1. Specifications Comparison
Design
| Feature | Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro | OnePlus Nord 4 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 165.3 × 76.8 × 9.4 mm | 162.6 × 75 × 8 mm | Poco X3 Pro is larger and bulkier, making the Nord 4 more comfortable in hand and pocket. |
| Weight | 215g | 199.5g | The Nord 4 is lighter, which is more comfortable for extended use. |
Display
| Feature | Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro | OnePlus Nord 4 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 6.67" | 6.74" | Both are large, with very little difference, making for similar viewing experiences. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1240x2772 | Nord 4 has a sharper display, resulting in clearer text and images. |
| Pixel Density (PPI) | 395 | 450 | The Nord 4 has a noticeably sharper display with more detail. |
| Technology | IPS LCD | AMOLED | Nord 4 offers superior blacks, contrast, and more vibrant colors, better for media consumption and outdoor viewing. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both phones provide smooth scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 2200 nits | The Nord 4 offers significantly better visibility in bright sunlight, as the Poco X3 Pro lacks a specified brightness. |
Performance
| Feature | Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro | OnePlus Nord 4 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 860 (7 nm) | Qualcomm Snapdragon 7+ Gen 3 (4 nm) | Nord 4 has a newer, more powerful, and more efficient processor. |
| AnTuTu Score | 627,869 | 1,366,982 | Nord 4 offers much faster app loading, multitasking, and gaming performance, demonstrating a massive performance difference. |
| GPU | Adreno 640 | Adreno 732 | Nord 4's GPU offers better graphics performance for demanding tasks and games. |
Camera
| Feature | Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro | OnePlus Nord 4 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main Camera | 48MP, f/1.79, 1/2", Sony IMX582, 0.8µm | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/2", Sony LYT-600, 0.8µm | Both have capable main cameras, with the Nord 4 having a slightly higher resolution and newer sensor, potentially better low-light performance. |
| Selfie Camera | 20MP, f/2.2, 1/3.4", Samsung S5K3T2, 0.8µm | 16MP, f/2.4, 1/3.13", Sony IMX471, 1.0µm | Poco X3 Pro offers more megapixels but the Nord 4 offers larger pixels, likely better for low-light selfies. |
| Wide Angle Camera | 8MP, f/2.2, 1/4", Omnivision OV8856, 1.12µm | 8MP, f/2.2, 1/2.8", Sony IMX355, 1.14µm | Nord 4 has a larger sensor on the ultrawide for better performance and detail. |
| Portrait (Depth) Camera | 2MP, f/2.4, 1/5", Omnivision OV02B1B, 1.75µm | None | The Poco X3 Pro has a dedicated depth camera for portrait mode, which the Nord 4 lacks. This affects portrait mode quality. |
| Macro Camera | 2MP, f/2.4, 1/5", Hynix HI-259, 1.75µm | None | The Poco X3 Pro includes a dedicated macro camera, allowing for better close up photography, which the Nord 4 lacks. |
| Video Recording | 4K@30fps with EIS, 1080p up to 960fps, EIS | 4K@60fps with EIS, 1080p up to 120fps, EIS | Nord 4 offers more versatility with 4K at 60fps, both with EIS, while Poco X3 Pro offers higher framerate for slow-motion. |
| Stabilization | EIS only | OIS & EIS | Nord 4 has optical image stabilization, which makes videos smoother. |
Battery
| Feature | Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro | OnePlus Nord 4 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 5160mAh | 5500mAh | Nord 4 has a slightly larger battery, potentially offering longer battery life. |
| Charging | 33W Fast Charging | 100W Fast Charging | Nord 4 charges significantly faster, reducing downtime. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro Advantages
- Dedicated Macro and Depth Cameras: Offers more flexibility in photography with dedicated lenses for macro and portrait shots.
- Side-Mounted Fingerprint Sensor: Considered by some to be a more convenient placement.
- Hi-Res Audio: Enhanced audio quality for a more immersive listening experience.
- Lower Price (Likely): Older model, expected to have a lower price point, which could be attractive for budget-conscious users.
OnePlus Nord 4 Advantages
- Significantly Better Performance: The Snapdragon 7+ Gen 3 offers substantially higher performance, leading to faster and smoother operation.
- Superior Display: AMOLED with higher resolution, brightness and pixel density, resulting in much better visual experience.
