Okay, let's dive into a detailed comparison of the Xiaomi Poco X3 GT and the Honor 90. I'll be your guide, translating these specs into real-world experiences.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here's a detailed look at the key specifications, presented in a way that explains what they mean for your daily usage:
| Feature | Xiaomi Poco X3 GT | Honor 90 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Launch Date | 2021-08-19 | 2023-06-07 | Honor 90 is newer, likely with more up-to-date software and features. |
| Form Factor | Standard | Standard | Both are standard smartphones, no foldables. |
| Dimensions | 163.3 × 75.9 × 8.9 mm | 161.9 × 74.1 × 7.8 mm | Honor 90 is noticeably slimmer and lighter, feeling more compact and pocketable. |
| Weight | 193g | 183g | Honor 90 is slightly lighter, making it more comfortable for extended use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.6" | 6.7" | Honor 90 has a slightly larger screen, offering a more immersive viewing experience. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1200x2664 | Honor 90 has a much sharper display with more detail, resulting in crisper text and images. |
| Pixel Density (PPI) | 399 | 435 | Honor 90's higher PPI means finer details and sharper images. |
| Technology | IPS LCD | AMOLED | Honor 90's AMOLED display offers better contrast, deeper blacks, and more vibrant colors compared to the Poco's IPS LCD. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both provide a smooth scrolling experience with a 120Hz refresh rate. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 1600 nits | Honor 90's significantly higher brightness makes it much better for outdoor visibility in bright sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Mediatek Dimensity 1100 (6 nm) | Qualcomm Snapdragon 7 Gen 1 (4 nm) | Both are capable mid-range chips; the Poco X3 GT shows a higher score in benchmarks, indicating slightly better processing power |
| AnTuTu Score | 745,283 | 701,227 | Poco X3 GT shows marginally better benchmark performance. |
| GPU | Mali-G77 MC9 | Adreno 644 | Different GPU architectures, both suitable for gaming, the Mali is more performant according to benchmarks. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both offer similar battery capacity, expected to provide comparable battery life. |
| Charging | 67W Fast (Li-Polymer) | 66W Fast (Li-Ion) | Poco X3 GT has slightly faster charging speeds with a 67W charging; Both phones charge quickly. |
| Battery Features | Non-removable | Non-removable | Batteries on both are integrated. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 64MP (f/1.79, 1/2", 0.70µm) | 200MP (f/1.9, 1/1.4", 0.56µm) | Honor 90's main sensor captures far more detail and likely performs better in low light due to larger sensor size. |
| Selfie Camera | 16MP (f/2.45) | 50MP (f/2.4) | Honor 90 captures much more detailed selfies and should be clearer in low-light. |
| Portrait Camera | None | 2MP (f/2.4, 2.24µm) | Honor 90 provides dedicated depth sensing, for better portrait shots. |
| Wide Angle + Macro Camera | None | 12MP (f/2.2, 1.12µm) | Honor 90 adds versatility with a wide-angle and macro camera. |
| Video Recording | 4K@30fps, 1080p@120fps | 4K@30fps (EIS), 1080p@60fps (EIS) | Both offer similar video recording capabilities with electronic image stabilization (EIS). Honor 90 has EIS in more modes. |
| DXOMark Scores | N/A | Main: 122, Photo: 128, Video: 126 | Honor 90 has a much better main camera according to DxOMark |
| Camera Features | Various | Various | Honor 90 includes PDAF and Front Flash, while Xiaomi includes Ultra stable video, Manual focus, Panorama |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 | Android 13 | Honor 90 has the benefit of a more recent Android version, likely with more modern features and security. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) | Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) | Both support fast Wi-Fi standards; Honor 90 supports Wi-Fi MiMO as well which could provide a small advantage. |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.2 LE | Bluetooth 5.2 LE | Both offer Bluetooth 5.2 with similar codecs; Honor 90 supports EDR, SBC in addition to APTX, AAC, and LDAC. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | Poco X3 GT supports more satellite systems, potentially providing slightly more accuracy. |
| SIM | Dual SIM | Dual SIM | Both are Dual SIM smartphones, allowing simultaneous use of two SIM cards. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 128GB/256GB | 256GB/512GB | Honor 90 offers more storage capacity, important for storing more files and media. |
| RAM | 8GB | 8GB/12GB/16GB | Honor 90 has the advantage of higher RAM options, which is beneficial for heavy multitasking. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither offers expandable storage so you're stuck with the internal memory. |
| Audio | |||
| Audio Quality | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | Noise cancellation microphone | Poco X3 GT has an advantage in audio quality due to a proper set of speakers and higher quality audio playback; Honor 90 only features noise cancellation microphone |
| Security | |||
| Features | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Basic fingerprint sensor | Xiaomi's side-mounted fingerprint sensor is more advanced. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | Unknown | Poco X3 GT has superior scratch and drop resistance. |
| Sensors | Biometric: Fingerprint, Motion: Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Proximity: Ultrasonic proximity virtual | Biometric: Fingerprint, Motion: Accelerometer, Compass, Proximity: Proximity, RGB | Xiaomi includes gyroscope while Honor 90 has an RGB sensor, both suitable for different use cases. |
2. Key Insights
Xiaomi Poco X3 GT Strengths
- Marginally Better Performance: The Dimensity 1100 chipset shows a slightly higher benchmark score.
