Smartphone Comparison: Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro vs. Motorola Moto G72
1. Specifications Comparison
Design
| Feature | Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro | Motorola Moto G72 | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Launch Date | 2021-03-24 | 2022-10-03 | Moto G72 is a newer model, potentially with more updated software features. |
| Dimensions | 165.3 × 76.8 × 9.4 mm | 160.5 × 74.4 × 7.9 mm | Poco X3 Pro is larger and bulkier, making the Moto G72 more pocketable and comfortable for single-handed use. |
| Weight | 215g | 166g | Moto G72 is significantly lighter, improving comfort during extended use and carrying. |
Display
| Feature | Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro | Motorola Moto G72 | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Size | 6.67" | 6.6" | Negligible difference in screen size; both offer a large viewing area. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2400 | Identical sharpness and clarity; both offer a Full HD+ experience. |
| PPI | 395 | 402 | Very similar pixel density; no noticeable difference in sharpness to the naked eye. |
| Technology | IPS LCD | P-OLED | Moto G72's P-OLED offers superior color vibrancy, deeper blacks, and better contrast, providing a more immersive viewing experience. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both provide smooth scrolling and animations for a fluid user experience. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Note: Peak brightness values are missing, making comparison impossible. Real-world visibility under bright sunlight cannot be determined. |
Performance
| Feature | Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro | Motorola Moto G72 | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 860 (7nm) | Mediatek Helio G99 (6nm) | Poco X3 Pro's Snapdragon 860 is significantly more powerful, resulting in faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and enhanced gaming performance. |
| AnTuTu Score | 627,869 | 415,300 | Poco X3 Pro demonstrates superior performance, particularly in demanding tasks like gaming and video editing. |
| GPU | Adreno 640 | Mali-G57 MC2 | Adreno 640 offers superior graphics processing, leading to better gaming and graphically intense application performance. |
Camera
| Feature | Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro | Motorola Moto G72 | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Main Camera | 48MP (f/1.79, 1/2", 0.80µm), Sony IMX582 | 108MP (f/1.7, 0.64µm) | Moto G72's higher resolution can capture more detailed images under good lighting. Poco X3 Pro may be more suited to low-light scenarios due to larger sensor size, though this is based on sensor size and not direct testing. |
| Selfie Camera | 20MP (f/2.2, 1/3.4", 0.80µm), Samsung S5K3T2 | 16MP (pixel size not specified) | Poco X3 Pro's higher resolution results in sharper, more detailed selfie photos. The lack of pixel size for Motorola makes low-light comparison harder. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 8MP (f/2.2, 1/4", 1.12µm), Omnivision OV8856 | 8MP (f/1.9, 1.12µm) | Moto G72's wider aperture potentially allows better low-light performance for wide-angle shots. |
| Portrait Mode | 2MP (f/2.4, 1/5", 1.75µm), Omnivision OV02B1B | Not available | Poco X3 Pro has a dedicated depth sensor for portrait mode for better background blur and bokeh effects. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP (f/2.4, 1/5", 1.75µm), Hynix HI-259 | 2MP (f/2.4, 1.75µm) | Both provide similar macro capabilities, suitable for close-up shots. |
| Video Recording | Up to 4K@30fps with EIS | Up to 1080p@60fps | Poco X3 Pro supports higher-resolution video recording (4K), useful for capturing more detailed footage. Both offer stabilization, but the Poco X3 Pro's versatility is superior. |
| Camera Features | 4K Video, Quadruple camera, Manual focus | Triple camera, PDAF, LAF | Poco X3 Pro offers more control with manual focus, while Moto G72 has faster autofocus using PDAF and LAF. Poco X3 Pro is more versatile with a quad-camera setup, the Moto G72 is slightly more efficient. |
Battery
| Feature | Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro | Motorola Moto G72 | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Capacity | 5160mAh | 5000mAh | Very similar battery capacity; expect comparable battery life. |
| Charging | 33W Fast Charging, Li-Polymer | 33W Fast Charging, Li-Ion | Both offer fast charging for quick power-ups; differences between Li-Polymer and Li-Ion are mostly in longevity rather than short term performance. |
| Battery Features | Non-removable | Non-removable | Batteries in both devices cannot be replaced by user |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro Advantages:
- Superior Performance: The Snapdragon 860 chipset provides significantly better processing power for gaming and heavy multitasking.
- Higher Video Resolution: 4K video recording offers more flexibility for high-quality video content.
- More versatile Camera Features: 4 lenses and manual focus give more control over photos.
- Better Screen Protection: Gorilla Glass 6 offers superior drop and scratch resistance.
- Hi-Res Audio Support: More detailed and nuanced audio experience for audiophiles
Motorola Moto G72 Advantages:
- Superior Display Technology: P-OLED display offers significantly better color, contrast, and viewing angles.
- Lighter and More Compact: Easier to handle, pocket and carry around all day.
- Newer OS: Comes with Android 12 out of the box, giving it a slightly more modern software base and more software support.
- Better Wide Angle Aperture: wider f/1.9 lens for better low light photos.
- Faster Autofocus: PDAF and LAF enables faster and accurate focus.
- Dolby Atmos: superior audio quality via optimized sound settings
Trade-offs:
- Poco X3 Pro: Trade-offs its sleeker build and display for processing power.
- Moto G72: Trade-offs processing power for its superior display and newer software.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro:
- Ideal User: Gamers, performance enthusiasts, users who prioritize processing power, video creators, and those who like to fine-tune camera settings.
- Use Cases: Mobile gaming, video editing, running demanding applications, high-resolution video capture, and users seeking advanced camera options.
Motorola Moto G72:
- Ideal User: Casual users, media consumers, users who prioritize display quality and a comfortable form factor, camera users who need a better low light wide angle photo, and those who need faster autofocus.
- Use Cases: Watching videos, browsing social media, photography in normal to low-light situations, everyday use, and users who value a sleek, portable device.
Price-to-Value Ratio:
- The Poco X3 Pro offers better value for power users focused on performance.
- The Moto G72 offers a better experience for those who prioritize display, portability and the most recent software.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- Do you prioritize performance for gaming or demanding apps? If yes, the Poco X3 Pro is the clear choice.
- Is display quality more important than raw processing power? If yes, the Moto G72's P-OLED screen is superior.
- Do you value a more portable, lighter phone or a more versatile set of features? If portability is important, choose the Moto G72, for all else, choose the Poco X3 Pro.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Gaming Enthusiast: Choose the Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro for its superior performance.
- Media Consumer: Choose the Motorola Moto G72 for its superior display quality.
- Everyday User: Choose the Motorola Moto G72 for its balance of display, portability, and modern software.
- Photography Enthusiast: Choose the Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro for its versatility, or the Motorola Moto G72 for its superior low light wide angle photos.
My Choice
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would select the Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro. While the Motorola Moto G72 offers a better display and a lighter design, my main priority is performance. The significantly more powerful Snapdragon 860 chipset in the Poco X3 Pro would result in a more fluid and responsive experience, especially for tasks like gaming and multitasking. Furthermore, the higher resolution video capabilities and the additional camera features offers more versatility. While the P-OLED display on the G72 is enticing, for me, the practical performance gains outweigh the display benefits.
