1. Specifications Comparison
Design
| Feature | Xiaomi Poco M3 | Realme C35 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 162.3 x 77.3 x 9.6 mm | 164.4 x 75.6 x 8.1 mm | The Realme C35 is taller and thinner, while the Poco M3 is wider and thicker. The Realme C35 may feel more sleek and pocketable. |
| Weight | 198g | 189g | Realme C35 is slightly lighter, which might be noticeable during extended use. |
Display
| Feature | Xiaomi Poco M3 | Realme C35 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 6.53" | 6.6" | Both phones offer a similar viewing experience, with minimal difference in screen size. |
| Resolution | 1080x2340 | 1080x2408 | Both offer sharp and clear visuals; the minor resolution difference will likely be imperceptible. |
| PPI | 395 | 401 | Both have similar pixel density, resulting in comparable image clarity. |
| Technology | IPS LCD | IPS LCD | Both use the same IPS LCD technology, offering similar color reproduction and viewing angles. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 60Hz | Both have standard 60Hz refresh rates, suitable for everyday tasks but not as smooth as higher refresh rate displays. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Neither phone has a specified brightness value; this makes it impossible to compare real-world display brightness. |
Performance
| Feature | Xiaomi Poco M3 | Realme C35 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 662 (11 nm) | Unisoc Tiger T616 (12 nm) | The Realme C35's chipset has a higher AnTuTu score, suggesting potentially smoother app performance and gaming. |
| AnTuTu Score | 185,028 | 230,726 | The Realme C35 demonstrates better performance in benchmarks, indicating faster real-world app loading and general usage. |
| GPU | Adreno 610 | Mali-G57 MP1 | The Realme C35's GPU is more powerful based on Antutu scores. The Realme C35 will have better performance in graphically intense tasks. |
Camera
| Feature | Xiaomi Poco M3 | Realme C35 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main Camera | 48MP, f/1.79, 1/2" sensor, Samsung S5KGM1, 0.8µm pixels | 50MP, f/1.8 | The Realme C35 has slightly higher resolution, while the Poco M3 has a wider aperture, potentially leading to better low-light performance. The missing specs on the C35 make it hard to offer a complete comparison. |
| Selfie Camera | 8MP, f/2.0, 1/4" sensor, Omnivision OV8856, 1.12µm pixels | 8MP, f/2.0, Sony Exmor sensor | Both offer similar selfie camera specs. The missing sensor size and pixel size on the C35 make it hard to offer a complete comparison. |
| Macro Lens | None | 2MP, f/2.4 | Realme C35 has a dedicated macro lens for close-up shots. |
| Black & White Lens | None | 2MP, f/2.8 | Realme C35 has a dedicated black & white lens. |
| Video | 1080p@30fps, Slow-motion 120fps | 1080p@30fps, Slow-motion at 30fps | Both offer similar video recording at 1080p. The Poco M3 is better for slow-motion videos at 120fps. |
| Features | Digital zoom, Triple camera, Digital image stabilization, Autofocus, Touch focus, Manual focus, Continuous shooting, Geotagging, Panorama, HDR, Face detection, White balance, ISO, Exposure compensation, Scene mode, Self-timer | Digital zoom, Triple camera, Digital image stabilization, Autofocus, Touch focus, PDAF, CDAF, Continuous shooting, Geotagging, Panorama, HDR, Face detection, White balance, ISO, Exposure compensation, Scene mode, Self-timer | The Xiaomi Poco M3 includes additional features: Manual focus. Realme C35 includes additional features: Phase detection autofocus (PDAF), Contrast detection autofocus (CDAF). |
Battery
| Feature | Xiaomi Poco M3 | Realme C35 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 6000mAh | 5000mAh | The Poco M3 has a significantly larger battery, likely leading to much longer battery life between charges. |
| Charging | 18W Fast Charging | 18W Fast Charging | Both support the same 18W fast charging. |
| Features | Reverse charging, 22.5W fast charger in-box | None | The Poco M3 can act as a power bank to charge other devices and includes a faster charger in the box. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Xiaomi Poco M3 Advantages:
- Significantly larger battery (6000 mAh): Offers substantially longer battery life, making it suitable for heavy users.
- Reverse charging: Allows the phone to act as a power bank for other devices.
- Included 22.5W fast charger: Provides a slightly faster charging experience out-of-the-box.
- Hi-Res Audio and Stereo Speakers: Offers a better audio experience for media consumption.
- More GPS systems: Provides more accurate location tracking.
- Manual focus in camera: Offers more control for photography enthusiasts.
- Corning Gorilla Glass 3: Offers better screen protection against scratches and minor impacts
Realme C35 Advantages:
- Newer Chipset and higher AnTuTu Score: Provides better overall performance, especially in gaming.
- Macro & Black and White Lens: Offers more versatility in photography, allowing for close-up and artistic shots.
- Sleeker and lighter design: Makes the device more pocketable and comfortable to hold.
- Phase Detection Autofocus (PDAF) and Contrast Detection Autofocus (CDAF): Enables faster and more accurate focusing for photos.
Trade-offs:
- The Xiaomi Poco M3's larger battery makes it heavier and bulkier compared to the Realme C35.
- While the Realme C35 has a newer chipset, its smaller battery might require more frequent charging.
- The Poco M3 excels in audio and battery, but it has an older chipset and fewer camera features compared to the C35.
- Both phones have limited storage, and no option to expand storage.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Xiaomi Poco M3:
- Ideal User: Users who prioritize battery life and multimedia consumption. Also, users who value sturdiness with screen protection.
- Use Cases:
- Users who frequently travel and are away from power sources.
- Users who listen to music or watch videos frequently on their phones.
- Users who need a secondary phone to charge other devices.
- Users who prefer a phone with manual focus options in the camera.
Realme C35:
- Ideal User: Users who want a sleek design, slightly better performance, and more versatile camera features.
- Use Cases:
- Users who prefer a thin and light phone that is comfortable to carry around.
- Users who enjoy casual gaming.
- Users who enjoy taking macro photos and black & white photographs.
- Users who value fast autofocus in their camera.
Price-to-Value:
- The Poco M3 and Realme C35 occupy similar budget segments, so pricing should be similar. Depending on availability in your location, the better "value" will depend on how much the specs align with the user profile.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- Battery Life Priority: How important is long battery life? Are you okay with a bulkier phone for more battery, or do you need a lighter device that might require more frequent charging?
- Performance Needs: Do you need the best gaming performance or will the phone mostly be used for everyday tasks?
- Camera Requirements: Do you prioritize low light photos, macro shots, video quality or simply good pictures in any condition?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Heavy User: If you are constantly using your phone for social media, gaming, and media consumption and are often away from power sources, the Xiaomi Poco M3 is the better choice because of its larger battery and reverse charging feature.
- Scenario 2: Casual User: If you want a good all-around phone with a sleek design, decent performance for social media, and more versatility in photography, then the Realme C35 is the recommended choice.
- Scenario 3: Photography Enthusiast: If you prefer to have features like macro lens, PDAF, CDAF, and good low light photos, then Realme C35 would be a more appealing choice.
My Choice
If I were to choose, I would pick the Xiaomi Poco M3. While the Realme C35 offers a slightly more modern chipset and versatile cameras, my priority leans towards battery life and multimedia consumption. The 6000mAh battery of the Poco M3, combined with reverse charging capability and stereo speakers, better aligns with how I use a smartphone. Additionally, the screen is better protected with Gorilla Glass. I prefer a phone with a sturdy build and long battery life, and the Poco M3 delivers on these aspects. Even though I would get slightly lower performance, the performance on the Poco M3 is good enough for my everyday needs.
