Smartphone Comparison: Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro vs. Apple iPhone 15 Plus
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro | Apple iPhone 15 Plus | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 165.3 × 76.8 × 9.4 mm | 160.9 × 77.8 × 7.8 mm | Poco X3 Pro is slightly taller and thicker, potentially feeling bulkier in hand. |
| Weight | 215g | 201g | iPhone 15 Plus is slightly lighter, which can be more comfortable during extended use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.67" | 6.7" | Negligible size difference, both offer a large viewing experience. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1290x2796 | iPhone 15 Plus display is noticeably sharper with more detail, better for reading and viewing high-res content. |
| Pixel Density | 395 PPI | 460 PPI | iPhone 15 Plus provides a crisper image, with less pixelation visible. |
| Technology | IPS LCD | OLED | iPhone 15 Plus has superior contrast, deeper blacks, and more vibrant colors, making it more suitable for multimedia consumption. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 60Hz | Poco X3 Pro offers smoother scrolling and animations, a better experience for gaming and general UI. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 2000 nits | iPhone 15 Plus offers dramatically better outdoor visibility in bright sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 860 (7 nm) | A16 Bionic (4 nm) | iPhone 15 Plus offers significantly faster performance and better power efficiency. Better for demanding tasks and long term use. |
| AnTuTu Score | 627,869 | 1,470,000 | iPhone 15 Plus provides substantially smoother and faster experience in all scenarios, including gaming and multitasking. |
| GPU | Adreno 640 | Apple 5-core GPU | iPhone 15 Plus has a significantly more powerful GPU, better for high-end gaming and graphics-intensive apps. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5160mAh | 4383mAh | Poco X3 Pro likely offers longer battery life due to larger capacity. |
| Charging | 33W Fast Charging | 20W Fast Charging | Poco X3 Pro charges faster, reducing time spent waiting for a full battery. |
| Wireless Charging | None | 15W MagSafe, 7.5W Qi | iPhone 15 Plus allows for convenient wireless charging. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 48MP f/1.79, 1/2" | 48MP f/1.6, 1/1.5" | iPhone 15 Plus has a wider aperture and larger sensor, which generally translates to better low-light performance and image quality. |
| Selfie Camera | 20MP f/2.2, 1/3.4" | 12MP f/1.9 | iPhone 15 Plus has a wider aperture, potentially better for selfies in low light conditions. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 8MP f/2.2, 1/4" | None | Poco X3 Pro has a dedicated wide-angle lens, allowing for more flexibility in photography. |
| Portrait Lens | 2MP f/2.4, 1/5" | None | Poco X3 Pro has a dedicated depth sensor for better portrait photos |
| Macro Lens | 2MP f/2.4, 1/5" | None | Poco X3 Pro offers dedicated Macro photography. |
| Ultra Wide + Macro | None | 12MP f/2.4 | iPhone 15 Plus has a Ultra Wide + Macro lens, offering more versatility. |
| Video | Up to 4K@30fps with EIS | Up to 4K@60fps with HDR | iPhone 15 Plus has better video quality, offering a wider variety of recording options. |
| DxoMark | Not Available | 145 (Mobile) | iPhone 15 Plus scores significantly higher in camera benchmarks and produces better photo and video quality. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 (Up to 12) | iOS 17 (Up to 18) | iPhone 15 Plus has an updated OS with long-term support and consistent performance. Android ecosystem provides customization options. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | 802.11ac | WiFi 6 (802.11ax) | iPhone 15 Plus has faster and more stable WiFi connectivity. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.3 | iPhone 15 Plus has a newer Bluetooth standard for more efficient and reliable connections. |
| SIM | Dual SIM (Nano) | Dual SIM (Nano + eSIM) | iPhone 15 Plus offers eSIM support for greater flexibility with carriers. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 128 GB/256 GB | 128/256/512GB | iPhone 15 Plus has an additional 512GB option, providing greater capacity for those needing lots of storage. |
| RAM | 6 GB/8 GB | 6 GB | Poco X3 Pro offers more RAM for better multitasking if 8 GB variant is chosen. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone allows for storage expansion via microSD. |
| Audio | |||
| Audio Quality | Hi-Res Audio, Stereo | Stereo, 3 mics with Noise Cancellation | iPhone 15 Plus offers a better overall audio experience for calls and multimedia consumption. Poco offers Hi-Res Audio for high fidelity music. |
| Security | |||
| Security Features | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Basic Security Features | Poco X3 Pro uses fingerprint sensor for fast unlock, iPhone 15 Plus relies on other security measures like passcodes. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Gorilla Glass 6 | Unknown | Poco X3 Pro offers clear, superior protection from screen damage. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Ultrasonic proximity | Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Barometer | iPhone 15 Plus includes a barometer, useful for specific apps. Poco X3 Pro has additional fingerprint reader for fast unlock. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro Advantages:
- Higher Refresh Rate: The 120Hz display provides smoother animations, especially noticeable when gaming and scrolling.
