Smartphone Comparison: Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro vs. Google Pixel 8a
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro | Google Pixel 8a | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 165.3 x 76.8 x 9.4 mm | 152.1 x 72.7 x 8.9 mm | Poco X3 Pro is larger and bulkier, Pixel 8a is more compact and easier to handle. |
| Weight | 215g | 188g | Pixel 8a is noticeably lighter, enhancing comfort during extended use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.67" | 6.1" | Poco X3 Pro has a larger screen for more immersive media consumption, Pixel 8a is more pocketable. |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 | 1080 x 2400 | Both offer the same level of detail. |
| Pixel Density (PPI) | 395 | 430 | Pixel 8a offers slightly sharper images due to higher pixel density, but differences are generally subtle. |
| Technology | IPS LCD | OLED | Pixel 8a has superior contrast, colors, and blacks, offering a more vibrant visual experience. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both offer the same smoothness for scrolling and gaming. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Both have the same peak brightness according to these specs, which is an oddity that should be investigated in real-world usage. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 860 (7 nm) | Google Tensor G3 (4 nm) | Pixel 8a has a significantly more powerful and modern chip resulting in better app loading and overall smoothness. |
| AnTuTu Score | 627,869 | 876,512 | Pixel 8a offers noticeably better performance in benchmarks and real-world use. |
| GPU | Adreno 640 | Immortalis-G715s MC10 | Pixel 8a's GPU delivers superior graphics performance for gaming and graphics-intensive tasks. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera Resolution | 48MP | 64MP | Pixel 8a captures higher resolution images with slightly more detail |
| Main Camera Sensor Size | 1/2" | 1/1.72" | Pixel 8a has a physically larger sensor, better low-light performance. |
| Main Camera Aperture | f/1.79 | f/1.89 | Poco X3 Pro has slightly wider aperture which in theory, means more light gathering but this is offset by sensor size in this case |
| Selfie Camera Resolution | 20MP | 13MP | Poco X3 Pro has higher resolution selfies, but sensor size is smaller. |
| Selfie Camera Sensor Size | 1/3.4" | 1/3.06" | Pixel 8a has a slightly larger sensor, allowing better low-light performance. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 8MP (Dedicated) | 13MP (Wide Angle + Macro) | Poco X3 Pro has a dedicated wide angle lens while Pixel 8a's serves a dual purpose. |
| Portrait Lens | 2MP (Dedicated) | None | Poco X3 Pro has a dedicated lens for portrait mode. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP (Dedicated) | None | Poco X3 Pro has a dedicated macro lens. |
| Video Recording | Up to 4K@30fps (EIS) | Up to 4K@60fps (OIS) | Pixel 8a provides optical image stabilization (OIS) for smoother videos, and captures at 60 FPS in 4K. |
| Stabilization | EIS | OIS | Pixel 8a offers smoother video capture with optical image stabilization. |
| DXOMark Score | Not available | 136 | Pixel 8a offers a much better camera system compared to the X3 Pro. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5160mAh | 4500mAh | Poco X3 Pro likely offers longer battery life due to a larger capacity. |
| Charging | 33W Fast Charging | 18W Fast Charging | Poco X3 Pro charges significantly faster. |
| Features | Non-removable | Reverse Charging, Non-removable | Pixel 8a can wirelessly charge other devices, Poco X3 Pro cannot. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 (up to 12) | Android 14 (up to 21) | Pixel 8a provides a more modern Android experience and is ensured a much longer update period. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 5 | Wi-Fi 6E | Pixel 8a has better Wi-Fi with faster speeds and lower latency. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.3 | Pixel 8a has a newer Bluetooth version with improved range and efficiency. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo, GLONASS (L1) | Pixel 8a supports more satellite systems for better location accuracy. |
| SIM | Dual Nano SIM | Dual SIM (Nano + eSIM) | Pixel 8a has eSIM support and supports using two SIMs digitally. Poco X3 Pro has to use two physical SIMs. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128/256 GB | 128/256 GB | Both phones offer similar storage options. |
| RAM | 6/8 GB | 8 GB | Pixel 8a offers a minimum of 8GB of RAM which enhances multitasking. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone supports expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Audio Features | Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | Noise cancellation microphone, Stereo Speakers, 3 microphones | Pixel 8a has a more complete audio feature set, with better call quality and noise cancellation features. |
| Security | |||
| Fingerprint Sensor | Side-mounted sensor | Basic fingerprint sensor | Poco X3 Pro offers a side mounted fingerprint sensor; While Pixel 8a uses basic fingerprint security. |
| Build | |||
| Screen Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 6 | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro uses a newer generation of Gorilla Glass offering slightly better protection |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Ultrasonic Proximity | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Magnetometer, Barometer | Pixel 8a offers more sensors including barometer; the Poco X3 Pro features an ultrasonic proximity sensor. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro Advantages:
- Larger Display: Better for media consumption and gaming due to its bigger 6.67" screen.
