1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Xiaomi Poco X3 NFC | Nothing Phone (1) | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 165.3 × 76.8 × 9.4 mm | 159.2 × 75.8 × 8.3 mm | Nothing Phone (1) is more pocketable and comfortable to hold due to its slimmer profile. |
| Weight | 215g | 193.5g | Nothing Phone (1) is lighter, reducing fatigue during extended use. |
| Build Quality (Screen) | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | Similar scratch and drop resistance. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.67" | 6.55" | Slightly larger screen on Poco X3 NFC for more immersive viewing, but difference is minimal. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2400 | Identical sharpness. |
| Pixel Density | 395 PPI | 402 PPI | Virtually indistinguishable sharpness. |
| Technology | IPS LCD | OLED | OLED offers superior contrast, deeper blacks, and more vibrant colors on Nothing Phone (1). |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Smooth scrolling and gaming experience on both. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 1200 nits | The brighter screen on the Nothing Phone (1) significantly enhances visibility in direct sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM7150-AC Snapdragon 732G (8 nm) | Qualcomm SM7325-AE Snapdragon 778G+ 5G (6 nm) | Snapdragon 778G+ offers significantly faster performance for gaming, multitasking, and app loading. 5G support on Nothing Phone (1). |
| AnTuTu Score | 328,145 | 624,253 | Confirms the substantial performance advantage of Nothing Phone (1). |
| GPU | Adreno 618 | Adreno 642L | Better graphics performance on Nothing Phone (1) for smoother gaming. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 64MP, f/1.89, 1/1.7", Sony IMX682, 0.8µm | 50MP, f/1.88, 1/1.56", Sony IMX766, 1.0µm | Nothing Phone (1) has a larger sensor and larger pixel size which will result in better low-light performance and potentially better dynamic range, despite lower megapixel count. |
| Ultrawide Camera | 13MP, f/2.2 | 50MP, f/2.2 (Wide Angle + Macro) | Nothing Phone (1) has a much higher resolution ultrawide camera that also doubles as a macro lens. |
| Selfie Camera | 20MP, f/2.2, 1/3.4", Samsung S5K3T2, 1.6µm | 16MP, f/2.2, 1/3.13", Sony IMX471, 1.0µm | Poco X3 has a higher resolution selfie camera, but the Nothing Phone (1) has a slightly larger sensor. |
| Video Recording | 4K@30fps (EIS) | 4K@30fps (HDR, EIS), 1080p@60fps (HDR, EIS) | Nothing Phone (1) offers HDR video recording and 1080p at 60fps. |
| Features | Quad Camera | Dual Camera, OIS, Ultra Stable Video | Nothing Phone (1) has OIS (Optical Image Stabilization) which stabilizes videos and improves low light photos. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5160mAh | 4500mAh | Larger battery on Poco X3 NFC offers potentially longer battery life. |
| Charging | 33W Fast Charging | 33W Fast Charging, 15W Wireless Charging, 5W Reverse Wireless Charging | Nothing Phone (1) offers wireless charging and reverse wireless charging. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 10 (upgradable to 12) | Android 12 (upgradable to 15) | Nothing Phone (1) offers a cleaner, more modern Android experience with longer software support. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 5 | Wi-Fi 6 | Nothing Phone (1) supports faster and more efficient Wi-Fi. |
| Bluetooth | 5.1 | 5.2 | Newer Bluetooth on Nothing Phone (1) may offer slightly better efficiency and features. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo, GPS (L1+L5), Galileo (E1+E5a), NavIC System | Nothing Phone (1) offers more precise GPS location. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 64/128 GB | 128/256 GB | Nothing Phone (1) offers higher storage options, important since neither phone supports expandable storage. |
| RAM | 6/8 GB | 8/12 GB | Nothing Phone (1) has more RAM that allows better multitasking and app retention in memory |
| Audio | |||
| Audio Quality | Stereo Speakers, Noise cancellation microphone, 2 microphones | Stereo Speakers, 3 microphones | Microphone configuration differences may result in marginal audio recording quality differences. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Under-display fingerprint sensor | Subjective preference, some prefer the speed of side-mounted, others the aesthetics of under-display. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Xiaomi Poco X3 NFC Advantages:
- Larger Battery: 5160mAh vs 4500mAh. This translates to potentially longer screen-on time and less frequent charging.
- Lower price: The Poco X3 NFC is significantly cheaper offering great value.
Nothing Phone (1) Advantages:
- Superior Performance: The Snapdragon 778G+ offers significantly better performance than the Snapdragon 732G, leading to smoother gaming and faster app loading.
- Better Display: OLED panel provides superior contrast, colors, and brightness compared to the IPS LCD on the Poco X3 NFC.
- 5G Connectivity: Enables faster download and upload speeds where available.
- Wireless Charging: Offers convenient charging without cables.
- Better Camera: Larger main camera sensor, OIS, and improved image processing result in better image quality, especially in low light. Ultrawide doubles as a macro.
- More Modern Software: Ships with a newer version of Android and promises longer software support.
- Lighter and Slimmer Design: More comfortable to hold and carry.
- More Precise GPS: Supports more satellite navigation systems.
Trade-offs:
- Poco X3 NFC prioritizes battery life and affordability over performance and display quality.
- Nothing Phone (1) sacrifices some battery capacity for a sleeker design, faster performance, and a better camera and display.
- Nothing Phone (1) does not include a charger in the box.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Xiaomi Poco X3 NFC Ideal User:
- Budget-conscious users: Prioritizes affordability over performance.
- Users who value battery life: Needs a phone that lasts all day with moderate usage.
- Users who need a basic phone for daily tasks: Browsing, social media, calls, and light gaming.
Specific Use Cases for Poco X3 NFC:
- Students: Affordable and reliable for school work and basic communication.
- Travelers: Decent camera and long battery life for capturing memories without worrying about running out of power.
- Secondary phone: Reliable backup phone with essential features.
Nothing Phone (1) Ideal User:
- Performance-oriented users: Demands smooth gaming and multitasking.
- Photography enthusiasts: Values camera quality and features.
- Users who appreciate modern design and software: Seeks a premium Android experience.
- Users who value Wireless charging: Nothing Phone (1) has wireless charging
Specific Use Cases for Nothing Phone (1):
- Mobile gamers: Enjoy smoother gameplay and faster loading times.
- Social media influencers: Capture high-quality photos and videos for content creation.
- Professionals: Requires a fast and reliable phone for productivity and communication.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions to Consider:
- What is your budget? The Poco X3 NFC is significantly cheaper.
- How important is performance and camera quality to you? The Nothing Phone (1) offers a significantly better experience in these areas.
- Do you value wireless charging and a modern design? The Nothing Phone (1) offers these features.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Tight Budget, Basic Needs: Choose the Xiaomi Poco X3 NFC.
- Scenario 2: Balanced Performance and Features: Choose the Nothing Phone (1).
- Scenario 3: Camera and Wireless Charging are a must: Choose the Nothing Phone (1).
My Choice
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would pick the Nothing Phone (1). While the Poco X3 NFC offers excellent value for its price, the Nothing Phone (1) provides a significantly better overall experience. The improved performance, superior display, better camera, 5G connectivity, and wireless charging capabilities make it a more compelling device for my needs. I am willing to pay the extra cost for these premium features, as they will enhance my daily usage and provide a more enjoyable smartphone experience.
