1. Specifications Comparison
Design
| Feature | Xiaomi Poco M3 | Samsung Galaxy M35 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 162.3 x 77.3 x 9.6 mm | 162.3 x 78.6 x 9.1 mm | Similar height, Galaxy M35 is slightly wider (1.3mm), Poco M3 is slightly thicker (0.5mm). Minimal real-world difference in pocketability or single-handed use. |
| Weight | 198g | 222g | Poco M3 is lighter (24g), noticeable difference, may be more comfortable for extended holding. |
Display
| Feature | Xiaomi Poco M3 | Samsung Galaxy M35 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 6.53" | 6.6" | Negligible size difference, both feel similar in hand. |
| Resolution | 1080x2340 | 1080x2340 | Same sharpness, both provide crisp images and text. |
| Pixel Density | 395 PPI | 390 PPI | Practically identical, no visible difference in clarity. |
| Technology | IPS LCD | AMOLED | Galaxy M35 has superior contrast, deeper blacks, more vibrant colors and better power efficiency, especially with dark themes. Better for media consumption. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 120Hz | Galaxy M35 provides smoother scrolling, animations and more responsive gaming experience. A very noticeable difference. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Peak brightness is missing and we are unable to comment on screen legibility in bright sunlight conditions. |
Performance
| Feature | Xiaomi Poco M3 | Samsung Galaxy M35 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 662 (11 nm) | Exynos 1380 (5 nm) | Galaxy M35's processor is significantly faster and more power-efficient, offering snappier performance, smoother multitasking and improved gaming performance. |
| Antutu Score | 185,028 | 578,500 | Galaxy M35 has drastically better performance, apps load much faster, better for resource-intensive tasks and gaming. The difference is very large. |
| GPU | Adreno 610 | Mali-G68 MP5 | Galaxy M35 has a more capable GPU, leading to better graphics in games. |
Camera
| Feature | Xiaomi Poco M3 | Samsung Galaxy M35 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rear Standard Lens | 48MP, f/1.79, 1/2", 0.80µm, Samsung S5KGM1 | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/2", 1.00µm, Sony LYT-600 | Galaxy M35 has slightly higher resolution and bigger pixels for better low light performance, but aperture is slightly smaller. The larger pixels should capture more light. |
| Selfie Camera | 8MP, f/2.0, 1/4", 1.12µm, Omnivision OV8856 | 13MP, f/2.2, 1.12µm, sensor model not specified | Galaxy M35 has higher resolution, potentially more detail in selfies, but aperture is slightly smaller. |
| Wide Angle Lens | N/A | 8MP, f/2.2, sensor model not specified | Galaxy M35 offers wider perspective for group shots and landscapes. Missing on the Poco M3. |
| Macro Lens | N/A | 2MP, f/2.4, sensor model not specified | Galaxy M35 can take close-up photos of very small objects. Missing on the Poco M3. |
| Video Recording | 1080p@30fps, no EIS, 120fps slow-motion | 4K@30fps with EIS, 1080p@60fps with EIS, 720p@480fps with EIS, 480 fps slow motion | Galaxy M35 has significantly better video capabilities, more resolutions and framerates, better stabilisation resulting in much smoother footage. |
| 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 | 2x2 OCL, Pro Video Mode, 4K Video, Digital zoom, Triple camera, Digital image stabilization, Optical Stabilization (OIS), Ultra stable video, AutoFraming, Autofocus, Touch focus, All Pixel Omni- Directional PDAF, NPU AI Engine, Continuous shooting, Geotagging, Panorama, HDR, Face detection, White balance settings, ISO settings, Exposure compensation, Scene mode, Self-timer, Night Mode, RAW 12 bits, DOL HDR | Galaxy M35 offers more advanced features, including 4K video, OIS, Pro video mode, Night mode. Providing better control and quality in varied conditions. |
Battery
| Feature | Xiaomi Poco M3 | Samsung Galaxy M35 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 6000mAh | 6000mAh | Similar battery life, both phones offer good battery life. |
| Charging | 18W Fast Charging, Li-Polymer | 25W Fast Charging, Li-Ion | Galaxy M35 charges faster, reducing downtime. |
| Features | Reverse Charging, 22.5W charger in box | Non-removable | Poco M3 can charge other devices. Galaxy M35's charging may be faster. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Xiaomi Poco M3 Advantages:
- Lighter Weight: More comfortable for prolonged use.
