Smartphone Comparison: Xiaomi Poco M3 vs. Motorola Edge 30 Neo
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Xiaomi Poco M3 | Motorola Edge 30 Neo | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Launch Date | 2020-11-27 | 2022-10-07 | Motorola is significantly newer, with newer tech. |
| Dimensions | 162.3 × 77.3 × 9.6 mm | 152.9 × 71.2 × 7.8 mm | Poco M3 is larger and bulkier; Edge 30 Neo is more compact and easier to handle. |
| Weight | 198g | 155g | Edge 30 Neo is significantly lighter, making it more comfortable for prolonged use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.53" | 6.28" | Poco M3 has a slightly larger screen, potentially better for media consumption; Edge 30 Neo is more compact. |
| Resolution | 1080x2340 | 1080x2400 | Very similar resolution, both offer sharp images. |
| PPI | 395 | 419 | Edge 30 Neo has slightly sharper display; pixel density difference is hard to notice. |
| Technology | IPS LCD | P-OLED | Edge 30 Neo has superior display tech, with better colors, contrast, and viewing angles. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 120Hz | Edge 30 Neo offers much smoother scrolling, animation and gameplay experience. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Brightness specification missing; impossible to determine real world difference. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 662 (11 nm) | Qualcomm Snapdragon 695 5G (6 nm) | Edge 30 Neo has a significantly more powerful processor, leading to faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and better gaming. |
| AnTuTu Score | 185,028 | 425,200 | Edge 30 Neo offers much better overall performance and speed. |
| GPU | Adreno 610 | Adreno 619 | Edge 30 Neo has a more powerful GPU, offering better graphics performance for games and other GPU intensive tasks. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 6000mAh | 4020mAh | Poco M3 has a much larger battery, potentially offering longer battery life. |
| Charging | 18W fast charging | 68W fast charging, 5W wireless charging | Edge 30 Neo has significantly faster wired charging and supports wireless charging; Poco M3 has slower charging speeds. |
| Battery Features | Reverse charging, 22.5W fast charger in-box | Wireless charge 5W | Poco M3 can charge other devices, includes faster charger in box; Edge 30 Neo has convenience of wireless charging. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera Resolution | 48MP (f/1.79, 1/2", 0.8µm) | 64MP (f/1.8, 1/2", 0.7µm) | Edge 30 Neo has higher resolution and is better in good lighting conditions; Xiaomi Poco M3 has slightly wider aperture that lets in more light, helping low light. |
| Selfie Camera Resolution | 8MP (f/2.0, 1/4", 1.12µm) | 32MP (f/2.4, 0.7µm) | Edge 30 Neo takes much higher quality selfies. |
| Wide/Macro Camera | None | 13MP (f/2.2, 1.12µm) | Edge 30 Neo has more flexible camera system with wider angle and macro capture. |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30/60/120fps | Edge 30 Neo has better video capabilities with higher framerates; Includes electronic image stabilization, making video much smoother. |
| Image Stabilization | Digital Image Stabilization | Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) | Edge 30 Neo offers more stable video footage, thanks to OIS. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 10 | Android 12 (upgradable to 15) | Edge 30 Neo offers newer OS with more features and longer software support. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac | Both have similar WiFi standards. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 LE | 5.1 LE | Edge 30 Neo has slightly newer Bluetooth with better connectivity. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo, NavIC System | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, SUPL, Galileo | Xiaomi Poco M3 supports more satellite systems for better location accuracy. |
| SIM | Dual SIM (Nano) | Dual SIM (Nano) | Both have dual SIM support. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 64GB/128GB | 128GB/256GB | Edge 30 Neo offers more storage options, good for media storage and larger apps. |
| RAM | 4GB/6GB | 8GB | Edge 30 Neo offers more RAM for better multitasking and app handling. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone supports memory cards. |
| Audio | |||
| Audio Quality | Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers, 2 microphones | Both have stereo speakers; Edge 30 Neo features Dolby Atmos, while Poco M3 has Hi-Res audio. |
| Security | |||
| Fingerprint Sensor | Side-mounted | Basic | Poco M3's side-mounted sensor is convenient and accurate; Edge 30 Neo’s sensor type isn't specified. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | Unknown | Poco M3 has superior screen protection. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Accelerometer, Compass, Ultrasonic proximity virtual | Fingerprint, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Proximity | Both have basic sensors; Motorola Edge 30 Neo additionally features: Proximity, Gyroscope; Xiaomi Poco M3 additionally features: Ultrasonic proximity virtual. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Xiaomi Poco M3 Advantages:
- Larger Battery: 6000mAh offers potentially longer battery life.
