1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro | Google Pixel 7 Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 165.3 x 76.8 x 9.4 mm | 162.9 x 76.6 x 8.9 mm | The Pixel 7 Pro is slightly shorter and thinner, potentially making it feel a bit more comfortable in hand. The Poco X3 Pro is a bit bulkier. |
| Weight | 215g | 212g | Negligible difference in weight, both are relatively heavy phones. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.67" | 6.7" | Very similar screen sizes, virtually no noticeable difference. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1440x3120 | Pixel 7 Pro offers a much sharper display with significantly more detail, text and images will look crisper. |
| PPI | 395 | 512 | Pixel 7 Pro has a noticeably sharper display, meaning finer details will be more visible, particularly for text and high-resolution content. |
| Technology | IPS LCD | AMOLED | Pixel 7 Pro provides better contrast, deeper blacks, more vibrant colors, and potentially better battery life with dark themes; generally a more premium visual experience. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both offer smooth scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 1500 nits | Pixel 7 Pro is significantly brighter, making it much easier to see the screen in direct sunlight. The Poco X3 Pro is not specified for brightness, meaning it could have trouble in bright light |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 860 (7 nm) | Tensor G2 (5 nm) | The Pixel 7 Pro's Tensor G2 offers faster processing, better AI capabilities and smoother overall performance, and is also more energy efficient. The Snapdragon 860 is a mid-range chip. |
| AnTuTu Score | 627,869 | 831,716 | Pixel 7 Pro performs significantly better in benchmarks, suggesting snappier app loading and smoother operation, especially for demanding tasks. |
| GPU | Adreno 640 | Mali-G710 MP7 | The Pixel 7 Pro's GPU is more powerful, providing better graphics performance for gaming and other GPU-intensive tasks. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5160mAh | 5000mAh | Similar battery sizes, likely providing comparable battery life under typical usage; actual usage varies. |
| Charging | 33W fast charging | 23W fast charging, 23W wireless charging | Poco X3 Pro charges faster with wired charging. Pixel 7 Pro offers convenience with wireless charging, but slower wired charging. |
| Features | Non-removable | Reverse charging, Wireless charging, No charger in box, Reverse wireless charge, Non-removable | Pixel 7 Pro offers more flexibility with reverse and wireless charging options. Poco X3 Pro does not offer the same convenient charging features. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 48MP, f/1.79, 1/2" | 50MP, f/1.85, 1/1.31" | Pixel 7 Pro's larger sensor captures more light and detail, resulting in better image quality, especially in low light. |
| Selfie Camera | 20MP, f/2.2, 1/3.4" | 10.8MP, f/2.2, 1/2.65" | Poco X3 Pro has higher resolution but the Pixel 7 Pro's larger sensor size is more important for image quality, especially in low light. |
| Telephoto Lens | Not available | 48MP, f/3.5, 1/2" | Pixel 7 Pro offers optical zoom capability, allowing for clearer zoomed photos. The Poco X3 Pro is missing the capability of a Telephoto lens. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 8MP, f/2.2, 1/4" | 12MP, f/2.2, 1/2.3" | Pixel 7 Pro's larger sensor and higher resolution will lead to better wide-angle shots. The Poco X3 Pro has a smaller sensor and lower resolution. |
| Depth Lens | 2MP, f/2.4, 1/5" | Not available | Poco X3 Pro features a depth sensor for portrait mode, but Google handles depth using software. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP, f/2.4, 1/5" | Not available | Poco X3 Pro has a dedicated macro lens for close-up shots, which the Pixel 7 Pro lacks but its wide-angle camera can focus at short distances. |
| Video | 4K@30fps with EIS, Slow-motion 960 fps | 4K@60fps with HDR, OIS, EIS, Slow-motion 240fps | Pixel 7 Pro offers superior video quality, better image stabilization and HDR video capture. The Poco X3 Pro offers a higher slow-motion frame rate. |
| DxOMark | Not tested | Mobile: 147, Selfie: 142 | Pixel 7 Pro has excellent camera performance, supported by third-party benchmark scores. The Poco X3 Pro does not have a DxOMark score. |
