Smartphone Comparison: Xiaomi Poco M3 vs. Xiaomi Poco X4 GT
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Xiaomi Poco M3 | Xiaomi Poco X4 GT | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 162.3 x 77.3 x 9.6 mm | 163.6 x 74.3 x 8.9 mm | X4 GT is slightly taller and thinner, M3 is wider. Overall similar feel in the hand. |
| Weight | 198g | 200g | Virtually identical weight; minimal difference. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.53" | 6.6" | Very similar screen size; X4 GT has negligibly larger screen, not noticeable in daily use. |
| Resolution | 1080x2340 | 1080x2460 | X4 GT has slightly more pixels; marginally sharper text and images. |
| PPI | 395 | 407 | Very similar pixel density; both screens appear sharp. |
| Technology | IPS LCD | IPS LCD | Identical display technology; same color reproduction and viewing angles. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 144Hz | X4 GT has much smoother scrolling and animations, better for gaming and general navigation. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Brightness data missing; can't assess visibility differences in various lighting. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 662 (11 nm) | Dimensity 8100 (5 nm) | X4 GT's chipset is significantly faster; apps load quicker, better for multitasking and demanding games. |
| AnTuTu Score | 185,028 | 820,061 | X4 GT offers vastly superior performance, will feel much more responsive and future-proof. |
| GPU | Adreno 610 | Mali-G610 MC6 | X4 GT has a much more powerful GPU; better graphics performance for games. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera Res | 48MP | 64MP | X4 GT has higher resolution, potentially more detail in photos, especially in good lighting. |
| Main Cam Aperture | f/1.79 | f/1.89 | M3's wider aperture potentially slightly better in low-light, though other factors like sensor are critical. |
| Main Cam Sensor | 1/2" | 1/1.72" | X4 GT has larger sensor, potentially capturing more light and detail, especially in low light. |
| Selfie Camera Res | 8MP | 16MP | X4 GT offers higher resolution selfies, more detail. |
| Selfie Cam Ap | f/2.0 | f/2.45 | M3 has wider aperture which potentially better in low light. |
| Selfie Cam Sensor | 1/4" | 1/3.06" | X4 GT has slightly larger sensor, potentially better light gathering. |
| Wide Angle Lens | No | Yes (8MP) | X4 GT captures wider scenes; M3 cannot take ultrawide shots. |
| Macro Lens | No | Yes (2MP) | X4 GT can take close-up macro shots; M3 lacks dedicated macro camera. |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 4K@30fps, 1080p@60fps | X4 GT records higher-resolution video; better for capturing detailed footage and smooth slow-motion. |
| Camera Features | Limited | Extensive | X4 GT has more advanced features like 4K video, ultra-stable video, RAW capture, Night mode and PDAF for faster and more reliable auto focusing. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 6000mAh | 5080mAh | M3 has larger battery; likely better battery life for general usage. |
| Charging | 18W | 67W | X4 GT charges much faster, which can be a big time-saver. |
| Battery Features | Reverse charging, charger in box | None | M3 can be used as a power bank; X4 GT has no such ability. M3 includes 22.5W charger in the box. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 10 | Android 12 | X4 GT has a newer Android version, with better features, security and performance. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | 802.11ac | 802.11ax (Wi-Fi 6) | X4 GT has faster and more efficient Wi-Fi, especially in crowded areas. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.3 | X4 GT has newer, more efficient Bluetooth with better audio codec support. |
| GPS | Multiple | More multiple, dual-band | X4 GT generally has better GPS accuracy, especially in challenging areas. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 64/128 GB | 128/256 GB | X4 GT offers greater storage options, better for storing large media libraries. |
| RAM | 4/6 GB | 8 GB | X4 GT is better for multitasking and running more demanding apps. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone supports expandable storage; a limitation for heavy media users. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | X4 GT has more advanced audio features for a more immersive sound experience. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Side-mounted fingerprint | Side-mounted fingerprint | Both phones offer convenient biometric security. |
| Build | |||
| Protection | Gorilla Glass 3 | Gorilla Glass 5 | X4 GT has more durable screen protection against scratches and drops. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Accelerometer, Compass, Proximity | Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Proximity | X4 GT has additional sensors (gyroscope), beneficial for gaming and VR. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Xiaomi Poco M3 Advantages:
- Larger Battery: The 6000mAh battery offers longer battery life, ideal for users who prioritize endurance.
