1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro | Google Pixel 8 Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 165.3 × 76.8 × 9.4 mm | 162.6 × 76.5 × 8.8 mm | Pixel 8 Pro is slightly smaller and thinner, potentially feeling more comfortable in hand; X3 Pro has a larger overall volume. |
| Weight | 215g | 213g | Negligible difference in weight, both feel similar in hand |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.67" | 6.7" | Very similar screen sizes, minimal difference in viewing area. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1344x2992 | Pixel 8 Pro has significantly sharper visuals due to much higher pixel density; clearer text and images. |
| PPI | 395 | 489 | Pixel 8 Pro screen will appear noticeably crisper, especially for reading and detailed content. |
| Technology | IPS LCD | OLED | Pixel 8 Pro offers much better contrast, deeper blacks, and more vibrant colors, resulting in a superior viewing experience. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both offer smooth scrolling and animations, ideal for gaming and fluid UI interaction. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 2400 nits | Pixel 8 Pro provides much better outdoor visibility under bright sunlight; Poco X3 Pro display may be difficult to see in direct sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 860 (7 nm) | Tensor G3 (4 nm) | Pixel 8 Pro has a newer, more efficient chipset, leading to better performance in apps, gaming and multitasking and AI capabilities. |
| AnTuTu Score | 627,869 | 1,142,984 | Pixel 8 Pro offers significantly higher performance; faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and more capable gaming performance. |
| GPU | Adreno 640 | Immortalis-G715s MC10 | Pixel 8 Pro has a more powerful GPU, providing better graphics performance for games and graphics-intensive apps. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 48MP, f/1.79, 1/2", 0.8µm | 50MP, f/1.69, 1/1.31", 1.2µm | Pixel 8 Pro captures more detailed images with more light due to its larger sensor and wider aperture, resulting in better low-light performance. |
| Selfie Camera | 20MP, f/2.2, 1/3.4", 0.8µm | 10.8MP, f/2.2, 1/2.65", 1.22µm | Pixel 8 Pro has larger pixel size leading to improved low light selfie quality, while X3 pro has higher resolution. |
| Telephoto | None | 48MP, f/2.8, 1/2.55", 0.7µm | Pixel 8 Pro has a dedicated telephoto lens for optical zoom capabilities; better quality at longer zoom ranges. |
| Wide Angle | 8MP, f/2.2, 1/4", 1.12µm | 48MP, f/1.95 | Xiaomi X3 Pro includes a wide angle lens for landscape, while Google Pixel 8 Pro includes a combined wide angle and macro lens |
| Depth | 2MP, f/2.4, 1/5", 1.75µm | None | Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro includes a depth sensor which improves quality of portrait shots, Pixel 8 Pro uses computational photography instead |
| Macro | 2MP, f/2.4, 1/5", 1.75µm | None | Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro has a dedicated macro lens, for close-up photography; Pixel 8 Pro does not include macro lens |
| Video | Up to 4K@30fps | Up to 4K@60fps with HDR | Pixel 8 Pro has more advanced video capabilities, including higher frame rates at 4k, HDR recording and advanced stabilization. |
| Camera Features | Many | Many | Pixel 8 Pro has more features including noise reduction, Pro Video mode, Optical image stabilization, PDAF, and AI enhancements; X3 Pro has standard features. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5160mAh | 5050mAh | Both have similar battery sizes, expect similar battery life for average use. |
| Charging | 33W fast charging | 30W fast charging | Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro offers slightly faster charging speeds. |
| Features | None | Wireless, Reverse Charging | Pixel 8 Pro offers wireless charging and the ability to charge other devices wirelessly, making it more convenient for users with compatible devices. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 (Upgradable to 12) | Android 14 (Upgradable to 21) | Pixel 8 Pro offers a more modern Android experience and longer software update support, including more AI features. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 5 | Wi-Fi 7 | Pixel 8 Pro supports the latest Wi-Fi standards for faster speeds and better performance in congested areas. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.3 | Pixel 8 Pro offers a newer version of Bluetooth that offers a more stable and efficient connection. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo, GLONASS (L1) | Pixel 8 Pro has more accurate location tracking due to the inclusion of additional satellite systems. |
| SIM | Dual Nano SIM | Dual Nano SIM + eSIM | Pixel 8 Pro has eSIM support for flexible carrier switching. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128/256 GB | 128/256/512/1024 GB | Pixel 8 Pro has more internal storage options, with an option of up to 1 TB. |
| RAM | 6/8 GB | 12 GB | Pixel 8 Pro offers more RAM for better multitasking, better performance with demanding apps and less app reloading |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone has microSD card support, so storage options are limited to internal options. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Stereo Speakers, Hi-Res Audio | Stereo Speakers, Noise Cancellation, 3 microphones | Pixel 8 Pro has better audio recording quality and features for clearer calls, while X3 Pro has hi-res audio support for better audio playback |
| Security | |||
| Features | Side-mounted fingerprint | Basic fingerprint sensor | X3 Pro features a convenient side mounted fingerprint scanner. |
| Build | |||
| Screen protection | Gorilla Glass 6 | Gorilla Glass Victus 2 | Pixel 8 Pro screen has better scratch and shatter resistance. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Ultrasonic proximity virtual | Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Magnetometer, Proximity, Barometer | Google Pixel 8 Pro offers more environmental sensors, while Xiaomi X3 Pro offers compass and virtual proximity sensor |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro Advantages:
- Faster Charging: Slightly faster 33W charging.
