Smartphone Comparison: Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro vs. Realme 8
1. Specifications Comparison
Here's a detailed breakdown of the specifications, focusing on their real-world impact:
Design
| Feature | Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro | Realme 8 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 165.3 x 76.8 x 9.4 mm | 160.6 x 73.9 x 8 mm | Poco X3 Pro is larger and bulkier, potentially less comfortable for one-handed use. Realme 8 is slimmer and more pocketable. |
| Weight | 215g | 177g | Realme 8 is noticeably lighter (38g), making it more comfortable for extended use. Poco X3 Pro feels heavier and more substantial. |
| Build | Gorilla Glass 6 Screen protection | Unknown Screen Protection | Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro has better protection from scratches and impacts on screen. Realme 8 missing info on screen protection. |
Display
| Feature | Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro | Realme 8 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 6.67" | 6.4" | Poco X3 Pro provides a slightly larger viewing area, better for media consumption and gaming. Realme 8 is more compact. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2400 | Both have similar sharpness. |
| Pixel Density | 395 PPI | 411 PPI | Both provide sharp text and images. Negligible difference. |
| Technology | IPS LCD | AMOLED | Realme 8 has superior contrast, deeper blacks, and more vibrant colors. It's also more power-efficient with dark themes. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 60Hz | Poco X3 Pro offers much smoother scrolling and animations, a noticeable improvement for gaming and daily UI. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 1000 nits | Realme 8 is much more visible in bright sunlight. Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro's brightness data is missing. Assuming it is lower, it will be hard to use outside. |
Performance
| Feature | Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro | Realme 8 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Snapdragon 860 (7nm) | Helio G95 (12nm) | Poco X3 Pro has a significantly more powerful processor, resulting in faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and better gaming performance. |
| AnTuTu Score | 627,869 | 409,874 | Poco X3 Pro outperforms Realme 8 by a large margin in benchmarks, showcasing better overall performance capabilities. |
| GPU | Adreno 640 | Mali-G76 MC4 | Poco X3 Pro's GPU is significantly more powerful and capable of handling demanding games at higher settings than Realme 8. |
Camera
| Feature | Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro | Realme 8 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main Camera | 48MP, f/1.79, 1/2" Sony IMX582 | 64MP, f/1.79, 1/2" Omnivision OV64B | Realme 8 captures more detailed images due to its higher resolution sensor. However sensor quality and processing affect final image quality too. |
| Selfie Camera | 20MP, f/2.2, 1/3.4" Samsung S5K3T2 | 16MP, f/2.45, 1/3.13" Sony IMX471 | Poco X3 Pro has higher resolution and a wider aperture, suggesting potentially better low light performance. Realme 8 has larger pixel size. |
| Wide Angle | 8MP, f/2.2, 1/4" Omnivision OV8856 | 8MP, f/2.25, sensor unknown | Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro slightly wider aperture for the wide angle lens. |
| Portrait (Depth) | 2MP, f/2.4, 1/5" Omnivision OV02B1B | Not available | Poco X3 Pro offers a dedicated depth sensor for better portrait mode results, allowing for more accurate background blur. |
| Macro | 2MP, f/2.4, 1/5" Hynix HI-259 | 2MP, f/2.4, sensor unknown | Similar macro camera performance between both phones. |
| Black & White | Not Available | 2MP, f/2.4, sensor unknown | Realme 8 provides a dedicated black and white camera for artistic or different types of images. |
| Video | 4K@30fps with EIS, 1080p various fps with EIS, Slow-mo up to 960 fps | 4K@30fps with EIS, 1080p various fps with EIS, Slow-mo up to 240fps | Both offer similar main video capabilities but Poco X3 Pro has a better slow-mo feature (960fps). |
| Camera Features | Manual focus, Continuous shooting, Panorama | Ultra stable video | Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro has better manual controls while Realme 8 is better for ultra stable video. |
Battery
| Feature | Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro | Realme 8 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 5160mAh | 5000mAh | Both phones offer similar battery life. Minor difference. |
| Charging | 33W fast charging | 30W fast charging | Poco X3 Pro charges slightly faster. |
Software
| Feature | Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro | Realme 8 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| OS | Android 11 (upgradable to 12) | Android 11 | Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro users benefit from a newer version of Android and a guaranteed update to android 12. Realme 8 users do not have a guaranteed update. |
Connectivity
| Feature | Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro | Realme 8 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wi-Fi | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Hotspot, Direct | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Hotspot, Direct | Both support modern WiFi standards for fast and reliable connections. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE, Apt-x, LDAC, SBC, AAC | 5.1, A2DP, EDR, HID, LE | Realme 8 has a slightly newer Bluetooth version, Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro supports more advanced audio codecs. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | Both provide accurate location tracking. |
