1. Specifications Comparison
Design
Feature | Xiaomi Poco M3 | Xiaomi Poco F4 GT | Practical Impact |
---|---|---|---|
Dimensions | 162.3 × 77.3 × 9.6 mm | 162.5 × 76.7 × 8.5 mm | F4 GT is slightly thinner and less bulky, potentially feeling more comfortable in hand. M3 is slightly thicker, may feel more substantial. |
Weight | 198g | 210g | M3 is lighter by 12g, potentially more comfortable for extended use. F4 GT is slightly heavier, might feel more premium. |
Build | Standard | Standard | Both are standard smartphone builds without any foldable mechanisms. |
Display
Feature | Xiaomi Poco M3 | Xiaomi Poco F4 GT | Practical Impact |
---|---|---|---|
Size | 6.53" | 6.67" | F4 GT offers slightly more screen real estate for immersive viewing and better gaming. |
Resolution | 1080x2340 | 1080x2400 | Minimal difference. Both are Full HD, resulting in sharp visuals for everyday use. |
PPI | 395 | 395 | Both have identical pixel density, meaning similar sharpness in detail. |
Technology | IPS LCD | AMOLED | F4 GT's AMOLED provides richer colors, deeper blacks, and better contrast, offering a superior viewing experience, especially for HDR content and dark mode. |
Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 120Hz | F4 GT offers smoother scrolling, animations, and gaming experiences due to its higher refresh rate. |
Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Brightness spec is missing for both devices. |
Performance
Feature | Xiaomi Poco M3 | Xiaomi Poco F4 GT | Practical Impact |
---|---|---|---|
Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 662 (11 nm) | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 (4 nm) | F4 GT’s chipset offers significantly faster performance in all areas - app loading, multitasking, and gaming. M3 is suitable for basic tasks. |
AnTuTu Score | 185,028 | 1,178,365 | F4 GT delivers a vastly superior performance level. The difference is very significant. |
GPU | Adreno 610 | Adreno 730 | F4 GT’s GPU allows for high-fidelity graphics and smooth gameplay in demanding games; M3 has limited graphics performance. |
Camera
Feature | Xiaomi Poco M3 | Xiaomi Poco F4 GT | Practical Impact |
---|---|---|---|
Main Camera | 48MP, f/1.79, 1/2", 0.8µm pixel size | 64MP, f/1.73, 1/1.7", 0.8µm pixel size | F4 GT’s larger sensor captures more light, leading to better image quality. Higher resolution offers more detail. |
Selfie Camera | 8MP, f/2.0, 1/4", 1.12µm pixel size | 20MP, f/2.4, 1/2", 0.80µm pixel size | F4 GT captures more detail in selfies with larger sensor, lower f-stop is better for low-light, but the sensor size makes it more competitive on F4 GT. |
Wide-Angle Lens | None | 8MP, f/2.2, 1/4", 1.12µm pixel size | F4 GT offers the flexibility of capturing wide-angle shots, allowing for creative and landscape photography. |
Macro Lens | None | 2MP, f/2.4, sensor model missing, pixel size missing | F4 GT has the ability to take close-up shots of small objects. |
Video | 1080p@30fps | 4K@60fps, 1080p@120fps, 720p@960fps | F4 GT records higher resolution and frame rate videos, capturing much more detail with better smoothness for vlogging, memories etc. |
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 | Flicker sensor, 4K Video, Digital zoom, Triple camera, Digital image stabilization, Gimbal, Autofocus, Touch focus, Continuous autofocus, Manual focus, Laser autofocus (LAF), Continuous shooting, Geotagging, Panorama, HDR, Face detection, White balance settings, ISO settings, Exposure compensation, Scene mode, Self-timer, Dual capture, Night Mode | F4 GT's gimbal feature improves video stabilization; Laser AF and Night mode improve low light performance. |
Battery
Feature | Xiaomi Poco M3 | Xiaomi Poco F4 GT | Practical Impact |
---|---|---|---|
Capacity | 6000mAh | 4700mAh | M3 has a significantly larger battery, offering potentially longer battery life. |
Charging | 18W fast charging | 120W fast charging | F4 GT charges much faster, potentially fully charging in minutes rather than hours, a great boon for on-the-go use. |
