Smartphone Comparison: Xiaomi Poco M3 vs. Xiaomi Redmi 10
1. Specifications Comparison
Design
| Feature | Xiaomi Poco M3 | Xiaomi Redmi 10 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 162.3 × 77.3 × 9.6 mm | 162 × 75.5 × 8.9 mm | Poco M3 is slightly wider and thicker, potentially less comfortable for smaller hands. Redmi 10 is more pocketable. |
| Weight | 198g | 181g | Redmi 10 is lighter, making it more comfortable for extended use. Poco M3 is noticeably heavier. |
| Build | Standard | Standard | Both are standard smartphones, non-foldable. |
Display
| Feature | Xiaomi Poco M3 | Xiaomi Redmi 10 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 6.53" | 6.5" | Negligible difference. Both provide a similar viewing experience. |
| Resolution | 1080x2340 | 1080x2400 | Very similar sharpness, minimal difference in clarity. |
| PPI | 395 | 405 | Similar pixel density, no practical difference in sharpness. |
| Technology | IPS LCD | Missing Data | Poco M3 has known display type (IPS LCD), Redmi 10 display technology is not specified, limiting comparison. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 90Hz | Redmi 10 has smoother scrolling and animations, making the UI and supported games feel more fluid. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Both phones have identical peak brightness at 0 nits, making it impossible to determine which is better in sunlight. This seems incorrect data. |
Performance
| Feature | Xiaomi Poco M3 | Xiaomi Redmi 10 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM6115 Snapdragon 662 (11 nm) | Mediatek MT6769H Helio G88 (12 nm) | Redmi 10's chip is slightly newer and more powerful resulting in better overall performance. |
| AnTuTu Score | 185,028 | 253,600 | Redmi 10 is noticeably faster in benchmarks, indicating better app loading and multitasking. |
| GPU | Adreno 610 | Mali-G52 MC2 | Redmi 10's GPU provides better graphics performance, suitable for slightly more demanding games. |
Camera
| Feature | Xiaomi Poco M3 | Xiaomi Redmi 10 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main Camera Resolution | 48MP | 50MP | Redmi 10 offers slightly more detail in good lighting conditions. |
| Main Camera Aperture | f/1.79 | f/1.8 | Poco M3 has a slightly wider aperture, potentially better in low-light conditions. |
| Main Camera Sensor Size | 1/2" | 1/2.76" | Poco M3's larger sensor typically captures more light, improving low-light performance and dynamic range. |
| Main Camera Pixel Size | 0.80 µm pixel size | 0.64 µm pixel size | Poco M3's larger pixels are generally better for low light conditions. |
| Ultrawide | No | 8MP | Redmi 10 offers more versatility with an ultrawide lens for wider shots. |
| Portrait (Depth) | No | 2MP | Redmi 10 has a depth sensor for better portrait mode photos with blurred backgrounds. |
| Macro | No | 2MP | Redmi 10 has a dedicated macro lens for close-up photography. |
| Selfie Camera Resolution | 8MP | 8MP | Similar quality selfies on both devices. |
| Video Recording | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps | Similar video recording capabilities. No practical difference. |
| Video Stabilization | Yes | Yes | Provides smoother looking videos on both phones. |
| Slow Motion | Yes, 120fps | Yes, 120fps | Similar slow motion functionality |
| Camera 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 | 4K Video, Digital zoom, Quadruple camera, Digital image stabilization, Autofocus, Touch focus, Continuous shooting, Geotagging, HDR, Face detection, White balance settings, ISO settings, Exposure compensation, Scene mode, Self-timer, RAW | Redmi 10 has the upper hand offering more features like 4K video and RAW capabilities. |
Battery
| Feature | Xiaomi Poco M3 | Xiaomi Redmi 10 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 6000mAh | 5000mAh | Poco M3 has a significantly larger battery, offering longer battery life between charges. |
| Charging | 18W | 18W | Both phones have the same 18W charging speed, therefore, the Poco M3 will take longer to charge. |
| Battery Features | Reverse charging, Non-removable, 22.5W fast charger in-box | Reverse charging, Non-removable, 9W reverse wired charging | Poco M3 includes a faster charger out of the box, while Redmi 10 has 9W reverse wired charging for other devices. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Xiaomi Poco M3 Advantages:
- Larger Battery: The 6000mAh battery offers significantly longer battery life, reducing the need to charge frequently.
