Smartphone Comparison: Xiaomi Poco M3 vs. Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 4G
1. Specifications Comparison
Here's a detailed comparison of the key specifications of the Xiaomi Poco M3 and the Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 4G, focusing on their practical implications:
Design
| Feature | Xiaomi Poco M3 | Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 4G | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 162.3 × 77.3 × 9.6 mm | 162 × 75.5 × 8.9 mm | The Redmi Note 11 4G is slightly narrower and thinner, making it marginally easier to hold and carry. The Poco M3 is slightly bulkier. |
| Weight | 198g | 181g | The Redmi Note 11 4G is lighter, which could result in more comfortable prolonged use. |
| Build | Standard | Standard | Both are standard smartphone designs, not foldable. |
Display
| Feature | Xiaomi Poco M3 | Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 4G | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 6.53" | 6.5" | Both offer similar screen sizes, negligible difference in daily use. |
| Resolution | 1080x2340 | 1080x2400 | The Redmi Note 11 4G has a slightly higher vertical resolution, which is unlikely to make a visible difference. |
| PPI | 395 | 405 | Both have similar pixel density, resulting in comparable screen clarity. |
| Technology | IPS LCD | Not specified | The Poco M3 has an IPS LCD, known for good color accuracy and viewing angles. Display type for the Redmi is not specified and might affect viewing experience. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 90Hz | The Redmi Note 11 4G provides smoother scrolling and animations, which will result in a more fluid UI feel. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Peak brightness is unknown so it's hard to say how they perform outdoors. |
Performance
| Feature | Xiaomi Poco M3 | Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 4G | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM6115 Snapdragon 662 (11 nm) | Mediatek MT6769H Helio G88 (12 nm) | The Redmi Note 11 4G’s chipset generally offers better performance, suitable for smoother day-to-day use and slightly more demanding apps. |
| AnTuTu Score | 185,028 | 253,100 | The Redmi Note 11 4G demonstrates significantly higher benchmark scores, indicating better overall performance. |
| GPU | Adreno 610 | Mali-G52 MC2 | The Redmi Note 11 4G’s GPU is better suited for gaming, offering better graphic processing capabilities than Poco M3. |
Camera
| Feature | Xiaomi Poco M3 | Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 4G | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main Camera Resolution | 48MP, f/1.79 | 50MP, f/1.8 | The Redmi Note 11 4G offers slightly higher resolution, potentially capturing more detail. Poco M3 has wider aperture, better low light performance. |
| Main Camera Sensor | Samsung S5KGM1, 1/2", 0.80 µm pixels | Not Specified, Not Specified, Not Specified | The Poco M3's sensor is detailed, which might provide slightly better image quality in certain conditions. Sensor details for the Redmi Note 11 4G are missing. |
| Selfie Camera | 8MP, f/2.0, 1/4", 1.12 µm pixels | 8MP, f/2.0, Not Specified, 1.12 µm pixels | Both offer similar selfie cameras, but the Poco has detailed sensor information. |
| Wide Angle Lens | Not Available | 8MP, f/2.2 | The Redmi Note 11 4G offers versatility with its wide-angle lens, which is missing in Poco M3. |
| Macro Lens | Not Available | 2MP, f/2.4 | The Redmi Note 11 4G has a macro lens for close-up shots that the Poco M3 lacks. |
| Video Recording | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps | Both record at the same resolution and framerate. The Redmi Note 11 4G additionally supports 4k video capture |
| Video Stabilisation | Yes | Yes | Both devices offer digital video stabilization for smoother footage. |
| 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, Triple 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 | Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 4G has additional features: 4K Video, RAW; Xiaomi Poco M3 has additional features: Manual focus, Panorama. |
Battery
| Feature | Xiaomi Poco M3 | Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 4G | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 6000mAh | 5000mAh | The Poco M3 has a larger battery, potentially providing longer battery life, suitable for users who want to use their phone for long periods without needing to charge it. |
| Charging | 18W Fast Charging | 18W Fast Charging | Both support the same fast charging speeds. |
| Features | 22.5W charger in-box, Reverse Charging | 9W reverse wired charging | Poco M3 ships with faster charger and thus is faster to charge with default charger. |
Other
| Feature | Xiaomi Poco M3 | Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 4G | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Operating System | Android 10 | Android 11 | Redmi Note 11 4G has a newer OS, offering better features, security and performance. |
| Wi-Fi | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac | Both have similar Wi-Fi capabilities for everyday use. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 LE | 5.1 LE, APT-x | Redmi Note 11 4G has a newer version of Bluetooth, offering improved connection stability, speed and range. Additional APT-x support for better audio codec. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo, NavIC | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | Poco M3 has additional NavIC satellite system for more accurate location tracking in India. |
| Storage | 64GB/128GB | 128GB | Both offer similar storage options, adequate for most users. |
| RAM | 4GB/6GB | 4GB/6GB | Both offer similar RAM options, adequate for multitasking. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither support expandable storage, which might be a limitation for some users. |
| Audio Quality | Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | Stereo Speakers | Poco M3 has an added Hi-Res Audio support, improving audio quality with better quality headphones. |
| Security | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Both have a basic biometric security option. |
| Build Quality | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | Both screens are protected by Gorilla Glass 3, providing moderate scratch resistance. |
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Accelerometer, Compass, Ultrasonic proximity virtual | Fingerprint, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Ultrasonic proximity virtual | Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 4G offers additional Gyroscope, which is useful for better gaming experience. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Xiaomi Poco M3 Advantages:
- Larger Battery: 6000mAh offers significantly longer battery life, reducing the need for frequent charging, ideal for users with limited access to power outlets.
