Smartphone Comparison: Xiaomi Poco M3 vs. Motorola Edge 30 Ultra
1. Specifications Comparison
Design
| Feature | Xiaomi Poco M3 | Motorola Edge 30 Ultra | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 162.3 × 77.3 × 9.6 mm | 161.8 × 73.5 × 8.4 mm | The Poco M3 is slightly wider and thicker, which may make it feel bulkier. The Edge 30 Ultra is more compact and potentially more comfortable to hold. |
| Weight | 198g | 198.5g | Both phones are virtually the same weight and will feel similar in hand. |
| Build Quality | Gorilla Glass 3 | Gorilla Glass 5 | The Edge 30 Ultra offers better screen scratch and impact resistance. |
Display
| Feature | Xiaomi Poco M3 | Motorola Edge 30 Ultra | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 6.53" | 6.67" | The Edge 30 Ultra offers a slightly larger viewing area, beneficial for media consumption and gaming. |
| Resolution | 1080x2340 | 1080x2400 | Both offer similar sharpness, making text and images look clear. |
| PPI | 395 | 395 | Both have identical pixel density for similar clarity. |
| Technology | IPS LCD | P-OLED | The Edge 30 Ultra's P-OLED display will offer significantly better contrast, deeper blacks, and more vibrant colors, leading to a more enjoyable viewing experience. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 144Hz | The Edge 30 Ultra's 144Hz refresh rate will make scrolling and animations appear dramatically smoother, especially noticeable in fast-paced games and daily use. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 1250 nits | The Edge 30 Ultra's dramatically higher brightness makes the screen much more visible under direct sunlight. The Poco M3 screen will be hard to see outdoors. |
Performance
| Feature | Xiaomi Poco M3 | Motorola Edge 30 Ultra | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 662 (11 nm) | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 (4 nm) | The Edge 30 Ultra's significantly more powerful chipset will result in much faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and much better performance in demanding games and apps. |
| AnTuTu Score | 185,028 | 1,231,300 | The Edge 30 Ultra has drastically superior performance, indicating faster speed, smoother multitasking, and the capability to run more intensive applications without slowdowns. |
| GPU | Adreno 610 | Adreno 730 | The Edge 30 Ultra's GPU will provide significantly better graphics performance for gaming and other graphically intensive tasks. |
| RAM | 4 GB or 6 GB | 8 GB or 12 GB | The Edge 30 Ultra offers more RAM, enabling smoother multitasking and handling of more demanding apps. |
Camera
| Feature | Xiaomi Poco M3 | Motorola Edge 30 Ultra | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main Camera | 48MP, f/1.79, 1/2", Samsung S5KGM1, 0.80 µm pixel size | 200MP, f/1.95, 1/1.22", Samsung ISOCELL HP1, 0.64 µm pixel size | The Edge 30 Ultra's higher-resolution sensor and larger sensor size allows for significantly more detail, better low-light performance, and more flexibility in cropping. |
| Selfie Camera | 8MP, f/2.0, 1/4", Omnivision OV8856, 1.12 µm pixel size | 60MP, f/2.2, 1/2.8", Omnivision OV60A, 0.64 µm pixel size | The Edge 30 Ultra's selfie camera will produce much higher resolution and more detailed selfies. |
| Telephoto | None | 12MP, f/1.6 | The Edge 30 Ultra can take zoomed photos with better clarity. The Poco M3 lacks this capability. |
| Wide-Angle | None | 50MP, f/2.2, 1/2.76", Samsung S5KJN1, 0.64 µm pixel size | The Edge 30 Ultra can capture a broader field of view. This is particularly useful for landscape or group photos. The Poco M3 lacks this feature. |
| Video | 1080p@30fps; Slow-motion: Yes, 120 fps | 8K@30fps with HDR, EIS; 4K@60fps with HDR, EIS; Slow-motion: Yes, 960 fps | The Edge 30 Ultra captures significantly higher-quality video with 8K resolution. EIS will provide better video stability when recording on the move and it has more slow-motion options. |
| Features | Digital zoom, Triple camera, Digital image stabilization, Autofocus, etc. | 4K Video, 8K Video, Optical zoom, OIS, PDAF, RAW, Night Mode, etc. | The Edge 30 Ultra offers a much wider range of camera features, including optical zoom, optical image stabilization, RAW capture, and night mode, resulting in better image quality and more options. |
Battery
| Feature | Xiaomi Poco M3 | Motorola Edge 30 Ultra | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 6000mAh | 4610mAh | The Poco M3 has a much larger battery, likely resulting in longer battery life for users who prioritize endurance over fast charging and performance. |
| Charging | 18W fast charging | 125W fast charging | The Edge 30 Ultra charges much faster, allowing users to quickly top up their battery. |
| Features | Reverse charging, 22.5W charger in-box | 50W wireless fast charging, 10W reverse wireless charging | The Edge 30 Ultra supports wireless charging and reverse wireless charging, features missing on Poco M3. The Poco M3 does not feature wireless capabilities. |
Other Specs
| Feature | Xiaomi Poco M3 | Motorola Edge 30 Ultra | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| OS | Android 10 | Android 12 (upgradable to 13) | The Edge 30 Ultra has a more recent operating system version, benefiting from updated features and security improvements. |
| Wi-Fi | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac, Dual Band, Wi-Fi Hotspot, Wi-Fi Direct, Wi-Fi Display | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac/ax (Wi-Fi 6), Dual Band, Wi-Fi Hotspot, Wi-Fi Direct, Wi-Fi Display, Wi-Fi MiMO | The Edge 30 Ultra supports Wi-Fi 6, offering faster connection speeds and better performance in crowded network environments and it has additional Wi-Fi features. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.2, A2DP, LE | The Edge 30 Ultra has a more modern and efficient Bluetooth version. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo, NavIC System | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, SUPL, Galileo, GPS (L1+L5), BeiDou (B1), Galileo (E1+E5a), QZSS (L1 + L5) | The Edge 30 Ultra supports a more comprehensive list of GPS systems, resulting in better location accuracy in different environments. |
| Storage | 64GB or 128GB | 128GB or 256GB | The Edge 30 Ultra offers more storage for apps, photos and other files, especially in the 256GB model. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone has external storage options, therefore users have to decide between the different models. |
| Audio | Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers, 2 microphones | The Edge 30 Ultra offers a more immersive audio experience thanks to Dolby Atmos and has a better microphone system for improved sound recording. |
| Security | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Basic fingerprint sensor | Xiaomi Poco M3 features a more advanced side-mounted fingerprint sensor. |
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Accelerometer, Compass, Ultrasonic proximity virtual | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | The Edge 30 Ultra has more sensors, better for advanced features and mobile gaming. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Xiaomi Poco M3 Advantages
- Significantly Larger Battery: The 6000mAh battery offers much longer battery life, ideal for users who need their phone to last through one or two days without needing a recharge.