- Superior Audio: Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, and stereo speakers provide a richer audio experience.
- Enhanced Durability: Corning Gorilla Glass Victus offers excellent screen protection.
- More Advanced Biometric: The side-mounted fingerprint sensor is more advanced than Honor 90's fingerprint scanner.
- More Accurate GPS: Provides more accurate location.
Honor 90 Strengths
- Superior Display: The AMOLED panel with higher resolution and brightness offers a much better viewing experience.
- Exceptional Camera: The 200MP main camera and 50MP selfie camera capture significantly more detail and perform better in low light.
- More Versatile Camera System: Includes wide-angle and macro cameras, adding versatility.
- More RAM: Option of up to 16GB of RAM is beneficial for heavy multitasking and demanding games.
- Newer OS: Comes with Android 13 out of the box, which means better security and performance.
- Slimmer and Lighter: More comfortable to carry around and easier to use with one hand.
Trade-offs and Limitations
- Xiaomi Poco X3 GT: The IPS LCD isn't as vibrant as the AMOLED on the Honor 90, and the cameras are less impressive.
- Honor 90: The chipset is slightly weaker than Poco X3 GT and the audio quality is lower, also the screen protection is not as good as the Poco X3 GT.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Xiaomi Poco X3 GT
- Gamers on a Budget: The marginally stronger chipset coupled with stereo speakers and better protection makes it good for gaming.
- Multimedia Consumption: The good speakers make it suitable for enjoying videos and music on the go.
- Users Who Prioritize Durability: If screen protection is important this is a good choice.
Honor 90
- Photography Enthusiasts: The superior camera system makes it perfect for capturing high-quality photos and videos.
- Social Media Users: The excellent selfie camera and AMOLED screen make it a great choice for content creation and consumption.
- Users Who Value Display Quality: The superior AMOLED screen provides a more immersive and enjoyable experience.
- Multitaskers: The 16GB ram option is ideal for intensive multi-tasking.
- Users who want something newer: Newer OS will provide better support and features.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three key questions to help you decide:
- Display Preference: Do you prefer a more vibrant and detailed display (Honor 90) or are you okay with a still very capable but less vibrant LCD (Xiaomi Poco X3 GT)?
- Camera Importance: Is having a top-tier camera with great detail and versatility critical (Honor 90) or would you prefer slightly less performant but still good camera (Xiaomi Poco X3 GT)?
- Performance Needs: Do you prioritize slightly higher benchmark performance and audio quality (Xiaomi Poco X3 GT) or a newer and more refined experience (Honor 90)?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Photography on the Go: If you frequently capture photos and videos, especially in low-light conditions, the Honor 90 is the clear winner.
- Scenario 2: Casual Gaming and Media: If gaming and media consumption is your focus, the Xiaomi Poco X3 GT is a good choice with its slightly better benchmark performance and audio, though the Honor 90 can still be used for casual gaming.
- Scenario 3: Everyday User on a Budget: If you want an all-rounder and need a phone that will last longer then the Honor 90 is a good choice because of the newer hardware and software.
Final Choice:
If I were choosing between these two, I'd personally go with the Honor 90. While the Poco X3 GT has a slight edge in benchmark performance and audio quality, the Honor 90's superior AMOLED display and dramatically better camera system make it a more compelling choice for me. I also value the newer software, which will come with more features and better security. While I value durability, I'd prefer a better camera system and viewing experience. The Honor 90 is much more modern.
Essentially, the Honor 90 offers a much more well-rounded package with a more modern design, superior camera, better display and updated software. It hits the sweet spot for general daily use while being able to perform at a high level. While the Poco X3 GT may have slightly better peak performance, the overall user experience with the Honor 90 is superior.
