Smartphone Comparison: Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro vs. Nokia X30
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro | Nokia X30 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 165.3 x 76.8 x 9.4 mm | 158.9 x 73.9 x 8 mm | Poco X3 Pro is larger, bulkier; Nokia X30 is more compact, easier to handle |
| Weight | 215g | 185g | Nokia X30 is noticeably lighter, better for extended use |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.67" | 6.43" | Poco X3 Pro offers a slightly larger viewing area, but Nokia X30 is more comfortable for one-handed use. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2400 | Both displays are equally sharp |
| Technology | IPS LCD | AMOLED | Nokia X30 has superior contrast, deeper blacks, more vibrant colors; better for watching videos, photos, dark mode usage, and saves battery |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 90Hz | Poco X3 Pro feels smoother when scrolling, gaming, and overall navigation |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Unable to compare due to missing specifications; Brightness values are needed for a meaningful analysis. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 860 (7nm) | Snapdragon 695 5G (6nm) | Poco X3 Pro is significantly more powerful, faster app loading, smoother gaming experience |
| AnTuTu Score | 627,869 | 410,072 | Poco X3 Pro has better performance for demanding tasks, gaming; Nokia X30 is sufficient for daily use |
| GPU | Adreno 640 | Adreno 619 | Poco X3 Pro has better graphical capabilities for gaming |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5160mAh | 4200mAh | Poco X3 Pro likely has longer battery life, better for heavy users or long days without charging |
| Charging | 33W Fast Charging | 33W Fast Charging | Both phones charge at same speed, but battery life differs. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera Res | 48MP | 50MP | Nokia X30 has a slightly higher resolution. |
| Main Camera Aperture | f/1.79 | f/1.8 | Poco X3 Pro is slightly better for low-light situations. |
| Selfie Camera Res | 20MP | 16MP | Poco X3 Pro captures slightly more detailed selfies. |
| Selfie Camera Aperture | f/2.2 | f/2.4 | Poco X3 Pro is slightly better for low-light situations. |
| Wide Angle Res | 8MP | 13MP | Nokia X30 has a higher resolution wide-angle camera. |
| Wide Angle Aperture | f/2.2 | f/2.4 | Poco X3 Pro is slightly better for low-light situations. |
| Portrait Mode | Yes | No | Xiaomi has an additional camera for portrait mode. |
| Macro Lens | Yes | No | Xiaomi has an additional macro lens. |
| Video | 4K@30fps, 1080p@960fps | 1080p@60fps | Poco X3 Pro offers higher video resolution, better for content creators, 4k videos while Nokia X30 is suitable for common use. |
| Video Stabilization | No | Yes | Nokia X30 offers Optical Image stabilization for stable videos |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 (up to 12) | Android 12 (up to 13) | Nokia X30 has a more up-to-date software, longer software support. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 5 | Wi-Fi 6 | Nokia X30 offers faster Wi-Fi speeds, lower latency. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.1 | Nokia X30 has a slightly more recent Bluetooth version |
| GPS | GPS, GLONASS, etc | GPS, GLONASS, QZSS, etc | Nokia X30 has better location tracking accuracy |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 128/256 GB | 128/256 GB | Both offer same storage space. |
| RAM | 6/8 GB | 6/8 GB | Both have similar variants for multitasking |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither have expandable storage options |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Hi-Res, Stereo | Basic | Poco X3 Pro has better audio quality, good for music lovers, multimedia consumption. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Side Fingerprint | Basic Fingerprint | Poco X3 Pro has a faster and more reliable fingerprint scanner. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Gorilla Glass 6 | Gorilla Glass Victus | Nokia X30 offers superior screen protection. |
| Sensors | |||
| Features | Gyro, Accelerometer, Compass | Gyro, Accelerometer | Xiaomi has better sensors for gaming, and other apps |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro Advantages:
- Superior Performance: The Snapdragon 860 chipset and Adreno 640 GPU provide much better performance for gaming, multitasking, and demanding applications, resulting in smoother overall user experience.
- Larger Battery: 5160mAh battery offers longer battery life, suitable for heavy users, users who are away from power source for long durations.
