Alright, let's dive deep into a head-to-head comparison of the Xiaomi Poco X3 GT and the Realme 11 Pro+. As a tech journalist with an engineering background, I'm not just going to list specs; we're going to unpack what they mean for you, the user.
1. Specifications Breakdown
| Feature | Xiaomi Poco X3 GT | Realme 11 Pro+ | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 163.3 x 75.9 x 8.9 mm | 161.6 x 73.9 x 8.2 mm | The Poco is slightly larger, wider and thicker, making the Realme a bit more pocketable and easier to handle for some. |
| Weight | 193g | 183g | The Realme is lighter, which can make a noticeable difference during extended use, especially one-handed. |
| Build | Standard | Standard | Both are standard smartphone designs, no special features like folding. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.6" | 6.7" | The Realme offers a slightly larger screen for more immersive media consumption. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2412 | Both offer sharp, Full HD+ resolution; differences are negligible to the naked eye. |
| Pixel Density | 399 PPI | 394 PPI | The pixel density is nearly identical, resulting in similar sharpness and clarity. |
| Technology | IPS LCD | AMOLED | The Realme's AMOLED screen provides superior blacks, richer colors, and is more efficient with dark themes. Much more vibrant. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both offer the same smooth scrolling and animations at 120Hz. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 950 nits | The Realme is significantly brighter, offering much better visibility under bright sunlight. This is a HUGE plus for outdoor usage. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Dimensity 1100 | Dimensity 7050 | The Poco's Dimensity 1100 has a stronger benchmark score and thus has more raw power for faster app loading and smoother operation |
| Antutu Score | 745,283 | 540,800 | The Poco scores higher, meaning it may handle more demanding tasks more smoothly. |
| GPU | Mali-G77 MC9 | Mali-G68 MC4 | The Poco's GPU is more powerful, better for high-end gaming. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 64MP f/1.79 | 200MP f/1.69 | The Realme's significantly higher resolution sensor captures far more detail and offers better low-light performance. |
| Selfie Camera | 16MP f/2.45 | 32MP f/2.45 | The Realme's selfie camera will capture better detail, great for selfies and video calls. |
| Wide Angle | Not Available | 8MP f/2.2 | The Realme offers additional versatility in capturing wider scenes. |
| Macro Camera | Not Available | 2MP f/2.3 | The Realme enables close-up shots with the dedicated macro lens. |
| Video Recording | 4K@30fps | 4K@30fps with EIS | Both offer 4K video capture. Realme has electronic image stabilization. |
| Stabilisation | No | EIS | Realme will have smoother video recordings |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 5000 mAh | 5000 mAh | Both have the same capacity, so you can expect similar battery life with typical usage. |
| Charging | 67W Fast Charging | 100W Fast Charging | The Realme charges much faster, a huge advantage if you're often in a rush. |
| Other | |||
| Operating System | Android 11 | Android 13 | Realme ships with a much newer OS and will be supported for longer with future updates. |
| WiFi | Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) | Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) | Both have the latest wifi standards. |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.2 LE | Bluetooth 5.3 LE | Realme offers the latest Bluetooth version. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo, BeiDou (B1) | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo, GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (L1), BeiDou (B1), Galileo (E1+E5a), BeiDou (B2), QZSS (L1 + L5) | Realme has better support for satellite positioning technologies. |
| Internal Storage | 128 GB or 256 GB | 256 GB or 512 GB or 1024 GB | The Realme offers more internal storage for users who like to keep a lot of data on their device. |
| RAM | 8GB | 8 GB or 12 GB | Realme comes with the option of higher RAM for smoother multitasking performance. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone offers expandable storage. |
| Audio | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers, 2 microphones | Dolby Atmos, Noise cancellation microphone, Stereo Speakers, 2 microphones | Both phones have great audio features, with Realme having noise cancellation. |
| Security | side-mounted fingerprint sensor | basic fingerprint sensor | Xiaomi has a more advanced fingerprint sensor. |
| Screen Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | Unknown | The Xiaomi is better protected with Gorilla Glass Victus. |
| Sensors | Biometric: Fingerprint; Motion: Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope; Proximity: Ultrasonic proximity virtual | Biometric: Fingerprint; Proximity: Proximity; Motion: Accelerometer, Gyroscope | Xiaomi has additional sensors for more advanced features. |
2. Key Insights
Xiaomi Poco X3 GT Strengths:
- Raw Power: The Dimensity 1100 chipset coupled with the Mali-G77 MC9 GPU provides a substantial advantage in raw processing and gaming performance.
