Alright, let's dive into a head-to-head comparison of the Xiaomi Poco X3 GT and the Poco X4 GT. As a tech journalist with an engineering background, I'm keen to dissect these two devices and give you the inside scoop on how they perform in the real world.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here’s a detailed look at how these two phones stack up, along with what it all means for you:
| Feature | Xiaomi Poco X3 GT | Xiaomi Poco X4 GT | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 163.3 x 75.9 x 8.9 mm | 163.6 x 74.3 x 8.9 mm | X4 GT is slightly narrower (1.6 mm) and taller, might feel more comfortable in hand for some. Both have the same thickness, which should feel similar. |
| Weight | 193g | 200g | The X3 GT is a tad lighter, which may be preferable during long usage sessions. 7g difference might not be noticeable for most. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.6" | 6.6" | Identical screen sizes offer the same viewing real estate. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2460 | Slightly higher resolution on X4 GT, but the difference is negligible for typical use. |
| PPI | 399 | 407 | Both displays offer similar sharpness, making images and text look crisp. The difference of 8 ppi is unnoticeable. |
| Technology | IPS LCD | IPS LCD | Both offer good color reproduction and viewing angles. IPS is suitable for gaming. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 144Hz | The X4 GT's higher refresh rate provides smoother scrolling and animations, which is especially beneficial for gamers. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Seems to be a data error. Peak brightness of both phones should be similar and suitable for indoor and outdoor use. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | MediaTek Dimensity 1100 (6 nm) | MediaTek Dimensity 8100 (5 nm) | The X4 GT’s more advanced chipset (5nm vs 6nm) offers better performance, efficiency, and faster processing speeds. |
| AnTuTu Score | 745,283 | 820,061 | X4 GT shows noticeable better performance in benchmarks. The X4 GT can handle more demanding tasks and games. |
| GPU | Mali-G77 MC9 | Mali-G610 MC6 | The X4 GT has an improved GPU, which means better graphics for gaming and graphic intensive apps. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 5000 mAh | 5080 mAh | Similar battery sizes will likely translate to comparable battery life. The 80 mAh difference is negligible. |
| Charging | 67W fast charging | 67W fast charging | Both phones offer very fast charging, meaning a full charge doesn't take long. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Camera Resolution | 64MP | 64MP | Both have a 64 MP main camera for high resolution photos. |
| Standard Camera Aperture | f/1.79 | f/1.89 | X3 GT's wider aperture might perform marginally better in very low light. |
| Standard Camera Sensor Size | 1/2" | 1/1.72" | X4 GT has a larger sensor, which captures more light, offering better photo quality, especially in low light. |
| Standard Camera Sensor Model | Omnivision OV64B | Samsung Bright S5KGW1 | Different sensors for each phone. |
| Standard Camera Pixel Size | 0.70 µm | 0.80 µm | The X4 GT has larger pixels, again better at capturing light for potentially sharper images. |
| Selfie Camera | 16MP, f/2.45 | 16MP, f/2.45, 1/3.06", 1.00 µm | Very similar front cameras but the X4 GT's larger sensor and bigger pixels mean better performance, especially in low light. |
| Wide Angle Lens | Not available | 8MP, f/2.2 | X4 GT has an additional wide-angle lens for wider shots. |
| Macro Lens | Not available | 2MP, f/2.4, 1/5", 1.75 µm | X4 GT has an additional macro lens for capturing small details. |
| Video Recording | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60/120fps | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60fps | Both phones offer similar 4K and high frame rate video capabilities for standard and slow-motion shooting. |
| Camera Features | Some features missing | Continuous AF, PDAF | The X4 GT boasts more advanced focus features (continuous autofocus, Phase detection autofocus) for more reliable subject tracking. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 | Android 12 | The X4 GT has a newer version of Android, which usually comes with performance improvements, security updates and new features. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 6, MiMO | X4 GT has additional Wi-Fi features for faster and more reliable wireless connectivity. |
