Smartphone Comparison: Xiaomi Poco M3 vs. Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 Pro+ 5G
1. Specifications Comparison
Here's a detailed breakdown of the specifications, focusing on their real-world impact:
Design
| Feature | Xiaomi Poco M3 | Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 Pro+ 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 162.3 × 77.3 × 9.6 mm | 163.7 × 76.2 × 8.3 mm | The Redmi Note 11 Pro+ 5G is taller but thinner, making it slightly more pocketable and potentially more comfortable to hold for some users. The Poco M3 is wider and thicker, leading to a larger overall size and a slightly more bulky feel. |
| Weight | 198g | 204g | The Poco M3 is slightly lighter by 6g, but in practical usage, this difference is barely noticeable for most people. |
Display
| Feature | Xiaomi Poco M3 | Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 Pro+ 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 6.53" | 6.67" | Redmi Note 11 Pro+ 5G offers a slightly larger viewing area. The difference isn't significant but noticeable when comparing side-by-side. |
| Resolution | 1080x2340 | 1080x2400 | Both offer Full HD+ resolution. The difference in pixel count is negligible and won't be noticeable in daily use. Both offer sharp images and text. |
| PPI | 395 | 395 | Identical pixel density, meaning similar sharpness on both screens. |
| Technology | IPS LCD | AMOLED | AMOLED of the Redmi Note 11 Pro+ 5G delivers more vibrant colors, deeper blacks and better contrast than the Poco M3's LCD. It's a significant upgrade for media consumption. AMOLED also consumes less energy when using darker themes. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 120Hz | The 120Hz refresh rate on the Redmi Note 11 Pro+ 5G provides smoother scrolling, animations, and gaming compared to the 60Hz on the Poco M3. It makes the user experience feel more fluid and responsive. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 1200 nits | The Redmi Note 11 Pro+ 5G display is drastically brighter making it clearly visible under direct sunlight, whereas the Poco M3 may have visibility issues. Note, the 0 nits for Poco M3 is likely a missing value, it will still have brightness. |
Performance
| Feature | Xiaomi Poco M3 | Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 Pro+ 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 662 (11 nm) | Mediatek Dimensity 920 (6 nm) | The Dimensity 920 in the Redmi Note 11 Pro+ 5G is significantly faster and more power efficient. It handles apps, multitasking, and games with greater ease than the Snapdragon 662. |
| AnTuTu Score | 185,028 | 528,100 | The Redmi Note 11 Pro+ 5G offers vastly superior performance, making it suitable for demanding games and multitasking. The Poco M3 is better suited for basic use. |
| GPU | Adreno 610 | Mali-G68 MC4 | The Mali-G68 MC4 in the Redmi Note 11 Pro+ 5G provides superior graphics performance for gaming and graphics-intensive apps, providing a more fluid user experience over the Adreno 610. |
Battery
| Feature | Xiaomi Poco M3 | Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 Pro+ 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 6000mAh | 4500mAh | The Poco M3's larger battery likely offers longer battery life on a single charge. However, real-world battery endurance varies significantly based on usage. |
| Charging | 18W fast charging, Li-Polymer | 120W fast charging, Li-Ion Polymer | The Redmi Note 11 Pro+ 5G charges much faster, going from 0-100% in approximately 15-19 minutes. The Poco M3 requires significantly longer to charge. |
| Features | Reverse charging, Non-removable, 22.5W fast charger in-box | Non-removable, Fast charging, QC3+/PD2.0/PD3.0 | The Poco M3 can act as a power bank for other devices. The Redmi Note 11 Pro+ 5G’s fast charging is a convenience that significantly reduces downtime. The Redmi Note 11 Pro+ 5G offers faster charging technologies. |
Camera
| Feature | Xiaomi Poco M3 | Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 Pro+ 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main Camera | 48MP, f/1.79, 1/2", 0.80µm | 108MP, f/1.89, 1/1.52", 0.70µm | The Redmi Note 11 Pro+ 5G captures more detailed images due to its higher resolution sensor and bigger sensor. The Poco M3 might capture better low-light photos due to its wider aperture but will lack detail. |
| Selfie Camera | 8MP, f/2.0, 1/4", 1.12µm | 16MP, f/2.45, 1/3.13", 1.00µm | The Redmi Note 11 Pro+ 5G’s higher resolution captures more detailed selfies. Both have similar light sensitivity, so low light performance is expected to be similar. |
