Smartphone Comparison: Xiaomi Poco M3 vs. Motorola Edge 30 Pro
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Xiaomi Poco M3 | Motorola Edge 30 Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 162.3 × 77.3 × 9.6 mm | 163.1 × 76 × 8.8 mm | Poco M3 is slightly wider and thicker, potentially feeling bulkier. Edge 30 Pro is slimmer and slightly taller. |
| Weight | 198g | 196g | Negligible difference in weight; both feel similarly hefty. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.53" | 6.7" | Edge 30 Pro has a marginally larger screen, potentially more immersive for media consumption. |
| Resolution | 1080x2340 | 1080x2400 | Virtually identical sharpness; both provide a crisp visual experience. |
| Pixel Density | 395 PPI | 393 PPI | Negligible difference in pixel density, both appear equally sharp. |
| Technology | IPS LCD | OLED | Edge 30 Pro's OLED offers richer colors, deeper blacks, and better contrast, enhancing the viewing experience. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 144Hz | Edge 30 Pro's 144Hz display provides much smoother scrolling and animations, beneficial for gaming and general use. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Both have the same brightness. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 662 (11 nm) | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 (4 nm) | Edge 30 Pro's flagship chip offers significantly faster performance for all tasks, including gaming and multitasking. |
| AnTuTu Score | 185,028 | 1,061,400 | Edge 30 Pro is vastly more powerful, resulting in faster app loading, smoother gameplay, and better overall responsiveness. |
| GPU | Adreno 610 | Adreno 730 | Edge 30 Pro's GPU provides superior graphics performance for gaming and demanding apps. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 6000mAh | 4800mAh | Poco M3 has a larger battery, which could translate to longer battery life, though this depends on the phone usage. |
| Charging | 18W Fast Charging | 68W Fast Charging | Edge 30 Pro charges significantly faster, reducing downtime and keeping you on the go. |
| Features | 22.5W Charger in-box, Reverse charging | 15W Wireless Charging, 5W Reverse Charging | Edge 30 Pro has wireless charging, while the Poco M3 has a more powerful in-box charger and faster reverse charging |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Camera | 48MP, f/1.79, 1/2", 0.8µm | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/1.55", 1.0µm | Edge 30 Pro's larger sensor and pixel size capture more light for better low-light performance. |
| Selfie Camera | 8MP, f/2.0, 1/4", 1.12µm | 60MP, f/2.2, 1/2.8", 0.61µm | Edge 30 Pro's much higher resolution camera captures more detail and wider field of view, ideal for video calls and detailed selfies. |
| Portrait (Depth) | None | 2MP, f/2.4 | Edge 30 Pro can capture depth information which helps with portrait mode and blurring the background |
| Wide Angle + Macro | None | 50MP, f/2.2, 1/2.76", 0.64µm | Edge 30 Pro has more versatile camera setup with ultrawide and macro capabilities, the Poco M3 is not capable of such. |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 8K@24/30fps, 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/120/240/960fps | Edge 30 Pro records significantly higher quality video, with up to 8K resolution and more slow-motion options for greater video creativity. |
| Video Stabilization | No | Yes | Edge 30 Pro offers Electronic image stabilization for more stable video footage. |
| DxOMark Score | N/A | Main: 101, Photo: 107, Video: 102 | Edge 30 Pro has a tested camera score, and performs well in both photo and video aspects. |
| Camera Features | Digital zoom, 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 | 4K Video, 8K Video, Digital zoom, Triple camera, Digital image stabilization, Optical Stabilization (OIS), Ultra stable video, Autofocus, Touch focus, Continuous autofocus, Manual focus, Phase detection autofocus (PDAF), Laser autofocus (LAF), Dual PDAF, Continuous shooting, Geotagging, Panorama, HDR, Face detection, White balance settings, ISO settings, Exposure compensation, Scene mode, Self-timer, Night Mode | Edge 30 Pro boasts a richer set of camera features, with better stabilization, focus and low-light performance. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 10 | Android 12, Upgradable to 13 | Edge 30 Pro has a newer OS with more up-to-date features and security. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac/ax (Wi-Fi 6) | Edge 30 Pro offers faster and more reliable Wi-Fi thanks to the Wi-Fi 6 standard. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.2, A2DP, LE, APT-x, LDAC, SBC, AAC | Edge 30 Pro has a newer version of Bluetooth which provides more stable connection and support for better audio codecs. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo, NavIC | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, SUPL, GPS (L1+L5), Galileo (E1+E5a) | Both have accurate navigation but use different navigation systems. |
| SIM | Dual SIM (Nano) | Dual SIM (Nano) | Both support dual nano SIM cards, allowing use of two numbers. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 64/128 GB | 128/256/512 GB | Edge 30 Pro has higher storage options. |
| RAM | 4/6 GB | 8/12 GB | Edge 30 Pro has considerably more RAM, allowing for smoother multitasking and better app handling. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone allows additional storage expansion. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers, 3 microphones | Edge 30 Pro has an enhanced audio experience with Dolby Atmos, and better voice capture. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Both devices feature a side-mounted fingerprint sensor for biometric security. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | Both phones offer similar screen protection. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Biometric: Fingerprint; Motion: Accelerometer, Compass; Proximity: Ultrasonic proximity virtual | Biometric: Fingerprint; Proximity: Proximity; Motion: Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Edge 30 Pro is more feature rich with a proximity sensor and a gyroscope. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Xiaomi Poco M3 Advantages:
- Larger Battery: The 6000mAh battery offers potentially longer battery life between charges, which is good for users who want to charge less frequently.
