Smartphone Comparison: Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro vs. Nothing Phone (1)
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro | Nothing Phone (1) | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 165.3 x 76.8 x 9.4 mm | 159.2 x 75.8 x 8.3 mm | Nothing Phone (1) is more compact and easier to handle. The X3 Pro is noticeably bulkier and heavier, which might impact portability and one-handed use. |
| Weight | 215g | 193.5g | Nothing Phone (1) is significantly lighter, improving comfort during extended use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.67" | 6.55" | The X3 Pro has a slightly larger screen, which can be preferable for media consumption, while Nothing Phone (1) is a little more compact. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2400 | Identical resolution, both offer sharp image quality for general use. |
| Pixel Density (PPI) | 395 | 402 | Both have very similar pixel density, meaning nearly identical sharpness. |
| Technology | IPS LCD | OLED | Nothing Phone (1)'s OLED display will provide superior contrast, deeper blacks, and more vibrant colors compared to the X3 Pro's IPS LCD. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both displays offer a smooth 120Hz refresh rate, providing a more fluid experience for scrolling and gaming. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 1200 nits | The Nothing Phone (1) has significantly better outdoor visibility thanks to its much higher brightness, whereas the X3 Pro's display brightness is unknown. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 860 (7nm) | Snapdragon 778G+ 5G (6nm) | Both offer good performance, but the Snapdragon 860 is slightly older. The 778G+ is generally more power-efficient and offers 5G support. |
| AnTuTu Score | 627,869 | 624,253 | Both phones have virtually identical performance scores, indicating similar levels of general processing power. |
| GPU | Adreno 640 | Adreno 642L | The Adreno 642L in the Nothing Phone (1) is a more modern GPU, potentially offering slightly better gaming performance and efficiency. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5160mAh | 4500mAh | The X3 Pro has a larger battery, potentially offering longer battery life. |
| Charging | 33W Fast Charging (Li-Polymer) | 33W Fast Charging (Li-Ion) | Both phones support 33W fast charging; Battery type is slightly different, but the practical effect is likely to be minor. |
| Features | Non-removable | Reverse charging, Wireless charging 15W, Reverse Wireless Charging 5W, Non-removable, No charger in box | Nothing Phone (1) has wireless and reverse charging and does not include a charger in the box. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 48MP, f/1.79, 1/2" | 50MP, f/1.88, 1/1.56" | Nothing Phone (1) has larger sensor with higher pixel size, likely resulting in better low light and overall quality. |
| Selfie Camera | 20MP, f/2.2, 1/3.4" | 16MP, f/2.2, 1/3.13" | X3 Pro has higher megapixel count, while Nothing Phone (1) has a larger sensor and pixel size. Actual performance will depend on image processing. |
| Wide Angle | 8MP | Not Available | X3 Pro has a dedicated wide-angle camera, while Nothing Phone (1) relies on its ultrawide with macro lens. |
| Portrait Mode | 2MP | Not Available | X3 Pro has a dedicated portrait mode depth sensor, while Nothing Phone (1) doesn't have this dedicated sensor. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP | Not Available | X3 Pro has a dedicated macro lens, while Nothing Phone (1) doesn't have this dedicated lens. |
| Wide Angle + Macro | Not available | 50MP, f/2.2, 1/2.76" | Nothing Phone (1) uses its wide angle lens for macro photography |
| Video | Up to 4K 30fps, EIS | Up to 4K 30fps HDR, EIS | Both offer 4K recording. Nothing Phone (1) has HDR support and offers Optical Image Stabilization for better video quality |
| Camera Features | Quad camera, Digital Image Stabilization | Dual camera, Optical Stabilization (OIS), Ultra stable video | Nothing Phone (1) offers OIS, typically providing better image stabilization. X3 Pro has more lenses, but the quality may not be the same |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 (upgradable to 12) | Android 12 (upgradable to 15) | Nothing Phone (1) has a more modern OS and better long-term software support. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | Wi-Fi 5 | Wi-Fi 6 | Nothing Phone (1) has newer wifi standard. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 LE | 5.2 LE | Nothing Phone (1) has newer bluetooth version. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo, GPS (L1+L5), Galileo (E1+E5a), NavIC System | Nothing Phone (1) has more accurate GPS and location technologies |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128GB or 256GB | 128GB or 256GB | Both offer identical storage options, sufficient for most users. |
| RAM | 6GB or 8GB | 8GB or 12GB | Nothing Phone (1) has more RAM, leading to better multitasking capabilities and smoother overall performance for demanding tasks. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone supports external storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Stereo Speakers, Hi-Res Audio | Stereo Speakers, 3 Microphones | Both offer stereo speakers. Nothing Phone (1) includes three microphones, likely offering better audio capture. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Basic Fingerprint Sensor | X3 Pro's side-mounted sensor may be slightly more convenient for some, while Nothing Phone (1) has a basic sensor under the display. |
| Build | |||
| Screen Protection | Gorilla Glass 6 | Gorilla Glass 5 | X3 Pro has a slight advantage in screen protection |
| Sensors | Biometric: Fingerprint; Motion: Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope; Proximity: Ultrasonic proximity virtual | Biometric: Fingerprint; Proximity: Proximity; Motion: Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Nothing Phone (1) has a wider range of proximity sensors; X3 Pro features an ultrasonic proximity sensor |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro Advantages:
- Larger Battery: The 5160mAh battery provides a potential edge for users needing longer battery life.
