1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro | OnePlus 9R | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 165.3 × 76.8 × 9.4 mm | 161 × 74.1 × 8.4 mm | Poco X3 Pro is larger and bulkier, potentially less comfortable for one-handed use. |
| Weight | 215g | 189g | OnePlus 9R is significantly lighter, better for extended holding and portability. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.67" | 6.55" | Poco X3 Pro has a slightly larger display for more immersive media consumption. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2400 | Identical sharpness; both are Full HD+. |
| PPI | 395 | 402 | Negligible difference in pixel density; both offer sharp images. |
| Technology | IPS LCD | AMOLED | OnePlus 9R has better contrast, deeper blacks, and more vibrant colors making it better for media consumption. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both offer smooth scrolling and gaming. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Brightness is identical between both phones. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 860 (7 nm) | Qualcomm Snapdragon 870 5G (7 nm) | OnePlus 9R offers superior overall performance for smoother app loading and gaming. |
| AnTuTu Score | 627,869 | 821,600 | OnePlus 9R demonstrates a significant performance advantage in benchmarks. |
| GPU | Adreno 640 | Adreno 650 | OnePlus 9R offers better graphics performance, beneficial for gaming and graphic-intensive apps. |
| Camera | |||
| Rear (Main) | 48MP, f/1.79, Sony IMX582 | 48MP, f/1.7, Sony IMX586 | OnePlus 9R captures slightly more light for better low light performance. |
| Selfie | 20MP, f/2.2, Samsung S5K3T2 | 16MP, f/2.4, Sony IMX471 | Poco X3 Pro potentially captures sharper selfies, while the OnePlus 9R's larger pixels may offer better low-light performance. |
| Wide Angle | 8MP, f/2.2, Omnivision OV8856 | 16MP, f/2.2, Sony IMX481 | OnePlus 9R captures more detailed wide-angle shots. |
| Depth | 2MP, f/2.4 | 2MP, f/2.4 | Similar depth-sensing capabilities. |
| Macro | 2MP, f/2.4 | 5MP, f/2.4 | OnePlus 9R captures more detailed macro images. |
| Video | 4K@30fps, EIS | 4K@60fps, HDR, EIS | OnePlus 9R offers better video recording with 60fps at 4K resolution, plus HDR recording capabilities. |
| Features | Digital zoom, Quadruple camera, Digital image stabilization, Autofocus, Touch focus, Manual focus, Continuous shooting, Geotagging, Panorama, HDR, Face detection, White balance settings, ISO settings, Exposure compensation, Scene mode, Self-timer | 4K Video, Digital zoom, Quadruple camera, Digital image stabilization, Optical Stabilization (OIS), Autofocus, Touch focus, Manual focus, Phase detection autofocus (PDAF), Continuous shooting, Geotagging, Panorama, HDR, Face detection, White balance settings, ISO settings, Exposure compensation, Scene mode, Self-timer, RAW | OnePlus 9R offers more advanced features including OIS, PDAF, and RAW capture. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5160mAh | 4500mAh | Poco X3 Pro has a larger battery, likely offering longer battery life. |
| Charging | 33W | 65W | OnePlus 9R charges significantly faster. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 (upgradable to 12) | Android 10 (upgradable to 13) | OnePlus 9R has a more updated OS, and is likely to receive updates for longer. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 5 | Wi-Fi 6 | OnePlus 9R has faster, more reliable Wi-Fi, especially in congested areas. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.1 | OnePlus 9R has a slightly newer Bluetooth version. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo, GPS (L1+L5), BeiDou (B1), Galileo (E1+E5a) | OnePlus 9R offers more precise GPS, especially in urban areas. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128/256 GB | 128/256 GB | Both offer similar storage options. |
| RAM | 6/8 GB | 8/12 GB | OnePlus 9R offers more RAM for smoother multitasking and better performance with demanding apps. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone supports external storage expansion. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | Dolby Atmos, Noise cancellation microphone, Stereo Speakers | OnePlus 9R offers a slightly better audio experience with Dolby Atmos and noise cancellation microphone for clearer calls, while Poco X3 Pro offers Hi-Res Audio for high quality audio playback. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Basic fingerprint sensor | Poco X3 Pro provides a more convenient side-mounted fingerprint sensor, while OnePlus 9R has a basic fingerprint sensor. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 6 | Unknown | Poco X3 Pro provides more robust screen protection. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Biometric: Fingerprint; Motion: Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope; Proximity: Ultrasonic proximity virtual | Biometric: Fingerprint; Proximity: Proximity; Motion: Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Both have a comprehensive suite of sensors; the Poco X3 Pro has the ultrasonic proximity sensor, while the OnePlus 9R has a standard proximity sensor. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro Advantages:
- Larger Battery: 5160mAh for potentially longer battery life between charges.
- Side-Mounted Fingerprint Sensor: More convenient and faster unlocking.
- Screen Protection: Corning Gorilla Glass 6 offers superior scratch and impact resistance.