- Side-mounted fingerprint sensor: More convenient placement for quick unlocking.
- Hi-Res Audio: Good quality audio playback
Motorola Edge 30 Ultra Advantages
- Superior Performance: The Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 chipset offers much faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and a dramatically better gaming experience.
- Superior Display: The P-OLED display provides richer colors, deeper blacks, and a much smoother 144Hz refresh rate, enhancing the visual experience. It is also a lot brighter to make it usable outside.
- Superior Camera System: Higher-resolution main and selfie cameras, plus telephoto and wide-angle lenses allow for significantly more detailed photos with greater flexibility.
- Faster Charging: The 125W fast charging allows you to fully charge the device in a very short time, with wireless charging included.
- More RAM & Storage: Allows for better multitasking and more storage space.
- Better build quality: With Corning Gorilla Glass 5 it is more resistant to scratches and impacts.
- Better connectivity: WiFi 6 support and a newer Bluetooth version.
- Better audio: With Dolby Atmos the quality of the audio experience is improved.
- More advanced sensors: With additional sensors, more features are possible and gaming is improved.
- More modern operating system: More up to date software and software updates.
Significant Trade-offs
- Poco M3: The significantly lower performance, display quality, and camera capabilities are major trade-offs for better battery life. It has a much lower quality camera and a screen that is not ideal for outdoor visibility.
- Edge 30 Ultra: The smaller battery sacrifices battery life for significantly better performance, display quality, and camera capabilities.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Xiaomi Poco M3 Ideal User
- Budget-Conscious Users: Those seeking a basic, affordable smartphone with long battery life.
- Casual Users: Individuals who primarily use their phone for calls, texts, browsing, and social media and don't play graphically intensive games.
- Users who don't need a top-of-the-line camera system: If you only take pictures occasionally and image quality isn't a priority.
Use Cases:
- Long trips or camping where you don't have easy access to charging and the device needs to last long.
- Daily phone usage focused on calls, texts, and basic browsing where high performance is not needed.
Motorola Edge 30 Ultra Ideal User
- Performance Enthusiasts: Users who want a phone that can handle demanding games and apps without slowdowns.
- Photography Lovers: People who want a high-quality camera system with great detail and versatility.
- Multimedia Consumers: Users who want a premium display experience for watching videos and movies.
- Power Users: Users who need the best possible performance and want the phone to last through a full working day.
Use Cases:
- Professional photography and videography, due to the high resolution camera and extra features like RAW capture.
- Mobile gamers who need a high refresh rate screen, smooth gameplay, and minimal delays.
- Frequent travelers or users who rely on their phone for navigation.
Price-to-Value Ratio
- Xiaomi Poco M3: Offers good value for basic tasks and users who are focused on battery life at a very low price point.
- Motorola Edge 30 Ultra: Justifies its higher price with flagship-level performance, camera quality, and display experience. It caters to those who want premium quality and advanced features.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers
- What is my budget? If cost is a primary concern, the Poco M3 is the much more affordable option.
- How important is battery life vs. performance? If long battery life is a priority, choose the Poco M3. If maximum performance and features are needed, pick the Edge 30 Ultra.
- What are my primary use cases? If the phone is for casual use, the Poco M3 will suffice. If it is for gaming, photography, and media consumption, the Edge 30 Ultra will provide a superior experience.
Scenario-Based Recommendations
- Scenario 1: A casual user needs a basic, affordable phone for calls, texts, and browsing with a battery that lasts all day: Recommendation: Xiaomi Poco M3.
- Scenario 2: A gamer wants a phone with the best possible performance and smooth graphics: Recommendation: Motorola Edge 30 Ultra.
- Scenario 3: A photography enthusiast wants a versatile camera system with great image quality: Recommendation: Motorola Edge 30 Ultra.
- Scenario 4: A user wants to have a phone with the best possible screen for watching multimedia content : Recommendation: Motorola Edge 30 Ultra.
My Choice
If I were to choose between these two phones, I would go for the Motorola Edge 30 Ultra. While the Poco M3's larger battery is appealing, my usage patterns necessitate a device that performs exceptionally well in demanding situations. The vastly superior display, camera system, and processing power of the Edge 30 Ultra make it a far better fit for my needs. I prioritize performance, image quality, and overall user experience over the longer battery life offered by the Poco M3. The significantly faster charging on the Motorola also mitigates some of the battery capacity difference. The Edge 30 Ultra also has other additional features like the latest software and better audio quality. Despite the premium price, the Motorola Edge 30 Ultra offers much better performance, higher-quality pictures, better video quality, and an overall much more enjoyable experience with more features and that is why I would pick it over the Poco M3.
