1. Specifications Comparison
Design
| Feature | Xiaomi Poco M3 | Realme C61 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 162.3 × 77.3 × 9.6 mm | 167.3 × 76.7 × 7.8 mm | Realme C61 is taller and significantly thinner, making it potentially more pocketable and comfortable to hold. Xiaomi Poco M3 has a larger overall volume. |
| Weight | 198g | 188g | Realme C61 is slightly lighter, which could be more comfortable for extended use. |
| Build | Unknown | Unknown | More information is needed to assess build quality and materials. |
Display
| Feature | Xiaomi Poco M3 | Realme C61 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 6.53" | 6.74" | Realme C61 offers a slightly larger screen for a more immersive viewing experience. |
| Resolution | 1080x2340 | 720x1600 | Xiaomi Poco M3 has a significantly sharper display, with much finer detail noticeable when reading text or viewing images. |
| Pixel Density (PPI) | 395 | 260 | Xiaomi Poco M3's higher pixel density results in a crisper, less pixelated image. |
| Technology | IPS LCD | IPS LCD | Both phones offer similar LCD display qualities. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 90Hz | Realme C61 has a smoother scrolling and animation experience. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Both phones appear to have a zero brightness rating which is likely an error as these are both functional devices. |
Performance
| Feature | Xiaomi Poco M3 | Realme C61 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 662 (11 nm) | Unisoc Tiger T612 (12 nm) | Realme C61's chipset has a higher AnTuTu benchmark indicating a better performance for everyday tasks and some gaming. |
| AnTuTu Score | 185,028 | 252,597 | Realme C61 is likely to feel snappier and handle multitasking better. |
| GPU | Adreno 610 | Mali-G57 MP1 | Realme C61's GPU gives a slight advantage in gaming performance. |
Camera
| Feature | Xiaomi Poco M3 | Realme C61 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main Camera Resolution | 48MP | 32MP | Xiaomi Poco M3 captures more detailed images in good lighting conditions. |
| Main Camera Aperture | f/1.79 | f/1.8 | Xiaomi Poco M3 may perform slightly better in low-light situations due to its wider aperture. |
| Main Camera Sensor Size | 1/2" | Unknown | Larger sensor size on Xiaomi Poco M3 usually means better low-light sensitivity and image quality |
| Selfie Camera Resolution | 8MP | 5MP | Xiaomi Poco M3's front camera captures more detail, leading to better selfies. |
| Portrait Mode | No | 2MP Depth Sensor | Realme C61 offers a dedicated depth sensor, likely leading to better portrait mode effect with more accurate background blur. |
| Video Recording | 1080p@30fps; 120 fps Slow-motion | 1080p@30fps; No Slow-motion | Xiaomi Poco M3 allows slow-motion video capture. |
| Camera Features | Triple camera, Manual focus, Continuous shooting, etc. | Dual camera, Phase detection autofocus (PDAF), etc. | Xiaomi Poco M3 offers manual control features and more camera hardware, whereas Realme C61 offers faster autofocus. |
Battery
| Feature | Xiaomi Poco M3 | Realme C61 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 6000mAh | 5000mAh | Xiaomi Poco M3 has a significantly larger battery, providing potentially longer usage time between charges. |
| Charging | 18W Fast Charging | 45W Fast Charging | Realme C61 charges much faster, reducing downtime spent plugged in. |
| Additional Features | Reverse charging, 22.5W charger in-box | None | Xiaomi Poco M3 can act as a power bank for other devices and includes a faster charger in the box, although the phone's charging is only 18W. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Xiaomi Poco M3 Advantages:
- Higher Resolution Display: Sharper and more detailed display thanks to higher resolution and pixel density.
- Larger Battery: Significantly better battery life with 6000mAh capacity.
- Hi-Res Audio & Stereo Speakers: Better audio experience for music and video.
- More Camera Features: Manual controls and more flexibility for photography enthusiasts.
- Reverse Charging: Can charge other devices, adding to its versatility.
Realme C61 Advantages:
- Faster Performance: Better chipset and AnTuTu score provide snappier everyday performance and some gaming improvements.
- Higher Refresh Rate: 90Hz display offers a smoother visual experience for scrolling.
- Faster Charging: Much faster charging (45W vs 18W) means less time plugged into the wall.
- Portrait Mode: Dedicated depth sensor allows for more effective portrait photos.
- Newer Android Version: Comes with a more updated operating system.
- More Storage Options: Up to 256 GB of internal storage, doubling the maximum of the Xiaomi.
- More RAM Option: Up to 8 GB of RAM for better multitasking and gaming.
Significant Trade-offs:
- Xiaomi Poco M3: Trades faster charging for a much larger battery and lower-end performance.
- Realme C61: Trades battery capacity, display resolution and camera quality for a more fluid and faster experience and the addition of a portrait mode.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Xiaomi Poco M3 - Ideal for:
- Budget-Conscious Users: Prioritizing battery life and a sharp display above all else.
- Multimedia Consumers: Those who watch videos and listen to music frequently, benefiting from its audio and display.
- Users with Limited Access to Charging: The large battery offers peace of mind for extended use.
Use Cases:
- Long travel days with limited charging points
- Streaming video on the go
- Casual mobile gaming
Realme C61 - Ideal for:
- Users who Prioritize Speed and Responsiveness: People who want smooth multitasking and app loading and some casual gaming.
- Those who need fast charging: Perfect for users who need to top up their phone quickly and get back on the go.
- Users who value a better quality operating system.
Use Cases:
- Daily social media usage
- Casual gaming
- Photography using the portrait mode
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- Is battery life or charging speed more important to you? If long battery life is a priority, the Xiaomi Poco M3 is better. If you need fast charging, the Realme C61 is superior.
- How important is display sharpness vs. display fluidity? The Xiaomi Poco M3 has a higher resolution screen, while the Realme C61 has a smoother 90Hz refresh rate.
- Do you need a better main camera and audio or more storage and portrait mode? Xiaomi Poco M3 excels with a more detailed main camera, whilst Realme C61 has a portrait mode and double the storage.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1 (Power User on a Budget): If you prioritize long battery life and a crisp display and are okay with waiting longer to charge, choose the Xiaomi Poco M3.
- Scenario 2 (Speed and Convenience User): If you need a fast phone and prefer quick charging, the Realme C61 is the better option, particularly if you enjoy portrait photography.
- Scenario 3 (Casual User): Both phones are capable but if you are someone who may take the odd photo and use their phone for social media then the Realme C61 is the better choice.
My Choice
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would personally choose the Realme C61. While the Xiaomi Poco M3 offers a larger battery and sharper display, the faster performance, smoother 90Hz refresh rate, and faster charging of the Realme C61 are more appealing to me for daily usage. The slightly better camera features offered by the Realme are also more enticing. I believe that the Realme C61 strikes a better balance between performance and features for my everyday needs. While the larger battery on the Poco M3 is tempting, I find it acceptable to charge more frequently if it means I can use a faster and more efficient phone.
