1. Specifications Comparison
Feature | Xiaomi Poco X3 NFC | Samsung Galaxy M35 | Practical Impact |
---|---|---|---|
Design | |||
Dimensions | 165.3 × 76.8 × 9.4 mm | 162.3 × 78.6 × 9.1 mm | Poco X3 NFC is slightly taller and thicker, while the M35 is a bit wider. Impact is minimal, mostly affecting in-hand feel. |
Weight | 215g | 222g | Minimal difference in weight; unlikely to be noticeable. |
Build Quality (Screen Protection) | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | Galaxy M35 offers superior scratch resistance and drop protection for the screen. |
| Display | | | | | Size | 6.67" | 6.6" | Negligible difference. Both offer ample screen real estate for media consumption and gaming. | | Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2340 | Virtually identical sharpness. | | PPI | 395 | 390 | Minimal difference in pixel density; visually indistinguishable. | | Technology | IPS LCD | AMOLED | AMOLED offers richer colors, deeper blacks, and better contrast, leading to a more vibrant viewing experience, especially for media consumption. Also more power efficient with dark mode. | | Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Smooth scrolling and animations on both. |
| Performance | | | | | Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 732G (8 nm) | Exynos 1380 (5 nm) | Exynos 1380 is significantly more powerful. Expect smoother performance in demanding apps and games. | | AnTuTu Score | 328,145 | 578,500 | M35 handles demanding tasks and multitasking much better. | | GPU | Adreno 618 | Mali-G68 MP5 | The Mali-G68 MP5 in the M35 provides better graphics performance, resulting in smoother gameplay. |
| Camera | | | | | Main Camera | 64MP, f/1.89, 1/1.7", Sony IMX682 | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/2", Sony LYT-600 | Poco X3 NFC has higher resolution and slightly larger sensor. M35 has OIS (Optical Image Stabilization) for sharper, less blurry photos and videos, especially in low light. Sensor size advantage on Poco X3 NFC is offset by better processing on the M35. | | Ultrawide Camera | 13MP, f/2.2 | 8MP, f/2.2 | Poco X3 NFC offers higher resolution ultrawide shots. | | Selfie Camera | 20MP, f/2.2, 1/3.4", Samsung S5K3T2 | 13MP, f/2.2 | Poco X3 NFC captures more detailed selfies. | | Video Recording | Up to 4K@30fps (EIS) | Up to 4K@30fps (EIS, OIS) | Both record 4K video. M35 has OIS in addition to EIS, resulting in steadier video. |
| Battery | | | | | Capacity | 5160mAh | 6000mAh | Galaxy M35 provides significantly longer battery life. | | Charging | 33W Fast Charging | 25W Fast Charging | Poco X3 NFC charges slightly faster, but the M35 has larger battery to charge. |
| Software | | | | | OS | Android 10 (up to 12) | Android 14 | Galaxy M35 has a much more recent Android version, meaning longer software support. |
| Connectivity | | | | | Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 5 | Wi-Fi 6 | Galaxy M35 offers faster and more efficient Wi-Fi connectivity. | | Bluetooth | 5.1 | 5.3 | Galaxy M35 has a more modern Bluetooth version. |
| Storage | | | | | Internal | 64/128 GB | 128/256 GB | Galaxy M35 offers more storage options. | | Expandable | No | No | Neither has expandable storage. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Xiaomi Poco X3 NFC Advantages:
- Slightly faster charging speed (33W vs 25W).
- Higher resolution ultrawide camera.
- Higher resolution selfie camera.
- Slightly lighter.
Practical Implications:
- Faster charging is convenient for topping up quickly, but is offset by the overall smaller battery.
- Higher-resolution ultrawide and selfie cameras can produce slightly more detailed images, though software processing is also a factor.
- Lighter weight makes it more comfortable to hold for extended periods.
Samsung Galaxy M35 Advantages:
- More powerful processor (Exynos 1380 vs Snapdragon 732G).
- AMOLED display with superior color and contrast.
- Larger battery capacity (6000mAh vs 5160mAh).
- Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) in the main camera.
- More recent Android version (Android 14 vs Android 10).
- Wi-Fi 6 support.
- More internal storage options (up to 256GB).
- Newer Bluetooth version.
- Better screen protection (Gorilla Glass Victus vs Gorilla Glass 5).
Practical Implications:
- More powerful processor ensures smoother performance, especially in demanding applications and games.
- AMOLED display provides a much better viewing experience.
- Larger battery translates to significantly longer usage time.
- OIS improves photo and video quality, especially in low light.
- Newer Android version guarantees longer software support and security updates.
- Wi-Fi 6 offers faster and more reliable wireless connectivity.
- Higher storage and better protection provide better longevity.
Trade-offs:
- The Galaxy M35 is slightly heavier.
- The Galaxy M35 has a lower resolution ultrawide camera.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Xiaomi Poco X3 NFC Ideal Users:
- Users on a very tight budget who prioritize price over performance.
- Users who primarily use their phone for basic tasks and don't require the latest features.
- Users who prefer IPS LCD display technology.
Use Cases:
- Basic communication (calls, messages).
- Light social media browsing.
- Casual gaming.
Samsung Galaxy M35 Ideal Users:
- Users who value performance, display quality, and battery life.
- Users who want a phone that will receive software updates for a longer period.
- Users who want to capture higher-quality photos and videos.
- Users who value a more modern Android experience.
Use Cases:
- Demanding mobile gaming.
- Streaming video content.
- Photography and videography.
- Multitasking between apps.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- What is your budget? The Poco X3 NFC may be cheaper, but the M35 provides far better value.
- How important is performance and battery life to you? The M35 wins in both categories.
- How much do you value display quality and camera performance? The M35 has a superior display and a camera with OIS.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: You need a phone for basic tasks on a tight budget. The Poco X3 NFC might suffice, but consider that it will have software support for far less time.
- Scenario 2: You want a phone for gaming and streaming. The Samsung Galaxy M35 is the clear choice.
- Scenario 3: You take lots of photos and videos. The Samsung Galaxy M35 with OIS will deliver better results.
What I would choose and why
I would choose the Samsung Galaxy M35. While the Poco X3 NFC might be tempting due to a potentially lower price, the Galaxy M35 offers a significantly better overall experience that justifies the extra cost.
Here's why:
- Superior Performance: The Exynos 1380 chipset is a major upgrade, offering smoother performance for everything from everyday tasks to demanding games. This translates to a more enjoyable and less frustrating user experience.
- Better Display: The AMOLED display is a game-changer. The vibrant colors, deep blacks, and excellent contrast make media consumption much more immersive and enjoyable.
- Longer Battery Life: The 6000mAh battery ensures that I can easily get through a full day of heavy use without worrying about running out of power.
- Improved Camera: The OIS in the main camera is crucial for capturing sharp and stable photos and videos, especially in low-light conditions. This is important for preserving memories and sharing content with confidence.
- Longer Software Support: Receiving software updates for a longer period is essential for security and access to new features. The Galaxy M35, running Android 14, will receive updates for longer than the Poco X3 NFC, which launched with Android 10.
- Better Build Quality: The Victus glass is a HUGE plus!
While the Poco X3 NFC has some minor advantages like slightly faster charging, the overall package offered by the Galaxy M35 is far more compelling. It's a more well-rounded phone that provides a better user experience in almost every aspect. Spending a bit more on the Galaxy M35 is a worthwhile investment for a longer-lasting and more enjoyable smartphone experience.