1. Specifications Comparison
Design
| Feature | Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro | Asus Zenfone 10 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 165.3 x 76.8 x 9.4 mm | 146.5 x 68.1 x 9.4 mm | Poco X3 Pro is significantly larger and may be less comfortable for one-handed use. Zenfone 10 is much more compact, fitting easily in a pocket. |
| Weight | 215g | 172g | Zenfone 10 is considerably lighter, making it more comfortable for prolonged use and carrying. |
| Build | Not Specified | Not Specified | Build materials information is not available for either phone. |
Display
| Feature | Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro | Asus Zenfone 10 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 6.67" | 5.92" | Poco X3 Pro has a larger screen, better for media consumption. Zenfone 10 is smaller, more pocketable, and easier to use one-handed. |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 | 1080 x 2400 | Both displays have the same resolution, resulting in similar sharpness for the same content size. |
| Pixel Density (PPI) | 395 | 445 | Zenfone 10 has a noticeably sharper display due to higher pixel density, leading to clearer text and images. |
| Technology | IPS LCD | AMOLED | Zenfone 10 has superior color reproduction, deeper blacks, better contrast, and more efficient power usage, particularly with dark themes. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 144Hz | Zenfone 10 offers slightly smoother scrolling and animation. The difference is less noticeable for daily use, but more apparent in gaming and high-refresh rate content. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 1100 nits | Zenfone 10 is significantly more visible in bright sunlight due to its much higher brightness. |
Performance
| Feature | Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro | Asus Zenfone 10 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 860 (7nm) | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 (4nm) | Zenfone 10 offers significantly higher performance for demanding tasks like gaming, video editing, and multitasking. |
| AnTuTu Score | 627,869 | 1,532,000 | Zenfone 10 has more than double the benchmark score, indicating much faster app loading, smoother performance, and superior gaming capabilities. |
| GPU | Adreno 640 | Adreno 740 | Zenfone 10 has a much more powerful GPU resulting in much better gaming performance and graphic rendering capabilities. |
Camera
| Feature | Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro | Asus Zenfone 10 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main Camera Resolution | 48MP | 50MP | Both cameras capture high-resolution images. Zenfone 10 has a slightly better resolution |
| Main Camera Aperture | f/1.79 | f/1.9 | Poco X3 Pro lets slightly more light in due to wider aperture, potentially better low light performance. However, actual performance also depends on the sensor and processing. |
| Main Camera Sensor Size | 1/2" | 1/1.56" | Zenfone 10 has a larger sensor, capturing more light and generally better image quality, especially in low-light. |
| Main Camera Sensor Model | Sony IMX582 Exmor RS | Sony IMX766 | Zenfone 10 uses a more modern and advanced sensor, generally resulting in superior image processing. |
| Selfie Camera Resolution | 20MP | 32MP | Zenfone 10 captures more detailed selfies due to higher resolution |
| Selfie Camera Aperture | f/2.2 | f/2.5 | Poco X3 Pro can capture slightly more light at f/2.2, potentially leading to better low-light selfies. However, actual quality depends on other factors |
| Selfie Camera Sensor Size | 1/3.4" | 1/3.2" | Zenfone 10 has a slightly larger sensor. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 8MP | None | Poco X3 Pro has a dedicated wide-angle lens, allowing for wider perspective photos. |
| Portrait Mode | 2MP | None | Poco X3 Pro has a dedicated depth sensor for improved portrait mode effects. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP | None | Poco X3 Pro has a dedicated macro lens for capturing close-up details. |
| Wide Angle + Macro | None | 13MP | Zenfone 10 has a wide-angle and macro capabilities combined. |
| Video | Up to 4K@30fps with EIS | Up to 8K@24fps with EIS, HDR | Zenfone 10 provides much higher video recording quality with 8K support and better image stabilization. |
| Video Stabilization | EIS | OIS, Gimbal | Zenfone 10 offers superior video stabilization resulting in much smoother video recording. |
| Slow-Motion | 960 fps | 480 fps | Poco X3 Pro can capture slow-motion video at higher FPS. |
| Camera Features | Quadruple camera, Manual focus | Dual camera, Optical Stabilization (OIS), Gimbal, RAW | Zenfone 10 has more advanced stabilization features and RAW image capture, better suited for videography and professional photo editing. Poco X3 Pro features a more versatile setup with various lenses. |
Battery
| Feature | Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro | Asus Zenfone 10 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 5160mAh | 4300mAh | Poco X3 Pro has a larger battery, likely offering longer battery life under similar usage scenarios. |
| Charging | 33W fast charging | 30W fast charging, 15W wireless charging, 5W reverse wired charging | Poco X3 Pro slightly faster wired charging. Zenfone 10 has the added convenience of wireless charging and reverse wired charging. |
| Battery Type | Li-Polymer | Li-Polymer | Both phones utilize Lithium Polymer batteries with similar characteristics. |
| Removable Battery | Non-removable | Non-removable | Both phones have non-removable batteries |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro Advantages:
- Larger Display: Better for media consumption and gaming if a large screen is prioritized.
- Larger Battery: Offers potentially longer battery life.
- Dedicated Camera Lenses: Includes separate wide-angle, macro, and depth sensors for versatility in photography.