| SIM | Dual SIM, Nano SIM, Dual Standby | Dual SIM, Nano SIM, Dual Standby | Both support dual SIM functionality, allowing you to use two SIM cards simultaneously. |
Storage
| Feature | Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro | Realme 8 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Internal | 128/256 GB | 64/128 GB | Poco X3 Pro offers up to 256GB internal storage, while Realme 8 has a maximum of 128GB, providing more space for media and apps. |
| RAM | 6/8 GB | 4/6/8 GB | Both offer similar RAM options for smooth multitasking. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone allows for storage expansion via microSD. |
Audio
| Feature | Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro | Realme 8 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Quality | Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | Hi-Res Audio | Poco X3 Pro offers enhanced audio quality with stereo speakers for a more immersive experience, while Realme 8 only has Hi-Res Audio. |
Security
| Feature | Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro | Realme 8 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fingerprint | side-mounted fingerprint sensor | basic fingerprint sensor | Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro offers faster and a more ergonomic fingerprint sensor. |
Sensors
| Feature | Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro | Realme 8 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Ultrasonic proximity virtual | Fingerprint, Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Magnetometer, Proximity | Both offer comprehensive sensor suites, but with slightly different inclusions for additional feature support. Poco X3 Pro includes an Ultrasonic Proximity Sensor. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro Advantages:
- Superior Performance: The Snapdragon 860 chipset offers significantly better performance for demanding apps, multitasking, and gaming.
- Smoother Display: 120Hz refresh rate makes the UI and animations feel much smoother.
- Better Audio: Stereo speakers create a more immersive audio experience.
- Better Screen protection: Gorilla Glass 6 provides better scratch and impact protection.
- Larger Storage: Up to 256GB storage.
- More Advanced Sensors: Includes Ultrasonic Proximity Sensor
Realme 8 Advantages:
- Superior Display Quality: AMOLED screen offers much better colors, contrast, and black levels.
- Significantly Brighter Display: Much better outdoor visibility in bright sunlight (1000 nits).
- Lighter and more compact: Easier to handle for longer periods of time.
- Black & white camera: For artistic types of photos.
- Slightly newer Bluetooth version.
Trade-offs:
- The Poco X3 Pro prioritizes performance and smoothness over display quality.
- The Realme 8 sacrifices some performance for a superior display and more compact design.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro Ideal User:
- Gamers: The powerful processor and high refresh rate are ideal for mobile gaming.
- Power Users: Those who frequently multitask, use demanding apps, and need fast performance.
- Media Consumers: The larger screen and stereo speakers provide a better media experience.
Realme 8 Ideal User:
- Casual Users: Those who value a great display for social media, videos, and photos.
- Users who value better portability: Those who value a compact and lightweight device.
- Outdoor Users: The bright screen is perfect for viewing in sunlight.
- Photography Enthusiasts: With more flexibility with its additional black and white lens.
4. Decision Framework
Here are three key questions buyers should consider:
- How important is performance for you? If gaming or demanding tasks are primary, Poco X3 Pro is better. If everyday use is more common, Realme 8 is adequate.
- Do you prioritize display quality or screen refresh rate? If display is key, Realme 8 with its AMOLED is best. If smoothness is your goal, Poco X3 Pro's 120Hz display wins.
- Is size and weight a factor? Realme 8 is much lighter and more compact.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Gaming Enthusiast: Choose the Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro for its superior performance and smooth display.
- Outdoor Photographer: Choose the Realme 8 for its brighter AMOLED screen and additional black and white camera.
- Everyday User: If display quality is a priority and gaming is secondary, the Realme 8 is a better choice. If performance and smoothness are more important, Poco X3 Pro is the better choice.
My Choice and Why
Given my priorities, I would choose the Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro. While the AMOLED display of the Realme 8 is attractive, the significantly better performance of the Snapdragon 860 chipset in the Poco X3 Pro is more crucial for my daily usage, which includes multitasking, occasional gaming, and a fast, responsive UI experience. The 120Hz refresh rate makes a noticeable difference in smoothness, and the stereo speakers add value. While the Realme 8 is more portable, the Poco X3 Pro still feels good to use in hand and that trade off is worth it for the added performance and additional features that the Poco X3 Pro offers, such as better screen protection, larger storage options, and a more advanced sensor suite.
