Smartphone Comparison: Xiaomi Poco M3 vs. Xiaomi Poco M6 4G
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Xiaomi Poco M3 | Xiaomi Poco M6 4G | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 162.3 x 77.3 x 9.6 mm | 168.6 x 76.3 x 8.3 mm | M6 4G is taller and thinner, making it feel slightly more modern and potentially more pocketable despite being a bit heavier. M3 is more compact but thicker, which may be more comfortable in hand for some. |
| Weight | 198g | 205g | M3 is slightly lighter, possibly feeling less burdensome during long usage sessions. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.53" | 6.79" | M6 4G has a slightly larger screen, providing a more immersive experience for media consumption and gaming. |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2340 | 1080 x 2460 | M6 4G has slightly more pixels, but both offer a sharp display for everyday use. The difference is not very noticeable. |
| Pixel Density | 395 PPI | 396 PPI | Both offer virtually identical pixel density, meaning very similar sharpness. |
| Technology | IPS LCD | IPS LCD | Identical display tech; expect similar color reproduction and viewing angles. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 90Hz | M6 4G offers smoother scrolling and animations, making the phone feel more responsive. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Peak brightness is not specified, making it hard to compare outdoor visibility. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 662 (11 nm) | Mediatek Helio G91 Ultra (12 nm) | M6 4G's chipset provides significantly higher performance, leading to faster app loading, smoother multitasking and better gaming capabilities. |
| AnTuTu Score | 185,028 | 269,266 | M6 4G offers considerably better overall performance for demanding applications and games. |
| GPU | Adreno 610 | Mali-G52 MC2 | M6 4G’s GPU is better for gaming and graphically intensive applications, whereas M3's is a bit less potent. |
| Camera | |||
| Rear Camera | 48MP, f/1.79, 1/2" sensor | 108MP, f/1.75, 1/1.67" sensor | M6 4G has a significantly higher resolution sensor with a larger size and wider aperture, allowing for more detailed photos, better low-light performance, and overall improved image quality. |
| Selfie Camera | 8MP, f/2.0, 1/4" sensor | 13MP, f/2.45 | M6 4G takes higher resolution selfies but the aperture is narrower, which may slightly affect low-light performance. |
| Macro Lens | None | 2MP, f/2.4 | M6 4G has a dedicated macro lens for close-up photography, a feature not available on the M3. |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps | Similar video recording quality; both are suitable for basic social media videos. |
| Video Features | Digital stabilization, Slow-motion at 120fps | Digital stabilization, Slow-motion at 120fps | Both have similar video stabilization and slow motion capabilities. M6 4G also supports 4K recording. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 6000mAh | 5030mAh | M3 has a larger battery, likely providing longer battery life for all-day use. |
| Charging | 18W Fast Charging | 33W Fast Charging | M6 4G charges much faster, reducing downtime. |
| Charging Features | 22.5W charger in box, Reverse Charging | Reverse Charging | M3 includes a faster charger in box. |
| Software & Storage | |||
| Operating System | Android 10 | Android 14 | M6 4G has a much newer version of Android, providing access to the latest features and security updates, whilst the M3 is running a very outdated version of the software. |
| Internal Storage | 64GB/128GB | 128GB/256GB | M6 4G offers more storage, beneficial for users with extensive media libraries or app collections. |
| RAM | 4GB/6GB | 6GB/8GB | M6 4G has more RAM, resulting in smoother multitasking. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone supports expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Audio Quality | Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | Basic Audio Features | M3 provides better sound with stereo speakers, enhancing the media consumption experience. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Bluetooth | 5.0 LE | 5.4 LE with APT-x, SBC, AAC | M6 4G has the latest version of Bluetooth with better audio codec support for enhanced wireless audio experience. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo, NavIC | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | M3 has slightly more precise location tracking due to the inclusion of NavIC system support. |
| Security & Build | |||
| Fingerprint Sensor | Side-mounted | Side-mounted | Both provide quick and reliable fingerprint-based biometric unlock. |
| Screen Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | Unknown | M3 has better screen protection against scratches and drops. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Xiaomi Poco M6 4G Advantages:
- Superior Performance: The MediaTek Helio G91 Ultra chipset offers significantly better performance (46% in benchmarks) for smoother multitasking, faster app loading, and more enjoyable gaming compared to the Snapdragon 662 in the Poco M3.
