1. Specifications Comparison
Here's a detailed comparison of the Xiaomi Poco M3 and Huawei P50 Pro, focusing on the practical implications of each specification:
Design
| Feature | Xiaomi Poco M3 | Huawei P50 Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 162.3 x 77.3 x 9.6 mm | 158.8 x 72.8 x 8.5 mm | Poco M3 is larger & thicker, may feel less comfortable in hand. P50 Pro is more compact and easier to handle. |
| Weight | 198g | 195g | Both phones are very similar in weight. |
Display
| Feature | Xiaomi Poco M3 | Huawei P50 Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 6.53" | 6.6" | Very similar screen sizes, minimal real-world difference. |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2340 | 1228 x 2700 | P50 Pro has significantly sharper display due to higher resolution, making text and images clearer and more detailed. |
| Pixel Density | 395 PPI | 450 PPI | P50 Pro has a noticeably crisper display. Images and text appear less pixelated. |
| Technology | IPS LCD | OLED | P50 Pro's OLED offers superior contrast, deeper blacks, and more vibrant colors. LCD on M3 will look less vibrant. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 120Hz | P50 Pro provides much smoother scrolling, animations, and gaming experience. The 60Hz on M3 might feel less fluid. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Both devices have identical peak brightness, although the actual brightness values are missing and should be checked by other sources. |
Performance
| Feature | Xiaomi Poco M3 | Huawei P50 Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 662 (11 nm) | Kirin 9000 (5 nm) | P50 Pro's chipset is significantly more powerful, leading to faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and better gaming. M3 is suitable for basic tasks but may struggle with demanding apps. |
| AnTuTu Score | 185,028 | 697,566 | P50 Pro offers vastly superior overall performance, much better at running demanding applications and games. M3 is at the budget end. |
| GPU | Adreno 610 | Mali-G78 MP24 | P50 Pro's GPU is significantly more capable, resulting in better graphics performance in games and other graphically intensive applications. Poco M3 struggles with demanding graphics. |
Battery
| Feature | Xiaomi Poco M3 | Huawei P50 Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 6000mAh | 4360mAh | Poco M3 has a significantly larger battery, potentially offering longer battery life. Actual endurance will depend on usage, but on paper this is a notable advantage for the Poco. |
| Charging | 18W fast charging | 66W fast charging | P50 Pro charges much faster, reducing the time spent plugged in. M3 has very slow charging by today's standards. |
| Features | Reverse charging, 22.5W charger in box | 50W Wireless, Reverse wireless | P50 Pro offers convenient wireless charging and reverse wireless charging. M3 offers basic reverse charging and 22.5W charger included but has no wireless option. |
Camera
| Feature | Xiaomi Poco M3 | Huawei P50 Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main Camera | 48MP, f/1.79, 1/2" sensor | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/1.55" sensor | P50 Pro has a larger sensor, likely resulting in better low-light performance and higher image quality. Poco M3 has a slightly wider aperture. |
| Selfie Camera | 8MP, f/2.0, 1/4" sensor | 13MP, f/2.4 | P50 Pro has higher resolution selfies. Poco M3's wider aperture could improve low light, but sensor size for P50 pro is unknown, making comparisons difficult. |
| Telephoto | Not present | 64MP, f/3.4, 1/2" sensor | P50 Pro provides optical zoom capabilities, allowing for better zoomed images. Poco M3 lacks this versatility. |
| Wide Angle + Macro | Not present | 13MP, f/2.2, 1/3.06" sensor | P50 Pro allows for wide-angle shots and macro photography. Poco M3 lacks these features. |
| Black & White | Not Present | 40MP, f/1.6, 1/1.7" sensor | P50 Pro offers dedicated black and white camera that provides very distinct photos and is not just a filter |
| Video | 1080p@30fps, No EIS, 120fps slow-motion | Up to 4K@60fps with EIS, 960fps slow-motion | P50 Pro offers much higher quality video recordings with stabilization. M3 video recording is limited and lacks any form of stabilization. |
| DxOMark Scores | Not Available | Mobile: 143, Selfie: 144 | P50 Pro has been benchmarked and provides excellent scores. Poco M3 was not benchmarked by DxoMark. |
| Features | Triple camera | Quadruple camera, Optical zoom, OIS, Ultra stable video, advanced autofocus modes, RAW, Night Mode | P50 Pro has more advanced camera features and capabilities and is considerably better in its photo and video features. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Xiaomi Poco M3 Advantages:
- Significantly larger battery: The 6000mAh battery can provide potentially longer battery life, appealing to users who prioritize battery endurance.
