Smartphone Comparison: Xiaomi Poco M3 vs. Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Xiaomi Poco M3 | Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 162.3 × 77.3 × 9.6 mm | 169.5 × 77.5 × 9.4 mm | Moto G Stylus 5G is taller but slightly thinner; M3 might feel more compact in hand. |
| Weight | 198g | 217.5g | Poco M3 is lighter, which could be more comfortable for extended use; Moto G Stylus 5G feels more substantial and might be preferable for those that want a heavier, more sturdy phone. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.53" | 6.8" | Moto G Stylus 5G has a slightly larger screen, better for media consumption. |
| Resolution | 1080x2340 | 1080x2400 | Both have similar resolutions; negligible difference in sharpness, both are adequate for HD content. |
| Pixel Density (PPI) | 395 | 387 | Practically the same; both displays will appear sharp. |
| Technology | IPS LCD | IPS LCD | Identical screen tech; similar color reproduction and viewing angles. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 60Hz | Standard refresh rate; both will feel smooth for general use; neither is ideal for high refresh rate gaming. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Both lack brightness specifications which is a drawback; difficult to determine how well they perform in different lighting conditions |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 662 (11nm) | Snapdragon 480 5G (8nm) | Snapdragon 480 5G is newer and more power-efficient. The Snapdragon 662 might offer slightly better processing performance in some tasks, but the 480 has better connectivity with 5G. |
| AnTuTu Score | 185,028 | 171,000 | Poco M3 has a slightly higher benchmark score, indicating slightly faster general performance, but this will be negligble in most cases. |
| GPU | Adreno 610 | Adreno 619 | Adreno 619 is slightly more powerful, offering better gaming performance, but most users won't notice a major difference in everyday use. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 6000mAh | 4000mAh | Poco M3 has a significantly larger battery, likely providing significantly longer battery life; this is a major advantage for users concerned with battery endurance |
| Charging | 18W fast charging, Li-Polymer | 10W fast charging, Li-Ion | Poco M3 charges faster and uses Li-Polymer battery technology, which tends to have better longevity and safety. |
| Features | Reverse charging, 22.5W charger in-box | Non-removable | Poco M3 can act as a power bank and comes with a faster charger in the box; Moto G Stylus does not offer either. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Rear | 48MP, f/1.79, 1/2" sensor | 48MP, f/1.7, unknown sensor size | Similar main camera resolution. Moto G Stylus has a slightly wider aperture; might offer a minimal advantage in low light; sensor size is not stated. |
| Front Camera | 8MP, f/2.0, 1/4" sensor | 20MP, f/2.0, unknown sensor size | Moto G Stylus 5G has a significantly higher resolution front camera, ideal for selfie enthusiasts. |
| Wide Angle Lens | None | 16MP, f/2.2 | Moto G Stylus 5G has a dedicated wide-angle camera; great for landscape or group photos. |
| ToF 3D sensor | None | ToF 3D sensor | Moto G Stylus 5G has a depth sensor, might offer improved portrait mode. |
| Macro Lens | None | 2MP, f/2.2, 1.75µm pixel size | Moto G Stylus 5G has a dedicated macro lens, allowing for close up photography. |
| Video | 1080p@30fps; Slow-mo: 120fps | 1080p@30/60fps; Slow-mo: 120fps | Both offer 1080p video, which is good enough for most users. Moto G stylus offers 60fps video capture; better for capturing motion. |
| 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 | Digital zoom, Quadruple camera, Digital image stabilization, Autofocus, Touch focus, Phase detection autofocus (PDAF), Laser autofocus (LAF), Continuous shooting, Geotagging, Panorama, HDR, Face detection, White balance settings, ISO settings, Exposure compensation, Scene mode, Self-timer | Both have similar features but Moto G Stylus has more advanced autofocus system; the M3 offers manual focus. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 10 | Android 11, upgradable to 12 | Moto G Stylus 5G runs on a more recent Android version, so it receives better software support. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | 802.11ac | 802.11ac | Both have similar Wi-Fi support; good speeds on compatible networks. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 LE | 5.0 LE, EDR | Similar Bluetooth, Moto G Stylus supports EDR, useful for some audio and data transfer scenarios. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo, NavIC System | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, SUPL, Galileo | Poco M3 has better GPS compatibility, potentially better for location-based apps. |
| SIM | Dual SIM (Nano) | Dual SIM (Nano) | Both have Dual SIM functionality, good for using multiple numbers. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 64 GB or 128 GB | 128 GB | Moto G Stylus 5G only offers 128 GB storage. Poco M3 offers both 64GB and 128GB configurations. |
| RAM | 4 GB or 6 GB | 4 GB | Poco M3 can have 6GB of RAM and may perform better for users that multi-task. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone supports expandable storage; users will need to rely on cloud storage or choose appropriate storage option upon purchase. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | Basic Audio | Poco M3 has enhanced audio quality with stereo speakers, better for media consumption. |
| Security | |||
| Fingerprint | side-mounted sensor | rear-mounted sensor | Side-mounted is considered more modern, while rear-mounted is considered traditional, but both provide good security. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | Unknown | Poco M3 has Corning Gorilla Glass 3, which is good screen protection; protection on Moto G Stylus 5G is unknown. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Accelerometer, Compass, Ultrasonic proximity virtual | Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Proximity | Both have a good set of sensors, but they each have unique sensors. The M3 has a Compass while the Moto G Stylus has a Gyroscope, so their uses depend on user requirements. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Xiaomi Poco M3 Advantages:
- Significantly Larger Battery: The 6000mAh battery offers potentially much longer battery life.