- Faster Charging: 100W charging significantly reduces charging times.
- Better Main and Ultrawide Cameras: Newer sensors potentially offer better photo quality in various conditions, with the main sensor having OIS as well.
- Newer Software: Comes with a newer version of Android, providing a modern experience.
- Better Connectivity: Offers a newer Wi-Fi and Bluetooth version for more reliable and faster connections.
- Optical Image Stabilization: OIS significantly improves video quality, making it smoother and reducing shakiness.
Trade-offs
- Poco X3 Pro: Sacrifices processing power and display quality for potentially lower cost and some additional camera functionality. The display is a noticeable downgrade in terms of brightness, colors, and sharpness.
- OnePlus Nord 4: Likely comes at a higher price point compared to the Poco X3 Pro. Lacks dedicated macro and depth sensors, and has slightly less megapixels in the selfie camera.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro Ideal User
- Budget-Conscious User: Prioritizes affordability over top-tier performance and the highest display quality.
- Casual Photographer: Appreciates the flexibility of having dedicated macro and depth lenses for various shooting scenarios, although the overall camera quality is inferior.
- Multimedia Consumer: The Hi-Res Audio can be a draw for some audiophiles.
- Users not needing the absolute best: Is comfortable with older software, a less vibrant display and lower performance.
Specific Use Cases:
- Social media browsing and casual use.
- Basic mobile gaming.
- Users who need a good quality device that is affordable.
- Casual photography needing dedicated macro and portrait shots.
OnePlus Nord 4 Ideal User
- Performance-Oriented User: Requires a fast and responsive device for gaming and multitasking.
- Media Enthusiast: Values high-quality display for watching videos and gaming.
- Frequent Charger: Benefits from the faster charging and would appreciate the brighter display.
- Mobile Photographers: Will appreciate the overall image quality and the inclusion of OIS.
- Users who prefer the latest in tech: Would prefer the newest connectivity standards, software, and improved performance.
Specific Use Cases:
- Demanding mobile gaming.
- Intensive social media usage and content creation.
- Viewing high-resolution multimedia content.
- Taking photos and videos in various lighting conditions.
- Power users who need top-of-the-line performance
4. Decision Framework
Here are three questions buyers should ask:
- How important is processing power? If you need top performance for gaming and heavy tasks, the Nord 4 is a clear winner. If you use your phone for basic tasks, the Poco X3 Pro might be sufficient.
- How much do you value display quality? If you care about vibrant colors, contrast, and brightness the AMOLED display of the Nord 4 is a major selling point. The LCD screen on the Poco X3 Pro is inferior.
- What is your budget? The Poco X3 Pro is likely cheaper, so if price is the primary concern, it might be the better choice. The Nord 4 will provide the better experience but at a higher cost.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Budget Gamer: If you're a gamer on a strict budget, the Poco X3 Pro's decent processor might be suitable, but you'll have to compromise on display and camera quality. If budget allows, the Nord 4 will provide a much smoother experience.
- Multimedia Lover: If watching videos and enjoying content is your priority, the OnePlus Nord 4, with its AMOLED screen, is the better option by a considerable margin.
- Casual User: If you primarily use your phone for calls, texts, and basic social media, either phone will work fine, but the Nord 4 will still provide a noticeably smoother experience.
- Photography Enthusiast: While the Poco X3 Pro offers a dedicated macro and depth lens, the Nord 4 offers superior overall quality with the new sensors and the addition of OIS.
My Choice
I would choose the OnePlus Nord 4.
Here's why:
While the Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro has some appealing aspects like the dedicated macro lens, and potentially the lower price, the OnePlus Nord 4 is a significantly better phone overall. The improved performance from the Snapdragon 7+ Gen 3 is a massive advantage. The AMOLED display with its higher resolution, brightness and vibrancy would greatly enhance my day-to-day experience. The vastly superior charging speed, better main and ultrawide cameras, newer software, and better connectivity features make the Nord 4 the obvious choice for me. For a power user, or even someone who values a seamless, quick and easy experience, the additional cost would be worth it.
In short, the OnePlus Nord 4 offers a modern, high-performance package that addresses all my major needs, while the Poco X3 Pro feels dated in comparison, with its key advantages not enough to offset its shortcomings.
