1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Xiaomi Poco X3 NFC | Xiaomi Poco X4 GT | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 165.3 × 76.8 × 9.4 mm, 215g | 163.6 × 74.3 × 8.9 mm, 200g | X4 GT is more compact and lighter, making it easier to handle and carry, especially for extended use. |
| Build Material | Information not available | Information not available | The feel in hand and durability might differ. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.67" | 6.6" | Negligible difference in screen real estate; both offer immersive viewing experiences. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2460 | Both have a crisp display, adequate for most users. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 144Hz | X4 GT offers slightly smoother scrolling and animations, especially noticeable in fast-paced games or UI navigation. |
| Technology | IPS LCD | IPS LCD | Both offer accurate colours and wide viewing angles. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Brightness not provided. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Qualcomm SD732G (8nm) | Mediatek D8100 (5nm) | X4 GT provides significantly faster performance for gaming, multitasking, and demanding apps. |
| AnTuTu Score | 328,145 | 820,061 | Reflects the large performance gap, indicating the X4 GT is much more capable. |
| GPU | Adreno 618 | Mali-G610 MC6 | The X4 GT's GPU offers better graphics rendering for smoother gameplay and improved visual fidelity in demanding applications. |
| RAM | 6/8 GB | 8 GB | X4 GT provides smoother multitasking and better app performance. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 64MP, f/1.89, 1/1.7" | 64MP, f/1.89, 1/1.72" | Similar main camera performance, potentially slight differences due to sensor and image processing. |
| Ultrawide Camera | 13MP, f/2.2 | 8MP, f/2.2 | X3 NFC has the advantage with more detailed ultra-wide shots. |
| Selfie Camera | 20MP, f/2.2, 1/3.4" | 16MP, f/2.45, 1/3.06" | X3 NFC offers potentially better selfies in well-lit conditions, but this can be impacted by image processing. |
| Macro Camera | 2MP, f/2.4 | 2MP, f/2.4 | Similar macro performance. |
| Depth Sensor | Yes | No | X3 NFC can create better portrait images with more natural-looking bokeh. |
| Video | 4K@30fps, EIS | 4K@30fps | Similar primary video recording capabilities. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5160mAh | 5080mAh | Similar battery life under typical usage. |
| Charging | 33W | 67W | X4 GT charges significantly faster, reducing downtime. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 10, upgradeable to Android 12 | Android 12 | X4 GT has a more modern OS out of the box. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 5 | Wi-Fi 6 | X4 GT supports faster and more efficient Wi-Fi, especially in crowded networks. |
| Bluetooth | 5.1 | 5.3 | X4 GT's Bluetooth offers improved connection stability and efficiency. |
| NFC | Yes | Yes | Both support NFC for contactless payments. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 64/128 GB | 128/256 GB | X4 GT offers more storage options, beneficial for users with large media libraries. |
| Expandable | No | No | Lack of expandable storage can be a limitation for some users on both phones. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Xiaomi Poco X3 NFC Advantages:
- Larger Ultrawide Camera: 13MP vs 8MP on the X4 GT. This results in more detailed ultrawide photos, making it ideal for landscape photography.
- Dedicated Depth Sensor: Provides better portrait mode photos with more accurate bokeh.
- Potentially better selfies: Higher resolution selfie camera.
Xiaomi Poco X4 GT Advantages:
- Significantly Faster Performance: The Dimensity 8100 chipset offers a substantial performance boost over the Snapdragon 732G. This translates to smoother gaming, faster app loading times, and improved multitasking capabilities.
- Faster Charging: 67W charging significantly reduces charging times.
- Newer Software: Comes with Android 12 out of the box.
- More Storage Options: Available with up to 256GB of internal storage.
- Wi-Fi 6: Offers faster and more reliable Wi-Fi connectivity.
- Bluetooth 5.3: More efficient and stable Bluetooth connections.
- Higher Refresh Rate: A slightly smoother display.
Trade-offs:
- The X4 GT sacrifices the dedicated depth sensor and has a lower resolution ultrawide camera compared to the X3 NFC. This might impact the quality of portrait mode and ultrawide photos for some users.
- The X3 NFC is negligibly heavier and bigger.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Xiaomi Poco X3 NFC - Ideal Users:
- Budget-conscious users: Those seeking a reliable smartphone for everyday tasks without breaking the bank.
- Photography enthusiasts (entry-level): Users who prioritize ultrawide photography and portrait mode effects at a budget price point.
- Users who are less demanding on performance: Users who mainly browse the web, use social media, and perform basic tasks.
Use Cases:
- Everyday photography: Capturing family moments and landscapes.
- Social media browsing: Scrolling through feeds and posting updates.
- Basic gaming: Playing casual games.
Xiaomi Poco X4 GT - Ideal Users:
- Gamers: Those who demand smooth and responsive gaming experiences.
- Power users: Individuals who multitask extensively and require fast app loading times.
- Users who prioritize future-proofing: Those seeking a phone with a more powerful processor and newer software.
Use Cases:
- Demanding mobile gaming: Playing graphically intensive games at high frame rates.
- Video editing: Editing videos on the go.
- Multitasking: Running multiple apps simultaneously.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- What is your budget? The price difference is a determining factor.
- How important is gaming and performance to you? The X4 GT offers a significant performance advantage.
- Do you prioritize a more modern software experience and longer software support?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Tight Budget, Casual Use: If you have a very limited budget and primarily use your phone for basic tasks, the Poco X3 NFC is a decent choice.
- Scenario 2: Balanced Performance and Camera, Mid-Range Budget: If you are not a power user, and want better images, Poco X3 NFC is preferable.
- Scenario 3: Performance and Future-Proofing are Key: The Poco X4 GT is the clear winner, offering a much better experience.
Personal Choice: Xiaomi Poco X4 GT
If I had to choose between these two phones, I would pick the Xiaomi Poco X4 GT. While the X3 NFC has some merits in camera specifications, the overall experience on the X4 GT would be far better. The Dimensity 8100 chipset offers significantly better performance, faster charging, and newer software. As someone who plays mobile games and uses demanding apps, the performance boost is well worth it. The newer software also provides a longer period of software support, extending the lifespan of the device. The ultrawide camera and depth sensor are useful but not as impactful as having a fast and smooth user experience. The sacrifices are acceptable, especially for the long term performance benefits.
