Smartphone Comparison: Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro vs. Motorola Moto G73
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro | Motorola Moto G73 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Launch Date | 2021-03-24 | 2023-01-24 | Motorola Moto G73 is newer, potentially offering more recent software and hardware improvements. |
| Dimensions | 165.3 × 76.8 × 9.4 mm | 161.4 × 73.8 × 8.3 mm | Poco X3 Pro is larger and thicker, making the Moto G73 more pocketable and comfortable for prolonged use. |
| Weight | 215g | 181g | Motorola Moto G73 is significantly lighter, enhancing portability and comfort. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.67" | 6.5" | Poco X3 Pro has a slightly larger screen, which may be better for media consumption. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2400 | Both provide a sharp display with similar detail levels. |
| PPI | 395 | 405 | Both offer similar pixel density. Sharpness difference is unlikely to be noticeable to the human eye. |
| Technology | IPS LCD | IPS LCD | Similar color accuracy and viewing angles, expected in LCD panels. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both offer smooth scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness (nits) | 0 | 0 | Peak brightness is identical. This suggests similar visibility in varied lighting conditions (although actual performance may differ). |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 860 (7nm) | Mediatek Dimensity 930 (6nm) | Snapdragon 860 is generally more powerful for gaming, Dimensity 930 is more power efficient. |
| Antutu Score | 627,869 | 497,466 | Poco X3 Pro is significantly more powerful based on benchmark scores, offering faster app loading and smoother gaming experiences. |
| GPU | Adreno 640 | IMG BXM-8-256 | Poco X3 Pro has a more powerful GPU, better for demanding graphics and games. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 48MP, f/1.79, 1/2", 0.8µm | 50MP, f/1.8, 1.00µm | Moto G73 has higher resolution and larger pixels, potentially better for low-light photos and slightly better detail. |
| Selfie Camera | 20MP, f/2.2, 1/3.4", 0.8µm | 16MP, f/2.4, 1.00µm | Poco X3 Pro has higher resolution and a wider aperture for better selfies, particularly in low light. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 8MP, f/2.2, 1.12µm | 8MP, f/2.2, 1.12µm | Similar wide-angle camera performance. |
| Portrait Mode | 2MP, f/2.4 | N/A | Poco X3 Pro has a dedicated portrait mode lens. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP, f/2.4 | N/A | Poco X3 Pro has a dedicated macro lens for close-up shots. |
| Video | Up to 4K@30fps | Up to 1080p@60fps | Poco X3 Pro has better video recording resolution, suitable for high-quality videos. |
| Slow-motion | Up to 960fps | Up to 240fps | Poco X3 Pro can capture more detailed slow-motion videos. |
| Camera Features | Quad camera, 4K video | Dual camera, Ultra stable video, front flash, night mode | Poco X3 Pro offers a versatile camera setup, while Moto G73 prioritizes video stabilization and low-light captures. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5160mAh | 5000mAh | Similar battery capacity, likely to offer similar battery life. |
| Charging | 33W | 30W | Poco X3 Pro charges slightly faster. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 (upgradable to 12) | Android 13 | Moto G73 has a newer OS, implying longer software support and better features. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | Wi-Fi 5 | Wi-Fi 6 | Moto G73 offers faster and more stable WiFi connectivity. |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.0 | Bluetooth 5.3 | Moto G73 has a newer Bluetooth version, potentially more power efficient. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo, GPS (L1+L5), BeiDou (B1), NavIC System | Moto G73 supports a wider range of GPS systems, enhancing location accuracy. |
| SIM | Dual SIM | Dual SIM | Both support Dual SIM. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128GB/256GB | 128GB/256GB | Both offer similar storage options. |
| RAM | 6GB/8GB | 8GB | Moto G73 has a single 8GB option, ideal for multitasking. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone supports microSD card expansion. |
| Audio | |||
| Audio Quality | Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers, 2 microphones | Moto G73 offers Dolby Atmos and 2 microphones, whereas Poco X3 Pro has Hi-Res audio. |
| Security | |||
| Fingerprint Sensor | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Both have the same side-mounted fingerprint sensor, offering basic biometric security. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 6 | Unknown | Poco X3 Pro has a tougher screen protection. |
| Sensors | Biometric: Fingerprint; Motion: Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope; Proximity: Ultrasonic proximity virtual | Biometric: Fingerprint; Proximity: Proximity; Motion: Accelerometer, Compass | Poco X3 Pro offers a more comprehensive suite of sensors which can be suitable for more advanced features such as AR/VR and gaming. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro Advantages:
- Superior Performance: The Snapdragon 860 chipset and Adreno 640 GPU provide better overall performance, particularly in gaming and demanding tasks. This is shown in the 26% higher benchmark score.
