Smartphone Comparison: Xiaomi Poco M3 vs. Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 Pro 5G
1. Specifications Comparison
Design
| Feature | Xiaomi Poco M3 | Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 Pro 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Dimensions | 162.3 × 77.3 × 9.6 mm | 164.2 × 76.1 × 8.1 mm | Redmi Note 11 Pro 5G is slightly taller but thinner, making it feel more modern in hand. Poco M3 is a bit bulkier. |
| Weight | 198g | 202g | Both phones have similar weight, no significant difference in hand feel. |
| Build | Standard | Standard | Both are standard smartphone designs. |
Display
| Feature | Xiaomi Poco M3 | Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 Pro 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Size | 6.53" | 6.67" | Redmi Note 11 Pro 5G has a marginally larger screen, offering slightly more immersive viewing. |
| Resolution | 1080x2340 | 1080x2400 | Both have sharp displays, the slightly higher resolution on the Redmi Note 11 Pro 5G is negligibly noticeable. |
| Pixel Density | 395 PPI | 395 PPI | Both displays have the same sharpness. |
| Technology | IPS LCD | AMOLED | Redmi Note 11 Pro 5G's AMOLED has much better contrast, deeper blacks, more vibrant colors, and improved power efficiency, especially with dark mode. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 120Hz | Redmi Note 11 Pro 5G offers smoother scrolling and animations, significantly improving user experience, especially for gaming and fast-paced content. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 1200 nits | Redmi Note 11 Pro 5G is much brighter, making it far more usable under bright sunlight. |
Performance
| Feature | Xiaomi Poco M3 | Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 Pro 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 662 (11nm) | Qualcomm Snapdragon 695 5G (6nm) | Redmi Note 11 Pro 5G has a significantly newer and more powerful processor. |
| AnTuTu Score | 185,028 | 405,259 | Redmi Note 11 Pro 5G is much faster for everyday tasks, multitasking, and gaming. |
| GPU | Adreno 610 | Adreno 619 | Redmi Note 11 Pro 5G's GPU provides better graphics performance for gaming and GPU-intensive applications. |
Camera
| Feature | Xiaomi Poco M3 | Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 Pro 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Rear Camera | 48MP, f/1.79, 1/2" | 108MP, f/1.9, 1/1.52" | Redmi Note 11 Pro 5G captures much more detailed and higher-resolution images with its 108MP sensor and larger sensor. Poco M3's wider aperture might be slightly better in low light, however the Redmi Note 11 pro sensor will still out perform it. |
| Front Camera | 8MP, f/2.0, 1/4" | 16MP, f/2.4, 1/3.06" | Redmi Note 11 Pro 5G takes higher resolution selfies. The Poco M3 has a wider aperture for slightly better low light. |
| Wide Angle Lens | None | 8MP, f/2.2, 1/2.8" | Redmi Note 11 Pro 5G offers significantly more versatility with a dedicated ultrawide lens. |
| Macro Lens | None | 2MP, f/2.4, 1/5" | Redmi Note 11 Pro 5G includes a dedicated macro lens for detailed close-up photography. |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps | Similar video quality, both suitable for social media. |
| DxOMark Score | Not Tested | Mobile: 78 (Photo: 81, Video: 85) | Redmi Note 11 Pro 5G’s camera is significantly better as it has been tested by DxOMark, Poco M3 has not. |
| 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 | Digital zoom, Triple camera, Digital image stabilization, Ultra stable video, Autofocus, Touch focus, Manual focus, Continuous shooting, Geotagging, Panorama, HDR, Face detection, White balance settings, ISO settings, Exposure compensation, Scene mode, Self-timer, RAW, Night Mode | Redmi Note 11 Pro 5G has extra features such as night mode for better low light and RAW for higher flexibility in editing. |
Battery
| Feature | Xiaomi Poco M3 | Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 Pro 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Capacity | 6000mAh | 5000mAh | Poco M3 has a larger battery, potentially offering better battery life, but this depends on software optimization and the efficiency of the SoC. |
| Charging | 18W | 67W | Redmi Note 11 Pro 5G charges significantly faster, reducing charging times. |
| Features | Reverse charging, Non-removable, 22.5W fast charger in-box | Non-removable | The Poco M3 can charge other devices, the charger provided is more powerful than the charging capability of the phone itself. |
Software
| Feature | Xiaomi Poco M3 | Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 Pro 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|
| OS | Android 10 | Android 11 | Redmi Note 11 Pro 5G ships with a newer Android version which offers better performance, features and better security. |
| Max OS Version | | | Both phones have no confirmed Max OS version. |
Connectivity
| Feature | Xiaomi Poco M3 | Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 Pro 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|
| WiFi | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac | Both offer similar WiFi speeds but the Redmi Note 11 Pro 5G has support for MIMO for higher data transfer rates. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.2 | Redmi Note 11 Pro 5G has a newer Bluetooth version with better connectivity and power efficiency, along with better audio codecs. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo, NavIC System | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo, BeiDou (B1) | Both have accurate navigation, Poco M3 supports more satellite systems and the Redmi Note 11 pro supports a specific band. |
| SIM | Dual SIM Dual Standby (Nano SIM + Nano SIM) | Dual SIM Dual Standby (Nano SIM + Nano SIM) | Both support dual SIM cards. |
Storage
| Feature | Xiaomi Poco M3 | Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 Pro 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Internal Storage | 64 GB or 128 GB | | Poco M3 is available in 64GB and 128GB variants, while the Redmi Note 11 Pro 5G does not have its specific storage options listed. |
| RAM | 4GB or 6GB | | Poco M3 comes in 4 GB or 6 GB models, Redmi Note 11 Pro 5G does not list RAM. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone has an option to expand the storage. |
Audio
| Feature | Xiaomi Poco M3 | Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 Pro 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Quality | Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers, 2 microphones | Redmi Note 11 Pro 5G provides a better and richer audio experience thanks to Dolby Atmos and better microphone audio. |
Security
| Feature | Xiaomi Poco M3 | Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 Pro 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Features | side-mounted fingerprint sensor | side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Both phones offer fingerprint sensor for convenient unlocking. |
Build Quality
| Feature | Xiaomi Poco M3 | Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 Pro 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | Redmi Note 11 Pro 5G has superior screen protection against scratches and minor impacts. |
Sensors
| Feature | Xiaomi Poco M3 | Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 Pro 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Sensors | Biometric: Fingerprint; Motion: Accelerometer, Compass; Proximity: Ultrasonic proximity virtual | Biometric: Fingerprint; Motion: Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope; Proximity: Ultrasonic proximity virtual | Redmi Note 11 Pro 5G's gyroscope enables better motion tracking for applications and games. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Xiaomi Poco M3 Advantages:
- Larger Battery: 6000mAh battery offers potentially longer battery life.
