Smartphone Comparison: Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro vs. Apple iPhone 14 Plus
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro | Apple iPhone 14 Plus | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 165.3 x 76.8 x 9.4 mm | 160.8 x 78.1 x 7.8 mm | Poco X3 Pro is taller and thicker, likely feeling bulkier in hand. iPhone 14 Plus is wider but thinner. |
| Weight | 215g | 203g | iPhone 14 Plus is slightly lighter, which might make it more comfortable for extended use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.67" | 6.7" | Virtually identical screen size, negligible difference. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1284x2778 | iPhone 14 Plus has a significantly sharper display due to the higher pixel count. Text and images will appear clearer. |
| Pixel Density (PPI) | 395 | 458 | iPhone 14 Plus has noticeably crisper text and images. |
| Technology | IPS LCD | OLED | iPhone 14 Plus has superior contrast, colors, and black levels, making it more vibrant with deeper blacks. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 60Hz | Poco X3 Pro offers smoother scrolling and animations, especially noticeable in gaming and fast-paced content. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 1200 nits | iPhone 14 Plus display is much more visible in bright sunlight. Poco X3 Pro brightness is not defined here. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 860 (7 nm) | Apple A15 Bionic (5 nm) | A15 Bionic offers superior processing power and performance, resulting in faster app loading, smoother multitasking and better gaming. |
| AnTuTu Score | 627,869 | 1,330,312 | iPhone 14 Plus benchmarks significantly higher, indicating faster and more efficient performance for demanding tasks and gaming. |
| GPU | Adreno 640 | Apple GPU (5-core) | Apple GPU is more powerful, providing better graphics performance for gaming and GPU intensive applications. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera Resolution | 48MP | 12MP | Poco X3 Pro captures more detail with the higher megapixel count but doesn't guarantee better image quality in all conditions. |
| Main Camera Aperture | f/1.79 | f/1.5 | iPhone 14 Plus has a wider aperture, allowing more light, resulting in better low-light performance. |
| Main Camera Sensor Size | 1/2" | 1/1.66" | iPhone 14 Plus has a larger sensor capturing more light and details, improving image quality especially in low light. |
| Selfie Camera Resolution | 20MP | 12MP | Poco X3 Pro has a higher megapixel count for selfies, although not necessarily superior image quality. |
| Selfie Camera Aperture | f/2.2 | f/1.9 | iPhone 14 Plus has a wider aperture for better low-light selfies. |
| Wide Angle Camera Resolution | 8MP | 12MP | iPhone 14 Plus captures more detail with the higher megapixel count. |
| Wide Angle Camera Aperture | f/2.2 | f/2.4 | Poco X3 Pro has a wider aperture, allowing more light in low-light conditions. |
| Wide Angle Camera Sensor Size | 1/4" | 1/2.55" | iPhone 14 Plus has a larger sensor capturing more light and details, improving image quality. |
| Portrait mode camera | Yes | No | Only Poco X3 Pro features a dedicated portrait mode depth camera. |
| Macro lens | Yes | No | Only Poco X3 Pro offers a dedicated macro camera for close up shots. |
| Video Recording | Up to 4K@30fps | Up to 4K@60fps with HDR | iPhone 14 Plus offers better video recording quality due to HDR and higher frame rate, better stabilization and quality overall. |
| Camera Features | Quadruple camera, Digital image stabilization | Dual camera, Optical Stabilization (OIS), Ultra stable video, RAW, Night Mode | iPhone 14 Plus offers more advanced video recording features including optical stabilization, and more versatile photo features like RAW and night mode. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5160 mAh | 4325 mAh | Poco X3 Pro has a larger battery, potentially offering longer battery life, especially for heavy users. |
