Smartphone Comparison: Xiaomi Poco M3 vs. Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro
1. Specifications Comparison
Design
| Feature | Xiaomi Poco M3 | Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 162.3 × 77.3 × 9.6 mm | 164.3 × 74.6 × 8.5 mm | Mi 11 Pro is slightly taller and thinner, Poco M3 is wider and thicker. Mi 11 Pro may feel more premium and easier to handle due to thinner profile and narrower width. Poco M3 will feel bulkier in hand, less pocketable. |
| Weight | 198g | 208g | Poco M3 is slightly lighter. The 10g difference isn't huge but may be felt during extended use, making Poco M3 slightly less tiring to hold. |
| Build | Standard | Standard | Both are standard, non-foldable smartphones. |
| Screen Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | Mi 11 Pro's Victus is significantly more scratch and drop resistant. Mi 11 Pro offers better long-term durability and protection against accidental damage to the screen. |
Display
| Feature | Xiaomi Poco M3 | Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 6.53" | 6.81" | Mi 11 Pro's larger screen provides more immersive experience for media consumption and gaming. Poco M3 is slightly more compact for handling. |
| Resolution | 1080x2340 | 1440x3200 | Mi 11 Pro's higher resolution leads to significantly sharper, clearer visuals, improved text clarity, and more detailed images. |
| PPI | 395 | 515 | Mi 11 Pro has much higher pixel density, resulting in crisper details and smoother gradients. Less pixelation is noticeable on Mi 11 Pro. |
| Technology | IPS LCD | AMOLED | Mi 11 Pro's AMOLED offers deeper blacks, higher contrast, more vibrant colors, and better power efficiency when using dark themes. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 120Hz | Mi 11 Pro provides smoother animations and scrolling, making daily interactions feel more fluid and responsive, particularly noticeable in gaming and fast-paced applications. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 1700 nits | Mi 11 Pro is significantly brighter, vastly superior visibility in direct sunlight, offering a clear view in outdoor conditions. |
Performance
| Feature | Xiaomi Poco M3 | Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 662 (11 nm) | Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 5G (5 nm) | Mi 11 Pro's chipset is significantly faster, handles demanding apps and games more smoothly. Poco M3's chipset is suitable for everyday tasks but may struggle with heavy use or intensive gaming. |
| AnTuTu Score | 185,028 | 854,267 | Mi 11 Pro offers vastly superior performance for gaming, multitasking, and overall responsiveness. The Poco M3 will feel sluggish in comparison, especially with demanding tasks. |
| GPU | Adreno 610 | Adreno 660 | Mi 11 Pro's GPU is significantly more powerful, leading to better gaming performance and smoother graphics in demanding applications. |
Camera
| Feature | Xiaomi Poco M3 | Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main Camera Resolution | 48MP | 50MP | Mi 11 Pro can capture more detailed images, although the difference in megapixels isn't the only determining factor of image quality. |
| Main Camera Aperture | f/1.79 | f/1.95 | Poco M3's wider aperture (f/1.79) theoretically lets in more light in dark environments, though other factors like sensor size are more important here. |
| Main Camera Sensor Size | 1/2" | 1/1.12" | Mi 11 Pro's much larger sensor captures more light and detail, resulting in better low-light performance and overall image quality. |
| Main Camera Pixel Size | 0.80 µm | 1.40 µm | Mi 11 Pro has significantly larger pixels, resulting in much better light gathering and superior low light image quality |
| Selfie Camera Resolution | 8MP | 20MP | Mi 11 Pro captures much more detailed selfies, allowing for better image quality for social media, and video calls |
| Selfie Camera Aperture | f/2.0 | f/2.3 | Poco M3's wider aperture (f/2.0) lets in slightly more light but other factors are more significant. |
| Selfie Camera Sensor Size | 1/4" | 1/3.4" | Mi 11 Pro has a slightly larger sensor which should allow for slightly better low-light performance. |
| Wide Angle Lens | No | Yes (13MP) | Mi 11 Pro captures wide shots, providing more flexibility in composing scenes. Poco M3 lacks this feature. |
| Telephoto/Macro Lens | No | Yes (8MP) | Mi 11 Pro has a telephoto lens for zoomed shots and macro lens for close up photography. Poco M3 lacks this. |
| Video Recording | 1080p@30fps | Up to 8K@24fps | Mi 11 Pro offers dramatically superior video capabilities with support for 8K recording, and HDR capture. Much better for videographers. |
| Video Stabilization | No | Yes | Mi 11 Pro’s electronic image stabilization will result in much smoother and shake-free video recordings. |
| Slow-motion | 120 fps | 1920 fps | Mi 11 Pro offers much higher slow-motion frame rate, allowing for more dramatic and detailed slow-motion recordings. |
| DXOMARK | Not tested | 124 (Mobile), 118 (Photo), 132 (Video) | Mi 11 Pro's camera has been independently rated and tested, Poco M3 has not. The Mi 11 Pro scores exceptionally high for a smartphone camera. |
Battery
| Feature | Xiaomi Poco M3 | Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 6000mAh | 5000mAh | Poco M3 has a larger battery, potentially offering longer battery life. However, efficiency of processor and software optimization also play a big role. |
| Charging | 18W Fast Charging | 67W Fast Charging | Mi 11 Pro charges significantly faster, reducing time spent plugged into a wall. |
| Charging Features | 22.5W charger included, Reverse charging | 67W wireless charging, 10W reverse wireless, Reverse Charging | Mi 11 Pro offers much faster charging options overall, with wireless charging. Both phones can be used as a power bank, to charge other devices. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro Advantages:
- Superior Display: AMOLED, higher resolution, higher refresh rate, and much higher brightness provide an exceptional viewing experience.
