Smartphone Comparison: Xiaomi Poco M3 vs. Motorola Edge 50 Neo
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Xiaomi Poco M3 | Motorola Edge 50 Neo | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 162.3 × 77.3 × 9.6 mm, 198g | 154.1 × 71.2 × 8.1 mm, 171g | Edge 50 Neo is more compact and lighter, making it easier to handle and carry. Poco M3 is bulkier, which may feel less comfortable. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.53" | 6.4" | Slightly larger screen on Poco M3 for immersive media viewing, while Edge 50 Neo offers better clarity in a slightly smaller package |
| Resolution | 1080x2340 | 1256x2760 | Edge 50 Neo has a much sharper display, with finer details and clearer text. |
| Pixel Density | 395 PPI | 474 PPI | Edge 50 Neo has a noticeably sharper image quality due to higher pixel density. |
| Technology | IPS LCD | P-OLED | Edge 50 Neo has better color accuracy, higher contrast, and deeper blacks, especially in dark environments. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 120Hz | Edge 50 Neo offers smoother scrolling and animations, making the user interface feel more fluid and responsive. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 3000 nits | Edge 50 Neo is significantly better for use in bright sunlight. Poco M3 is likely very difficult to use outdoors. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 662 (11 nm) | Mediatek Dimensity 7300 (4 nm) | Edge 50 Neo offers significantly faster processing, improved app loading, and better gaming performance due to its modern chip. |
| AnTuTu Score | 185,028 | 675,000 | Edge 50 Neo is much more responsive and future-proof, easily handling demanding tasks. |
| GPU | Adreno 610 | Mali-G615 MC2 | Edge 50 Neo's GPU offers superior gaming performance and smoother graphics rendering. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 6000mAh | 4310mAh | Poco M3 has a larger battery for potentially longer usage time. Real world usage will depend on software optimizations. |
| Charging | 18W fast charging, Li-Polymer | 68W fast charging, Li-Ion | Edge 50 Neo charges much faster, saving valuable time. |
| Features | Reverse charging, 22.5W charger in box | 15W wireless charging | Poco M3 can act as a power bank and comes with a faster charger. Edge 50 Neo offers more convenient wireless charging. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 48MP, f/1.79, 1/2", 0.8µm | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/1.56", 1.0µm | Edge 50 Neo has a larger sensor size, capturing more light and detail for better image quality, especially in low light. |
| Selfie Camera | 8MP, f/2.0, 1/4", 1.12µm | 32MP, f/2.2, (pixel size not specified) | Edge 50 Neo captures much higher-resolution selfies. |
| Telephoto Lens | None | 10MP, f/2.0, (pixel size not specified) | Edge 50 Neo offers optical zoom capabilities for better distant shots. |
| Wide + Macro | None | 13MP, f/2.2, (pixel size not specified) | Edge 50 Neo can take ultra-wide shots and detailed macro photos. |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 4K@30fps, up to 1080p@240fps | Edge 50 Neo offers higher quality video recording, including 4K resolution, and superior stabilization for smooth, professional footage. |
| DxoMark | Not Tested | Main: 115(Photo:118, Video: 107) | Edge 50 Neo camera is benchmarked to be good in photos and decent in videos. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 10 | Android 14 | Edge 50 Neo has a newer OS version, providing the latest features, security updates, and optimized user experience. Poco M3 has an older OS, with no update version specified. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | 802.11ac | WiFi 6E (802.11ax) | Edge 50 Neo offers faster Wi-Fi speeds and lower latency. |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.0 LE | Bluetooth 5.0 LE | Both offer standard low-energy Bluetooth. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo, NavIC | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | Poco M3 may have better accuracy due to NavIC system in regions where supported |
| SIM | Dual SIM, Nano SIM | Dual SIM (Nano SIM/eSIM) | Edge 50 Neo offers the option for a more flexible eSIM. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 64GB/128GB | 256GB/512GB | Edge 50 Neo has much higher base storage for more apps, photos, and videos. |
| RAM | 4GB/6GB | 8GB/12GB | Edge 50 Neo offers more RAM for better multitasking. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone offers expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers | Both have stereo speakers. Poco M3 offers Hi-Res Audio and Edge 50 Neo offers Dolby Atmos, both offering enhanced audio experiences |
| Security | |||
| Features | side-mounted fingerprint sensor | basic fingerprint sensor | Poco M3 features a more convenient side mounted fingerprint reader compared to a basic one. |
| Build | |||
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | Both offer basic scratch resistance. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Accelerometer, Compass, Ultrasonic proximity virtual | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Both phones include fingerprint, Accelerometer, and Compass. Edge 50 Neo provides Gyroscope and Proximity sensor while Poco M3 features Ultrasonic proximity virtual. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Xiaomi Poco M3 Advantages:
- Larger Battery: The 6000mAh battery offers potentially longer battery life, making it suitable for users who prioritize extended usage without needing to recharge frequently.