- Larger Battery & Faster Charging: A 5160mAh battery combined with 33W fast charging translates to longer usage and less time plugged in.
- More Camera Variety: Offers dedicated wide-angle, macro, and depth sensors providing a bit more flexibility to the photographers.
- Hi-Res Audio: Cater to audiophiles seeking higher quality music playback.
- Lower Cost: The Poco X3 Pro is usually significantly more affordable, offering great value for money.
Apple iPhone 15 Plus Advantages:
- Superior Display: The OLED panel with higher resolution, pixel density, and brightness offers a dramatically better visual experience.
- Much Higher Performance: The A16 Bionic chip provides superior speed for all tasks, including demanding apps and gaming.
- Better Camera System: The main sensor, despite having the same megapixel count, offers superior low light performance, dynamic range and overall image quality.
- Wireless Charging: Supports both MagSafe and Qi wireless charging, offering extra convenience.
- eSIM Support: Enables flexible carrier switching without a physical SIM card.
- Better Software Ecosystem: iOS and its long-term updates provide a fluid and consistent user experience.
Trade-offs:
- Poco X3 Pro trades display quality and performance for battery life, faster refresh rate and a lower price point.
- iPhone 15 Plus trades a faster refresh rate and a larger battery for a far superior display, performance and camera.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro is Ideal For:
- Budget-Conscious Users: Those seeking the best possible performance and battery for the lowest cost.
- Gamers: The 120Hz refresh rate is a big win for gamers on a budget.
- Media Consumers: The large screen combined with a high refresh rate and longer battery life makes it suitable for watching content.
Specific Use Cases for Poco X3 Pro:
- Playing mobile games with fast-paced action.
- Watching movies or videos for extended periods without needing to recharge frequently.
- Using it as a daily driver when you need long battery life.
Apple iPhone 15 Plus is Ideal For:
- Users Seeking the Best Display & Camera: Those valuing image quality, high resolution, and vibrant colors will appreciate the iPhone 15 Plus display.
- Power Users: Professionals and enthusiasts needing top performance and overall quality.
- Apple Ecosystem Users: Those already invested in the Apple ecosystem, valuing its seamless integration.
Specific Use Cases for iPhone 15 Plus:
- Professional photography and videography where image quality is paramount.
- Editing videos or playing graphically-intensive games where peak performance is required.
- Everyday use with a focus on high quality experience and longevity.
Price-to-Value:
- The Poco X3 Pro offers great value at its price point, and is the go-to choice if budget is the number one concern.
- The iPhone 15 Plus justifies its higher price tag if you want the best possible experience with the best hardware and software features.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions to Consider:
- Budget: How much are you willing to spend on a smartphone?
- Priority: What is more important: smooth performance or long battery life? Display quality or refresh rate?
- Ecosystem: Are you already invested in the Apple ecosystem?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Budget is Key: If your budget is very limited, choose the Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro. It offers the most performance and battery life for your money.
- Scenario 2: Performance and Display is top priority: If you prioritize performance and display quality above all else, choose the Apple iPhone 15 Plus.
- Scenario 3: Balanced User: If you need a balance between value, performance and battery choose the Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro, if not, choose the Apple iPhone 15 Plus.
My Choice
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would personally choose the Apple iPhone 15 Plus. While the Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro offers incredible value, particularly with its 120Hz refresh rate and larger battery, the overall experience of the iPhone 15 Plus is what pushes it ahead. The significantly superior display quality, the much faster performance, and a better main camera are, to me, far more valuable than the increased battery capacity or 120Hz refresh rate of the Poco X3 Pro. The iPhone 15 Plus's software and longevity of support also tips the scales in its favor. Ultimately the iPhone 15 Plus provides a more refined and future-proofed experience. However, for a user on a tight budget or who is mainly concerned with battery life and 120Hz screen, the Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro is a great choice.
