Smartphone Comparison: Xiaomi Poco M3 vs. Nokia G11
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Xiaomi Poco M3 | Nokia G11 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 162.3 × 77.3 × 9.6 mm | 164.6 × 75.9 × 8.5 mm | Poco M3 is slightly wider and thicker, might feel bulkier; G11 is taller and slimmer, potentially more ergonomic. |
| Weight | 198g | 189g | G11 is slightly lighter, could be more comfortable for long usage. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.53" | 6.5" | Minimal size difference, practically negligible. |
| Resolution | 1080x2340 | 720x1600 | Poco M3 has a significantly sharper display, better for text and detailed images. |
| PPI | 395 | 270 | Poco M3 offers much clearer visuals, less pixelation. |
| Technology | IPS LCD | IPS LCD | Both offer similar color reproduction and viewing angles. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 90Hz | G11 provides smoother scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Both phones have identical peak brightness, but the specific brightness value is missing, making direct comparison impossible |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 662 (11nm) | Unisoc T606 (12nm) | Snapdragon 662 is generally more efficient, but the benchmark score favors the G11, indicating the G11 has slightly better processing speed for apps. |
| AnTuTu Score | 185,028 | 253,300 | G11 scores higher, suggesting faster app loading and better performance for most everyday tasks. |
| GPU | Adreno 610 | Mali-G57 MP1 | Different GPU configurations, impact on gaming performance requires further testing. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 6000mAh | 5050mAh | Poco M3 has a larger battery, likely offering longer battery life. |
| Charging | 18W Fast Charging | 18W Fast Charging | Both support 18W fast charging, but charging speed can vary. |
| Features | Reverse charging, 22.5W charger | 10W charger | Poco M3 can act as a power bank; G11 has slower charging using the inbox charger |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera Res | 48MP | 13MP | Poco M3's main camera captures more detailed images. |
| Main Camera Aperture | f/1.79 | f/1.8 | Poco M3's wider aperture may perform slightly better in low-light. |
| Selfie Camera Res | 8MP | 8MP | Similar selfie camera quality. |
| Additional Cameras | None | 2MP Depth, 2MP Macro | G11 has additional lenses for portrait and macro photography. Poco M3 has no additional lenses. |
| Video | 1080p@30fps, Slow-mo 120fps | 1080p@30fps, No Slow-mo | Poco M3 allows 120fps slow-motion recording |
| Features | Digital Stabilisation , Manual Focus | Front Flash | Poco M3 features digital stabilisation and manual focus, while the G11 has front flash for better selfies in low light. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 10 | Android 11 | G11 comes with a newer OS, potentially offering improved features and security. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac | 802.11a/b/g/n | Poco M3 has a slightly newer Wifi standard |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 LE | 5.0 LE | Both offer similar Bluetooth capabilities. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo, NavIC | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | Poco M3 includes NavIC for possibly better positioning in the Indian region |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 64GB/128GB | 32GB/64GB | Poco M3 offers more storage options, allowing for more apps and media. |
| RAM | 4GB/6GB | 3GB/4GB | Poco M3 has more RAM for better multitasking. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither device allows storage expansion. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | 2 Microphones | Poco M3 offers better audio quality and immersion thanks to stereo speakers and Hi-Res Audio support. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Side-mounted fingerprint | Side-mounted fingerprint | Both devices offer basic biometric security using side-mounted fingerprint scanner. |
| Build | |||
| Screen Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | Unknown | Poco M3 uses Gorilla Glass 3 for improved screen durability. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Accelerometer, Compass, Ultrasonic proximity | Fingerprint, Accelerometer, Proximity | Poco M3 includes additional sensors such as a compass and ultrasonic proximity sensor |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Xiaomi Poco M3 Advantages:
- Sharper Display: Higher resolution (1080x2340) and PPI (395) provides a more detailed and clearer viewing experience.
- Larger Battery: 6000mAh battery offers significantly longer battery life, making it suitable for heavy users.
- Reverse Charging: Allows the phone to be used as a power bank
- Superior Main Camera: 48MP main camera with f/1.79 aperture captures more detail and performs slightly better in low light.
