Smartphone Comparison: Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro vs. Huawei nova 9
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro | Huawei nova 9 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 165.3 x 76.8 x 9.4 mm | 160 x 73.7 x 7.8 mm | Poco X3 Pro is larger and bulkier; Nova 9 is slimmer and more pocketable. |
| Weight | 215g | 175g | Nova 9 is significantly lighter, enhancing comfort during extended use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.67" | 6.57" | Negligible difference in screen size. |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 | 1080 x 2340 | Very similar resolution, both are sharp for daily use. |
| Technology | IPS LCD | OLED | Nova 9's OLED offers richer colors, deeper blacks, and better contrast, leading to a more vibrant viewing experience. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both offer smooth scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Both have identical peak brightness. (Note: Real-world brightness values are missing, affecting comparisons in outdoor visibility) |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 860 (7 nm) | Snapdragon 778G 4G (6 nm) | Poco X3 Pro's chipset is marginally faster for intensive tasks like gaming. |
| AnTuTu Score | 627,869 | 578,555 | Poco X3 Pro offers slightly better raw performance, suitable for gamers and power users. |
| GPU | Adreno 640 | Adreno 642L | Poco X3 Pro's GPU has a marginal edge in graphics-intensive apps and gaming |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera Resolution | 48MP (f/1.79) | 50MP (f/1.9) | Nova 9's slightly higher resolution and larger sensor could offer better low-light performance and detail. |
| Main Camera Sensor Size | 1/2" | 1/1.56" | Nova 9’s larger sensor typically captures more light, which will improve low light performance. |
| Main Camera Sensor Model | Sony IMX582 Exmor RS | Sony IMX766 | Nova 9 uses a newer and likely better sensor. |
| Selfie Camera Resolution | 20MP (f/2.2) | 32MP (f/2.0) | Nova 9's higher resolution selfie camera may result in better detail. |
| Selfie Camera Aperture | f/2.2 | f/2.0 | Huawei has a wider aperture, resulting in better low light performance. |
| Wide Angle Camera | 8MP (f/2.2) | 8MP (f/2.2) | Comparable wide angle cameras. |
| Portrait/Depth Camera | 2MP (f/2.4) | 2MP (f/2.4) | Comparable depth cameras. |
| Macro Camera | 2MP (f/2.4) | 2MP (f/2.4) | Comparable macro cameras. |
| Video Recording | Up to 4K@30fps | Up to 720p@960fps | Poco X3 Pro offers 4K recording, while Nova 9 offers 720p slow motion. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5160 mAh | 4300 mAh | Poco X3 Pro has a significantly larger battery, offering longer usage times between charges. |
| Charging | 33W Fast Charging | 66W Fast Charging | Nova 9 charges much faster, reducing downtime. |
| Software | |||
| Operating System | Android 11 (Upgradable to 12) | Unknown OS | Poco X3 Pro offers more clarity regarding software version. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | Wi-Fi 5 (ac) | Wi-Fi 6 (ax) | Nova 9 supports Wi-Fi 6 for faster and more efficient wireless connectivity. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.2 | Nova 9 offers the newer Bluetooth standard. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo | Nova 9 has better GPS coverage. |
| SIM | Dual Nano SIM | Dual Micro/Nano SIM | Poco X3 Pro supports using two SIMs simultaneously. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 128/256 GB | 128/256 GB | Both offer similar storage options. |
| RAM | 6/8 GB | 8 GB | Nova 9 has 8GB RAM, while the X3 Pro offers an additional 6GB option |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone supports expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Audio Quality | Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | Basic Audio | Poco X3 Pro offers better audio quality via stereo speakers. |
| Security | |||
| Biometric | Side-mounted Fingerprint | Basic Fingerprint Sensor | Poco X3 Pro features side-mounted fingerprint sensor for secure and convenient unlocking. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Gorilla Glass 6 | Unknown | Poco X3 Pro offers superior screen protection from scratches and drops. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Ultrasonic proximity | Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Proximity | Poco X3 Pro features a virtual ultrasonic proximity sensor. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro Advantages:
- Performance: The Snapdragon 860 offers superior performance than the 778G 4G in benchmarks, making it better for demanding games and applications.
- Battery Life: Larger 5160mAh battery means longer usage times, ideal for heavy users.
- Audio: Features Hi-Res Audio and Stereo Speakers providing a higher quality audio experience.
- Screen Protection: Corning Gorilla Glass 6 offers better protection from drops and scratches.
- Video Recording: 4K video recording capability provides higher resolution video than the Huawei.
- Software: Clear software support with Android 11 and an upgrade to 12.
Huawei nova 9 Advantages:
- Display Quality: OLED display offers more vibrant colors and better contrast than the IPS LCD.
- Charging Speed: Significantly faster 66W charging means less downtime.
- Main Camera: The larger sensor and newer tech can capture more light and detail, especially in low-light situations.
- Selfie Camera: Higher resolution and wider aperture on the selfie camera could provide better quality photos and videos.
- Connectivity: Supports Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.2 offering faster and more efficient wireless connections.
- Design: Lighter, slimmer design is more comfortable for extended use.
- GPS: Additional GPS options for enhanced location accuracy
Significant Trade-offs:
- Poco X3 Pro: Trades a lower quality display and higher weight for better performance and battery life.
- Nova 9: Trades performance and battery capacity for a superior display, charging speed, and camera quality.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro:
- Ideal User: Gamers, power users, and those who prioritize performance and battery life.
- Use Cases: Intensive gaming, running demanding apps, watching videos for extended periods, and users who don't want to charge their phone frequently.
- Price-to-Value: Good value for users who want high performance at a lower price point.
Huawei nova 9:
- Ideal User: Users who prioritize a high-quality display, fast charging, and superior camera quality.
- Use Cases: Taking photos and videos, viewing media, enjoying vibrant displays and fast charging.
- Price-to-Value: Offers a premium experience with an emphasis on design and camera quality.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- Do you prioritize performance or display quality?
- If performance is key (especially for gaming), choose the Poco X3 Pro.
- If display quality is a priority (for media consumption), choose the Nova 9.
- How important is battery life versus fast charging?
- If you need the longest battery life, choose the Poco X3 Pro.
- If you need quick top-ups, the Nova 9's 66W charging is superior.
- What type of photography do you engage in most?
- If you prioritize general photography, the Huawei's slightly superior camera sensors may be preferable.
- If you prioritize selfie quality, the Nova 9 offers better resolution and aperture.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Gamer: Choose the Poco X3 Pro for better performance and longer battery life.
- Media Enthusiast: Choose the Nova 9 for its superior OLED display and faster charging.
- Frequent Traveler: Choose the Nova 9 for faster charging, or the Poco X3 Pro for its longer battery life.
- Social Media User: Choose the Nova 9 for its superior selfie camera and better display for content consumption.
Personal Choice
If I were to choose between these two phones, I would pick the Huawei Nova 9. While the Poco X3 Pro offers a stronger processor and a larger battery, the Nova 9's superior display technology is a bigger selling point for me. As someone who spends a lot of time consuming media, an OLED panel will provide a significantly better experience, with richer colors and better contrast. I value the faster charging speeds of the Nova 9 which would allow me to top up quickly throughout the day. Although the performance of the Poco X3 Pro is better, I would be willing to trade some performance for a vastly improved screen and faster charging. Additionally, the camera benefits of the Nova 9 provide a much more robust user experience for taking photos and videos. While the Poco X3 Pro is a good choice for gamers, I am not a heavy gamer on my phone, and so the performance difference isn't as important to me.