- Better Audio: Includes Hi-Res Audio and stereo speakers, offering a much better audio experience for music and media consumption.
- Advanced Camera Features: Has additional lenses (portrait and macro)
- Higher refresh rate Offers a better refresh rate for more fluid user experience.
Nokia X30 Advantages:
- Superior Display Technology: AMOLED display provides deeper blacks, better contrast, and more vibrant colors, enhancing the visual experience.
- Compact and Lightweight Design: More comfortable and easier to handle for long durations due to its lightweight build.
- Better Camera Features: Features OIS for stable videos.
- More Up-to-Date Software: Runs on Android 12 (upgradeable to 13), has better software support and security.
- Advanced Connectivity: Supports Wi-Fi 6, offering faster speeds and better network performance.
- Better Build Quality: Features Gorilla Glass Victus for superior screen protection.
- More Accurate Location Tracking: Supports QZSS satellite systems for better location tracking accuracy.
- Better Video Quality: Provides Optical Image Stabilization for smoother recordings
Significant Trade-offs:
- Poco X3 Pro: Sacrifices display quality (IPS LCD) and software for better performance and battery. Larger and heavier.
- Nokia X30: Compromises on performance and battery for a better display, design, build, and modern software.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro is ideal for:
- Gamers: Demanding mobile gamers will benefit from the powerful processor, high refresh rate, and long battery life.
- Power Users: Individuals who need a device that can handle heavy multitasking, demanding apps, and long days without needing to recharge frequently.
- Media Consumers: Users who prioritize audio quality for videos and music consumption.
- Users who take lots of pictures in different focal lengths: Has dedicated lenses for macro and portraits.
Specific Use Cases:
- High-intensity gaming sessions, smooth navigation
- Long workdays with multiple apps running
- Listening to music with high quality audio
Nokia X30 is ideal for:
- Casual Users: Individuals who prioritize a compact, lightweight design, better display quality, good camera for daily use, and longer software support.
- Photography Enthusiasts: Users who value display quality and a decent camera with image stabilization.
- Users who prefer modern software and a cleaner Android experience: Benefits from recent Android and OS updates.
- Users who prioritize video recordings Optical Image Stabilization will offer better video recordings.
Specific Use Cases:
- Everyday use, browsing social media, capturing casual photos.
- Enjoying streaming content with better visual quality.
- Travel, when you need a compact design.
Price-to-Value Ratio:
- The Poco X3 Pro generally offers excellent performance for the price, making it attractive to budget-conscious users who prioritize speed and battery life.
- The Nokia X30 is positioned slightly higher due to its display quality, build and software, but doesn't offer the same raw power. Its value comes from a more premium user experience.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions to Consider:
- What is my primary use case? (Gaming, social media, content consumption, photography etc.)
- How important is display quality versus performance? (Prioritize vibrant display or raw speed?)
- Do I value a more compact/lighter device or larger display/longer battery? (Consider comfort versus convenience)
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: You are a gamer or a heavy user. Choose the Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro. The Snapdragon 860, high refresh rate, and large battery will make your experience much more fluid and enjoyable.
- Scenario 2: You are a casual user and value a good display, design, and software experience. Choose the Nokia X30. Its AMOLED display, lighter build, and cleaner Android will provide a more enjoyable experience.
- Scenario 3: You want to prioritize performance on a budget. Choose the Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro due to its processing power.
- Scenario 4: You want a good display and camera on a budget. Choose the Nokia X30 as it provides a better experience in both areas.
My Choice
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would personally choose the Nokia X30. While the Poco X3 Pro offers superior raw performance and battery life, the Nokia X30's AMOLED display, modern software experience, and lighter design make it a more appealing daily driver for me.
My usage typically involves a mix of browsing, social media, content consumption, and some photography. The Nokia X30 excels in these areas. The OLED screen alone is a major differentiator for me. Also the better build quality and OIS are also important in a smartphone I would like to use for a longer time. While the gaming performance is not as good as the Poco X3 Pro, it is more than adequate for casual gaming. The slightly lower battery life is a trade-off I'm willing to make for the other benefits. I value display and build quality more than raw processing power.
