Smartphone Comparison: Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro vs. Honor X8b
1. Specifications Comparison
Design
| Feature | Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro | Honor X8b | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 165.3 × 76.8 × 9.4 mm | 161.1 × 74.6 × 6.8 mm | The Honor X8b is noticeably slimmer and more compact, making it easier to handle and pocket. The Poco X3 Pro is larger and bulkier. |
| Weight | 215g | 166g | The Honor X8b is significantly lighter, enhancing comfort during prolonged use. The Poco X3 Pro's heavier build might feel more substantial to some. |
Display
| Feature | Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro | Honor X8b | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 6.67" | 6.7" | Both phones have very similar screen sizes, differences will be negligible for most users. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2412 | Both offer a sharp viewing experience. The difference is negligible. |
| Pixel Density | 395 PPI | 394 PPI | Virtually identical sharpness in the display. |
| Technology | IPS LCD | AMOLED | The Honor X8b's AMOLED screen provides superior contrast, deeper blacks, and more vibrant colors, ideal for media consumption. The Poco X3 Pro's IPS panel is more basic. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 90Hz | The Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro offers a slightly smoother scrolling and animation experience with its higher refresh rate. The Honor X8b is still reasonably smooth. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 2000 nits | The Honor X8b's much higher brightness allows for significantly better visibility in direct sunlight. The Poco X3 Pro screen is more difficult to see outdoors. |
Performance
| Feature | Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro | Honor X8b | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 860 (7 nm) | Qualcomm Snapdragon 680 4G (6 nm) | The Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro offers significantly higher processing power, translating to faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and better gaming performance. |
| AnTuTu Score | 627,869 | 250,000 | The Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro has a significantly higher benchmark score, indicating superior overall performance. The Honor X8b is noticeably slower. |
| GPU | Adreno 640 | Adreno 610 | The Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro's superior GPU will handle graphically intensive tasks, like gaming, much better. The Honor X8b struggles with high-end games. |
Camera
| Feature | Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro | Honor X8b | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main Camera | 48MP, f/1.79, 1/2" sensor, Sony IMX582, 0.8µm pixels | 108MP, f/1.75, sensor (unspecified), pixel size(unspecified) | The Honor X8b has a higher resolution camera, potentially capturing more detailed images. However, the Poco X3 Pro provides more specific sensor details, and may provide better overall image quality (in some conditions). |
| Selfie Camera | 20MP, f/2.2, 1/3.4" sensor, Samsung S5K3T2, 0.8µm pixels | 50MP, f/2.1, sensor (unspecified), pixel size(unspecified) | The Honor X8b boasts a higher resolution front camera, leading to more detailed selfies. However, the Poco X3 Pro has known sensor details. |
| Wide-Angle Lens | 8MP, f/2.2, 1/4" sensor, Omnivision OV8856, 1.12µm pixels | 5MP, f/2.2, sensor (unspecified), pixel size(unspecified) | The Poco X3 Pro has a slightly higher resolution wide-angle lens. Both are not high quality sensors. |
| Portrait Mode | 2MP, f/2.4, 1/5" sensor, Omnivision OV02B1B, 1.75µm pixels | None | The Poco X3 Pro has a dedicated depth sensor for better portrait mode effects; the Honor X8b lacks this feature. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP, f/2.4, 1/5" sensor, Hynix HI-259, 1.75µm pixels | 2MP, f/2.4, sensor (unspecified), pixel size(unspecified) | Both have a basic macro lens for close-up shots. They will perform similarly. |
| Video Recording | Up to 4K@30fps with EIS, various 1080p options with EIS, 1080p slow motion up to 960fps | 1080p@30fps, 1080p slow motion up to 120fps | The Poco X3 Pro offers higher quality video recording (4k) and higher frame rate slow motion options. The Honor X8b offers very basic recording options. |
| Additional Features | 4K Video, Quadruple camera, Digital image stabilization, Manual focus | Phase detection autofocus (PDAF), Front Flash, Triple camera | Poco X3 Pro has more features for video and advanced controls. Honor X8b provides autofocus and front flash features. |
Battery
| Feature | Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro | Honor X8b | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 5160mAh | 4500mAh | The Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro's larger battery provides longer battery life on a single charge, suitable for heavy users. |
| Charging | 33W Fast Charging | 35W Fast Charging | The Honor X8b provides slightly faster charging than the Poco X3 Pro. Differences are minimal. |
Software, Connectivity and Storage
| Feature | Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro | Honor X8b | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| OS | Android 11 (upgradable to 12) | Android 13 | The Honor X8b has a newer version of Android, offering the latest features and security updates. The Poco X3 Pro is limited to older software. |
| Wi-Fi | 802.11ac with MIMO | 802.11ac | The Poco X3 Pro has additional MIMO feature. Both offer standard WiFi speeds |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 with APT-x, LDAC, | 5.0, with SBC, AAC | The Poco X3 Pro has more high-quality audio codecs, better for audio enthusiasts. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | A-GPS, GLONASS, GPS (L1+L5) | The Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro supports more satellite systems for better location accuracy. |
| Internal Storage | 128GB or 256 GB | 128GB, 256GB, or 512GB | The Honor X8b offers more maximum storage for users with large file collections. |
| RAM | 6GB or 8 GB | 8 GB | Both have sufficient RAM for multitasking. |
| Audio | Hi-Res, Stereo Speakers | Basic audio features | Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro offers higher quality audio with stereo speakers for better media consumption. |
| Screen Protection | Gorilla Glass 6 | Unknown | Poco X3 Pro offers significantly better screen protection with Gorilla Glass 6. |
| Sensors | Biometric: Fingerprint; Motion: Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope; Proximity: Ultrasonic proximity virtual | Biometric: Fingerprint; Motion: Accelerometer, Compass; Proximity: Ultrasonic proximity virtual, Gravity | Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro has a more robust set of motion sensors including gyroscope for gaming. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro Advantages:
- Superior Performance: The Snapdragon 860 chipset provides significantly higher processing and graphics power, leading to smoother overall performance and better gaming.