- Reverse Charging: Can be used as a power bank to charge other devices.
- Hi-Res Audio: Better audio for wired headphones.
- Side-mounted Fingerprint Sensor: More convenient and accessible.
- Screen Protection: Corning Gorilla Glass 3
Practical Implications: The Poco M3 is ideal for users who prioritize battery life and basic multimedia, and that need reverse charging.
Motorola Edge 30 Neo Advantages:
- Superior Display: P-OLED with 120Hz refresh rate provides a much better visual experience (better contrast, color and smoothness).
- Significantly Better Performance: The Snapdragon 695 5G chipset is much more powerful than the Snapdragon 662, resulting in a much faster phone.
- Faster Charging & Wireless Charging: 68W fast charging and 5W wireless charging offer significantly faster and more convenient ways to charge.
- Superior Camera: Higher resolution main and selfie cameras, wide-angle lens, and optical image stabilization result in superior photo and video quality.
- Newer Android: Android 12 with promised upgrades provides access to latest features and security.
- More RAM and Storage: 8GB RAM and 256GB storage enable better multitasking and more media storage.
- Dolby Atmos: Enhanced audio for better surround sound immersion with headphones.
Practical Implications: The Edge 30 Neo is ideal for users who prioritize a smooth, high quality screen, performance, camera and media consumption and fast/wireless charging.
Significant Trade-offs:
- The Poco M3 sacrifices a lot of speed, software support, and screen quality for a larger battery and lower cost. The Motorola Edge 30 Neo has a smaller battery, but much faster charging.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Xiaomi Poco M3:
- Ideal User: Budget-conscious users who need long battery life, basic smartphone functionality, and are not concerned about performance.
- Use Cases:
- Users who need a phone that lasts a full day (or two) on a single charge.
- Users who primarily use their phone for calls, texts, social media and basic browsing and have a very limited budget.
- Users who prefer basic photography and do not require premium picture quality.
Motorola Edge 30 Neo:
- Ideal User: Users who prioritize a high-quality display, performance, a good camera system, faster and wireless charging and a compact form factor.
- Use Cases:
- Users who want to watch movies/videos on a vivid display with high refresh rate.
- Users who play games and need a fast processor and GPU.
- Users who need a high-quality camera for photos and videos.
- Users who prefer a smooth, fast and responsive experience.
- Users who like to quickly charge their phone with a 68W charger, or even wirelessly.
Price-to-Value:
- The Xiaomi Poco M3 provides very good value at a low price point, especially for its battery.
- The Motorola Edge 30 Neo is the better overall phone, but at a higher price.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- What is your budget? Poco M3 is very budget-friendly.
- What is more important to you: battery life or performance? Poco M3 prioritizes battery; Edge 30 Neo prioritizes performance.
- Do you value a high-quality display and camera? Edge 30 Neo excels in these areas.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Minimal budget, primary need is for battery life: Choose the Xiaomi Poco M3.
- Scenario 2: You want a good quality overall phone, but don't want to pay flagship prices: Choose the Motorola Edge 30 Neo.
- Scenario 3: You prioritize fast charging and wireless charging: Choose the Motorola Edge 30 Neo.
- Scenario 4: You need a high quality display and a great camera: Choose the Motorola Edge 30 Neo.
My Choice:
Given these two phones, I would choose the Motorola Edge 30 Neo. While the Xiaomi Poco M3 offers excellent battery life at a lower price point, the Edge 30 Neo's superior display, faster performance, much better camera and faster charging speed offer a dramatically improved user experience. The combination of a high-quality display, a capable camera, faster charging, and a more compact design makes the Motorola Edge 30 Neo a more versatile and enjoyable phone. While the battery capacity is smaller, the 68W fast charging and wireless charging capabilities make it a non-issue.