- Enhanced Camera: The 108MP main camera on the M6 4G provides much higher detail, better low-light performance, and an overall improved photography experience compared to the 48MP sensor in the M3. The added macro lens adds versatility.
- Faster Charging: 33W fast charging reduces charging times significantly compared to 18W on the M3.
- Smoother Display: 90Hz refresh rate provides a smoother experience for scrolling, animations, and gaming.
- Newer OS: Ships with Android 14, ensuring better security updates and access to the newest features compared to the much older Android 10 on the Poco M3.
- More Storage/RAM: Higher internal storage and RAM options.
- Better Bluetooth: Bluetooth 5.4 with advanced audio codecs.
Xiaomi Poco M3 Advantages:
- Larger Battery: The 6000 mAh battery offers potentially longer battery life for users who need their phones to last through a full day of use without needing to be charged.
- Superior Audio: The inclusion of stereo speakers and Hi-Res Audio support improves the audio experience for media consumption.
- Screen Protection: Corning Gorilla Glass 3 provides a layer of protection for the display against scratches and drops.
- More Precise GPS: NavIC system adds better GPS accuracy.
- Included Charger: Includes a faster 22.5W charger in the box.
Trade-offs:
- The M6 4G has better performance, camera, and charging speed, but a slightly smaller battery, no stereo speakers or included fast charger and lacks screen protection.
- The M3 prioritizes battery life, audio, and build protection, but falls behind in performance, camera quality, software and charging speed.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Xiaomi Poco M6 4G is ideal for:
- Casual Gamers: The more powerful chipset and 90Hz display provide a smoother gaming experience.
- Social Media Enthusiasts: Improved camera for high-quality photos and videos for sharing online.
- Multitaskers: More RAM helps with smoother switching between multiple apps.
- Users Who Value Speed: Faster charging and app loading times improve overall productivity.
- Users who want the latest Android experience: Ships with Android 14.
Xiaomi Poco M3 is ideal for:
- Users Prioritizing Battery Life: The larger battery is essential for those needing all-day battery.
- Media Consumers: Stereo speakers and Hi-Res audio enhance the experience of watching videos or listening to music.
- Budget-Conscious Buyers: Likely available at a lower price point than the M6 4G.
- Users who prioritize physical durability: Gorilla Glass protection offers more resistance to drops and scratches.
Specific Use Cases:
- Poco M6 4G: Mobile gaming (e.g., PUBG, Call of Duty), photography for social media, streaming videos, productivity tasks.
- Poco M3: Extended travel or field work (long battery life), music playback, watching movies, basic day-to-day tasks.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- Performance: How important is smooth performance for gaming and demanding applications?
- Camera Quality: How much do you value camera quality, especially in low-light conditions?
- Battery Life vs. Charging Speed: Do you prefer a very long-lasting battery or faster charging capabilities?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Gaming & Media: If gaming and social media are priorities, the M6 4G is recommended for its better performance and camera.
- Scenario 2: Battery & Audio: If long battery life and high-quality audio playback are essential, the M3 is the better option.
- Scenario 3: Balanced Use: If you need a balanced mix of performance and battery life, while also staying up to date with the latest android version, the M6 4G is still a more balanced option since its performance is greatly improved, despite the slightly smaller battery.
My Choice
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would choose the Xiaomi Poco M6 4G. The improved performance is a significant upgrade, making the phone feel much more responsive and future-proof. The camera improvements are also substantial, offering a better overall experience. While the M3 has a larger battery and stereo speakers, I find the increased performance of the M6 4G, paired with the fact that it runs the latest version of Android far more compelling for a modern smartphone experience. The faster charging also negates the smaller battery somewhat, and the audio differences are a worthy trade-off for the performance and camera gains.