Features | Reverse charging, 22.5W fast charger in-box, Non-removable | Non-removable | M3 can act as a power bank and has a faster charger included; F4 GT only has non-removable battery. |
Software
Feature | Xiaomi Poco M3 | Xiaomi Poco F4 GT | Practical Impact |
---|---|---|---|
OS | Android 10 | Android 12 (upgradable to 13) | F4 GT offers a newer Android version out of the box and with an upgrade path. |
Connectivity
Feature | Xiaomi Poco M3 | Xiaomi Poco F4 GT | Practical Impact |
---|---|---|---|
Wi-Fi | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac, Dual band, Hotspot, Direct, Display | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac/ax, Dual band, Hotspot, Direct, Display, MiMO | F4 GT supports faster and more stable Wi-Fi 6 for better connectivity in areas with congestion, plus more advanced MiMO for higher throughput. |
Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.2, A2DP, LE, LDAC, SBC, AAC | F4 GT supports newer Bluetooth with better codec options for higher-quality audio streaming, lower latency for wireless headphones. |
GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo, NavIC System | A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (L1), BeiDou (B1), Galileo (E1+E5a), BeiDou (B2) | F4 GT uses a wider variety of satellite systems for more accurate and faster location tracking, with dual frequency GPS. |
SIM | Dual SIM Dual Standby (Nano SIM + Nano SIM) | Dual SIM Dual Standby (Nano SIM + Nano SIM) | Both devices support dual SIM cards, allowing users to use two networks simultaneously. |
Storage and Audio
Feature | Xiaomi Poco M3 | Xiaomi Poco F4 GT | Practical Impact |
---|---|---|---|
Internal Storage | 64GB/128GB | 128GB/256GB | F4 GT offers higher storage capacity, ideal for storing a large number of apps, photos, videos and games. |
RAM | 4GB/6GB | 8GB/12GB | F4 GT offers more RAM, allowing for smoother multitasking and better performance in demanding applications. |
Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither device offers the option to expand the storage via microSD card; |
Audio Quality | Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers, 3 microphones | F4 GT offers an overall enhanced audio experience, for gaming, video consumption etc. and better quality voice recording/capture. |
Security and Build
Feature | Xiaomi Poco M3 | Xiaomi Poco F4 GT | Practical Impact |
---|---|---|---|
Fingerprint Sensor | Side-mounted | Side-mounted | Both devices offer fast and convenient biometric authentication. |
Screen Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | F4 GT's Victus glass offers superior drop and scratch resistance compared to M3's Gorilla Glass 3, more long-term durability. |
Sensors
Feature | Xiaomi Poco M3 | Xiaomi Poco F4 GT | Practical Impact |
---|---|---|---|
Sensors | Fingerprint, Accelerometer, Compass, Ultrasonic proximity virtual | Fingerprint, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Ultrasonic proximity virtual | F4 GT offers gyroscope for improved gaming control, AR apps and an RGB sensor. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Xiaomi Poco M3 Advantages:
- Larger Battery: The 6000mAh battery offers potentially significantly longer battery life, suitable for users who prioritize extended usage between charges.
- Reverse Charging: Ability to charge other devices, acting as a power bank.
- Included 22.5W Charger: A slightly faster charger is included in-box.
- Price: Likely significantly cheaper.
Practical Implications:
* Users who don't need high performance will benefit from the larger battery that may last them more than a day.
* The reverse charging is useful for charging other devices when needed and makes the phone a better option if you need to charge accessories.
Xiaomi Poco F4 GT Advantages:
- Superior Performance: The Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 chipset and Adreno 730 GPU offer significantly faster performance for gaming, multitasking, and demanding applications.