- More affordable: The Poco M3 is aimed at the budget segment and provides good value for money.
- Includes a 22.5W charger in the box: Provides some fast charging capabilities without extra cost
Practical Implications:
- The Poco M3 excels for users needing long battery life at an accessible price point.
- It's suitable for basic tasks like browsing, social media, and casual gaming.
- Offers reliable performance for day-to-day usage at a much cheaper cost.
Huawei P50 Pro Advantages:
- Superior Display: OLED panel with higher resolution, higher pixel density and 120Hz refresh rate provides a much more enjoyable viewing experience.
- Much Higher Performance: The Kirin 9000 chip is significantly faster, leading to better multitasking, gaming and app performance.
- Superior Camera System: More versatile camera system with optical zoom, multiple lenses, and better video capabilities and image quality.
- Faster Charging and Wireless Charging: 66W wired and 50W wireless charging allow for very fast charging and added convenience.
- More Advanced Connectivity: Support for WiFi 6, newer bluetooth standard, and more robust GPS.
Practical Implications:
- The P50 Pro caters to users who prioritize performance, display quality, and camera capabilities.
- Ideal for mobile gamers, photography enthusiasts, and those needing demanding tasks on their smartphones.
- A premium phone that offers a superior user experience, but at a higher price.
Trade-offs
- Poco M3: Longer battery life is achieved at the cost of performance, display and camera quality.
- P50 Pro: Superior performance comes at a higher price and a smaller battery.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Xiaomi Poco M3:
- Ideal User: Budget-conscious users who prioritize long battery life and basic smartphone functionality.
- Use Cases:
- Long-lasting phone for everyday tasks such as browsing, messaging, and social media.
- Secondary phone for travel or use in situations where battery life is crucial.
- Users who watch videos and don't need the absolute best screen quality.
- Students or individuals on a tight budget needing a reliable smartphone.
Huawei P50 Pro:
- Ideal User: Users who prioritize a premium experience with top-tier performance, camera quality, and display technology, willing to pay a higher price.
- Use Cases:
- Mobile gamers who require smooth performance and high refresh rates.
- Photography enthusiasts who value versatile camera systems and image quality.
- Users who heavily multitask, edit media, and use demanding apps.
- Professionals or anyone needing advanced features and high-quality output.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions to Consider Before Buying:
- What is your budget? The Poco M3 is significantly more affordable than the P50 Pro.
- What features do you prioritize? Battery life, performance, display or camera?
- What will be the primary use of the phone? Simple daily tasks vs heavy use cases like gaming or photography?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: If you have a limited budget and need a reliable phone with good battery life for basic daily tasks, the Xiaomi Poco M3 is the better option.
- Scenario 2: If you prioritize top-tier performance, a premium display, a versatile camera, and are willing to pay more, the Huawei P50 Pro is the clear choice.
- Scenario 3: If you need a phone that can handle demanding mobile gaming, media editing and photography, the Huawei P50 Pro offers a much better overall experience.
My Choice
If I had to choose between these two phones, I would pick the Huawei P50 Pro. While the Xiaomi Poco M3 has a significantly larger battery and a much lower price, the performance, screen, and camera differences are just too big to ignore. As a power user, I value a fluid user experience with a high-quality display and camera capabilities. The P50 Pro would be a better long-term investment because of its superior hardware that will keep it relevant for longer. While the price is much higher than the Poco M3, the increase in performance and overall user experience are well worth the cost, provided I had the budget for it.
