1. Specifications Comparison
Design
| Feature | Xiaomi Poco M3 | Xiaomi 11T | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 162.3 × 77.3 × 9.6 mm | 164.1 × 76.9 × 8.8 mm | Xiaomi 11T is slightly taller and thinner, potentially feeling more sleek; Poco M3 is slightly more bulky. |
| Weight | 198g | 203g | Poco M3 is slightly lighter, might be more comfortable for long use, but the difference is minor. |
| Build | Plastic Back, Glass Front | Glass Back, Glass Front | Xiaomi 11T has more premium build (Glass back vs Plastic) |
Display
| Feature | Xiaomi Poco M3 | Xiaomi 11T | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 6.53" | 6.67" | Xiaomi 11T offers a slightly larger viewing area, better for media consumption. |
| Resolution | 1080x2340 | 1080x2400 | Both have similar sharpness; minor difference in pixel count is not noticeable. |
| PPI | 395 | 395 | Identical pixel density, both offer sharp display. |
| Technology | IPS LCD | AMOLED | Xiaomi 11T's AMOLED display provides deeper blacks, better contrast, more vibrant colors and superior power efficiency with dark themes. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 120Hz | Xiaomi 11T offers significantly smoother scrolling and animations; better for gaming and general UI fluidity. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 1000 nits | Xiaomi 11T is vastly superior for outdoor use in bright sunlight, due to the significant difference in brightness. |
Performance
| Feature | Xiaomi Poco M3 | Xiaomi 11T | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM6115 Snapdragon 662 (11 nm) | Mediatek Dimensity 1200 (6 nm) | Xiaomi 11T's chipset is significantly more powerful, offering better app loading, multitasking, gaming, and overall performance; more future-proof. |
| AnTuTu Score | 185,028 | 712,100 | Xiaomi 11T offers much better overall performance, scoring nearly 4 times higher in AnTuTu benchmarks. |
| GPU | Adreno 610 (Qualcomm Adreno 610) | Mali-G77 MC9 (9x Arm Mali-G77 MC9) | Xiaomi 11T's GPU is much more powerful, better for gaming and graphics-intensive tasks, providing much smoother gaming experience |
Camera
| Feature | Xiaomi Poco M3 | Xiaomi 11T | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main Camera | 48MP, f/1.79, 1/2", 0.80µm pixel size | 108MP, f/1.75, 1/1.52", 0.70µm pixel size | Xiaomi 11T offers a much higher resolution, larger sensor and slightly wider aperture, resulting in better detail and low-light performance. |
| Selfie Camera | 8MP, f/2.0, 1/4", 1.12µm pixel size | 16MP, f/2.45, 1/3.06", 1.00µm pixel size | Xiaomi 11T has higher resolution; Poco M3 has wider aperture, slightly better low-light performance. Sensor size is slightly bigger in Xiaomi 11T. Xiaomi 11T likely captures more detailed selfies. |
| Wide Angle Lens | Not Present | 8MP, f/2.2, 1/2.8", 1.14 µm pixel size | Xiaomi 11T has an ultra-wide lens for capturing expansive scenes; this feature is missing in the Poco M3. |
| Macro Lens | Not Present | 5MP, f/2.4, 1/5", 1.12µm pixel size | Xiaomi 11T has a dedicated macro lens for close-up shots; this feature is missing in the Poco M3. |
| Video | 1080p@30fps; Slow-motion: Yes, 120 fps | 4K@30fps with EIS; Slow-motion: Yes, 960 fps | Xiaomi 11T offers higher video recording resolution with 4K support and EIS; both support slow-motion but at different speeds. Xiaomi 11T's video quality is superior. |
| DXOMark Selfie | Not Tested | Overall score: 115, Photo score: 110, Video score: 124 | Xiaomi 11T selfie camera is tested and scored well according to DxOMark; Poco M3 is not tested. |
| Features | Basic set: 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 | Comprehensive set + 4K Video, Ultra stable video, RAW, Night Mode, 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 | Xiaomi 11T includes more advanced features like 4K video, Night Mode and RAW support for better photo editing flexibility and enhanced video capturing features. |
Battery
| Feature | Xiaomi Poco M3 | Xiaomi 11T | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 6000mAh | 5000mAh | Poco M3 has a larger battery, potentially offering longer battery life, but this can vary based on usage patterns. |
| Charging | 18W fast charging | 67W fast charging | Xiaomi 11T charges significantly faster; drastically less time waiting to fully charge. |
| Battery Features | Reverse charging, 22.5W charger in-box, Non-removable | Non-removable | Poco M3 allows you to charge other devices; 22.5W charger included; Xiaomi 11T requires a separate charger for fast charging. |
Software, Connectivity, Storage, and Other
| Feature | Xiaomi Poco M3 | Xiaomi 11T | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| OS | Android 10 | Android 11, upgradeable to 13 | Xiaomi 11T has a newer OS and will receive future software updates, whereas Poco M3 will not. |
| Wi-Fi | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac, Dual band, Wi-Fi Hotspot, Wi-Fi Direct, Wi-Fi Display | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac/ax, Dual band, Wi-Fi Hotspot, Wi-Fi Direct, Wi-Fi Display, Wi-Fi MiMO | Xiaomi 11T offers faster Wi-Fi speeds with Wi-Fi 6 and better performance in crowded networks; additionally supports MiMO. |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.0, A2DP, LE | Bluetooth 5.2, A2DP, LE, APT-x, LDAC, AAC | Xiaomi 11T offers improved audio quality and connection stability for wireless headphones/speakers, and a newer bluetooth version. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo, NavIC System | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (L1), BeiDou (B1), Galileo (E1+E5a), BeiDou (B2), QZSS (L1 + L5) | Xiaomi 11T has better GPS accuracy using dual band GPS technology and support for more satellite systems; ideal for navigation and location-based apps. |
| Internal Storage | 64GB or 128GB | 128GB or 256GB | Xiaomi 11T provides more storage for apps, photos, and videos; Poco M3 has smaller storage options, which is more limiting in 2024. |
| RAM | 4GB or 6GB | 8GB | Xiaomi 11T has more RAM, enabling smoother multitasking and better gaming performance. |
| Expandable Storage | Not Available | Not Available | Both phones do not have the option to expand storage via microSD cards. |
| Audio | Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers, 2 microphones | Xiaomi 11T delivers more immersive audio with Dolby Atmos; and better voice capture with dual microphones. Xiaomi Poco M3 features Hi-Res Audio. |
| Security | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Both offer similar fingerprint sensor, providing basic biometric security. |
| Screen Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | Xiaomi 11T offers a more scratch-resistant display with superior protection. |
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Accelerometer, Compass, Ultrasonic proximity virtual | Fingerprint, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Barometer, Ultrasonic proximity virtual | Xiaomi 11T has more sensors suitable for advanced features and gaming. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Xiaomi Poco M3 Advantages:
- Larger Battery: The 6000mAh battery offers potentially longer battery life, which is a significant advantage for users who need their phone to last through heavy usage.