- Better Display: AMOLED display with 120Hz refresh rate provides more vivid colors, deeper blacks, smoother animations and better outdoor visibility.
- Improved Cameras: Higher resolution main camera with larger sensor, plus wide-angle and macro lenses provide greater versatility in capturing images, with a much better selfie camera.
- Enhanced Video: 4K video recording capabilities, advanced features, and 960fps slow-motion for capturing memorable moments.
- Faster Charging: 120W fast charging capability ensures the phone can be fully charged very quickly.
- Better Audio More enhanced audio experience with Dolby Atmos and 3 microphones for better voice capture and quality.
- Better Connectivity: Supports newer Wi-Fi and Bluetooth standards, offering faster speeds and better connection quality.
- More Storage/RAM: Larger internal storage and more RAM allows for better performance and ability to store more files.
- Build Quality: Better Corning Gorilla Glass Victus for better protection and durability.
- Software: Newer android and upgradability
Practical Implications:
* Ideal for gamers, content creators, and users who demand high performance.
* The enhanced display and cameras improve the overall user experience.
* Faster charging significantly reduces downtime.
Trade-offs:
- The Poco M3 sacrifices performance and advanced features for longer battery life and a lower price point.
- The Poco F4 GT sacrifices battery capacity for significantly higher performance and advanced features.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Xiaomi Poco M3 - Ideal User:
- Budget-conscious users: Those looking for a reliable phone for basic tasks at an affordable price.
- Users prioritizing battery life: Those who need their phone to last a full day or longer with moderate usage.
- Users with basic smartphone needs: Those who primarily use their phone for calling, texting, social media, and light browsing.
Use Cases:
- Daily driver for calls, texts, browsing, and social media.
- As a secondary phone with long battery life.
- Ideal for users who watch videos offline, and don't care for high performance.
Xiaomi Poco F4 GT - Ideal User:
- Gamers: Those who need a phone capable of running demanding games smoothly.
- Content creators: Those who require high-quality cameras and video capabilities.
- Power users: Those who need a phone for heavy multitasking and resource-intensive applications.
- Users who want a premium experience: Those seeking cutting-edge tech features and performance.
Use Cases:
- Mobile gaming with high refresh rate and powerful performance.
- Capturing high-quality photos and videos for social media.
- Multitasking between demanding apps.
- Using advanced navigation features with precise location tracking.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- What is your primary use case for the phone? (Gaming, photography, daily tasks, etc.)
- What is your budget? (The F4 GT will likely be significantly more expensive)
- How important is battery life vs. performance?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Tight Budget, Long Battery: If your budget is very limited and you prioritize long battery life above all else, the Xiaomi Poco M3 is the better option.
- Scenario 2: High Performance, Gaming, and Media Consumption: If you're a gamer or need a powerful device for resource-intensive tasks and media, with faster charging, then the Xiaomi Poco F4 GT is the superior choice.
- Scenario 3: Balanced Experience with Performance/Camera/Features: If you want the best performance with other high-end features, even at the expense of some battery life, then the Xiaomi Poco F4 GT is better in all aspects and is more of a complete, future-proof package.
What I Would Choose and Why
I would choose the Xiaomi Poco F4 GT.
While the larger battery of the Poco M3 is tempting, the improvements in nearly every other aspect of the F4 GT are too significant to ignore for my own personal use. I often play graphically-intensive games, use my phone for photography and video recording, and appreciate a fast and responsive experience. The 120Hz AMOLED display, the superior Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 processor, and the advanced camera system provide a much better experience. The faster charging is also a big plus for on-the-go use, and the build and security make it a more reliable device. Although the battery is smaller, fast charging minimizes its impact, meaning the performance benefits justify the choice.
Even though the price of F4 GT will be much higher, I would prefer the better value proposition of F4 GT because it would serve my needs much better and for longer.