1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro | Motorola Moto G34 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 165.3 × 76.8 × 9.4 mm | 162.7 × 74.6 × 8 mm | Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro is larger and thicker, may feel bulkier in hand. Moto G34 is more compact and pocketable. |
| Weight | 215g | 179g | Moto G34 is significantly lighter, more comfortable for extended use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.67" | 6.5" | Poco X3 Pro has a slightly larger screen. More immersive for media and gaming. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 720x1600 | Poco X3 Pro's higher resolution results in a sharper, clearer picture with more detail. |
| PPI | 395 | 270 | Poco X3 Pro offers a noticeably sharper display due to its higher pixel density. |
| Technology | IPS LCD | IPS LCD | Both offer similar LCD display quality, no difference. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both offer smooth scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Both phones' display brightness is unknown, making a practical comparison impossible. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 860 (7 nm) | Snapdragon 695 5G (6 nm) | Poco X3 Pro's chipset is more powerful, providing better performance for demanding tasks and gaming. |
| AnTuTu Score | 627,869 | 424,100 | Poco X3 Pro offers significantly faster app loading and smoother operation, especially in demanding applications. |
| GPU | Adreno 640 | Adreno 619 | Poco X3 Pro offers superior graphics performance, better for gaming and GPU intensive tasks. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5160mAh | 5000mAh | Similar battery capacity, expected comparable battery life for typical usage. |
| Charging | 33W fast charging | 20W fast charging | Poco X3 Pro charges faster, reducing downtime. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera Res | 48MP (f/1.79) | 50MP (f/1.8) | Moto G34 has slightly higher resolution but a slightly narrower aperture. Likely comparable image quality. |
| Main Sensor Size | 1/2" | N/A | Poco X3 Pro has a known sensor size, which can help in judging low light performance |
| Main Pixel Size | 0.8µm | 1.0µm | Moto G34 has larger pixels, potentially better light capture, and low-light performance |
| Selfie Camera Res | 20MP (f/2.2) | 16MP | Poco X3 Pro has a higher resolution selfie camera, could result in more detailed photos |
| Wide Angle Lens | 8MP (f/2.2) | None | Poco X3 Pro has a dedicated wide angle camera for capturing group photos or landscapes. |
| Portrait Lens | 2MP (f/2.4) | None | Poco X3 Pro has a dedicated depth sensor for better portrait mode photos. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP (f/2.4) | 2MP (f/2.4) | Both have similar macro lens capabilities, good for close-up shots. |
| Video Recording | Up to 4K@30fps, EIS | Up to 1080p@30fps | Poco X3 Pro has better video recording with up to 4K, suitable for higher quality video content |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 (Upgradable to 12) | Android 13 | Moto G34 has a newer Android version out of the box. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 5 | Wi-Fi 6 | Moto G34 supports the newer Wi-Fi 6 standard for potentially faster and more stable connections. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.1 | Moto G34 has a slightly newer Bluetooth version with potential for better connectivity. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou | Poco X3 Pro offers more comprehensive location tracking through additional Galileo satellite system. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 128/256GB | 64/128/256GB | Both have same max storage, options differ; choose based on storage needs. |
| RAM | 6/8GB | 4/8GB | Poco X3 Pro has 6GB base RAM, better multitasking than 4GB version of Moto G34. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | No expandable storage for either phone, choose the storage variant based on usage needs. |
| Audio | |||
| Audio Quality | Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers, 2 mics | Poco X3 Pro offers Hi-Res audio for superior sound. Moto G34 offers enhanced spatial audio, better audio separation, and better voice capture |
| Security | |||
| Features | Side-mounted fingerprint | Side-mounted fingerprint | Both have fast and convenient side-mounted fingerprint sensors. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Protection | Gorilla Glass 6 | Unknown | Poco X3 Pro offers superior screen protection and better resistance to scratches and drops |
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Ultrasonic Proximity | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer | Poco X3 Pro has more comprehensive sensor suite for advanced use cases like gaming and other complex features |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro Advantages:
- Superior Performance: The Snapdragon 860 chipset offers significantly higher CPU and GPU performance compared to the Snapdragon 695 in the Moto G34, resulting in faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and better gaming capabilities.
- Sharper Display: The higher resolution (1080x2400) and pixel density (395 PPI) of the Poco X3 Pro provide a noticeably sharper and clearer viewing experience, especially when viewing high-resolution content.
- More Versatile Cameras: The Poco X3 Pro includes a dedicated wide-angle lens and depth sensor, providing more options for photography. Also, its main camera includes a bigger sensor size.
- Faster Charging: 33W fast charging for quickly replenishing the battery.
- Better Screen Protection: Corning Gorilla Glass 6 provides more protection from scratches and drops.
