1. Specifications Comparison
Design
| Feature | Xiaomi Poco M3 | Sony Xperia 1 IV | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Dimensions | 162.3 × 77.3 × 9.6 mm | 165 × 71 × 8.2 mm | The Poco M3 is wider and thicker, making it feel bulkier. The Xperia 1 IV is taller and slimmer, likely feeling more premium and easier to hold, especially for smaller hands. |
| Weight | 198g | 185g | The Xperia 1 IV is slightly lighter, which can make a difference in comfort during extended use, though the difference is not huge. |
| Build Quality (Screen) | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | The Xperia 1 IV has much better screen protection against scratches and drops due to the use of Victus, offering greater peace of mind. |
| Build Quality | Not specified | Not specified | Without further information, it is impossible to make any conclusion about other build quality aspects, like materials used. |
Display
| Feature | Xiaomi Poco M3 | Sony Xperia 1 IV | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Size | 6.53" | 6.5" | Negligible difference in screen size. Both phones offer a comfortable display for daily usage. |
| Resolution | 1080x2340 | 1644x3840 | The Xperia 1 IV has a much sharper display (higher pixel density). Text and images will be noticeably clearer and more detailed, which is ideal for viewing high-resolution content. |
| PPI | 395 | 643 | The Xperia 1 IV display is significantly sharper. Fine details and text appear more crisp, making a significant difference in overall viewing experience, especially when dealing with small text or high-resolution photos. |
| Technology | IPS LCD | OLED | The Xperia 1 IV's OLED display has better contrast, deeper blacks, and more vibrant colors, resulting in a more enjoyable viewing experience for videos and photos. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 120Hz | The Xperia 1 IV offers much smoother scrolling, animations, and gaming due to its 120Hz refresh rate. This is especially noticeable when scrolling through social media feeds or playing fast-paced games, reducing motion blur. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Both have equal brightness which is not usable. |
Performance
| Feature | Xiaomi Poco M3 | Sony Xperia 1 IV | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 662 (11 nm) | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 (4 nm) | The Xperia 1 IV has a significantly faster and more power-efficient processor. The Xperia 1 IV will offer smoother performance, faster app loading, and better gaming capabilities. |
| AnTuTu Score | 185,028 | 1,076,100 | The Xperia 1 IV offers dramatically superior performance. The Xperia 1 IV is much more capable of handling demanding tasks like 3D gaming and video editing. |
| GPU | Adreno 610 | Adreno 730 | The Adreno 730 in the Xperia 1 IV provides much better graphics processing, leading to a smoother gaming experience and faster performance in graphics-intensive applications. |
Camera
| Feature | Xiaomi Poco M3 | Sony Xperia 1 IV | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Main Camera Resolution | 48MP | 12MP | The Poco M3's higher megapixel count does not necessarily mean better image quality. The Xperia 1 IV's larger pixel size often results in better low-light performance and dynamic range. |
| Main Camera Aperture | f/1.79 | f/1.7 | The wider aperture on the Xperia 1 IV allows more light to reach the sensor which means better low-light photos and a shallower depth of field. |
| Main Camera Sensor Size | 1/2" | Not specified | Without exact size, its impossible to say if it is better or worse in terms of image quality. |
| Selfie Camera Resolution | 8MP | 12MP | The Xperia 1 IV provides slightly more detail, which is better for capturing high-quality selfies and for video calling. |
| Telephoto Lens | No | Yes | The Xperia 1 IV's telephoto lens enables optical zoom capabilities, allowing you to zoom in on subjects without losing detail, which is missing from the Poco M3. |
| Wide Angle Lens | No | Yes | The Xperia 1 IV's wide-angle lens allows you to capture more of the scene in a single frame, ideal for landscapes and group photos. |
| ToF 3D Sensor | No | Yes | The ToF sensor on the Xperia 1 IV improves depth sensing for better portrait mode effects and augmented reality applications. |
| Video Recording | 1080p@30fps | Up to 4K@120fps | The Xperia 1 IV offers significantly superior video recording capabilities including higher resolutions, frame rates, and HDR support. It's ideal for high-quality vlogging and videos. |
