Smartphone Comparison: Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro vs. Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G (2023)
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro | Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G (2023) | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 165.3 x 76.8 x 9.4 mm | 162.8 x 73.8 x 9.2 mm | Xiaomi is slightly larger and thicker, potentially feeling bulkier in hand and pockets |
| Weight | 215g | 202g | Motorola is lighter by 13g, making it more comfortable for extended use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.67" | 6.6" | Negligible difference in screen real estate; both provide similar viewing experiences. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2400 | Both offer sharp, detailed images and videos |
| PPI | 395 | 399 | Similar pixel densities, resulting in comparable display clarity. |
| Technology | IPS LCD | IPS LCD | Both have comparable color accuracy and viewing angles, but may not have the deep blacks of OLED. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Smooth scrolling and animations on both devices. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Brightness specifications are unavailable, so real-world outdoor visibility can't be directly compared. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 860 (7nm) | Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 (4nm) | Snapdragon 860 is older, but slightly more powerful according to Antutu scores; Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 is more power-efficient. |
| Antutu Score | 627,869 | 565,000 | Poco X3 Pro offers a minor performance advantage; noticeable in heavier gaming and multitasking. |
| GPU | Adreno 640 | Adreno 710 | Adreno 710 is newer but slightly less powerful, offering a balance of performance and efficiency. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5160 mAh | 5000 mAh | Similar battery life, capable of lasting a full day with moderate usage |
| Charging | 33W | 20W | Poco X3 Pro charges significantly faster, reducing downtime and enabling quick top-ups. |
| Camera | |||
| Rear (Main) | 48MP, f/1.79, 1/2" | 50MP, f/1.88, 1/1.55" | Moto G Stylus has a higher resolution sensor, a larger sensor size, and slightly narrow aperture, leading to better low light performance and more detail. |
| Front (Selfie) | 20MP, f/2.2, 1/3.4" | 16MP, f/2.5, Unknown Sensor Size | Poco X3 Pro captures more detailed selfies with a wider aperture for better low light. |
| Wide Angle | 8MP, f/2.2, 1/4" | None | Poco X3 Pro offers wide-angle shots, good for landscapes and group photos. |
| Depth | 2MP, f/2.4, 1/5" | None | Poco X3 Pro has a dedicated depth sensor for portrait mode. |
| Macro | 2MP, f/2.4, 1/5" | None | Poco X3 Pro has a dedicated macro lens for close-up shots. |
| Wide Angle + Macro | None | 8MP, f/2.2, Unknown Sensor Size | Moto G Stylus combines wide-angle and macro capabilities into a single lens for capturing a broader range of scenarios. |
| Video | Up to 4K@30fps, EIS | Up to 4K@30fps, OIS | Both offer 4K recording, but Moto G Stylus has OIS (Optical Image Stabilization) for smoother videos. Xiaomi's EIS also supports recording at 1080p@120fps/240fps/960fps |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 (upgradable to 12) | Android 13 | Moto G Stylus offers a more up-to-date Android experience with potentially longer software support. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 5 (ac), MiMO | Wi-Fi 6 (ax) | Moto G Stylus supports a faster and more efficient Wi-Fi standard for better network performance. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.2 | Moto G Stylus features a more recent version of Bluetooth with slightly improved performance and power efficiency. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, SUPL, GPS (L1+L5), Galileo (E1+E5a) | Both offer robust GPS but with different supported systems for varying levels of accuracy and connectivity. |
| SIM | Dual SIM Dual Standby | Single SIM | Poco X3 Pro supports dual SIM cards, which can be useful for managing multiple numbers. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128GB/256GB | 128GB/256GB | Similar storage options, with no option for expandable storage on either device. |
| RAM | 6GB/8GB | 4GB/6GB/8GB | Similar RAM options for basic multi-tasking and gaming capabilities; Motorola might have better optimization of memory management. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers, 2 microphones | Moto G Stylus offers Dolby Atmos and better microphone configuration, enhancing audio capture and playback quality; Poco X3 Pro offers Hi-Res Audio. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Side-mounted Fingerprint Sensor | Side-mounted Fingerprint Sensor | Both offer similar fingerprint security for device unlocking and user verification. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 6 | Unknown | Poco X3 Pro offers better screen protection against scratches and damage. |
| Sensors | |||
| Features | Biometric: Fingerprint, Motion: Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Proximity: Ultrasonic proximity virtual | Biometric: Fingerprint, Proximity: Proximity, Motion: Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Geomagnetic | Poco X3 Pro includes a compass and ultrasonic proximity sensor, while Moto G Stylus includes a Hall sensor. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro Advantages:
- Slightly More Powerful Performance: The Snapdragon 860 offers a slight edge in raw performance, beneficial for gaming and heavy multitasking.