- Hi-Res Audio: Appeals to audiophiles seeking high-fidelity audio playback.
OnePlus 9R Advantages:
- Superior Performance: Snapdragon 870 and Adreno 650 offer significantly faster processing and graphics.
- AMOLED Display: Offers better contrast, deeper blacks, and more vibrant colours, enhancing media consumption.
- Faster Charging: 65W charging replenishes battery much faster.
- Better Camera Features: OIS, PDAF, RAW shooting provide enhanced image and video capabilities.
- Better Video: Shoots in 4K @ 60fps, with HDR support.
- More RAM Options: Up to 12GB for better multitasking and performance in demanding apps.
- More Precise GPS: L1+L5 band support for improved accuracy in location services.
- More Updated OS: More up-to-date Android operating system, likely to receive updates for longer.
- Better Audio: Dolby Atmos and noise cancellation provide an enhanced audio experience.
- Lighter build: Better for holding and portabilty.
- Newer WiFi and Bluetooth version: Offers faster speeds and lower latency.
Trade-offs:
- Poco X3 Pro: Larger, heavier, less vibrant display, slower charging, lower performance, less refined camera system.
- OnePlus 9R: Smaller battery, basic fingerprint sensor, and unknown screen protection.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro Ideal Users:
- Budget-Conscious Gamers: Good performance for the price; larger battery for longer gaming sessions.
- Users Prioritizing Battery Life: Long battery life for extended use without frequent charging.
- Users looking for Hi-Res Audio : High quality audio playback
- Users who value a more convenient fingerprint scanner: Side mounted fingerprint scanner is more conveniently placed for unlocking.
Use Cases:
- Mobile gaming on a budget.
- Extended media consumption on the go (longer battery life).
- Users who prioritise side-mounted fingerprint sensors
OnePlus 9R Ideal Users:
- Performance Enthusiasts: Smooth, fast performance for demanding tasks and games.
- Multimedia Consumers: AMOLED display offers better viewing experience for videos and photos.
- Users needing fast charging: 65W charging for quick battery refills.
- Photography Enthusiasts: Better camera features for more control and higher-quality images and videos.
- Users wanting better audio experience: Dolby atmos and noise cancellation microphone for better audio and call quality.
Use Cases:
- Demanding mobile gaming.
- High-quality media consumption and creation.
- Users who require a phone that charges quickly.
- Photography and videography.
- Multitasking between demanding applications.
Price-to-Value:
- Poco X3 Pro offers good value for budget-conscious users who do not need high-end performance, who are willing to trade off camera quality and display quality for better battery life and a more convenient fingerprint scanner.
- OnePlus 9R offers superior value for users willing to pay more for performance, display, camera quality, and overall user experience.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- What is your budget? The Poco X3 Pro is a more budget friendly option compared to the OnePlus 9R.
- How important is display quality? If vibrant colors and deep blacks are critical, the AMOLED display of the OnePlus 9R is a must.
- How important is performance? If you play graphically intensive games, or require heavy multitasking on your phone, the OnePlus 9R would be a better option due to its more powerful chipset and additional RAM.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Gaming on a Budget: If you want the best possible gaming experience within budget and can trade off display quality, the Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro is a solid choice due to its performance to price ratio, especially given its larger battery which will result in longer gaming sessions.
- Scenario 2: Media Consumption & Camera: If you prioritize image quality, display, and video capabilities and performance, then the OnePlus 9R is the better choice. It offers superior features that make the price worthwhile if these features are a priority.
- Scenario 3: Daily Driver with Performance Needs: If you prioritize a balance of performance and battery, the OnePlus 9R will be a better choice, with a slightly lower battery capacity compared to the Poco X3 Pro, but a significantly faster charging speed. It also has a more powerful chipset, faster WiFi, and more RAM, all which contribute to a better daily use experience.
- Scenario 4: Budget Conscious User: If budget is your first priority, the Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro is a cheaper phone that still packs a good punch for day to day activities.
My Choice
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would select the OnePlus 9R.
Here's why:
- Superior Overall Experience: While the Poco X3 Pro has a larger battery and a more convenient fingerprint sensor, the overall user experience on the OnePlus 9R is significantly better. The performance is noticeably smoother, the display is much more vibrant, and the camera system is far more capable.
- Future-Proofing: The Snapdragon 870 chipset and more up-to-date OS in the OnePlus 9R make it more future-proofed and better equipped to handle demanding applications and updates for a longer period.
- Improved Multimedia: I value the superior display for better viewing and the more capable camera for both photography and videography.
- Faster Charging: The faster charging speed is a big advantage for someone who is always on the go.
- Better daily performance: The OnePlus 9R has a better processor, more RAM, better WiFi, and better Bluetooth support, all of which leads to a better overall user experience.
While the Poco X3 Pro is a solid budget option, the OnePlus 9R justifies its higher price with noticeable improvements in key areas that are important to me: performance, display, camera, and overall user experience.
