Smartphone Comparison: Xiaomi Poco M3 vs. Motorola Moto G30
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Xiaomi Poco M3 | Motorola Moto G30 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 162.3 × 77.3 × 9.6 mm | 165.2 × 75.7 × 9.1 mm | Moto G30 is taller and slightly thinner, Poco M3 is wider and thicker. Minor differences; both are similarly sized for everyday handling. Poco M3 has a slightly larger volume |
| Weight | 198g | 200g | Negligible difference in weight; both feel similar in hand. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.53" | 6.5" | Very similar screen size, negligible difference for most users. |
| Resolution | 1080x2340 | 720x1600 | Poco M3 has a much sharper display; text and images will look noticeably clearer. |
| PPI | 395 | 269 | Poco M3 display is significantly sharper; fine details are more visible. |
| Technology | IPS LCD | IPS LCD | Both phones have similar color reproduction and viewing angles typical of IPS LCD technology. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 90Hz | Moto G30 has smoother animations and scrolling, noticeable during daily use. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Neither phone's specs indicate peak brightness. Real-world testing needed to assess outdoor visibility. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 662 (11 nm) | Qualcomm Snapdragon 662 (11 nm) | Identical chipsets mean similar overall processing power and efficiency. |
| AnTuTu Score | 185,028 | 170,968 | Poco M3 has a slightly higher benchmark score, which might translate to marginally smoother performance in demanding apps. The difference is small. |
| GPU | Adreno 610 | Adreno 610 | Same GPU indicates similar graphics performance for gaming. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 6000mAh | 5000mAh | Poco M3 offers significantly longer battery life, ideal for heavy users or those who dislike frequent charging. |
| Charging | 18W Fast Charging (Li-Polymer) | 15W Fast Charging (Li-Ion) | Poco M3 charges slightly faster; Li-Polymer may offer better longevity over time. |
| Features | Reverse Charging, 22.5W charger included | Non-removable | Poco M3 can act as a power bank; comes with a faster charger. |
| Camera | |||
| Rear (Standard) | 48MP (f/1.79, 1/2", 0.8µm) | 64MP (f/1.7, 0.7µm) | Moto G30 has a higher resolution main sensor with a slightly wider aperture. The practical difference in image quality can vary depending on lighting conditions. Xiaomi is listed with a specific sensor model. |
| Front (Selfie) | 8MP (f/2.0, 1/4", 1.12µm) | 13MP (f/2.2, 1.12µm) | Moto G30 has a higher resolution selfie camera, while Poco M3 has a slightly wider aperture. The impact on selfies will vary depending on lighting conditions. |
| Wide Angle Lens | None | 8MP (f/2.2, 1.12µm) | Moto G30 has a wide-angle lens, while Poco M3 does not. Moto G30 is more versatile for group shots or landscapes. |
| Portrait Lens | None | 2MP (f/2.4, 1.75µm) | Moto G30 has a dedicated depth sensor for better portrait photos, while Poco M3 does not. |
| Macro Lens | None | 2MP (f/2.4, 1.75µm) | Moto G30 has a dedicated macro lens for close-up shots, while Poco M3 does not. |
| Video | 1080p@30fps, slow-mo 120fps | 1080p@30/60fps, slow-mo 60fps | Moto G30 offers 60 fps recording; both are adequate for social media videos; Poco M3 has higher slow-motion frame rate. |
| Camera Features | Triple Cam, DIS, Manual Focus | Quadruple Cam, PDAF, LAF, RAW | Moto G30 offers a more versatile camera setup, including autofocus and RAW support. Poco M3 offers more manual control. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 10 | Android 11 (Upgradable to 12) | Moto G30 runs a newer version of Android and provides a clear update path, offering more software features and security updates, unlike the Poco M3 |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | 802.11ac, Dual-Band, Hotspot, Direct, Display | 802.11ac, Dual-Band, Hotspot, Direct | Both phones offer similar WiFi capabilities, with Poco M3 providing an additional Wi-Fi Display feature. |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.0 LE | Bluetooth 5.0 LE | Both phones offer similar low-energy Bluetooth. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo, NavIC | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, SUPL, Galileo | Poco M3 supports more satellite systems for more accurate location data; G30 has SUPL to help with location. |
| SIM | Dual SIM (Nano) | Dual SIM (Nano) | Both phones support dual SIM capabilities. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 64GB/128GB | 64GB/128GB | Both phones are offered with the same storage options. |
| RAM | 4GB/6GB | 4GB/6GB | Both phones offer similar RAM configurations suitable for moderate multitasking. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone supports expandable storage, meaning users will be limited to their internal storage configuration. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | Basic Audio | Poco M3 has much better audio quality and immersion, ideal for music lovers and those who watch videos on their device. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Side-mounted Fingerprint | Rear-mounted Fingerprint | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor can be quicker and more convenient for some users. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | Unknown | Poco M3 offers screen protection, while G30 is unknown. Poco M3 offers better screen durability and scratch resistance in this case |
| Sensors | |||
| Features | Fingerprint, Accelerometer, Compass, Ultrasonic proximity virtual | Fingerprint, Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Proximity | Both phones offer a good selection of sensors. Gyroscope on G30 for better VR and gaming support, and Compass on Poco M3 for more precise direction finding. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Xiaomi Poco M3 Advantages:
- Superior Display Resolution and PPI: The Poco M3's 1080x2340 resolution and 395 PPI provide a much sharper and clearer viewing experience.