| Charging | 33W Fast Charging | MagSafe 15W Wireless, Qi 7.5W Wireless, no fast wired charging mentioned. | Poco X3 Pro supports fast wired charging with 33W, likely faster than iPhone 14 Plus wireless charging options. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 (upgradable to 12) | iOS 16 (upgradable to 18) | Different operating systems; iOS offers a different ecosystem, generally smoother user experience and longer software support, Android offers more customization and open source flexibility. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Up to Wi-Fi 5 | Up to Wi-Fi 6 | iPhone 14 Plus offers faster and more reliable Wi-Fi performance with the newer Wi-Fi 6 standard. |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.0 | Bluetooth 5.3 | iPhone 14 Plus offers newer Bluetooth standard for better power consumption and performance. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo | iPhone 14 Plus supports additional QZSS satellites, potentially providing more accurate location data. |
| SIM | Dual SIM (Nano SIM + Nano SIM) | Dual SIM (Nano SIM + eSIM) | Poco X3 Pro offers dual physical SIM slots for easy swapping while iPhone 14 Plus supports eSIM. |
| Storage & Memory | |||
| Internal Storage | 128 GB or 256 GB | 128 GB, 256 GB or 512 GB | iPhone 14 Plus provides more storage options, with 512GB being the highest. |
| RAM | 6 GB or 8 GB | 6 GB | Poco X3 Pro can offer more RAM, particularly with its 8GB configuration, which can help with multitasking and gaming. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone offers expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Audio Quality | Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | Dolby Atmos, Dolby Digital Plus, DTS / DTS X, Noise cancellation microphone, Stereo Speakers | iPhone 14 Plus offers more advanced audio features with Dolby Atmos, noise cancellation, while Poco X3 Pro provides Hi-Res audio. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Basic security features | Poco X3 Pro provides basic biometric authentication via fingerprint, while iPhone 14 Plus uses other methods of security. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 6 | Unknown | Poco X3 Pro has superior screen protection. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Ultrasonic proximity virtual | Proximity, Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Barometer | Poco X3 Pro includes a fingerprint sensor and compass, whereas the iPhone 14 Plus has a barometer. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro Advantages:
- Higher Refresh Rate Display: The 120Hz refresh rate provides smoother scrolling and animations, which is a noticeable difference in daily use and gaming.
- Larger Battery: The 5160 mAh battery offers more capacity, potentially resulting in longer battery life, which is very beneficial for heavy users.
- Faster Wired Charging: 33W fast charging allows for quicker top-ups, especially convenient for busy individuals.
- Dedicated Portrait and Macro Cameras: Offers more versatility with these additional camera sensors.
- More RAM Option: 8GB RAM option provides an advantage in multitasking.
- Fingerprint Sensor: Provides convenient and basic biometric security.
- More affordable: Generally available at a lower price point.
- Headphone jack: The device includes a 3.5mm headphone jack which is not available on the iPhone.
Apple iPhone 14 Plus Advantages:
- Superior Display Quality: The OLED display provides significantly better color accuracy, contrast, and deep blacks. This is noticeable when viewing multimedia content.
- Much Higher Screen Brightness: The 1200 nits brightness results in much better outdoor visibility, especially in direct sunlight.
- Significantly Better Performance: The A15 Bionic chip offers much faster and smoother performance, making it suitable for demanding tasks and gaming.
- Better Camera Quality: The wider aperture, larger sensor, and advanced features lead to overall superior image and video quality, especially in low-light.
- More advanced video: Offers features such as OIS (optical image stabilisation) and HDR video which results in a better overall recording experience.
- Better Software Ecosystem: iOS is known for its smooth performance, frequent updates, and user-friendly interface, with longer software support.
- MagSafe and Wireless Charging: Adds convenience with magnetic wireless charging, and Qi wireless charging capabilities.
- Better Audio Quality: Has features such as Dolby Atmos, Dolby Digital Plus, and noise cancellation microphone.
- eSIM Support: Provides flexibility with digital carrier switching.
- More Storage Options: Offers 512 GB of storage which is double the capacity of the Poco X3 Pro.