- More Comprehensive Sensor Suite: The additional compass, gyroscope and ultrasonic proximity sensor are useful for gaming and other more advanced applications.
Motorola Moto G34 Advantages:
- Lighter and More Compact: The Moto G34 is lighter and thinner, making it more comfortable to hold and carry, especially for extended use.
- Newer Software: Android 13 offers the latest features and security updates compared to the older Android 11 (upgradable to 12) on the Poco X3 Pro.
- Newer Connectivity Standards: Wi-Fi 6 offers the potential for faster and more reliable Wi-Fi connections compared to Wi-Fi 5 on the Poco X3 Pro. The Bluetooth 5.1 is also newer, potentially offering better connectivity.
- Potentially better low light photos: Main camera has larger pixels which can be useful in low-light situations.
- Enhanced Audio: Dolby Atmos, enhanced spatial audio, better audio separation, and better voice capture.
Significant Trade-offs:
- Poco X3 Pro: sacrifices compactness and portability for performance and display quality. Also, it has an older version of Android.
- Moto G34: trades raw processing power and advanced camera features for a more comfortable design and newer software.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro Ideal User:
- Gamers: The more powerful Snapdragon 860 chipset and Adreno 640 GPU offer superior gaming performance, with smooth frame rates and enhanced graphics.
- Media Consumers: The larger and higher-resolution display, coupled with stereo speakers and Hi-Res Audio, provides an immersive viewing experience.
- Photography Enthusiasts: The inclusion of a wide-angle lens and depth sensor provide greater flexibility for different types of photography.
- Power Users: Those who need fast app loading, smooth multitasking and responsive user interface
Motorola Moto G34 Ideal User:
- Casual Users: Users who prioritize a lightweight and comfortable phone for daily tasks like browsing, social media, and calling.
- Budget-conscious Buyers: The Moto G34 provides a good balance of features and performance at a likely lower price point (depending on the market).
- Users Seeking Newer Software: Those who prefer the latest Android version and its features.
- Users seeking superior audio experience: Those who enjoy Dolby Atmos, enhanced spatial audio, and better voice capture will find Moto G34 a better option
- Users who like compact phones: The Moto G34 will fit better in smaller hands and be more comfortable in the pocket.
Specific Use Cases:
- Poco X3 Pro:
- Gaming: Playing graphically intensive games like PUBG Mobile, Genshin Impact
- Streaming: Watching videos on YouTube, Netflix, or other streaming apps
- Photography: Capturing wide landscape shots, portrait photos, and using creative photo filters
- Moto G34:
- Everyday Use: Browsing the web, using social media apps, and making calls
- Travel: A light and pocketable phone that is easy to handle
- Multimedia Consumption: Enjoying music, podcasts, and videos on-the-go
- Long audio recording and listening with enhanced audio separation and immersive capabilities
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- Performance vs. Portability? Do you need a powerful phone for demanding tasks and gaming, or do you prioritize a lightweight and comfortable design?
- Camera Versatility vs. Basic Functionality? Do you need a wide-angle lens, depth sensor, and better video recording, or is a single primary camera with good image quality enough?
- Newer Software vs. Raw Power? Do you prefer the latest Android version with its new features, or are you willing to sacrifice that for better performance and a more feature-rich camera system?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
Scenario 1: Gamer:
- Recommendation: Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro
- Reason: Superior chipset and GPU for better performance.
Scenario 2: Everyday User:
- Recommendation: Motorola Moto G34
- Reason: Lighter, newer software, good enough performance for casual usage.
Scenario 3: Photography Enthusiast:
- Recommendation: Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro
- Reason: Versatile camera system with more options for different photography needs
Scenario 4: Audiophile
- Recommendation: Motorola Moto G34
- Reason: Dolby Atmos for an enhanced, immersive audio experience.
My Choice
I would choose the Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro.
Reasoning:
While the Motorola Moto G34 has some appealing aspects, like its newer software and more compact design, the raw performance difference is too significant to ignore. As someone who uses their smartphone for a variety of tasks, including moderate gaming, content creation, and heavy multitasking, the Snapdragon 860 and Adreno 640 provide a smoother and more responsive experience overall. Additionally, the higher resolution display and the more versatile camera system provide a better overall experience for media consumption and capturing photos and videos. Although the Moto G34 has a newer OS, I am willing to sacrifice that for a better experience for my use-case.
Although the Moto G34 offers Dolby Atmos and may provide a slightly better audio experience for music listening, the Poco X3 Pro features Hi-Res Audio and Stereo Speakers, which are very good for my music listening purposes.
The Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro’s downsides (heavier, older OS) are tolerable in my case compared to the performance penalty of the Moto G34. Therefore, despite being the older phone, the Poco X3 Pro better aligns with my specific needs and preferences.
