Smartphone Comparison: Xiaomi Poco M3 vs. Motorola Edge 30
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Xiaomi Poco M3 | Motorola Edge 30 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 162.3 x 77.3 x 9.6 mm | 159.4 x 74.2 x 6.8 mm | Edge 30 is noticeably slimmer and more compact, better for one-handed use and pocketability. Poco M3 is larger and bulkier. |
| Weight | 198g | 155g | Edge 30 is significantly lighter, making it more comfortable for extended use. Poco M3 feels heavier. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.53" | 6.5" | Negligible difference in size. Both provide a similar viewing experience. |
| Resolution | 1080x2340 | 1080x2400 | Both are Full HD+, providing sharp visuals. Slight difference is not noticeable in real-world use. |
| PPI | 395 | 405 | Both are similar, resulting in very similar sharpness. |
| Technology | IPS LCD | AMOLED | AMOLED on Edge 30 provides richer colors, deeper blacks, and better viewing angles. It's also more efficient for battery with dark UI themes. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 144Hz | Edge 30 provides a much smoother experience, especially when scrolling or gaming. Poco M3's 60Hz will feel less fluid. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Brightness data is missing; unable to make comparison. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 662 (11 nm) | Qualcomm Snapdragon 778G+ 5G (6 nm) | Edge 30's chipset is significantly more powerful, providing faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and better gaming. |
| AnTuTu Score | 185,028 | 609,900 | Edge 30 demonstrates much higher performance. It will handle intensive tasks with ease, while the Poco M3 is better for basic usage. |
| GPU | Adreno 610 | Adreno 642L | Edge 30's GPU is much faster, giving it a significant advantage in graphically intensive tasks, especially gaming. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 6000mAh | 4020mAh | Poco M3's larger battery suggests longer battery life. Actual endurance depends on usage and software optimization, but the Poco M3 has a significant capacity advantage. |
| Charging | 18W | 33W | Edge 30 charges faster, reducing downtime. Despite having larger battery, Poco M3's slower charging will take longer to fully charge. |
| Features | Reverse charging, 22.5W charger in-box | None | Poco M3 can charge other devices. Edge 30 has faster charging speed, but no charger included in the box. |
| Camera | |||
| Rear Standard | 48MP, f/1.79, 1/2" | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/1.55" | Edge 30 has a slightly higher resolution and a larger sensor resulting in better low-light performance. |
| Front Selfie | 8MP, f/2.0, 1/4" | 32MP, f/2.25, 1/3.14" | Edge 30 has significantly higher resolution selfies. Despite smaller sensor size, Edge 30’s sensor should produce more detailed selfies. |
| Portrait Mode (Depth) | None | 2MP, f/2.4 | Edge 30 has a dedicated depth sensor for better portrait shots, while Poco M3 relies on software. |
| Wide Angle + Macro | None | 50MP, f/2.2, 1/2.76" | Edge 30 offers versatility with a dedicated wide-angle and macro lens, a feature missing on the Poco M3. |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | Up to 4K@30fps | Edge 30 can record higher quality 4K videos, better for video creators and enthusiasts. |
| Stabilization | None | EIS, OIS | Edge 30's OIS provides better video stabilization and sharper pictures. |
| Features | Digital zoom, triple camera... | 4K Video, OIS, PDAF, RAW, Night Mode... | Edge 30 provides more advanced camera features and modes including OIS, Night Mode, and RAW capture for greater creative control. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 10 | Android 12 (upgradable to 13) | Edge 30 has a much newer OS, offering enhanced privacy and security features, as well as longer software support. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac/ax (WiFi 6) | Edge 30 supports the latest WiFi 6 for faster speeds and lower latency, whereas Poco M3 has older Wi-Fi protocols. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.2 | Edge 30's Bluetooth 5.2 provides a more stable and efficient connection, and includes better codecs for audio. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo, NavIC | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | Poco M3 supports additional NavIC system for better location accuracy in India. |
| SIM | Dual Nano SIM | Dual Nano SIM | Both phones support dual SIM functionality. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 64GB/128GB | 128GB/256GB | Edge 30 offers a higher base storage option (128GB vs 64GB) and a much higher maximum capacity option (256GB vs 128GB) |
| RAM | 4GB/6GB | 6GB/8GB | Edge 30 has a higher base RAM (6GB vs 4GB) and higher maximum ram capacity (8GB vs 6GB) |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone offers microSD expansion. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers, 2 microphones | Edge 30 offers enhanced spatial audio, better audio separation and immersion, improved voice capture for recording, while Poco M3 only offers Hi-Res Audio |
| Security | |||
| Features | side-mounted fingerprint sensor | basic fingerprint sensor | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor on Poco M3 is generally faster and more convenient. Edge 30 has a basic fingerprint sensor (location is unspecified). |
| Build | |||
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | Both phones have similar screen protection, protecting from daily scratches. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Accelerometer, Compass, Ultrasonic proximity virtual | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Edge 30 has more sensors, particularly useful for advanced gaming and applications that require motion detection. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Xiaomi Poco M3 Advantages:
- Larger Battery: The 6000mAh battery is a clear advantage for users prioritizing long battery life, potentially lasting well over a day for many users.