- Lower Price: As an older device, it is likely available at a significantly lower price point, making it a more budget-friendly option.
- 22.5W in-box charger: Comes with a 22.5W charger in the box.
Motorola Edge 30 Pro Advantages:
- Superior Performance: The Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 offers flagship-level performance, ideal for demanding tasks like gaming and video editing.
- Enhanced Display: The OLED display with a 144Hz refresh rate provides a visually superior experience with smooth animations and vibrant colors.
- Advanced Camera System: The Edge 30 Pro offers a much more versatile camera setup, with better image quality, 4k and 8K video recording, and OIS for video stabilization.
- Faster Charging: The 68W fast charging allows for extremely quick battery top-ups, a crucial advantage for users on the go.
- More RAM and Storage: Higher RAM options allow for smoother multitasking, and larger storage capacities mean more space for media and apps.
- Newer Software and Connectivity: Comes with a newer version of Android and newer connectivity standards (Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.2)
- Wireless Charging: The 15W wireless charging is very handy if the user has wireless charging accessories.
Better Audio: Has Dolby Atmos and 3 microphones for an overall better experience.
Trade-offs:
Poco M3: Lower price comes with compromises like much slower performance, lower-quality display, and a less capable camera.
- Edge 30 Pro: Higher price, which might make it less accessible to budget-conscious consumers.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Xiaomi Poco M3:
- Ideal User: Budget-conscious users who prioritize battery life and basic smartphone functionality.
- Use Cases:
- Everyday tasks like browsing, social media, and basic photography.
- Users who value battery endurance over performance or advanced features.
- Users looking for a secondary or backup phone.
- Price-to-Value: Excellent for users who are on a very tight budget and cannot spend much on a smartphone.
Motorola Edge 30 Pro:
- Ideal User: Power users who demand top-tier performance, an excellent display, and a versatile camera.
- Use Cases:
- Mobile gaming, video editing, and other intensive tasks.
- Content creators who need high-quality photos and videos.
- Users who appreciate a premium smartphone experience.
- Price-to-Value: Offers good price-to-performance value for flagship-level specs.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- What is your budget? If you have a limited budget, the Poco M3 could be a better option, but the Edge 30 Pro is well worth the price if you can afford it.
- How important is performance and high-end features? If you need a device for demanding tasks or gaming, the Edge 30 Pro is the clear winner; the Poco M3 will struggle to provide a good experience for heavy use.
- What are your needs and usage habits? For basic usage and longer battery life, the Poco M3 can be sufficient, while the Edge 30 Pro provides a better all-around experience for the average user.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Budget User: If your primary concern is cost and you need a phone for basic tasks with long battery life, the Xiaomi Poco M3 is the better option.
- Performance User: If you demand flagship performance, excellent display quality, and a top-tier camera experience, the Motorola Edge 30 Pro is the way to go.
- Average User: If you want a balance of features and are willing to pay a bit more for quality and performance, the Motorola Edge 30 Pro is recommended as it provides a superior overall experience.
My Choice
I would choose the Motorola Edge 30 Pro. While the Xiaomi Poco M3 offers a much lower price point and a larger battery, the performance difference is night and day. The Edge 30 Pro's superior chipset, significantly better display, vastly improved camera capabilities, and faster charging make it the clear choice for me. The higher price of the Edge 30 Pro is justified by the enormous increase in performance, premium features, and overall better experience. I would prefer to have a phone that's responsive, capable of handling heavy tasks without breaking a sweat, and takes better photos and videos.