- Side-mounted fingerprint sensor: Some users prefer the ergonomics and speed of side-mounted scanners.
- Hi-Res Audio: Provides better audio playback for audiophiles.
- Lower Price Point: Generally more affordable.
- Macro and Depth lenses: Provides more options for photography enthusiasts.
Practical Implications: The X3 Pro is a budget-friendly option that offers good performance for the price with some nice to have additions like the macro and depth lenses. The faster charging is also a great plus.
Google Pixel 8 Pro Advantages:
- Superior Display: Higher resolution, OLED technology, and significantly brighter screen for better viewing indoors and outdoors.
- Much Higher Performance: A significantly faster processor and GPU provide smoother, more responsive, and more efficient performance, suitable for demanding apps and gaming.
- Advanced Camera System: Superior main camera sensor, telephoto lens, and wide-angle lens, along with advanced image processing and AI features, resulting in better overall photo and video quality.
- Longer Software Support: Guaranteed software and security updates for years, while the X3 Pro has very little time left.
- Wireless and Reverse Charging: Wireless charging and the ability to charge other devices wirelessly offers more convenience.
- eSIM support: Ability to switch carriers through eSIM.
- Latest Connectivity: Faster Wi-Fi and Bluetooth for better network performance.
- Additional Sensors: Includes more environmental sensors.
- Higher Storage Options: Up to 1TB of storage.
Practical Implications: The Pixel 8 Pro is a premium device with a focus on camera quality, performance, and user experience. It offers significant improvements in key areas for a top-tier phone.
Trade-offs:
- Price: The Pixel 8 Pro is considerably more expensive than the Poco X3 Pro.
- Charging Speed: The Poco X3 Pro charges slightly faster.
- Specialty camera lenses: The Poco X3 Pro has dedicated Macro and depth lenses which the Pixel does not include
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro Ideal User:
- Budget-Conscious Users: Those looking for good performance and a smooth experience at an affordable price.
- Casual Gamers: Users who want to play games without breaking the bank.
- Users Who Value Battery Life: Users who prioritize battery life over the best image quality or features.
- Users who prefer a side-mounted fingerprint sensor: The user who appreciates the convenience of a side mounted sensor.
- Users who want dedicated macro and depth lenses: The user who enjoys the flexibility of having these lenses
Specific Use Cases: Everyday social media, browsing, casual gaming, media consumption, and users that like to take the odd photo and want a range of photography options.
Google Pixel 8 Pro Ideal User:
- Photography Enthusiasts: Users who prioritize camera quality and want the latest features, computational photography and image processing.
- Power Users: Those who need the best performance for demanding tasks and gaming.
- Users Who Value a Superior Display: Users who want the best screen quality and clarity.
- Users Who Want Cutting-Edge Features: Users who want the latest technologies like Wireless charging, eSIM and additional sensors, as well as AI-driven software.
- Users who want long software support: Users that don't like upgrading phones often, so they want the longest available support for their device.
Specific Use Cases: Professional photography/videography, heavy mobile gaming, mobile content creation, extensive business use, and users who want the very best available experience.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- What is my budget? The price difference is substantial.
- What are my primary needs? Is it the camera, performance, or just a reliable device?
- How long do I plan to keep the phone? The Pixel 8 Pro offers much longer software support.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
Scenario 1: Tight Budget, Basic Needs: If you are primarily looking for a good phone without wanting the very best, the Poco X3 Pro is great for this. It is a low-cost option that offers a great user experience, good performance for the price, and very good battery life.
Scenario 2: Camera is a Priority: If having the best camera is your main priority, then the Pixel 8 Pro is the obvious choice, offering much better images and videos, as well as video stability and professional settings.
Scenario 3: Performance and Future-Proofing: If you value the best performance, a superior display, and long-term software support, then the Pixel 8 Pro is the winner.
My Choice
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would pick the Google Pixel 8 Pro. While the Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro is an excellent phone for its price point, and very enticing to consider, the Pixel 8 Pro offers significant upgrades in areas that are very important to me, such as:
- Camera Quality: As a keen photographer, the Pixel 8 Pro's camera capabilities are far more appealing. The larger sensor, telephoto lens and enhanced AI features are essential for me, and greatly improve photo quality.
- Display: The OLED display on the Pixel 8 Pro is much better than the IPS LCD on the Poco X3 Pro, with higher resolution and brightness. This greatly enhances the experience of using my phone on a daily basis.
- Performance: The Pixel 8 Pro's Tensor G3 chip provides more than enough power to handle demanding apps and multitasking, as well as future-proofing the device.
- Software Support: The Pixel 8 Pro's long-term software and security updates is an important consideration.
Although the Pixel 8 Pro is significantly more expensive, for me, the benefits in performance, camera, and display quality justify the higher price. I also value long-term software support, ensuring that the phone stays secure and up-to-date for as long as possible.