| Bluetooth | 5.2 | 5.3 , ANT+, SBC | X4 GT has a newer Bluetooth standard and includes ANT+ connectivity, often used with fitness devices. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS... | A-GPS, GLONASS, GPS (L1+L5)... | The X4 GT has more satellite systems and dual-band GPS, which can lead to better accuracy in positioning. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 128GB/256GB | 128GB/256GB | Both phones offer the same storage options. |
| RAM | 8 GB | 8 GB | Both phones come with 8GB of RAM. Sufficient for most multitasking. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone supports expandable storage, so choose your storage capacity carefully. |
| Audio | |||
| Audio Quality | Stereo speakers, Dolby Atmos | Stereo speakers, Dolby Atmos | Both phones offer a similar high quality audio experience with the same features. |
| Security | |||
| Fingerprint Sensor | Side-mounted | Side-mounted | Basic fingerprint sensor for both phones |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | X3 GT uses superior screen protection. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Gyroscope, Compass... | Gyroscope, Compass, RGB... | X4 GT has an RGB sensor for improved colour detection and automatic brightness adjustments. |
2. Key Insights
- Poco X4 GT's Strengths: The X4 GT clearly takes the lead in performance. Its newer chipset, superior GPU, higher refresh rate, and improved camera sensors make it the superior device for power users and gamers. The additional wide-angle and macro lenses expand its photographic versatility. The inclusion of an RGB sensor for better automatic brightness adjustment, and improved positioning capabilities are also significant advantages.
- Poco X3 GT's Strengths: The X3 GT is not a bad device, it still boasts the higher end Corning Gorilla Glass Victus protection. The wider aperture in the main camera is slightly better in low light conditions. Its also slightly lighter, which some users may find more ergonomic.
- Trade-offs and Limitations: Both phones have similar battery life capabilities, lack expandable storage, and use IPS LCD displays instead of OLED. The X3 GT is certainly not a bad phone, but its performance is easily beaten by the X4 GT.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
- Poco X4 GT:
- Best for: Gamers, power users, photographers looking for more versatility, and anyone who wants the fastest, smoothest experience.
- Use Cases: High-end mobile gaming, demanding applications, extensive video recording, advanced mobile photography, all-day mobile use.
- Poco X3 GT:
- Best for: Users who need a good but more affordable phone that can handle everyday tasks, some gaming, and photo taking.
- Use Cases: Daily mobile tasks, social media, light gaming, casual photography, watching videos.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions to help you decide:
- How important is top-tier gaming performance to you? If gaming is a priority, the X4 GT is the clear winner with its improved chipset, GPU, and higher refresh rate.
- Do you need advanced camera features and image quality? The X4 GT has a more versatile camera system and generally better image quality due to its larger sensor and pixels and extra lenses.
- What's your budget? If you are on a tighter budget and don't need the extra horsepower of the X4 GT, the X3 GT remains a solid choice.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Budget Gamer: If you need the best gaming performance for the least amount of money, the X4 GT is worth the investment.
- Casual User: If you are a casual user and not a hardcore gamer, and also on a tighter budget, the X3 GT is still a capable device.
- Photo Enthusiast: The X4 GT offers more versatility and potentially better image quality for photos.
Conclusion
The Xiaomi Poco X4 GT is the superior device, offering improved performance, better cameras, and newer connectivity features. The X3 GT is still a solid budget phone, but it is easily outclassed by the X4 GT.
My Choice:
If I were choosing between these two phones, I'd go with the Xiaomi Poco X4 GT. While both devices have their merits, the X4 GT's substantial boost in processing power, superior camera capabilities, and improved screen technology makes it a much better device. As someone who values smooth performance, advanced camera features, and the latest tech, the X4 GT aligns perfectly with my preferences. While the X3 GT has its charm with its more advanced screen protection and slightly better camera aperture, I am willing to forgo those in order to gain the performance boost of the X4 GT.
