Smartphone Comparison: Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro vs. Huawei nova 8i
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro | Huawei nova 8i | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 165.3 × 76.8 × 9.4 mm | 161.9 × 74.7 × 8.6 mm | Poco X3 Pro is slightly larger and thicker; Nova 8i is more compact and may feel more comfortable in hand. |
| Weight | 215g | 190g | Nova 8i is significantly lighter, making it more comfortable for extended use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.67" | 6.67" | Both offer the same screen real estate for content consumption. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2376 | Practically identical sharpness; minor difference is imperceptible. |
| Pixel Density | 395 PPI | 391 PPI | Similar level of sharpness and detail; unlikely to be noticeable in daily use. |
| Technology | IPS LCD | IPS LCD | Both have similar color reproduction and viewing angles typical of IPS panels. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 60Hz | Poco X3 Pro provides smoother scrolling and animations, better gaming experience. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Both phones have identical peak brightness at 0 nits - Note: This is an anomaly, and peak brightness should be checked from other sources. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 860 (7 nm) | Qualcomm Snapdragon 662 (11 nm) | Poco X3 Pro has a significantly more powerful chipset, leading to faster app loading, better gaming, and smoother multitasking. |
| AnTuTu Score | 627,869 | 201,000 | Poco X3 Pro provides a drastically better performance, with over three times higher performance. |
| GPU | Adreno 640 | Adreno 610 | Poco X3 Pro's GPU is significantly more powerful, providing a better gaming experience and smoother graphics rendering. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5160mAh | 4300mAh | Poco X3 Pro offers longer battery life due to its larger capacity. |
| Charging | 33W Fast Charging | 66W Fast Charging | Nova 8i charges much faster, allowing for quicker top-ups. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Camera | 48MP, f/1.79 (Sony IMX582) | 64MP, f/1.9 | Nova 8i captures more detailed images. Poco X3 Pro may offer slightly better low-light performance due to its wider aperture. |
| Selfie Camera | 20MP, f/2.2 (Samsung S5K3T2) | 16MP, f/2.0 | Poco X3 Pro has a higher resolution selfie camera. Nova 8i might perform slightly better in low light due to its wider aperture. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 8MP, f/2.2 (Omnivision OV8856) | 8MP, f/2.2 | Comparable wide-angle performance on both phones. |
| Depth Sensor | 2MP, f/2.4 (Omnivision OV02B1B) | 2MP, f/2.4 | Similar depth sensing for portrait mode on both phones. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP, f/2.4 (Hynix HI-259) | 2MP, f/2.4 | Similar macro capabilities on both phones. |
| Video Recording | 4K@30fps, 1080p up to 960fps, EIS | 1080p@30fps, EIS | Poco X3 Pro records higher resolution video and has superior slow motion capabilities. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 (upgradable to 12) | Android 10 | Poco X3 Pro runs a newer Android version with more future updates. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 5 with MIMO, Direct, Dual band | Wi-Fi 5 Hotspot, Display | Poco X3 Pro has a more advanced Wi-Fi module. |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.0 (A2DP, LE, APT-x, LDAC, SBC, AAC) | Bluetooth 5.0 (A2DP, LE, APT-x, LDAC, AAC) | Similar Bluetooth capabilities, with Poco X3 Pro additionally supporting SBC codec. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 128GB or 256GB | 128GB | Poco X3 Pro offers an optional 256GB version for users needing more storage. |
| RAM | 6GB or 8GB | 6GB | Poco X3 Pro offers higher RAM for improved multitasking. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone supports storage expansion via microSD cards. |
| Audio | |||
| Audio Quality | Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | Stereo Speakers, Noise cancellation microphone, 2 microphones | Poco X3 Pro offers Hi-Res audio and Stereo Speakers. Huawei nova 8i offers noise-cancelling microphone |
| Security | |||
| Security Features | Side-mounted Fingerprint | Side-mounted Fingerprint | Both phones offer convenient and quick biometric security with side-mounted fingerprint scanners. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 6 | Unknown | Poco X3 Pro provides better protection against scratches and impacts due to Corning Gorilla Glass 6. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Fingerprint, Ultrasonic proximity | Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Fingerprint, Proximity | Both offer a comprehensive set of sensors; Poco X3 Pro features a more advanced proximity sensor. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro Advantages:
- Significantly Superior Performance: The Snapdragon 860 chipset provides drastically higher performance, making it suitable for demanding tasks such as gaming and video editing.