- Significantly Better Performance: The Snapdragon 888 offers much faster processing speeds for demanding tasks, gaming, and multitasking.
- Much Better Camera System: Superior sensors, additional lenses (wide-angle, telephoto/macro), and significantly improved video recording capabilities.
- Faster Charging: 67W wired and wireless charging drastically reduces charging times.
- Better Build: Victus glass provides much better protection for the display, and the build is slightly thinner and lighter.
- Advanced Connectivity: Newer Wi-Fi and Bluetooth standards offer faster and more reliable connections.
Practical Implications for Mi 11 Pro:
- A smoother, more vibrant, and more responsive user experience.
- Better for heavy users, gamers, and those who want the best camera capabilities.
- Faster device charging leads to less down time.
- More future-proof, capable of running newer apps and technologies with ease.
Xiaomi Poco M3 Advantages:
- Larger Battery: The 6000mAh battery offers potential for longer battery life.
- Lower Price: Generally much more affordable.
- Side-mounted Fingerprint Sensor: Some may prefer a side-mounted fingerprint sensor over an in-screen one.
Practical Implications for Poco M3:
- Suitable for users who prioritize battery life over performance and advanced features.
- A budget-friendly option for basic smartphone tasks.
- May be appealing to those who prefer a physical fingerprint sensor over in-screen ones.
Significant Trade-offs:
- Poco M3: Sacrifices performance, display quality, camera capabilities, and charging speed for a lower price and larger battery.
- Mi 11 Pro: Is more expensive and might not offer the absolute best battery life due to its higher performance demands.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Ideal User for Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro:
- Power User: Gamers, content creators, and those who need top-tier performance.
- Photography Enthusiast: Users who value high-quality photos and videos.
- Multimedia Consumer: Those who watch a lot of videos and want a premium viewing experience.
- Future-Proofing: Those seeking a smartphone that will stay capable and relevant for many years.
Use Cases for Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro:
- Playing graphically demanding games at high settings.
- Editing 4K or 8K video footage.
- Capturing professional-quality photos and videos.
- Enjoying immersive multimedia content.
- Fast charging to quickly get back up and running, and wireless charging for convenience.
Ideal User for Xiaomi Poco M3:
- Budget-Conscious User: Users looking for a basic smartphone at a low cost.
- Battery Life Priority: Those who prioritize a long-lasting battery above other features.
- Casual User: Those who primarily use their phone for calls, browsing, and basic apps.
Use Cases for Xiaomi Poco M3:
- Extensive browsing and social media use without frequent charging.
- Basic smartphone tasks like calling, texting, and light app usage.
- Budget-conscious users needing a smartphone with acceptable functionality.
- Users who do not require advanced smartphone performance or display quality.
Price-to-Value Ratio:
- Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro: Offers a very high price-to-value ratio, but only if you need and will use the performance and features it offers.
- Xiaomi Poco M3: Offers a good price-to-value ratio for basic tasks and is a great budget option.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- What is your primary use case? (Gaming, photography, media consumption, basic use, etc.)
- What's your budget? (Significant difference in cost between the phones)
- Which features are most important to you? (Performance, camera, battery, display, etc.)
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Gaming and Heavy Use - Choose the Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro. Its superior performance, display, and fast charging make it far more suitable for gaming.
- Scenario 2: Budget User - Choose the Xiaomi Poco M3. It excels in battery life and will meet basic needs.
- Scenario 3: Photography is Important - Choose the Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro. The camera system and features are significantly superior.
- Scenario 4: Long Battery Life is Priority - Choose the Xiaomi Poco M3. The Poco M3 will likely offer significantly longer battery life.
- Scenario 5: A Smooth and Fast Phone is Key - Choose the Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro. The faster processor, RAM and display will provide a much smoother, more responsive user experience.
What I Would Choose and Why
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would choose the Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro. While the Poco M3 has the advantage of a larger battery, the Mi 11 Pro’s advantages in display quality, performance, camera capabilities, and overall user experience are too significant to ignore.
I prioritize a smooth, responsive user experience, and the Snapdragon 888, combined with 8GB or 12GB of RAM and the 120Hz AMOLED screen, would make a noticeable difference in my everyday use. I also value high-quality photos and videos, and the Mi 11 Pro's advanced camera system is a big draw. Although the battery is slightly smaller than the Poco M3, the fast charging would mitigate any concerns. While it comes at a higher price, the Mi 11 Pro would provide a more fulfilling and enjoyable experience, and I'd be prepared to pay a premium for those benefits.
My typical usage involves a mix of social media browsing, photography, occasional gaming, and video consumption, for which the Mi 11 Pro is clearly the superior choice. The enhanced responsiveness, superior screen, and advanced camera would be more valuable to me than slightly longer battery life or a lower price point.