| Video Stabilization | No | Yes (OIS, EIS) | The Xperia 1 IV's optical and electronic image stabilization reduces camera shake, resulting in smoother video footage, while the Poco M3 has no dedicated stabilization for video recording. |
| Slow Motion | 120 fps | 960 fps | The Xperia 1 IV has the option to record videos at a much higher framerate, allowing for much more detailed and dramatic slow-motion effects. |
| DxOMark Score | Not tested | 105 | The Xperia 1 IV has a capable camera system, but the lack of a score for the Poco M3 does not allow for a direct comparison. |
Battery
| Feature | Xiaomi Poco M3 | Sony Xperia 1 IV | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Capacity | 6000mAh | 5000mAh | The Poco M3 has a larger battery, suggesting potentially longer battery life between charges. |
| Charging Speed | 18W | 30W | The Xperia 1 IV charges faster, reducing the time you need to be tethered to a charger. |
| Battery Features | Reverse Charging, 22.5W Charger in-box | Bypass Charging | The Poco M3 can act as a power bank for other devices, while the Xperia 1 IV can bypass the battery when plugged in for charging, which may be better for battery health during extensive use while plugged in. |
Software
| Feature | Xiaomi Poco M3 | Sony Xperia 1 IV | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Operating System | Android 10 | Android 12 (upgradable to 13) | The Xperia 1 IV runs a newer version of Android, with added features, security updates, and a potentially smoother overall user experience. The Xperia 1 IV will receive more software updates over time. |
Connectivity
| Feature | Xiaomi Poco M3 | Sony Xperia 1 IV | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Wi-Fi | Up to 802.11ac | Up to Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) | The Xperia 1 IV has newer Wi-Fi technology which is more efficient, has less latency and is faster, enabling faster downloads and better performance on compatible networks. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.2 | The Xperia 1 IV has a newer Bluetooth version, offering faster speeds, more efficient power consumption and more robust connectivity with wireless devices. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo, NavIC System | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo, GPS (L1+L5), Galileo (E1+E5a) | The Xperia 1 IV supports more GPS constellations providing higher accuracy and more reliable location tracking in various environments. |
| SIM | Dual SIM (Nano) | Dual SIM (Nano + eSIM) | The Xperia 1 IV's eSIM support allows for more flexibility in choosing network carriers, while the Poco M3 uses two physical SIM cards which might be desirable for certain users. |
Storage
| Feature | Xiaomi Poco M3 | Sony Xperia 1 IV | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Internal Storage | 64GB or 128GB | 256GB or 512GB | The Xperia 1 IV offers more storage space for apps, photos, videos and other files, which is more useful for content creators. |
| RAM | 4GB or 6GB | 12GB or 16GB | The Xperia 1 IV offers significantly more RAM allowing for smoother multitasking and faster app loading. The Xperia 1 IV will handle more demanding apps with ease. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone allows for storage expansion. |
Audio
| Feature | Xiaomi Poco M3 | Sony Xperia 1 IV | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Audio Quality | Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | The Xperia 1 IV with Dolby Atmos offers a slightly more immersive and better audio experience, particularly for movies and music. |
Security
| Feature | Xiaomi Poco M3 | Sony Xperia 1 IV | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Biometric Security | Side-mounted Fingerprint Sensor | Side-mounted Fingerprint Sensor | Both devices offer a side-mounted fingerprint sensor for convenient biometric security. |
Sensors
| Feature | Xiaomi Poco M3 | Sony Xperia 1 IV | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Accelerometer, Compass, Ultrasonic proximity virtual | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Barometer | The Xperia 1 IV has a more extensive suite of sensors, useful for enhanced AR experiences, advanced gaming, and better environmental data collection. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Xiaomi Poco M3 Advantages:
- Larger Battery: Offers a significantly larger 6000mAh battery, which may result in longer battery life.
- Reverse Charging: Can act as a power bank for other devices, a useful feature in certain situations.