| Features | Quadruple camera, Digital stabilization | Optical zoom, Triple camera, OIS, PDAF, LAF, RAW, Night mode | Pixel 7 Pro offers advanced camera features and significantly better software processing. Poco X3 Pro features a depth and macro lens; |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 (upgradable to 12) | Android 13 (upgradable to 14) | Pixel 7 Pro runs on a newer version of Android, offering more features, security updates, and a smoother user experience. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 5 | Wi-Fi 6 | Pixel 7 Pro offers faster and more reliable Wi-Fi connections. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.2 | Pixel 7 Pro has a newer version of Bluetooth, potentially offering better connectivity and lower latency. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo, GLONASS (L1) | Pixel 7 Pro has more comprehensive satellite support for better location accuracy. |
| SIM | Dual SIM Dual Standby (Nano SIM + Nano SIM) | Dual SIM Dual Standby (Nano SIM + eSIM) | Pixel 7 Pro supports eSIM, allowing for more flexible mobile plans. Poco X3 Pro allows for two physical SIMs. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128GB or 256GB | 128GB, 256GB or 512GB | Pixel 7 Pro offers more storage options, including a larger 512GB variant. |
| RAM | 6GB or 8GB | 12GB | Pixel 7 Pro has more RAM for smoother multitasking and better performance with demanding apps. |
| Expandable | Not expandable | Not expandable | Neither phone offers expandable storage via microSD card. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | Stereo Speakers, Noise cancellation mic, 3 microphones | Pixel 7 Pro has better mic quality and noise cancellation for calls and recordings. Poco X3 Pro offers Hi-Res audio. |
| Security | |||
| Features | side-mounted fingerprint sensor | basic fingerprint sensor | Side-mounted fingerprint sensors are often preferred for speed. Pixel 7 Pro has an in-display sensor. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 6 | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | Pixel 7 Pro offers a more durable screen with superior scratch resistance. |
| Sensors | Biometric: Fingerprint; Motion: Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope; Proximity: Ultrasonic proximity virtual | Biometric: Fingerprint; Proximity: Proximity; Motion: Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Magnetometer; Environmental: Barometer | Pixel 7 Pro has more advanced sensors for better environmental readings and VR/AR capabilities, whereas Poco X3 Pro uses an ultrasonic virtual proximity sensor. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro Advantages:
- Faster wired charging: 33W charging offers quicker battery replenishment compared to the Pixel 7 Pro's 23W wired charging.
- Macro lens and Depth sensor: Dedicated lenses offer specialized photography options for close-up shots and portrait mode.
- Side-mounted fingerprint sensor: Some users may prefer this style of sensor for its speed and ergonomics.
- Hi-Res Audio Support: Provides a higher fidelity audio experience for audiophiles.
Practical Implications: The Poco X3 Pro is suitable for users looking for faster charging, more specialized photography features and potentially a lower price point.
Google Pixel 7 Pro Advantages:
- Superior Display: Higher resolution AMOLED display with better brightness provides a significantly better visual experience, especially in bright environments.
- Better Performance: Tensor G2 chip offers faster processing, smoother multitasking and improved AI capabilities.
- Superior Camera System: Larger sensors, telephoto lens, better software processing, and OIS result in significantly better overall image and video quality.
- Wireless Charging and Reverse Charging: Offers convenient ways to charge the device and other gadgets.
- More RAM and Storage Options: 12GB RAM and up to 512GB storage provide more space and smoother multitasking.
- Newer Android OS: Provides better security, features and overall software experience.
- Better Connectivity: Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.2 for faster and more reliable connections.
- More Advanced Sensors: Includes a Barometer and Magnetometer and more comprehensive satellite support for better location tracking
- Better Build Quality: Superior screen protection with Gorilla Glass Victus.