| Wide Angle lens | None | 8MP, f/2.2, 1/2.8", 1.14µm | The Redmi Note 11 Pro+ 5G has a wide-angle lens for capturing expansive landscapes or group shots. The Poco M3 has no ultrawide lens meaning you will miss out on capturing more from your photos. |
| Macro lens | None | 2MP, f/2.4 | The Redmi Note 11 Pro+ 5G has a dedicated macro lens for taking close-up shots. The Poco M3 has no macro lens meaning close-up photos will not be ideal. |
| Video Recording | 1080p@30fps, Slow-motion: 120 fps | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60/120fps, 720p@960fps, Slow-motion: 960 fps | The Redmi Note 11 Pro+ 5G offers superior video recording capabilities including higher resolution and higher frame-rate options for smoother videos. The 4k resolution allows for high-quality video recording. |
| Camera Features | Digital zoom, triple camera, Digital image stabilization, Autofocus, touch focus, manual focus etc. | 4K video, Digital zoom, triple camera, Digital image stabilization, Ultra stable video, Autofocus, touch focus, manual focus, Night Mode, RAW etc. | The Redmi Note 11 Pro+ 5G has more advanced video and photography features such as 4k video, Ultra stable video, RAW and Night Mode. |
Software and Connectivity
| Feature | Xiaomi Poco M3 | Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 Pro+ 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Operating System | Android 10 | Android 11 | The Redmi Note 11 Pro+ 5G has a more modern operating system, potentially offering better features, security and performance |
| Wi-Fi | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac, Dual band, Hotspot, Direct, Display | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac/ax, Dual band, Hotspot, Direct, Display, MiMO | The Redmi Note 11 Pro+ 5G supports Wi-Fi 6, which offers faster and more reliable internet speeds when connected to a compatible router. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 LE, A2DP, LE | 5.2 LE, A2DP, LE, APT-x, LDAC, AAC | The Redmi Note 11 Pro+ 5G has a newer Bluetooth version, offering faster and more reliable connections and higher quality audio codecs, which can enhance wireless audio quality for compatible headphones. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo, NavIC System | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo, GPS (L1+L5), BeiDou (B1), Galileo (E1+E5a), BeiDou (B2), NavIC System, QZSS (L1 + L5) | The Redmi Note 11 Pro+ 5G has a more comprehensive selection of supported satellite systems allowing for more reliable and accurate GPS location tracking. |
| SIM | Dual SIM Dual Standby (Nano SIM + Nano SIM) | Dual SIM Dual Standby (Nano SIM + Nano SIM) | Both support two SIM cards simultaneously |
Storage and Audio
| Feature | Xiaomi Poco M3 | Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 Pro+ 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Internal Storage | 64GB or 128GB | 64GB or 128GB or 256GB | The Redmi Note 11 Pro+ 5G offers a higher maximum storage option (256GB), allowing users to store more photos, videos, and apps. |
| RAM | 4GB or 6GB | 6GB or 8GB | The Redmi Note 11 Pro+ 5G has more RAM, which results in smoother multitasking and faster app loading. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone allows for external storage expansion. |
| Audio Quality | Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers, 2 microphones | The Redmi Note 11 Pro+ 5G has a more advanced audio setup, with Dolby Atmos for better spatial audio and higher quality playback and recording. |
Security and Build Quality
| Feature | Xiaomi Poco M3 | Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 Pro+ 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Security Features | side-mounted fingerprint sensor | side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Both have a fingerprint scanner for biometric security, the placement provides a practical unlocking experience. |
| Screen Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | The Redmi Note 11 Pro+ 5G offers superior protection against scratches and minor impacts. |
Sensors
| Feature | Xiaomi Poco M3 | Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 Pro+ 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, Compass, Proximity: Ultrasonic virtual | Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope Proximity: Ultrasonic virtual | Redmi Note 11 Pro+ 5G features a gyroscope for enhanced gaming and AR applications. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Xiaomi Poco M3 Advantages:
- Larger Battery: The 6000mAh battery potentially offers longer battery life for users who need extended usage without recharging.
- Reverse Charging: The Poco M3 can act as a power bank to charge other devices, a niche but handy feature.