- Reverse Charging: Can be used as a power bank to charge other devices, providing a convenient feature.
- Included Charger: Includes 22.5W charger in the box.
Xiaomi Poco X4 GT Advantages:
- Significantly Faster Performance: The Dimensity 8100 chipset and higher AnTuTu score results in faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and better gaming.
- Superior Display: The 144Hz refresh rate display provides a much smoother visual experience.
- Better Cameras: Higher resolution main and selfie cameras with additional lenses (wide-angle, macro) and more features.
- Faster Charging: The 67W fast charging significantly reduces charging times.
- Newer Software: Ships with Android 12, providing a newer user experience and updated features.
- Enhanced Connectivity: Supports Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.3 with more audio codecs.
- Additional Features: Enhanced audio with Dolby Atmos, more advanced sensor suite.
Trade-offs:
- The Poco M3 prioritizes battery life and affordability but sacrifices performance and features.
- The Poco X4 GT prioritizes performance and modern features but has a smaller battery and may be more expensive.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Xiaomi Poco M3 Ideal User:
- Budget-conscious: Prioritizes affordability and maximum battery life.
- Light user: Primarily uses the phone for basic tasks such as calls, messaging, browsing, and social media.
- Media Consumption: Enjoys streaming content on a large screen without the need for high refresh rates or demanding games.
- Occasional photographer: Takes casual photos and videos without demanding high-quality captures.
- Needs Long Battery Life: Requires a phone that can last all day or more on a single charge.
Xiaomi Poco X4 GT Ideal User:
- Performance Seeker: Prioritizes a fast and responsive phone for gaming and multitasking.
- Power User: Uses demanding apps and wants smooth performance without lag.
- Multimedia Enthusiast: Enjoys high-quality gaming, video watching, and content creation.
- Photography Enthusiast: Values good camera quality with versatile features, ultrawide and macro lenses.
- Tech Savvy: Wants a modern device with the latest connectivity standards and up-to-date software.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions to Consider:
- What is your budget? The Poco M3 will likely be cheaper, while the X4 GT offers higher performance at a potentially higher price.
- What are your primary usage needs? Do you need the longest battery life, or the fastest performance?
- How important are camera features and display smoothness? The X4 GT has a significantly better camera setup and 144Hz refresh rate.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Budget and Battery Life: If your priority is an affordable phone with long battery life, the Poco M3 is a good choice.
- Performance and Gaming: If you want the best gaming experience and fastest performance in a mid-range device, choose the Poco X4 GT.
- Photography: If you value versatile camera features and better video, the X4 GT is the better option.
- Balanced User: If you want a good balance of performance and features, the X4 GT is the better choice.
Personal Recommendation
My Choice: Xiaomi Poco X4 GT
While the Poco M3 has its merits, particularly in battery life and price, the Poco X4 GT is the superior device for my needs and is the one I would choose. The X4 GT provides a much more enjoyable user experience due to its significantly better performance, smoother display, better camera system, and faster charging.
The difference in performance between the two phones is significant, with the X4 GT's Dimensity 8100 chipset offering a substantial leap in speed and responsiveness. For daily tasks, multitasking, and more demanding applications, the X4 GT is much more capable. Furthermore, the 144Hz refresh rate is a game-changer, making scrolling and animations noticeably smoother. The improved camera system, with its additional lenses and better video recording capabilities, is also a huge advantage, especially for content creation.
While the X4 GT's battery is smaller, the 67W fast charging significantly offsets this. I would rather have faster charging to quickly top up the battery during the day than a larger battery that takes longer to recharge. The faster performance, better display, camera and connectivity outweigh the slightly smaller battery capacity.