- Hi-Res Audio: Better audio experience with compatible headphones or speakers, a good addition for audiophiles.
- Wider Main Camera Aperture: Better low-light performance, meaning better quality images in dimly lit places.
- In-box charger: 22.5 W charger included in the box.
- NavIC Support: Better GPS accuracy in India.
Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 4G Advantages:
- Smoother Display: 90Hz refresh rate provides a more fluid and responsive user experience compared to the Poco M3's 60Hz display.
- Better Performance: Superior chipset and benchmark scores result in faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and better gaming performance.
- Additional Camera Lenses: Inclusion of wide-angle and macro lenses, allowing users to be more flexible with photography.
- Newer OS: Comes with Android 11 out of the box, providing access to the latest features and security updates.
- Newer Bluetooth: Bluetooth 5.1 with aptX for better connectivity and higher-quality audio streaming.
- 4k video recording: Higher video recording resolution
- RAW file support: Greater flexibility with photo editing
Trade-offs:
- The Poco M3 prioritizes battery life and audio quality at the expense of performance and camera versatility.
- The Redmi Note 11 4G focuses on a better display, performance, and camera at the cost of a slightly smaller battery.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Xiaomi Poco M3:
- Ideal User: Users who prioritize battery life above all else, such as frequent travelers, outdoor workers, or those with limited access to charging.
- Use Cases:
- Long days away from a power source.
- Frequent media consumption, such as watching movies, listening to music, etc.
- Users on a tight budget with battery as the main concern.
- Price-to-Value: Excellent value for money if battery life is a top priority.
Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 4G:
- Ideal User: Users who value a smoother and more responsive experience and also want versatility with their camera.
- Use Cases:
- General daily use, including social media, browsing, and multitasking.
- Casual gaming.
- Taking a variety of photos, including wide-angle and close-up shots.
- Price-to-Value: Good value for the improved display, performance, and camera versatility.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- Is battery life or performance more important to you? If you need long battery life, the Poco M3 is the obvious choice. If you prioritize speed and responsiveness, go for the Redmi Note 11 4G.
- How important is camera versatility? If you want to take wide-angle and macro shots, the Redmi Note 11 4G is better. If you just need basic standard images and care about better low-light performance, Poco M3 is better.
- Do you prefer a smoother display experience or better audio quality? If you want smoother scrolling and animations, the Redmi Note 11 4G is the better option. If better audio output is a priority, Poco M3 is preferable.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Frequent traveler: The Poco M3 with its larger battery is a great option for longer travels without a power source.
- Casual gamer: The Redmi Note 11 4G with its better performance and GPU, as well as gyroscope, will provide a smoother gaming experience.
- Everyday user: The Redmi Note 11 4G is suitable for everyday general use with more features overall.
- Audiophile on a budget: Poco M3 with Hi-Res Audio compatibility is better, although, if paired with a high-quality audio device, the difference is probably negligible.
- Social media content creator: Redmi Note 11 4G's versatile camera and 4K recording will suit the user more.
My Choice
If I were to choose, I would go for the Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 4G. While the Poco M3's massive battery is appealing, the Redmi Note 11 4G offers a more balanced package for my typical usage. The smoother 90Hz display, better chipset, more versatile cameras, and newer OS would improve my daily experience. I value the better all-around performance and camera versatility more than the longer battery life of the Poco M3. However, if battery life was my absolute top priority and I was on a tight budget, the Poco M3 would be a very strong contender.