- Lower Price: Typically, the Poco M3 is a more budget-friendly option.
Practical Implications:
- The Poco M3 is designed for users who prioritize battery life over other features.
- Its lower price makes it a good choice for those on a tight budget.
Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 Pro+ 5G Advantages:
- Superior Display: AMOLED with 120Hz refresh rate offers a vastly better visual experience with vibrant colors, smooth animations and higher brightness.
- Significantly Better Performance: The Dimensity 920 chipset offers a significant boost in speed for multitasking, gaming and other intensive tasks.
- Much Faster Charging: 120W fast charging allows for extremely quick charging times, ideal for users on the go.
- Better Camera System: Higher resolution sensors, the addition of a wide-angle and macro lens, along with 4K recording offer far more versatility in photography and videography.
- Improved Audio: Dolby Atmos and dual microphones provide enhanced audio quality and recording.
- More Storage & RAM Options: Higher RAM and internal storage offer smoother multitasking and ample space for apps and media.
- Modern Connectivity: Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.2 for faster and more reliable connections.
Practical Implications:
- The Redmi Note 11 Pro+ 5G is designed for users who prioritize high-quality visual experience, performance, and camera versatility.
- Its fast charging capabilities are beneficial for users with busy lifestyles.
Trade-offs:
- Battery Life: The Redmi Note 11 Pro+ 5G might not match the Poco M3’s potential battery endurance, though the faster charging helps to compensate.
- Price: The Redmi Note 11 Pro+ 5G is more expensive than the Poco M3.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Xiaomi Poco M3:
Ideal User:
- Budget-conscious buyers looking for a reliable daily driver with long battery life.
- Users who primarily use their phone for basic tasks such as calls, messaging, and light browsing.
- Individuals who need a backup or secondary phone with a robust battery.
Use Cases:
- Long days away from a charger, like camping trips.
- Extended use without heavy gaming or media consumption.
- Daily social media usage, messaging, browsing.
- As a backup device or a first smartphone for a young user.
Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 Pro+ 5G:
Ideal User:
- Users who prioritize a high-quality display, fast performance and versatile camera capabilities.
- Gamers, content creators, and media enthusiasts who need a powerful and capable smartphone.
- Users who value speed, and can benefit from fast charging, high quality audio and video.
Use Cases:
- Playing graphically demanding games or using AR applications.
- Recording high-quality video for vlogs or other content.
- Consuming media on the go due to its superior display and audio quality.
- Multitasking with multiple apps and demanding productivity tools.
- Those who rely heavily on their device for various tasks.
4. Decision Framework
Here are three key questions to help guide a purchase decision:
- What is my budget? If budget is the primary concern, the Poco M3 is a solid choice.
- How important is display quality, performance, and camera quality? If these are important, the Redmi Note 11 Pro+ 5G is superior.
- Do I prioritize battery life or fast charging? The Poco M3 is better for long battery life, while the Redmi Note 11 Pro+ 5G has much faster charging.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
Scenario 1: Budget-Conscious User: If you are on a very tight budget and need a basic phone with long battery life for everyday use, the Xiaomi Poco M3 is the more practical option.
Scenario 2: Media and Gaming Enthusiast: If you want a device with a high-quality display, great performance for gaming, and advanced camera features for photography and video, the Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 Pro+ 5G is a better choice despite the higher price.
Scenario 3: User Who Values Speed & Convenience: If you often find yourself with a low battery, and rely on your device for various tasks the Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 Pro+ 5G's fast charging and superior performance makes it the more practical option.
My Choice
If I had to choose between these two phones, I would personally go with the Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 Pro+ 5G. Here’s why:
While the Poco M3 offers good value, the overall user experience of the Redmi Note 11 Pro+ 5G is significantly superior. The AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate provides a much more enjoyable viewing experience. Furthermore, the much better performing Dimensity 920 chipset combined with more RAM makes the phone much more enjoyable to use. The much improved camera system also allows for much greater versatility.
Yes, the battery life might be slightly less than the Poco M3, but the 120W fast charging of the Redmi Note 11 Pro+ 5G negates that concern. I value having a more responsive device that has a beautiful screen and great camera capabilities much more than a longer battery life, this is why the Redmi Note 11 Pro+ 5G is my choice.