- Reverse Charging: Allows the Poco M3 to function as a power bank, a useful feature for charging other devices on the go.
- Side-mounted fingerprint sensor: A side-mounted fingerprint sensor is usually faster and more convenient than basic sensors.
- Hi-Res Audio: This feature provides higher quality audio for those who prioritize sound.
- Lower Price: Typically priced lower than the Motorola Edge 30, making it a budget-friendly option.
Motorola Edge 30 Advantages:
- Superior Performance: The Snapdragon 778G+ chipset provides significantly faster performance for all tasks, making it more responsive and enjoyable for demanding tasks such as gaming.
- Better Display: The AMOLED screen offers much better colors, contrast, and viewing experience over the IPS LCD panel in the Poco M3. The 144Hz refresh rate makes everything feel much smoother.
- Higher Quality Camera: Features a more versatile camera system with OIS, wide-angle and macro lenses, and 4K video recording, making it better for capturing photos and videos.
- Faster Charging: The 33W fast charging reduces the time spent plugged in.
- Newer Software: Ships with a newer version of Android, with confirmed upgrade to Android 13 and likely longer software support.
- Lighter and Slimmer Design: More pocketable and comfortable to hold for longer periods.
- Better Connectivity: Supports WiFi 6 and Bluetooth 5.2 providing more reliable and efficient connections.
- Enhanced Audio: Dolby Atmos provides a richer, more immersive audio experience, better for movies, music and games.
- More Storage and RAM: Higher base internal storage and RAM configuration provides a better multitasking and storage experience.
Trade-offs:
- Poco M3: Trades performance, display quality, and camera features for a larger battery and lower price.
- Edge 30: Trades battery capacity for significantly better performance, display, camera and connectivity.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Ideal Users for Xiaomi Poco M3:
- Budget-conscious users: Those seeking a capable smartphone for basic tasks at a low price.
- Users prioritizing battery life: Individuals who need a phone that can last a full day (or longer) on a single charge.
- Users with basic smartphone needs: Primarily for social media, browsing, and basic communication.
- Users who need reverse charging: Useful for those who need a secondary device to charge other devices on the go.
Use Cases for Xiaomi Poco M3:
- Longer battery for multi-day trips or days when a charger is not accessible.
- Basic daily tasks like browsing, messaging, social media, and music playback.
- Primary phone for users who do not perform demanding tasks.
Ideal Users for Motorola Edge 30:
- Performance-focused users: Gamers or those who frequently use demanding apps that require smooth multitasking.
- Users who prioritize visual experience: Consumers who value a high-quality display with vibrant colors and a smooth refresh rate.
- Camera enthusiasts: Users who desire a versatile camera system with high-quality images and video capabilities.
- Users who want fast charging: Users who need their phone to be charged quickly and ready to go.
- Users who need better audio experience: Users who would benefit from Dolby Atmos.
Use Cases for Motorola Edge 30:
- Mobile gaming and other graphically demanding applications.
- Capturing high-quality photos and videos in various scenarios.
- Watching movies and videos with excellent color reproduction and smooth motion.
- Using the phone for productive tasks, requiring more speed and multitasking.
- Long term use, due to newer software, ensuring it stays secure for longer
Price-to-Value Ratio:
- Poco M3: Offers good value in the entry-level segment for basic use and extended battery life.
- Edge 30: Provides better value for mid-range users seeking higher performance, display quality, and camera capabilities.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- What is your primary use case for a smartphone? (e.g., gaming, photography, basic communication, etc.)
- How important is battery life versus performance and display quality?
- What is your budget?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Budget User: If you need a basic smartphone and battery life is your top priority, the Xiaomi Poco M3 is a suitable and cost-effective option.
- Scenario 2: Performance User: If performance, a great display, and camera quality are important, the Motorola Edge 30 is the better choice despite the slightly smaller battery.
- Scenario 3: Balanced User: If you need a good balance of performance and battery, you should prioritize the performance provided by the Motorola Edge 30, as battery life can be managed through charging best practices.
My Choice
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would select the Motorola Edge 30. While the Xiaomi Poco M3 offers impressive battery life and is more budget-friendly, the Edge 30 provides a superior user experience in several critical areas that are more important to me personally, as I value performance and the visual experience more than battery life. The Snapdragon 778G+ chipset is significantly faster, making the phone feel much more responsive and capable for demanding tasks, such as gaming and productivity apps. Additionally, the AMOLED screen with its 144Hz refresh rate would offer a much better viewing experience.
While the smaller battery is a trade-off, the 33W fast charging should help offset the inconvenience, and the modern software and camera features also make it a better long-term purchase.