- Screen Protection: The X3 GT has better protection than the Realme
- Advanced Fingerprint Scanner: The side-mounted fingerprint scanner is more advanced.
Realme 11 Pro+ Strengths:
- Stunning Display: The AMOLED panel with 950 nits of peak brightness makes the screen far superior for media consumption and outdoor visibility.
- Camera Prowess: The 200MP main camera significantly outperforms the Poco's 64MP sensor, offering more detail and versatility. Additionally, the front camera and additional lenses provide much more flexibility.
- Blazing Fast Charging: The 100W charging significantly reduces charging time compared to the Poco's 67W.
- Newer Android Version: The Realme ships with Android 13 which allows for better software support and more updates for the future.
- More Storage: The Realme has more storage options, allowing for more data to be saved on the phone itself.
- Better Connectivity: The Realme comes with the newest Bluetooth version as well as better satellite technology.
Trade-offs:
- The Xiaomi Poco X3 GT compromises on display quality for raw performance, and it's camera and charging speeds can not match the Realme.
- The Realme 11 Pro+ sacrifices some raw processing power and GPU for a much better display, superior camera setup, and faster charging.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Xiaomi Poco X3 GT:
- Best For: Gamers and power users who prioritize raw performance and don't mind a slightly less vibrant screen.
- Use Cases: Demanding mobile gaming, video editing, and heavy multitasking, and for users who want better screen protection.
Realme 11 Pro+:
- Best For: Users who value a top-notch display, versatile camera, fast charging, and up-to-date software.
- Use Cases: Photography enthusiasts, social media content creators, and users who watch a lot of video content. Ideal for those who prioritize an excellent user experience with modern software support and want a very fast charging speed.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three practical questions to guide your decision:
Do you prioritize raw performance or overall user experience? If raw speed and gaming are critical, the Poco X3 GT is better. For a superior display, faster charging, and a better camera experience, the Realme 11 Pro+ takes the lead.
How important is display quality for you? If you value vibrant colors, deep blacks, and excellent outdoor visibility, the AMOLED panel on the Realme 11 Pro+ is the obvious winner.
How often do you need to charge your phone? If you're always on the go and need a quick top-up, the Realme 11 Pro+'s 100W charging will make a huge difference.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
The Gamer: If you are primarily gaming, and you want the maximum performance from a lower price phone, the Xiaomi Poco X3 GT is your best option, especially with its superior GPU and screen protection.
The Media Enthusiast/Photographer: If you enjoy streaming movies, browsing social media, and capturing high-quality photos, Realme 11 Pro+ is the clear choice with its amazing display, impressive camera, and fast charging.
The Balanced User: If you want an excellent all-around phone and want to spend a bit more to get it, the Realme 11 Pro+ offers a more complete package with faster charging, a better display, a more versatile camera, and more future proof software.
My Choice
If I were to pick between these two phones, I would personally go with the Realme 11 Pro+. While the Xiaomi Poco X3 GT offers better raw performance on paper, the Realme's superior display (OLED is far superior to an IPS display), significantly better camera system (200MP!), faster charging, and up-to-date OS provide an overall more compelling user experience for me. For anyone who enjoys media consumption, photography, and the convenience of ultra-fast charging, the Realme is just a better phone in most use cases. The extra camera features such as a wide angle lens, and macro lens allow for a much more versatile shooting experience and will allow you to take much better photos and videos on a day to day basis.