- Better Video Recording: Offers 4K video recording at 30fps and higher slow-motion capabilities, making it suitable for users who prioritize video quality.
- More Versatile Camera System: Features a quad-camera setup with dedicated macro and depth sensors, providing more flexibility in photography.
- Better Screen Protection: Comes with Corning Gorilla Glass 6.
- More Comprehensive Sensor Suite: Includes a gyroscope and an ultrasonic proximity sensor, enabling more advanced features and gaming.
- Hi-Res Audio: Supports Hi-Res audio for enhanced audio playback
Motorola Moto G73 Advantages:
- Newer Software: Runs on Android 13, ensuring a more up-to-date user experience and potentially longer software support.
- Lighter and More Compact Design: Easier to handle and carry around.
- Better Connectivity: Supports Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.3, offering faster and more stable wireless connections.
- Better GPS Accuracy: Supports more satellite systems for better location accuracy.
- Improved Audio: Dolby Atmos, 2 microphones for enhanced spatial audio and better audio separation
- Potentially better low-light performance: Larger pixel sizes on the main and selfie cameras might translate to better low-light photos.
- Night Mode and Front Flash: Offers better low light capture.
Trade-offs:
- Poco X3 Pro: Sacrifices portability and newer software for raw processing power and camera versatility.
- Moto G73: Trades performance for better software, connectivity, ergonomics, and newer low-light camera capabilities.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro Ideal User:
- Gamers: The powerful Snapdragon 860 and Adreno 640 make it ideal for mobile gaming.
- Photography Enthusiasts: The quad-camera setup, higher resolution videos, and greater slow-motion options make it suitable for those who like to experiment with photography.
- Power Users: People who need a powerful phone for multitasking, video editing, and running demanding apps will appreciate the Poco X3 Pro.
- Users prioritising performance over software updates: Users who are less worried about having the absolute latest version of android might appreciate the power the X3 Pro brings.
Use Cases:
- Playing graphics-intensive games
- Recording high-quality 4K videos
- Taking detailed macro and portrait photos
- Running multiple apps simultaneously
- Enjoying Hi-Res audio.
Motorola Moto G73 Ideal User:
- Casual Users: The lighter design, newer software, and better battery optimisation make it a good choice for everyday use.
- Users Prioritising Connectivity: Those who value faster Wi-Fi and more accurate GPS for travel and navigation.
- Users seeking better low-light photos: Larger pixels and front flash might provide better photos in low light.
- Users prioritising software updates: Those who want the latest Android experience.
- Audio Focused: Users who want enhanced spatial audio and clear voice capture.
Use Cases:
- Everyday tasks like browsing, social media, and communication
- Navigation and mapping
- Capturing decent photos in various situations.
- Enjoying better wireless speeds.
- Clear audio for listening to music, watching videos and recording voice notes
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions to Consider:
- Performance or Portability? If you prioritize gaming and raw performance, choose the Poco X3 Pro. If you prefer a lighter, more compact phone, choose the Moto G73.
- Camera Versatility or Low Light Capabilities? If you want a camera setup with more lenses and recording options, choose the Poco X3 Pro. If you need better low-light performance choose the Moto G73.
- Software and Connectivity? Do you prefer having a newer OS and better Wi-Fi/Bluetooth connectivity? Then choose the Moto G73. If you are not fussed about the latest OS and prefer raw power, choose the Poco X3 Pro.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Gaming Enthusiast: Choose the Poco X3 Pro for its superior gaming performance and display.
- Everyday User: Choose the Moto G73 for its user-friendly design, newer software, better connectivity and battery optimization.
- Photography Enthusiast: Choose the Poco X3 Pro for the quad-camera setup and 4K recording.
- Traveler: Choose the Moto G73 for the better GPS, compact design, and better Wi-Fi connectivity.
My Choice
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would lean towards the Motorola Moto G73. While the Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro has a more powerful chipset, a better video recorder and more versatile camera setup, the benefits of the Moto G73 are more aligned with my priorities: a lighter design, a more recent operating system, enhanced connectivity with Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.3, improved low-light camera capabilities, and enhanced audio with Dolby Atmos. Since I am not a heavy mobile gamer, the trade-off in performance is acceptable for the overall benefits in everyday usability, long-term software support, and user experience.