- Faster Charging & Reverse Charging: 18W fast charging and the ability to act as a power bank are useful.
- Hi-Res Audio & Stereo Speakers: Better audio experience for media consumption.
- Potentially Better GPS: More satellite systems supported for improved location accuracy.
- Side-Mounted Fingerprint Sensor: Considered a more modern design.
- Corning Gorilla Glass 3: Offers better screen protection.
- Potentially More RAM: Can be purchased with more RAM.
Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G Advantages:
- Newer Chipset: Snapdragon 480 5G (8nm) offers more power efficiency and 5G connectivity.
- Up-to-Date OS: Comes with Android 11, upgradable to 12, offering better software support.
- Larger Display: The larger screen is better for media consumption.
- Higher Resolution Front Camera: 20MP camera is ideal for selfies.
- Dedicated wide angle, macro and depth sensors. Offers versatility in camera photos.
- 60fps video capture: Captures video with 60fps, better for capturing motion.
- Phase Detection Autofocus (PDAF) and Laser Autofocus (LAF). Has more advanced autofocus for better image quality.
Trade-offs:
- Poco M3: Larger battery and better audio but potentially older software, older chipset.
- Moto G Stylus 5G: Newer chipset and better camera system but smaller battery and basic audio.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Xiaomi Poco M3 is ideal for:
- Users prioritizing battery life: Individuals who need a phone that can last all day (or multiple days) without charging.
- Budget-conscious users: Those looking for a low price with good battery performance.
- Media consumers: Users that value good quality audio without headphones.
Use cases for Poco M3:
- Long trips or outdoor activities where charging is limited.
- Frequent commuters who consume media on the go.
- Users who need their phone as a power bank for other devices.
Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G is ideal for:
- Users that value software updates: Those who want the most up-to-date Android experience.
- Selfie takers: Users who frequently take front-facing photos.
- Casual Photographers: Those who enjoy using different camera lenses for photography.
- Users who need 5G connectivity Those who need the fastest download and upload speeds.
Use cases for Moto G Stylus 5G:
- Social media influencers who need a good front-facing camera.
- Users who like taking different kinds of photos with a good variety of lenses
- Those who need access to 5G networks.
Price-to-Value:
- The Poco M3 offers excellent battery life at a very budget-friendly price.
- The Moto G Stylus 5G, while more expensive, provides a newer chipset, better camera system, and updated software.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- How important is battery life?
- If it is crucial, the Poco M3 is a better choice, offering significantly longer usage.
- Do you prefer up-to-date software or more features?
- If you prefer the most recent software experience, the Moto G Stylus 5G, is better; if you prefer more hardware features the Poco M3 is better.
- Do you need 5G connectivity?
- If so, the Moto G Stylus 5G is a better option since the Poco M3 does not support 5G.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Travel Enthusiast: Choose the Xiaomi Poco M3 for its exceptional battery life; users will not have to worry about charging when travelling.
- Scenario 2: Aspiring Photographer: Choose the Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G for its higher resolution front camera and diverse lens choices.
- Scenario 3: Budget-Conscious Buyer: Choose the Xiaomi Poco M3 for its excellent value.
- Scenario 4: Future-Proof User: Choose the Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G for its 5G connectivity and more recent OS.
Personal Choice
Personally, I would choose the Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G. While the Xiaomi Poco M3 has a larger battery, the Moto G Stylus 5G offers a more modern experience with its newer Snapdragon 480 5G chipset and up-to-date software. Additionally, I find the 20MP front-facing camera and the versatile camera system to be more useful and valuable for my daily use. The addition of 5G connectivity is also a plus for me. Although battery life would be slightly less than the M3, I am willing to compromise that for the more modern features and 5G connectivity the G Stylus 5G has to offer.