- Reverse Charging: Can charge other devices, which is a convenient feature for users who need to share their battery.
- NavIC Support: Offers enhanced location accuracy in regions that support the NavIC system.
- Side Mounted Fingerprint Reader: The side mounted fingerprint reader is more convenient for some users.
- Hi-Res Audio: Offers an elevated listening experience for music lovers.
Motorola Edge 50 Neo Advantages:
- Superior Display: Higher resolution, pixel density, P-OLED technology, and 120Hz refresh rate offer a much better visual experience with vibrant colors, sharp details, and smooth animations.
- Significantly Faster Performance: The Mediatek Dimensity 7300 chipset provides much higher performance, leading to faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and better gaming performance.
- Better Camera System: Offers a superior camera system with higher resolution sensors, a telephoto lens, and a wide-angle lens, along with improved video capabilities (4K recording).
- Faster Charging: 68W fast charging drastically reduces charging time, making it much more convenient.
- Wireless Charging: Offers the convenience of 15W wireless charging.
- Newer Android Version: Runs the latest Android 14, providing the latest features and improved security.
- More Storage and RAM: Provides more storage (up to 512 GB) and RAM (up to 12 GB) for more demanding users.
- WiFi 6E Support: Offers faster and more reliable WiFi connectivity.
- eSIM Support: Supports eSIM for more flexible carrier options.
- Dolby Atmos: Offers enhanced audio experience for music lovers.
Significant Trade-offs:
- The Motorola Edge 50 Neo has a smaller battery than the Xiaomi Poco M3.
- The Xiaomi Poco M3 has a larger footprint and is heavier.
- The Xiaomi Poco M3 is much older than the Motorola Edge 50 Neo, making the Motorola Edge 50 Neo more future-proof.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Xiaomi Poco M3 Ideal User:
- Budget-conscious users: Those who want a basic smartphone with long battery life at a very affordable price.
- Users who prioritize battery life: Those who need their phone to last through a full day of heavy usage without needing to recharge frequently.
- Users who need reverse charging: Those who need to charge other devices on the go.
- Basic smartphone users: Those who primarily use their phone for basic tasks like browsing, messaging, and calls and have low performance needs.
Motorola Edge 50 Neo Ideal User:
- Users who prioritize performance: Those who need a responsive and snappy smartphone for demanding applications and mobile gaming.
- Users who value display quality: Those who want a high-quality display for consuming media and browsing with crisp details and vivid colors.
- Mobile photographers: Those who want a versatile camera system with a wide array of shooting options, including better low-light capabilities.
- Users who value premium features: Those who want a premium experience with features like fast charging, wireless charging, eSIM, and advanced audio experience.
- Modern smartphone users: Those who want to be on the latest Android version, and have the fastest connectivity options.
Specific Use Cases:
- Xiaomi Poco M3: Ideal for long commutes, extended travel, or emergency backup scenarios where battery life is crucial.
- Motorola Edge 50 Neo: Perfect for mobile gaming, streaming high-resolution videos, and professional photography, and day to day use due to its performance capabilities.
Price-to-Value Ratio:
The Xiaomi Poco M3 offers good value for a very low price, prioritizing battery life above everything. The Motorola Edge 50 Neo offers a modern experience with premium features, justifying its higher price.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- What is your primary use case? (e.g., basic tasks vs. gaming, photography, media consumption)
- How important is battery life to you? (e.g., need all-day use vs. daily charging is acceptable)
- What is your budget?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
Scenario 1: Extremely Budget-Conscious, Battery-Focused User:
- Recommendation: Xiaomi Poco M3. This device excels at providing a good battery life at a low price. Other areas of performance are noticeably weaker but this can be offset with user expectations.
Scenario 2: Balanced User, with performance focus:
- Recommendation: Motorola Edge 50 Neo. This device offers a great experience, with a smooth user interface, good cameras, good connectivity, and all-around better performance at a higher price.
Scenario 3: Heavy Mobile User, Seeking Premium Experience:
- Recommendation: Motorola Edge 50 Neo. This phone provides a premium user experience with a superior camera, faster performance, latest software, and modern charging methods.
My Choice
I would choose the Motorola Edge 50 Neo. While the larger battery of the Xiaomi Poco M3 is tempting, the overall user experience offered by the Edge 50 Neo is significantly better. The vastly superior display, much faster performance, improved camera system, faster charging, newer Android version, and premium features like wireless charging, 5G support and better WiFi make it a much more enjoyable and capable device for daily use. The higher price is justified by the superior hardware and user experience. While battery life is less than the Poco M3, the fast charging capabilities make it less of an issue for me. The added telephoto lens is also beneficial.