- Reverse Charging: Allows the phone to be used as a power bank for other devices.
- Included Charger: Comes with a 22.5W fast charger in-box, whereas the Xiaomi 11T requires a separate purchase to fully utilize fast charging.
- Hi-Res Audio: Offers high-fidelity audio playback through the headphone jack.
Xiaomi 11T Advantages:
- Superior Display: The AMOLED display with 120Hz refresh rate, and higher brightness offers much better visual experience, superior color, clarity and brightness especially in sunlight.
- Significantly Faster Performance: The MediaTek Dimensity 1200 chipset offers far superior processing power for demanding tasks and gaming, and makes the phone future-proof.
- Better Camera System: The 108MP main camera, along with additional wide-angle and macro lenses, results in superior photo and video quality, especially in low light.
- Faster Charging: The 67W fast charging allows for very quick top-ups.
- More RAM and Storage: The 8GB of RAM and larger storage options (up to 256GB) provide more storage, smoother performance, and better multitasking.
- More Advanced Features: Offers Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.2 with APT-x, LDAC, AAC support, and more accurate GPS; and comes with better features like Night Mode and RAW.
- Premium Build: The glass back provides better ergonomics and a more premium feel.
Trade-offs:
- Battery Life: While the Poco M3 has a larger battery, the Xiaomi 11T’s optimized processor and fast charging may mitigate its slightly smaller capacity, unless you're doing very heavy usage.
- Price: The Xiaomi 11T is expected to be more expensive, due to its high-end specs.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Xiaomi Poco M3:
- Ideal User: Budget-conscious users who prioritize battery life over performance or advanced features. Suitable for users who need a basic smartphone for day to day tasks, media consumption and browsing and do not need high performance.
- Use Cases:
- Long battery life for extended travel or outdoor activities.
- Basic everyday use (calls, texts, social media).
- Users who prefer simpler UI experience with fewer features.
- Media consumption (movies, videos) where display quality and high refresh rate is not critical.
- Price-to-value: The phone offers a good value for the low price tag
Xiaomi 11T:
- Ideal User: Users who want a premium experience with high performance, superior display, and a better camera system. Good for gamers, content creators, or users who want the best performance available for a high quality experience.
- Use Cases:
- Mobile gaming with smooth graphics and high refresh rate.
- Content creation (photography, videography) with 4K video recording.
- Media consumption on a high-quality AMOLED display.
- Users who need fast charging and good connectivity.
- Users who are multitasking extensively.
- Price-to-value: While more expensive, the phone offers higher value with its advanced features, better performance, and build quality.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions to Consider:
- What is your primary use case? Is it battery life, performance, camera, or display quality?
- What is your budget? The Poco M3 is more affordable, while the 11T is more expensive.
- How important are gaming, content creation, or advanced features? The Xiaomi 11T is better suited for users who need cutting edge features.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Budget-Conscious User: Choose the Xiaomi Poco M3. It provides a long-lasting battery and essential smartphone features for a budget price.
- Heavy User Prioritizing Battery: Choose the Xiaomi Poco M3. The larger battery will benefit these types of users most.
- Gaming and Performance User: Choose the Xiaomi 11T. It offers a superior chipset, better GPU, and high refresh rate display for a much smoother gaming experience.
- Photography/Videography Enthusiast: Choose the Xiaomi 11T. The higher resolution main camera, ultrawide and macro lens, and 4K video recording make it a better option for photography and videography.
My Choice
If I were to choose, I would pick the Xiaomi 11T. While the Poco M3’s larger battery is attractive, the overall improvements in the 11T are too significant to ignore. The 11T has a significantly better display, vastly superior performance, a much better camera system, faster charging and is a much more future proof device. As a user who values performance, good display quality, and camera capabilities, the Xiaomi 11T justifies its higher cost with a markedly superior user experience. The fast charging means I can top up very quickly if needed, and I value the better display and camera system more than the slightly larger battery of the Poco M3.