- Better connectivity: Supports Wifi 6 and the latest bluetooth version.
- Better build quality: Uses higher quality materials and better manufacturing processes.
- Better sensor: Includes a barometer sensor for environmental analysis.
- Better video quality: Records video with HDR which results in more dynamic looking videos.
Trade-offs:
- Poco X3 Pro: Offers a smoother display but with lower quality and brightness, larger battery but with a bulkier design, faster wired charging but lacks wireless charging.
- iPhone 14 Plus: Offers a superior display and performance but with a higher price tag, slower refresh rate, and less battery capacity, and no fingerprint sensor.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro Ideal Users:
- Gamers: The 120Hz refresh rate and capable processor make it suitable for gaming, especially with a larger battery for extended playtime.
- Budget-conscious users: Offers a good balance of features for a lower price.
- Users who value battery life: The larger battery capacity is ideal for heavy users.
- Users who prefer physical SIM slots: Dual SIM support provides convenience for travellers or those with multiple lines.
- Users who prefer Android ecosystem: Android OS offers more customisation options than Apple's IOS system.
- Users who prefer wired headphones: The device includes a 3.5mm headphone jack which is not available on the iPhone.
Use Cases:
- Mobile gaming
- Long usage without frequent charging
- Users with multiple SIM cards
- Media consumption on the go
Apple iPhone 14 Plus Ideal Users:
- Users who prioritize display quality: The OLED panel provides excellent viewing experience.
- Users who prioritize camera quality: The camera system excels in both photo and video quality.
- Performance enthusiasts: The A15 Bionic chip provides smooth and fast performance for demanding tasks.
- Users who prefer iOS: Prefer the user-friendly interface and smooth performance of the iOS ecosystem.
- Those invested in the Apple ecosystem: Seamless integration with other Apple devices.
- Users who prefer premium builds: Users who prefer higher quality builds and premium feel in hand.
- Users who prefer wireless charging: The MagSafe and Qi wireless charging options add convenience.
Use Cases:
- Professional photography/videography
- Heavy multitasking and demanding apps
- Media consumption with excellent image and sound quality
- Seamless experience within the Apple ecosystem
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- What's your budget? The Poco X3 Pro offers great value at a lower price, while the iPhone 14 Plus is significantly more expensive.
- What do you value more, display smoothness or display quality? The Poco X3 Pro has a smoother display due to the 120hz refresh rate, while the iPhone 14 Plus provides a high-quality OLED display with high brightness.
- Are you more invested in Android or iOS? If you are invested in one ecosystem, it is recommended to remain with that ecosystem.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Mobile gaming on a budget. Choose the Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro for its 120Hz display, larger battery and adequate performance, at a much lower price point.
- Scenario 2: Professional use with high-quality media creation. Choose the Apple iPhone 14 Plus for its superior display, excellent camera system, and smooth performance.
- Scenario 3: Everyday use with a preference for long battery life and fast charging. Choose the Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro for its larger battery capacity and 33W fast charging.
- Scenario 4: Everyday use with a preference for an easy to use ecosystem with longer software support. Choose the Apple iPhone 14 Plus for its user-friendly interface and smooth performance of the iOS ecosystem.
My Choice
If I had to choose between the two, I would choose the Apple iPhone 14 Plus. While the Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro has its strengths, particularly in refresh rate, battery capacity, and price, the overall experience offered by the iPhone 14 Plus is superior. The OLED display is a significant upgrade, providing a much more enjoyable viewing experience. Furthermore, the A15 Bionic chip provides a very noticeable performance boost, ensuring smooth multitasking and gaming. The superior camera system is also a huge plus, especially for capturing and recording high-quality content. Finally, the overall ecosystem and build quality of the iPhone 14 Plus make it a more enjoyable and reliable device for long-term use. While the price is higher, the investment provides a premium user experience that the Poco X3 Pro cannot match.
