the stereo speakers and Hi-Res Audio.
- Users Prioritizing Battery Life: People who need their phones to last all day without needing a recharge.
- Travelers or Outdoor Enthusiasts: Who might not have easy access to charging.
Specific Use Cases for Poco M3:
- Streaming videos for long durations without worrying about battery.
- Listening to music on the go with stereo speakers.
- Basic gaming and social media use without high-performance demands.
- As a reliable secondary phone for extended use.
Ideal Users for Huawei nova Y90:
- Performance-Oriented Users: Those who want a phone that loads apps quickly and runs smoothly.
- Users Who Value Speed: People who need their phone to charge up quickly when running low on battery.
- Casual Gamers: Users who play mobile games and need a smooth display.
- Photography Enthusiasts: Who like to take close-up pictures with additional sensors.
Specific Use Cases for Nova Y90:
- Playing graphically intensive games.
- Multitasking with many apps open at once.
- Quickly topping up battery during short breaks.
- Taking a variety of photos, including detailed close-ups.
Price-to-Value Ratio:
- Poco M3 may offer better value if price is the primary concern and longer battery life is highly desirable.
- Nova Y90 provides a better value for users willing to pay a bit more for faster charging, better performance and a smoother user experience.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- Battery or Speed? Do you prioritize long battery life or fast charging and better performance?
- Display Quality? Do you prefer a smoother 90Hz display or can you be satisfied with 60Hz?
- Camera versatility? Do you want a versatile camera setup for detailed close-up shots, or is a simple camera enough?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: All-Day Battery & Budget: If you need a phone that will last all day without charging and are on a strict budget, the Xiaomi Poco M3 is the better choice.
- Scenario 2: Fast Charging & Performance: If you want a phone that charges up quickly, runs smoothly, and has a better display, the Huawei nova Y90 is the better choice.
- Scenario 3: Casual Use and Media: For users with moderate phone usage, who want a good viewing and audio experience, the Poco M3 will be suitable. If they want a smoother display and better gaming performance, they should choose the Nova Y90.
My Choice and Explanation
If I had to choose between these two phones, I would personally pick the Huawei nova Y90. Here's why:
- Performance & User Experience: The Snapdragon 680 and 90Hz display provide a significantly smoother and more responsive user experience. I value fast loading times, smooth scrolling, and overall fluidity in my day-to-day usage, which the Nova Y90 delivers more consistently than the Poco M3.
- Faster Charging: While the Poco M3 has a larger battery, I find the faster 40W charging of the Nova Y90 more convenient. The ability to quickly top up the battery is invaluable, especially during busy days when I don't have the time to wait for a slow charge.
- Slightly Better Camera: While both phones have decent camera specs, the inclusion of additional macro and depth sensors on the Nova Y90 makes it more versatile for taking photos.
- Modern Design: The Nova Y90 being a newer phone has a slightly more modern feel, with a more compact and comfortable design.
While the Poco M3 has the upper hand in battery life and audio, the daily performance and convenience of the Nova Y90 aligns more with my preferences. The faster charging and smoother operation outweigh the benefits of longer battery life for my personal usage scenarios. Ultimately, the choice depends on individual preferences. If battery life is your absolute priority, the Poco M3 would be better, but for a more well-rounded experience I prefer the Nova Y90.