- Larger Battery: Expected longer battery life due to its 5160 mAh battery.
- Faster Charging: 33W charging is significantly faster than the Pixel 8a's 18W.
- Dedicated Wide Angle, Macro, and Portrait Lenses: Provides dedicated lenses for more versatile photography at the cost of overall image quality.
- Hi-Res Audio: Enhanced audio fidelity for audiophiles via headphones.
- Side-Mounted Fingerprint Sensor: Offers a convenient alternative to in-display sensors.
- Gorilla Glass 6 Offers more up-to-date screen protection
Practical Implications: The Poco X3 Pro is suited for users who prioritize media consumption, gaming, battery life, and faster charging. Its dedicated lenses, however, are inferior in quality compared to the Pixel 8a, so users that prioritize image quality should not be swayed by the amount of cameras that it has.
Google Pixel 8a Advantages:
- Superior Display: OLED panel provides better contrast, colors, and blacks compared to the Poco X3 Pro's LCD.
- Better Performance: Google Tensor G3 chipset offers significantly higher performance for smoother app loading and general use.
- Better Camera Quality: Superior image quality, video stabilization, and camera features, including OIS and computational photography.
- Modern OS & Updates: Ships with Android 14 with guaranteed updates, providing a more up-to-date experience.
- eSIM Support: Offers the flexibility of using an eSIM in addition to a nano-SIM.
- More Advanced Connectivity: Offers newer WiFi and Bluetooth standards for better connectivity.
- More Versatile Audio: Noise cancellation microphone and 3 microphones, offering better audio in different scenarios.
- More Sensors: Offers more sensors including a barometer
- Reverse Wireless Charging: Can wirelessly charge other devices.
Practical Implications: The Pixel 8a is better for users who prioritize display quality, performance, camera quality, long-term software support, and modern features such as eSIM.
Significant Trade-offs:
- Poco X3 Pro: Sacrifices camera quality, performance, and modern software for a larger display, larger battery, faster charging, and a dedicated lens system.
- Pixel 8a: Sacrifices battery life and charging speed for a more premium display, better performance, superior camera, and long-term software support.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro Ideal User:
- Budget-Conscious Gamers: Users seeking a large screen and adequate performance for gaming at an affordable price, prioritizing battery life and charging speeds over camera quality.
- Media Consumers: Those who watch a lot of videos and want a large display and long-lasting battery.
- Users that want a headphone jack: The Google Pixel 8a does not have a 3.5mm headphone jack.
- Users on a very tight budget: The Poco X3 Pro is a much older phone, and can therefore be found cheaper than the Pixel 8a, which may entice users that only care about getting the most for the least amount of money.
Specific Use Cases for Poco X3 Pro:
- Long gaming sessions and marathon movie watching, focusing on the large display and battery
- Users who don't prioritize photo quality and prefer a cheaper device
- Users that use wired headphones
Google Pixel 8a Ideal User:
- Photography Enthusiasts: Users who want a reliable and versatile camera for everyday photos and videos, and prefer image quality over having dedicated lenses.
- Performance Seekers: Those who need smooth and responsive performance for everyday use, multitasking, and gaming.
- Tech-Savvy Users: Those who want the latest software, long-term updates, and modern connectivity features.
- Users who want the best value: Google phones are notorious for offering premium features at very reasonable prices, and the 8a continues this trend.
Specific Use Cases for Pixel 8a:
- Capturing high-quality photos and videos
- Smooth multitasking between apps
- Staying up-to-date with the latest Android software and security updates
- Users who value computational photography and post-processing
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- What is my budget and what is the best value? The X3 Pro is an older phone, which may be found cheaper. However, the value that the Pixel 8a provides for its price is great.
- How important are camera quality and software updates? If you want a great camera and long term software support, the Pixel 8a is better.
- Do I prefer a large display and longer battery life, or a compact size and better performance? The X3 Pro is larger with a bigger battery. The Pixel 8a provides a better user experience in a more compact package.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
Scenario 1: Budget-Conscious Gamer: If budget is the main concern, and the primary use is gaming with a focus on a large display and battery life, the Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro is a viable option.
Scenario 2: Photography Enthusiast: If camera quality, software updates and overall smooth daily performance is the priority, the Google Pixel 8a is the better choice.
Scenario 3: Modern Smartphone User: If you want the latest features, best performance, and long-term updates, the Google Pixel 8a is the better choice.
My Choice
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would pick the Google Pixel 8a. While the Poco X3 Pro offers a larger display, bigger battery, and faster charging which I would prefer, the sheer amount of advantages that the Pixel 8a provides means that it offers a better overall user experience in almost every single way. The improved camera quality, vastly superior performance, newer OS, and better screen technology are all things that I would prefer over a larger battery and display. The added convenience of features such as eSIM and reverse wireless charging also contribute to the Pixel 8a being the clear choice for me.