- Reverse Charging: Can act as a power bank for other devices.
- Included Charger: Comes with a 22.5W charger in the box, unlike the Samsung.
Samsung Galaxy M35 Advantages:
- Superior Display: AMOLED screen with 120Hz refresh rate offers much better viewing experience.
- Significantly Faster Performance: More powerful chipset for smoother app usage and gaming.
- Better Cameras: Higher resolution sensors, additional lenses, significantly improved video capabilities with OIS, better low light, and a host of advanced features.
- Faster Charging: 25W charging reduces charge times.
- Newer Software: Ships with a more recent version of Android.
- More Storage: Higher storage options.
- Better Audio: Dolby Atmos provides an enhanced audio experience, better quality and immersion.
Significant Trade-offs:
- The Galaxy M35 is heavier than the Poco M3, and some users may prefer the lighter phone.
- Poco M3 does not support expandable storage.
- Poco M3 comes with Android 10 which is an outdated OS.
- The screen on the Poco M3 is not as vibrant as the AMOLED screen on the M35.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Xiaomi Poco M3 Ideal User:
- Budget-conscious users seeking maximum battery life and a lighter phone, who are not too demanding in terms of performance or features.
- Users who prioritize battery life above all else and do not require a high performing phone.
- Those who use their phone primarily for basic communication, social media and occasional browsing.
Use Cases:
- Long days away from power outlets, as a secondary phone or for users who value battery life over performance.
- Basic daily tasks and general use.
Samsung Galaxy M35 Ideal User:
- Users who value display quality, performance and better camera capabilities.
- Users who want a more modern experience with better software and features, with a more premium user experience.
- Users who enjoy mobile gaming, social media content creation, photography, and video editing.
Use Cases:
- Mobile gaming, watching videos, taking photos and videos, and other demanding tasks.
- Users who want a smoother and snappier experience in day to day usage.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- What is my primary use case? (Basic communication vs. gaming/media consumption)
- What is my budget? (Price to value)
- How important is performance and screen quality to me? (Responsiveness and viewing experience)
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
Scenario 1: Budget-Focused User: If your priority is a very basic, lightweight phone for simple tasks, and battery life, and you're on an extremely tight budget, the Xiaomi Poco M3 could be considered (if you can accept its limitations).
Scenario 2: Balanced User: If you desire a well-rounded device with much better performance, a premium display, superior camera, and faster charging, the Samsung Galaxy M35 is a much better choice. The higher price is justified by the significantly better features and more modern experience.
Scenario 3: Gaming/Media Enthusiast: The Samsung Galaxy M35 is the better option thanks to its superior display, performance, camera, and other features. It will provide a much better gaming and video consumption experience.
My Choice
Given the information, I would choose the Samsung Galaxy M35.
Reasons:
While the Xiaomi Poco M3 has a lighter design and reverse charging, the Galaxy M35 offers a significantly superior user experience in almost every other aspect. The AMOLED screen with its 120Hz refresh rate is a massive upgrade over the Poco M3's IPS LCD. The performance difference, as shown by the Antutu scores, is substantial. The Galaxy M35's camera system, with its additional lenses, better video capabilities, and advanced features, offers much more versatility and quality.
The faster charging, newer software, and additional storage options also make the Galaxy M35 a much more modern and practical device. For most users, the benefits of the Galaxy M35 in terms of daily usage will far outweigh the minor advantages of the Poco M3. The superior performance and features justify the price difference, making the Galaxy M35 the more future proof and well rounded option. It provides a much more enjoyable and versatile user experience for everyday tasks and gaming alike.