- Slightly Faster Wired Charging: Provides slightly faster wired charging speed compared to the Zenfone 10.
Practical Implications: The Poco X3 Pro is a decent choice for users who prioritize a large screen, battery life, and versatility in camera lenses at a lower price.
Asus Zenfone 10 Advantages:
- Superior Performance: Much faster chipset for smoother multitasking and gaming.
- Sharper Display: Higher pixel density, AMOLED technology, and 144Hz refresh rate for better visual experience.
- Significantly Better Brightness: Superior outdoor visibility.
- Superior Camera Quality: Larger sensor, higher resolution selfie camera, and advanced video features like 8K recording, OIS, and Gimbal stabilization.
- Wireless Charging & Reverse Charging: Offers convenience for charging and sharing power.
- More Compact & Lighter: More comfortable to hold and carry.
- Newer Android Version: Android 13 out of the box with 2 more android updates supported.
- Superior Connectivity: Supports newer WiFi and Bluetooth standards.
- Better GPS Supports more satellite systems for better location accuracy.
Practical Implications: The Zenfone 10 is a premium, compact phone for users who prioritize performance, screen quality, excellent camera capabilities and modern features. It's ideal for those who want a small phone that can handle demanding tasks.
Significant Trade-offs:
- Poco X3 Pro: Sacrifices performance and screen quality for a larger battery and more versatile camera lens setup. Older operating system.
- Zenfone 10: Smaller screen, lower capacity battery, and less camera lens versatility, all of which might be downsides for some users. However, it more than makes up for it with the superior screen, performance, and camera quality.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Ideal User for Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro:
- Budget-conscious users who prioritize a large screen and long battery life.
- Users who like the convenience of a larger screen for media consumption and casual gaming.
- Users who want versatile camera lenses for creative photography options at a lower cost.
Specific Use Cases for Poco X3 Pro:
- Watching videos and movies on the go.
- Casual mobile gaming.
- Capturing photos using its macro, wide and portrait mode cameras.
- Long trips where battery life is essential.
Ideal User for Asus Zenfone 10:
- Users who prioritize top-tier performance and a compact, easy to handle phone.
- Users who want a superior display quality for media consumption and gaming.
- Users who prioritize high-quality camera performance with advanced video recording features.
- Users who want modern features like wireless charging.
Specific Use Cases for Zenfone 10:
- Demanding mobile games.
- High-quality content creation such as vlogging.
- Fast multitasking and app switching.
- Photography and videography for social media or personal use.
- Users who prioritize a small and lightweight phone.
Price-to-Value Ratio:
- The Poco X3 Pro offers a decent balance of features at a lower price point. It provides good value for users on a tight budget who prioritize larger screen and battery life.
- The Zenfone 10 has a higher price due to its premium features like high-end chipset, AMOLED display, advanced camera system, wireless charging, and compact design. The value lies in its top-tier performance in a small package.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- What is your primary use case for the phone? (Gaming, Media Consumption, Photography, Daily Communication)
- How important is screen quality and size to you? (Do you prefer large screens for entertainment, or compact for one-handed use?)
- What is your budget and how much do you value premium features? (Are you willing to pay more for the best performance and cutting-edge features?)
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Budget Conscious, Large Screen User:
- Recommendation: Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro. It is more affordable with a larger screen and battery, better suited for media consumption on a budget.
- Scenario 2: Performance and Camera Focused, Compact Size:
- Recommendation: Asus Zenfone 10. It offers top-tier performance, superior camera features, and a premium display in a smaller, more ergonomic design, ideal for performance and image quality enthusiasts who want a small phone.
- Scenario 3: Balanced Usage, Casual User:
- Recommendation: Depends on preferences. If a large screen and battery are needed, the Poco X3 Pro is a decent option. If performance, image quality, and modern features are important, the Zenfone 10 is the better option despite its higher cost.
My Choice
If I were to choose between these two phones, I would pick the Asus Zenfone 10.
Why?
While the Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro has its merits, particularly its larger display and battery, my priorities lie with a compact phone with high-end performance, superior display, and a better camera system.
- Performance: The Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 in the Zenfone 10 provides a significant leap in performance, ensuring smooth multitasking, fast app loading, and an excellent gaming experience, all of which are very important for my day to day usage.
- Display: The AMOLED panel with a 144Hz refresh rate on the Zenfone 10 offers a much better visual experience with vibrant colors, deep blacks, and smooth animations. The higher brightness also ensures good visibility in outdoor conditions, which is very important.
- Camera: While the Poco X3 Pro offers various lenses, the Zenfone 10’s main camera sensor is superior, especially with its video features like 8K recording and OIS. The Zenfone 10 is better suited for quality image capture and video recording
- Size and Ergonomics: The compact design of the Zenfone 10 makes it much easier to handle and carry. This is particularly important for me as I prefer a small phone that is pocketable and comfortable to use with one hand.
- Modern Features: The inclusion of wireless charging and a newer operating system, along with the superior WiFi and Bluetooth versions on the Zenfone 10 make it a more future-proof phone.
- GPS: The Zenfone 10 features a superior GPS system for better location tracking.
While the Zenfone 10 is more expensive and has a smaller battery, the improvements in overall performance, screen quality, and camera are significant and worth the higher price for me. The compact size is also a big draw for my usage pattern.