- Lower Price: Generally available at a much lower price point, making it budget-friendly.
Sony Xperia 1 IV Advantages:
- Superior Display: Higher resolution, pixel density, OLED technology, and 120Hz refresh rate provide a far better viewing experience.
- Significantly Better Performance: The Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 chipset delivers much faster processing speeds and better graphics performance.
- Advanced Camera System: Includes a telephoto lens, wide-angle lens, ToF sensor, superior video capabilities and stabilization, resulting in better image quality and more versatility.
- Faster Charging: Supports 30W fast charging, significantly faster than the Poco M3.
- More RAM and Storage: Has significantly more RAM and storage space, beneficial for multitasking and storing large files.
- Newer Software: Ships with a more recent Android version and will likely receive more updates.
- Better Connectivity: Has more advanced Wi-Fi and Bluetooth technology and more satellite systems for GPS
- Dolby Atmos audio: Better audio output.
- Better Screen Protection: The display has better protection from scratches and drops.
Trade-offs:
- Poco M3: Sacrifices performance, display quality, camera capabilities and build quality for a lower price.
- Xperia 1 IV: Comes with a higher price tag and a smaller battery compared to the Poco M3.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Xiaomi Poco M3:
- Ideal User: Budget-conscious users who prioritize battery life and basic smartphone functionality over top-tier performance, display quality, or camera features.
- Use Cases:
- Users who primarily use their phone for browsing, social media, and communication.
- Those who need long battery life for extended periods away from a power outlet.
- Individuals who rarely play demanding games or do resource-intensive tasks.
- Users who prefer a larger and more robust device
Sony Xperia 1 IV:
- Ideal User: Users who demand the highest performance, top-tier display and camera quality and better connectivity.
- Use Cases:
- Content creators, photographers, and videographers who value high-quality camera performance and professional-grade video capture.
- Gamers who need smooth and responsive performance in demanding 3D games.
- Users who watch a lot of videos and prefer a higher quality display for an immersive experience.
- Those who rely on their phones heavily for multitasking and productivity
- Users who need robust connectivity with the latest standards for fast and stable connections
- Users who like the latest software and want more updates for longer
Price-to-Value:
- Xiaomi Poco M3: Offers good value for a very low price, suitable for budget-conscious users.
- Sony Xperia 1 IV: Offers premium features and performance at a premium price. Its value is justified for users who require these advanced capabilities.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- What is your budget? The Poco M3 is significantly more affordable than the Xperia 1 IV.
- How important is camera quality and performance? The Xperia 1 IV is far superior in camera and processing power.
- What is your primary use case? The Poco M3 excels for basic tasks and long battery, while the Xperia 1 IV is geared towards demanding tasks, content creation and high-quality media consumption.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Tight Budget, Basic Usage: If you need a basic smartphone for everyday use with long battery life and a tight budget, the Xiaomi Poco M3 is a good option.
- Scenario 2: Media Consumption & Gaming: If you prioritize a high-quality display, excellent audio and smooth gaming performance, the Sony Xperia 1 IV is the better choice.
- Scenario 3: Photography & Videography: If you need the best camera and video capabilities on a smartphone, the Sony Xperia 1 IV should be your choice.
- Scenario 4: Performance-Oriented Users: If you are using demanding applications that benefit from a faster processor and more RAM, the Sony Xperia 1 IV is the best option for you.
Personal Choice:
If I had to choose between these two phones, I would choose the Sony Xperia 1 IV. While the Xiaomi Poco M3 offers a larger battery, the Xperia 1 IV's superior performance, drastically better display and superior camera system are far more important to me. I engage with a lot of content on my smartphone, and the better resolution, OLED panel and 120Hz refresh rate of the Xperia 1 IV would make a significant difference in my daily experience. Additionally, as someone who takes a lot of photos and videos, the advanced camera capabilities of the Sony phone would be extremely beneficial. While the price is certainly higher, for my personal use case it would be justified. The Poco M3 is simply too basic for my needs.