- Larger Battery: The 6000mAh battery offers significantly longer battery life than the Moto G30.
- Faster Charging: 18W fast charging and included 22.5W charger.
- Better Audio: Hi-Res Audio and Stereo Speakers for better media consumption.
- Side-mounted Fingerprint: Faster and more convenient to use
- Screen Protection: Gorilla Glass 3 offers more protection than the unknown glass on the G30.
- More GPS systems: Better accuracy with the addition of Beidou and NavIC system.
- Reverse charging: Can act as a power bank.
- Wi-Fi Display: More options to project display on an external display.
Motorola Moto G30 Advantages:
- Higher Refresh Rate: The 90Hz refresh rate offers a smoother visual experience during scrolling and animations.
- More Versatile Camera: Additional wide-angle, macro, and depth sensors, along with PDAF and LAF for better photography.
- Newer Android Version: Comes with Android 11 and an upgrade to Android 12 and future updates.
- 60FPS Video Recording: Records at 60fps, making videos look more fluid.
- RAW Support: More options for photo processing.
- Gyroscope: Better support for VR applications and enhanced gaming experience.
Significant Trade-offs:
- Poco M3 offers a much better display experience, larger battery life, and better audio compared to the Motorola Moto G30. However, it has an older OS and lacks features such as a wide-angle lens, depth sensor, and gyroscope.
- Moto G30 offers more camera versatility and a more up-to-date Android version, while having a significantly less sharp display, worse audio and a smaller battery.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Xiaomi Poco M3 Ideal User:
- Media Consumers: Users who primarily use their phones for watching videos, browsing social media, and listening to music will appreciate the sharper display, better audio, and long battery life.
- Budget-Conscious Users: Those looking for the best possible display, battery life, and audio quality at a low price point.
- Users Prioritizing Battery Life: Ideal for those who need their phone to last a full day (or more) without needing a recharge.
Motorola Moto G30 Ideal User:
- Photography Enthusiasts: Those who want a more versatile camera system with dedicated lenses for wide-angle, macro, and portrait shots and want more control with RAW support.
- Users who value up-to-date software: Those that prefer the latest Android version and a clear path to future upgrades
- Mobile Gamers: Users who need a gyroscope for better VR support and enjoy smoother animations with the 90Hz refresh rate.
Use Cases:
- Poco M3: A student using their phone for lectures, streaming videos, and light gaming; a traveler needing long battery life for GPS and entertainment.
- Moto G30: Someone who enjoys taking photos and sharing them on social media; a mobile gamer needing smoother animations and more features or wants a phone that will receive regular updates.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- Display Quality vs. Refresh Rate: Is a sharper display (Poco M3) or smoother scrolling (Moto G30) more important to you?
- Battery Life vs. Camera Versatility: Do you need a phone that lasts longer on a single charge (Poco M3) or a camera with more lenses and features (Moto G30)?
- Software Updates vs. Audio Quality: Do you prefer the latest Android version and regular updates (Moto G30) or better audio from dual stereo speakers and High-Res Audio support (Poco M3)?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: If you frequently watch videos on your phone and value excellent battery life, the Poco M3 is the clear choice.
- Scenario 2: If you enjoy mobile photography and want more creative options, the Moto G30 with its additional lenses and RAW support is the more suitable option.
- Scenario 3: If you're a mobile gamer, the Moto G30's 90Hz refresh rate and gyroscope will provide a better experience.
- Scenario 4: If your main concern is value and you want a sharp display, amazing audio, long battery life, and a fast fingerprint scanner, the Poco M3 is still the best choice.
- Scenario 5: If having the newest version of android and receiving regular updates is important, the Motorola Moto G30 is the way to go.
My Choice
If I had to choose, I would pick the Xiaomi Poco M3. My primary use case involves consuming media, and the Poco M3's superior display, stereo speakers, and much larger battery are all significantly more important to me than having slightly smoother animations or more camera lenses. The significantly sharper screen and better audio experience would make a much bigger difference for my everyday usage. While the Moto G30 has its advantages, the core functionalities of the display, audio and battery life on the Poco M3 win out. Furthermore, the side-mounted fingerprint sensor is quicker and more intuitive in my opinion. While it is disappointing that the phone does not have regular software updates, this is something I can compromise on.