- Higher Refresh Rate: The 120Hz display offers smoother animations and scrolling.
- Better Video Recording: Supports 4K video recording and slow motion capture at higher frame rates.
- Enhanced Audio: Offers Hi-Res audio and stereo speakers for an improved audio experience.
- Better Screen Protection: Features Corning Gorilla Glass 6 for superior durability.
- Better GPS Support: Supports more satellite systems for better location accuracy.
- Additional Motion Sensor: Includes gyroscope for advanced motion sensing.
- Wider Audio Codec Support: Supports APT-x and LDAC bluetooth codecs.
- Better Wide-Angle Camera Sensor: Better resolution and sensor quality on the wide angle lens.
Honor X8b Advantages:
- Superior Display Technology: AMOLED display offers deeper blacks, better contrast, and more vibrant colors.
- Significantly Higher Brightness: The screen is much more visible in direct sunlight.
- Newer Android OS: Comes with a newer Android version, providing the latest features and security updates.
- Lighter and Slimmer Design: Significantly lighter and thinner, making it more comfortable to hold and carry.
- Higher Resolution Selfie Camera: The front camera has much higher resolution for detailed selfies.
- Larger Storage Option: A 512GB internal storage option is available for users with large files.
- Slightly Faster Charging: Charging speed is slightly faster, although difference is minimal.
- Front Flash: Front flash for better low light selfie performance
Significant Trade-offs:
- Poco X3 Pro: Trades a better display (AMOLED and brightness) and newer software for superior performance. It is heavier, bulkier, and has an older OS.
- Honor X8b: Trades top performance and video quality for a premium display and newer software. It has significantly less processing power.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro:
- Ideal User: Gamers, power users, and those who prioritize performance and multimedia consumption.
- Use Cases: High-end gaming, video editing, multitasking, consuming media, and users who value higher performance.
- Price-to-Value: Offers exceptional performance for its price, though the user will have to give up display quality and size.
Honor X8b:
- Ideal User: Users who value a premium display, portability, camera quality, and the latest software with good enough performance for everyday tasks.
- Use Cases: Social media, photography, watching videos, browsing, and users who prefer a sleek, lightweight design.
- Price-to-Value: Offers a modern design and superior display with a good camera, but comes at a price premium for less performance.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- Do you prioritize performance or display quality? If gaming and heavy app use is important, the Poco X3 Pro is better. If you value vibrant colours and high brightness, the Honor X8b is the choice.
- Is a slim and light design essential? If yes, the Honor X8b is preferable. If size and weight are secondary, then the Poco X3 Pro is a contender.
- Do you require high-end video recording and audio features? If yes, the Poco X3 Pro is better. If you mostly take casual videos and have average audio needs, the Honor X8b is sufficient.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Gaming Enthusiast: Choose the Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro for its superior processing and graphics power, 120Hz refresh rate, and stereo speakers.
- Media Consumer: Choose the Honor X8b for its superior AMOLED display, higher brightness, and sleek design.
- Casual User: The Honor X8b is more balanced if you are not a heavy gamer and prioritize overall user experience.
- Budget Conscious Buyer: The Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro typically offers more performance per dollar.
- Photography Enthusiast: The Honor X8b offers a higher-resolution selfie camera and a better main camera on paper, but if you need advanced features like video recording, the Poco X3 Pro is superior.
My Choice
If I had to choose between these two phones, I would choose the Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro. While the Honor X8b boasts a superior display and a more modern design, my primary need in a smartphone is performance for both gaming and app use. The Poco X3 Pro’s significantly stronger chipset and better graphics performance would be more beneficial for my day-to-day usage. Even though the display isn't as vibrant as the X8b's AMOLED panel, the 120Hz refresh rate and stereo speakers on the X3 Pro are important to my user experience. While I do value screen visibility in sunlight, the massive difference in performance is more significant in this case. The superior video recording on the Poco X3 Pro is also more appealing to me. While the Honor X8b is a good phone for more casual users, the Poco X3 Pro provides a better value proposition for my specific needs.