- Smoother Display: The 120Hz refresh rate offers a more fluid and responsive user experience for everyday use and gaming.
- Larger Battery: A larger 5160mAh battery capacity translates to longer usage time.
- Better Video Recording Capabilities: 4K video recording and higher slow-motion options are available.
- More RAM Options: Available with up to 8GB of RAM for superior multitasking performance.
- Optional Larger Storage: 256GB storage option available for users who need more internal space.
- Advanced Wi-Fi: Support for Wi-Fi MIMO and Wi-Fi Direct.
- Better Screen Protection: Gorilla Glass 6 provides added durability and scratch resistance.
- Hi-Res Audio: Improved audio experience for audiophiles
Huawei nova 8i Advantages:
- Lighter Design: The device is 25g lighter, improving long-term comfort.
- Faster Charging: 66W fast charging allows for much faster battery top-ups.
- Slightly better selfie low-light: slightly wider aperture might offer better low-light performance.
- Noise Cancellation Microphone: potentially clearer audio during calls
- More compact: slightly smaller dimensions.
Trade-offs:
- The Poco X3 Pro sacrifices a lighter design and faster charging for significantly higher performance, a better display and battery life.
- The Nova 8i sacrifices performance and some features like a higher refresh rate and 4K video recording, in favor of a lighter design, faster charging, and potentially better call quality.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro Ideal User:
- Gamers: The powerful processor and 120Hz display make it ideal for mobile gaming.
- Power Users: Those who frequently multitask or use resource-intensive apps will benefit from the superior performance.
- Media Consumers: The large battery, high-resolution screen, and Hi-Res audio make it good for watching videos and listening to music.
- Budget-Conscious Performance Seekers: Those who prioritize performance over all else at an affordable price.
- Users Who Capture High-Quality Videos: 4K video recording provides greater flexibility in video production.
Huawei nova 8i Ideal User:
- Casual Users: Those who prioritize basic smartphone functions and prefer a lighter device.
- Users Who Need Fast Charging: Those who prioritize fast charging over long battery life.
- Users who prioritize design: User will be attracted to the premium look and feel, the thinner design, and the lighter weight.
- Users who prioritize phone calls: Users who would value the noise-cancelling microphone.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- How important is performance? If gaming, video editing, or heavy multitasking are priorities, the Poco X3 Pro is the better choice.
- What is the priority: battery life or fast charging? If long battery life is needed, the Poco X3 Pro is preferred. For very fast charging, the Nova 8i wins.
- How important is a smoother display? If 120Hz refresh rate is important for fluid user interface and gaming, Poco X3 Pro is the superior choice.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Mobile Gaming Enthusiast - Choose the Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro for its powerful performance, 120Hz display, and larger battery.
- Scenario 2: Everyday Casual User - The Huawei nova 8i would be a good option due to its lighter design, faster charging, and overall smoothness.
- Scenario 3: User Needing the Best Performance - The Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro is the clear winner for its significantly higher performance.
- Scenario 4: User Wanting a Premium Design & Lighter Feel - The Huawei Nova 8i would be the better choice for its premium design, light weight, and thinner dimensions.
- Scenario 5: User Looking for the best Audio Recording Quality - The Huawei Nova 8i would be the better choice for its noise-cancelling microphone.
My Choice
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would pick the Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro. My primary reasons are:
- Superior Performance: The Snapdragon 860 offers a vastly improved experience in everyday use, especially when multitasking and running demanding applications. The better GPU would be highly beneficial for playing games.
- Smoother Display: The 120Hz refresh rate is a feature that I value, it gives a much more responsive user interface, and a much better experience when playing mobile games.
- Longer Battery Life: Despite the slower charging, the extra battery capacity means that I wouldn't need to charge the phone as often.
- Future-Proofing: Given the powerful processor and the newer Android version, I would expect the Poco X3 Pro to remain usable for a longer period.
- 4k Video Recording: Although I am not a content creator, having the possibility to shoot high-quality videos is a plus.
While the Huawei Nova 8i has the advantage of being lighter, having fast charging and potentially better call quality, the overall improvement to user experience offered by the Poco X3 Pro makes it the more compelling choice for me.