- Larger Main Camera Sensor: The larger sensor with wider aperture may offer superior image quality in low-light situations.
- Hi-Res Audio: Better audio quality for music lovers using wired headphones.
- Faster Charger Included: 22.5W fast charger included out of the box
Xiaomi Redmi 10 Advantages:
- Smoother Display: 90Hz refresh rate provides a more fluid user experience, particularly for scrolling and supported games.
- Better Performance: The Helio G88 chipset offers faster app loading and smoother multitasking, and higher AnTuTu score.
- More Versatile Camera System: Includes ultrawide, macro and depth sensor, providing a more complete range of shooting options.
- 4k video: Capable of shooting 4k videos
- More Sensors: Includes Gyroscope, important for certain games and apps
- Newer Bluetooth: Includes newer Bluetooth 5.1 for improved audio and connection.
- Lighter Design: More comfortable for extended use and easier to carry.
- Newer OS: Android 11, better compatibility with newer applications
Trade-offs:
- Poco M3: Sacrifices some performance and camera versatility for battery life and, potentially, better low-light main camera performance.
- Redmi 10: Trades battery life and the possibility of better main camera low-light photos for smoother display, better performance, and camera versatility.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Xiaomi Poco M3:
- Ideal User:
- Users who prioritize battery life above all else.
- Users who need a reliable phone that can last multiple days without charging.
- Users who enjoy listening to music with wired headphones.
- Users on a very tight budget.
- Use Cases:
- Long travel periods without reliable access to power.
- Users who rely on their phone for navigation and communication throughout the day.
- Users who watch a lot of content and require a long battery life to make it through long days.
- Price-to-Value: Great value for users who heavily rely on battery life.
Xiaomi Redmi 10:
- Ideal User:
- Users who prioritize smoother performance and a fluid user experience.
- Users who want a versatile camera system with ultrawide and macro lenses.
- Users who want a more well-rounded device with a more modern OS
- Users who want a lighter, more comfortable phone.
- Use Cases:
- Everyday tasks like social media, browsing, and casual gaming.
- Users who enjoy capturing different types of photos and videos.
- Users who appreciate faster app loading and smoother UI navigation.
- Price-to-Value: Good value for a more balanced experience with a focus on performance and versatility.
4. Decision Framework
Here are three key questions to consider:
- Battery Life vs. Performance: How much do you value long battery life versus faster performance and smoother UI experience?
- Camera Versatility: Do you prefer a simple main camera experience with potentially better low-light performance, or a more versatile camera system with ultrawide, macro, and depth lenses?
- Size and Weight: Do you prefer a lighter and more compact phone or are you comfortable with a slightly larger and heavier device for extended battery life?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1 (Heavy Battery User): If battery life is the most important factor, and you do not intend to use demanding applications, the Xiaomi Poco M3 is the better choice.
- Scenario 2 (Balanced Experience): If you want a more well-rounded device with better performance, a smoother display, and a versatile camera system, the Xiaomi Redmi 10 is a better choice.
- Scenario 3 (Photography Enthusiast): If you value versatility in photography (ultrawide, macro) more than the main camera’s potential low-light advantage, the Xiaomi Redmi 10 is the better option.
My Choice
If I had to choose between these two phones, I would pick the Xiaomi Redmi 10. While the Poco M3's battery is impressive, I personally prioritize a smoother user experience and a more versatile camera setup. The 90Hz refresh rate makes a noticeable difference in daily usage, and the inclusion of an ultrawide and macro lens adds a lot of flexibility for different types of photography. I also prefer a lighter design and a newer Android version. The performance boost and newer chipset also make it feel more capable overall. While the battery life might be a bit shorter than the Poco M3, it is still sufficient for a full day of moderate use and charging can always be done during the night.