Practical Implications: The Pixel 7 Pro offers a premium experience, with better display, performance, camera, software, and connectivity.
Significant Trade-offs:
- Poco X3 Pro: Compromises on display quality, performance, camera quality and features, as well as the lack of wireless charging for faster wired charging and a side-mounted fingerprint sensor.
- Pixel 7 Pro: Slower wired charging speed but gains wireless and reverse charging capabilities and may be more expensive. Lacks a dedicated macro lens and depth sensor.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro Ideal User:
- Budget-Conscious Users: Prioritizing price over top-tier performance and features.
- Casual Gamers: The Snapdragon 860 offers decent gaming performance for most games.
- Users needing fast charging: Quick wired charging.
- Users wanting specific camera lenses: Dedicated macro and depth lenses.
Use Cases:
- Everyday use, including social media, browsing, and basic gaming.
- Users who prefer a side-mounted fingerprint sensor.
- Users who prioritize cost efficiency while still having a capable device.
Google Pixel 7 Pro Ideal User:
- Photography Enthusiasts: Users who prioritize camera quality and advanced features.
- Power Users: People who need high performance for demanding apps and games.
- Multimedia Consumers: Individuals who prioritize display quality for video and content consumption.
- Tech Enthusiasts: Those who want the latest features, software, and technology.
Use Cases:
- Professional photography and videography.
- Demanding mobile gaming and content creation.
- Users who need advanced AI features and fast multitasking.
- Users who prefer premium display quality, connectivity and features
Price-to-Value Ratio:
- The Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro offers a better value for users on a tight budget, offering good performance for its price point.
- The Google Pixel 7 Pro is a premium device that commands a higher price but offers a better overall experience, with significant advantages in display, camera, and performance.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- What is your budget? The Poco X3 Pro is a more budget-friendly option, while the Pixel 7 Pro is a premium device with a higher price.
- How important is the camera to you? The Pixel 7 Pro has a significantly superior camera system.
- Do you value top-tier performance and a premium display? If yes, then the Pixel 7 Pro is the better choice.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Budget-Constrained Users: If your budget is tight and you need a decent phone for everyday tasks and some gaming, the Poco X3 Pro is a solid option.
- Photography Enthusiasts: If you prioritize camera quality, then the Pixel 7 Pro's advanced camera system and image processing will be worth the investment.
- Power Users: If you need a phone for demanding tasks like gaming or video editing, the Pixel 7 Pro will offer a smoother experience.
- Casual Users: If you use your phone primarily for browsing, social media, and casual media consumption, the Poco X3 Pro might suffice, but the Pixel 7 Pro will provide a more premium experience.
My Choice
If I had to choose between these two phones, I would choose the Google Pixel 7 Pro. Although the Poco X3 Pro offers a faster wired charging and has dedicated lenses, the Pixel 7 Pro offers a superior overall experience that aligns with my priorities.
Here's why:
- Display Quality: The Pixel 7 Pro's AMOLED display with higher resolution and brightness is a significant advantage for viewing media and general use.
- Camera Performance: I value good camera quality, and the Pixel 7 Pro's larger sensors, advanced image processing, and optical zoom offer a far superior photography experience compared to the Poco X3 Pro.
- Performance: The Tensor G2 chip provides smoother operation and better performance for demanding tasks, which I require.
- Software and Features: The Pixel 7 Pro runs on a newer version of Android, which means better security and new features, and also includes convenient features such as wireless charging which adds to the overall premium experience.
- Build and Durability: The Corning Gorilla Glass Victus on the Pixel 7 Pro is superior in terms of protection compared to the Poco's Gorilla Glass 6.
While the Poco X3 Pro is a capable phone at a lower price point, the Google Pixel 7 Pro offers the premium experience and features that are essential for my daily use. The benefits in display quality, camera performance, software features and overall performance justify the additional investment.