- Reverse Charging: Can be used as a power bank to charge other devices.
- Lower Price Point: (Assumed) Generally targets budget-conscious consumers.
Practical Implications: Ideal for users who prioritize battery life above all else and want to charge other devices.
Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 Pro 5G Advantages:
- Superior Display: AMOLED panel with 120Hz refresh rate offers better colors, contrast, smoother experience, and is more visible in daylight.
- Much Faster Performance: Significantly more powerful processor and GPU for smooth multitasking and gaming.
- Better Camera System: Higher resolution main camera with extra ultrawide and macro lenses.
- Faster Charging: Significantly faster charging at 67W compared to 18W.
- Newer Android OS and Bluetooth version: More modern features and better connectivity.
- Better Audio: Dolby Atmos and dual microphones
- Better Build Quality: Corning Gorilla Glass 5 for screen protection.
- Additional Features: Gyroscope for better gaming and app experiences, Night mode and RAW support in camera
Practical Implications: Best for users who prioritize camera quality, performance, display quality, and fast charging.
Significant Trade-offs:
- Battery Life: Poco M3 likely provides better battery endurance, though the Redmi Note 11 Pro 5G's battery can be quickly charged.
- Price: Redmi Note 11 Pro 5G is expected to be more expensive, potentially making the Poco M3 more attractive for budget users.
- Availability: Pricing can vary depending on the region.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Xiaomi Poco M3 Ideal User:
- Budget-conscious users: Looking for the most affordable phone with good battery life.
- Light users: Primarily use phone for social media, web browsing, and calls, not heavy gaming.
- Users who need long battery life: Need a phone that can last through the day without frequent charging.
- Occasional multimedia consumers: Watching videos or playing music.
Specific Use Cases:
- A backup phone for travel.
- A first smartphone for students.
- A phone for users who need to prioritize a long battery life with basic functionalities
Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 Pro 5G Ideal User:
- Tech Enthusiasts: Want a modern phone with a great screen, fast performance, and good camera.
- Moderate to heavy users: Regularly use phone for gaming, video editing, and heavy multitasking.
- Photography enthusiasts: Desire a versatile camera system with multiple lenses.
- Users who value fast charging: Want the convenience of quick top-ups.
- Multimedia Consumers: Who value good audio, screen quality and speed.
Specific Use Cases:
- Mobile gaming and social media content creation.
- Capturing high-quality photos and videos in diverse situations.
- Work-related tasks that need responsive multitasking.
- Multimedia Consumption
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions:
- How important is display quality and refresh rate to you? If the screen is vital for media consumption or gaming, the Redmi Note 11 Pro 5G is better.
- Is a long battery life or faster charging more important? The Poco M3 offers great battery life, whereas the Redmi Note 11 Pro 5G has faster charging.
- What is your budget? If you need an entry-level device, the Poco M3 will be more affordable, the Redmi Note 11 Pro 5G would be a premium option.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Budget User Needing Battery: If you need a cheap phone with very good battery life and are happy with a basic user experience, choose the Xiaomi Poco M3.
- Scenario 2: Multimedia Consumer: If you want a phone for viewing video, with fast charging and the best possible camera, choose the Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 Pro 5G.
- Scenario 3: Tech Enthusiast: If you're a tech enthusiast who likes high performance and features, and don't mind spending a little more, choose the Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 Pro 5G
My Choice:
I would choose the Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 Pro 5G. While the Poco M3 offers a larger battery, the Redmi Note 11 Pro 5G provides a significantly better overall experience due to its superior display, much faster performance, better camera system, faster charging, and newer software. The improvement in user experience and functionality justifies the higher price point, as I personally value a smooth, responsive, and modern device with good media capabilities for day to day use. The Poco M3's battery life is attractive, but the difference in daily usage experience is not as noticeable as it would seem on paper and a fast charge will generally make up for the differences.