- Faster Charging: 33W charging enables significantly faster battery top-ups, reducing downtime.
- More Versatile Rear Camera Array: Includes dedicated wide-angle, macro, and depth sensors, allowing for more diverse shooting options.
- Higher Resolution Front Camera: Provides more detailed and sharper selfies.
- Dual SIM Support: Offers the flexibility of using two SIM cards simultaneously.
- Corning Gorilla Glass 6: Offers better screen protection compared to the unknown protection of the Moto G Stylus 5G (2023)
Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G (2023) Advantages:
- Newer Chipset: The Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 is more energy-efficient and has the newer generation architecture.
- Main Camera with OIS: Optical image stabilization leads to smoother and more stable video footage, especially in lower light or when moving.
- Newer Software: Ships with Android 13, offering the latest features and a more modern experience.
- Dolby Atmos: Delivers superior audio quality with better audio separation and immersion.
- Newer Wi-Fi & Bluetooth: Supports Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.2, offering faster and more efficient wireless connectivity.
- Wide Angle + Macro: Combines both features in a single lens.
- Stylus Support: Offers stylus functionality not available on the Poco X3 Pro, useful for note taking and creative tasks.
Trade-offs:
- The Poco X3 Pro prioritizes raw performance and fast charging but lags slightly behind in software and camera features (OIS and combined macro lens).
- The Moto G Stylus 5G offers a more balanced experience with a newer OS, better wireless connectivity, and a main camera with OIS, but sacrifices some of the raw performance and speed of charging and lacks dual sim.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro:
- Ideal User: Mobile gamers, power users on a budget, users who prioritize raw performance, and those needing dual SIM support.
- Use Cases:
- Gaming: The powerful chipset and 120Hz display provide a smooth and responsive gaming experience.
- Heavy Multitasking: Can handle multiple apps and background processes without significant slowdown.
- Users who want a faster charging experience.
- Users that need dual SIM capabilities.
- Price-to-Value: Provides excellent performance for its price, making it a great option for budget-conscious users seeking power.
Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G (2023):
- Ideal User: Users who value a balanced experience, multimedia consumption, note-takers, those who need stylus functionality, and those who prefer a newer Android version with a more modern design.
- Use Cases:
- Content Creation: Suitable for basic video creation and photography with OIS and improved low light capabilities.
- Productivity: The included stylus is beneficial for note-taking, drawing, and general navigation.
- Multimedia Consumption: Dolby Atmos and stereo speakers provide an immersive audio experience.
- Price-to-Value: Offers a good set of features at a mid-range price, focusing on software and connectivity, while being capable of multimedia usage.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions to Consider:
- Do you prioritize raw performance or efficiency?
- If raw performance and faster charging are critical, the Poco X3 Pro is better.
- If you value energy efficiency and a more balanced experience, the Moto G Stylus 5G (2023) is preferable.
- How important is software and long-term software support?
- If you want the latest Android version, go for Moto G Stylus 5G (2023).
- If you are ok with Android 12, the Poco X3 Pro is fine
- What type of camera experience are you looking for?
- If you desire versatility in photography and higher resolution selfies, choose the Poco X3 Pro.
- If you value smoother video recording and better low-light performance with OIS, choose the Moto G Stylus 5G (2023).
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Heavy Gamer on a Budget: Choose the Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro for its superior raw performance and faster charging.
- Scenario 2: Multimedia User and Note-taker: Choose the Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G (2023) for its stylus support, Dolby Atmos, and a newer Android version.
- Scenario 3: Casual User, value for money: Choose Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro for its better balance of performance and features for the price, even with an older OS.
Personal Choice
If I were to choose, I would lean towards the Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G (2023). Here’s why: While the Poco X3 Pro offers a performance edge, the Moto G Stylus provides a more well-rounded experience that aligns with my needs. The newer software (Android 13), the inclusion of OIS in the main camera, Dolby Atmos for audio, and the unique advantage of stylus support for note-taking make it a more appealing option for everyday use and productivity. The slightly less powerful chipset is still adequate for my typical use cases, and the benefits offered by a newer, more feature-rich phone outweigh the marginal performance gain of the Poco. Additionally, the OIS on the main camera of the Moto G Stylus 5G (2023) is more practical for me than the slightly wider variety of lenses found on the Poco, and the additional features of the Motorola such as the newer Wi-Fi and Bluetooth would prove beneficial.