- Dedicated Wide, Macro, Portrait lenses: Offers more lens flexibility for photography and video.
- Ultrasonic Proximity Sensor: May offer more reliable proximity detection.
- Gorilla Glass 6 : Offers better screen protection
Nothing Phone (1) Advantages:
- Superior Display: OLED technology delivers better contrast and color quality than the X3 Pro's IPS LCD.
- Higher Brightness: 1200 nits brightness makes the phone much more usable in direct sunlight.
- Better Main Camera: Larger sensor and pixels sizes result in superior image quality, especially in low light.
- Better Video Stabilization: OIS provides more stable and higher quality video recording.
- Wireless and Reverse Wireless Charging: Added convenience for charging and sharing power.
- More RAM: up to 12GB of RAM for better multitasking capabilities.
- 5G support: Enables faster cellular data speeds.
- More Modern OS & Better Software Support: Comes with a newer version of Android and better long-term software support.
- Newer WiFi and Bluetooth Standard: Offers enhanced connectivity and performance.
- More GPS System Support: Better location accuracy
Significant Trade-offs:
- The Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro is bulkier and heavier but offers larger battery, more camera lenses, while Nothing Phone (1) has a modern design with an OLED display and wireless charging.
- The Nothing Phone (1) has a much better display, but has less battery capacity than the X3 Pro.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro Ideal User:
- Gamers on a Budget: The X3 Pro's powerful chipset and large battery make it suitable for gaming enthusiasts who don't want to spend a lot of money.
- Users needing Long Battery Life: Those who prioritize battery longevity over other features may find the X3 Pro appealing.
- Those who prefer more camera lenses: The additional macro, portrait, and wide angle lenses appeal to people who value a variety of photography options.
Use Cases:
- Heavy mobile gaming sessions
- Long days away from a power source
- Users who want to experiment with various camera modes
Nothing Phone (1) Ideal User:
- Multimedia Consumers: Users who watch a lot of videos and movies will appreciate the superior OLED display.
- Photography Enthusiasts: Those looking for better image quality, especially in low light, will be better suited for Nothing Phone (1).
- Modern design and features: The Nothing Phone (1) is ideal for those who value new technology and a unique design.
Use Cases:
- Watching high-resolution videos and movies
- Taking high-quality photos and videos, especially in low light
- Using wireless charging accessories and devices
Price-to-Value Ratio:
- The Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro is generally more affordable, offering good performance at a lower price point.
- The Nothing Phone (1) has a premium design and modern features, and is priced accordingly, aiming at users who are willing to pay for these.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions to Consider:
- Display Preference: Do you prioritize a vibrant, high-contrast OLED display (Nothing Phone (1)) or a larger, more standard IPS LCD (Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro)?
- Battery Life vs. Design: Is longer battery life (Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro) more important than a slimmer design and modern features like wireless charging (Nothing Phone (1))?
- Camera Quality vs. Versatility: Do you need higher quality photos in various lighting conditions (Nothing Phone (1)) or a versatile array of lenses (Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro)?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Budget Gaming & Battery: If you need a budget-friendly phone primarily for gaming and long battery life, the Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro is the better choice.
- Scenario 2: Multimedia & Premium Features: If you value a vibrant display, better main camera and modern features such as wireless charging the Nothing Phone (1) is the way to go.
My Choice
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would choose the Nothing Phone (1).
Reasoning:
While the Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro has its strengths, the Nothing Phone (1) better aligns with my priorities. As someone who consumes a lot of media, the OLED display is a major advantage. The significantly brighter screen is crucial for my usage patterns, allowing me to use the phone comfortably outdoors. Additionally, the better main camera is important for capturing quality images. The wireless charging and reverse charging functionalities are a plus for convenience. While the battery might not be as large as on the Poco, I believe the other advantages outweigh this trade-off. Finally, the more modern OS, better software support and newer connectivity options are added bonuses.