- Better Audio: Stereo speakers and Hi-Res Audio offer an improved audio experience for media consumption.
- More Storage and RAM Options: Offers 128 GB storage and 6 GB RAM variants for more intensive usage.
- Better Screen Protection: The inclusion of Corning Gorilla Glass 3 provides improved screen durability.
- Faster Charger Included: Comes with a 22.5W charger in the box, compared to the 10W charger of the Nokia G11.
- Additional Sensors: Offers compass and ultrasonic proximity sensor for better functionality.
Nokia G11 Advantages:
- Smoother Display: 90Hz refresh rate makes scrolling and animations appear smoother.
- Slightly Better Performance: Higher AnTuTu score, indicating faster processing for apps.
- Newer OS: Comes with Android 11 out-of-the-box for the latest software features.
- Macro and Depth lenses: Additional 2MP macro and 2MP depth lens provides additional options for photography.
- Lighter and Slimmer Design: More ergonomic design and is slightly lighter, which is better for long-term usage.
- Front Flash: Provides better lighting for selfies in low-light conditions.
Trade-offs:
- The Poco M3 sacrifices a smoother display for higher resolution and battery life.
- The G11 sacrifices camera resolution and battery size for a slightly faster chipset and smoother display.
- The Poco M3 is bulkier than the Nokia G11.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Xiaomi Poco M3:
- Ideal User: Users who prioritize battery life, multimedia consumption, sharper display and camera quality.
- Use Cases:
- Long hours of video streaming and gaming.
- Heavy social media usage and photography.
- Users who travel often and need a reliable battery.
- Those who need a device for reading and displaying detailed information.
Nokia G11:
- Ideal User: Users who value a smoother display, slightly better performance and newer operating system.
- Use Cases:
- Users who enjoy a smoother interface.
- Users who take a lot of portrait or close up macro shots.
- Users who require more modern software features.
- Those who prefer lighter and slimmer phones.
Price-to-Value:
- The Poco M3 offers more value for those prioritizing screen resolution, battery and audio quality for their budget.
- The Nokia G11 offers more value for users looking for a modern software experience, a slightly smoother display and a lighter design.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- Do you prioritize a sharper display or a smoother one?
- If sharp: Poco M3
- If smooth: Nokia G11
- How important is battery life?
- If crucial: Poco M3
- If not a major concern: Nokia G11
- Do you want more modern software or better audio?
- If modern software: Nokia G11
- If audio is more important: Poco M3
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- For Heavy Multimedia Users: Choose the Xiaomi Poco M3 for its superior screen resolution, battery life and stereo speakers.
- For Everyday Users Who Prefer Newer Software and a Smoother Experience: Go for the Nokia G11 due to its smoother display and more modern Android OS.
- For Photography Enthusiasts: Both cameras have a specific usercase. The Xiaomi Poco M3 for it's higher resolution, or the Nokia G11 if you prefer macro and depth lenses.
- For Users on a Tight Budget with Battery as a Top Priority: The Xiaomi Poco M3 offers exceptional battery life for the price.
- For General Users Who Want a Solid Balance: The Nokia G11 offers a good balance of performance and features, with the smoother 90Hz screen.
What I Would Choose and Why!
Given my usage habits, I would choose the Xiaomi Poco M3.
My main priorities in a smartphone are:
- Battery life: As a heavy user who is often away from power outlets, the 6000mAh battery is a huge advantage, providing an excellent experience all day.
- Screen quality: I often consume media on my phone. The 1080p screen is an important factor to me, as it makes a difference to the viewing experience.
- Audio quality: I value the enhanced audio offered by the stereo speakers, allowing me to enjoy movies and music without using headphones.
While the Nokia G11's 90Hz display and newer OS are attractive, they don't outweigh the benefits that Poco M3 offers for my personal needs. I am also comfortable using an older OS, and prefer the additional functionalities offered by the M3. Additionally, the larger 48MP camera on the Poco M3 is a big win for me as I enjoy taking high-resolution photos with my phone.
In conclusion, the Poco M3 offers me the best value for my personal priorities.
