1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro | Realme 9 Pro+ | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 165.3 × 76.8 × 9.4 mm | 160.2 × 73.3 × 8 mm | Realme 9 Pro+ is more compact and pocketable. Poco X3 Pro is larger and might be less comfortable for single-hand use. |
| Weight | 215g | 182g | Realme 9 Pro+ is significantly lighter, making it more comfortable for extended periods. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.67" | 6.4" | Poco X3 Pro offers a slightly larger screen for media consumption. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2400 | Both offer the same sharpness, providing a very similar viewing experience. |
| PPI | 395 | 411 | Both have similar pixel density resulting in similar sharpness |
| Technology | IPS LCD | AMOLED | Realme 9 Pro+ has superior blacks, contrast, color vibrancy, and better power efficiency for dark mode. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 90Hz | Poco X3 Pro provides smoother scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Brightness is not specified for either phone so the practical impact cannot be determined. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 860 (7 nm) | Mediatek Dimensity 920 (6 nm) | Poco X3 Pro has a stronger processor for gaming and demanding apps. |
| AnTuTu Score | 627,869 | 496,970 | Poco X3 Pro has a higher benchmark, which translates to faster app loading and operation. |
| GPU | Adreno 640 | Mali-G68 MC4 | Poco X3 Pro's GPU is generally better for demanding games. |
| Camera | |||
| Rear Main Camera | 48MP, f/1.79, 1/2" Sony IMX582 | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/1.56" Sony IMX766 | Realme 9 Pro+ has a slightly larger sensor and better low-light performance; while Poco X3 Pro has slightly better aperture. |
| Front Selfie Camera | 20MP, f/2.2, 1/3.4" Samsung S5K3T2 | 16MP, f/2.4, 1/3.13" Sony IMX471 | Poco X3 Pro has higher megapixel count. Realme 9 Pro+ has a slightly larger sensor. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 8MP, f/2.2, 1/4" Omnivision OV8856 | 8MP, f/2.2, 1/2.8" Sony IMX355 | Realme 9 Pro+ has a larger sensor, potentially better low light performance. |
| Portrait Lens | 2MP, f/2.4, 1/5" Omnivision OV02B1B | Not Available | Poco X3 Pro has a dedicated depth sensor for better portrait photos. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP, f/2.4, 1/5" Hynix HI-259 | 2MP, f/2.4, 1/5" GalaxyCore GC02M1 | Both offer similar macro capabilities for close-up shots. |
| Video | 4K@30fps, EIS | 4K@30fps, EIS; OIS, Ultra Stable Video | Realme 9 Pro+ has better stabilization and additional features (OIS, Ultra Stable Video). |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5160mAh | 4500mAh | Poco X3 Pro offers longer battery life. |
| Charging | 33W Fast Charging | 60W Fast Charging | Realme 9 Pro+ charges significantly faster. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11, upgradeable to 12 | Android 12, upgradeable to 13 | Realme 9 Pro+ has a newer OS out of the box. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac/ax (Wi-Fi 6) | Realme 9 Pro+ has Wi-Fi 6 for faster and more efficient connections. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.2 | Realme 9 Pro+ has a newer Bluetooth version for better performance. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS | Realme 9 Pro+ has wider satellite support for better location accuracy. |
| Storage & RAM | |||
| Internal Storage | 128GB/256GB | 128GB/256GB | Both offer similar storage options. |
| RAM | 6GB/8GB | 6GB/8GB | Both offer similar RAM options. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither supports microSD cards. |
| Audio | |||
| Audio Quality | Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Noise Cancellation Mic, Stereo Speakers, 2 Mics | Realme 9 Pro+ has enhanced audio, noise cancellation, and Dolby Atmos. |
| Security | |||
| Fingerprint Sensor | Side-Mounted | Basic Fingerprint Sensor | Poco X3 Pro has a more practical side-mounted fingerprint sensor. Realme 9 Pro+ has basic fingerprint sensor. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 6 | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | Poco X3 Pro has superior protection. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Ultrasonic proximity virtual | Fingerprint, Heart Rate, Proximity, Accelerometer, Gyroscope | Both offer similar sensor options, Realme 9 Pro+ has Heart rate sensor but lacks a compass. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro Advantages:
- Superior Performance: The Snapdragon 860 offers significantly better processing and graphics performance, beneficial for gamers and users running demanding apps.
- Larger Display and Smoother Scrolling: The 6.67" 120Hz display is slightly larger and smoother than the Realme's 90Hz display.
- Larger Battery: The 5160mAh battery provides longer usage time.
- Side Mounted Fingerprint Sensor: The side-mounted fingerprint sensor offers a more convenient and faster way of unlocking the phone.
- More durable screen protection: Corning Gorilla Glass 6 provides more durable protection than Corning Gorilla Glass 5
Realme 9 Pro+ Advantages:
- Superior Display Technology: The AMOLED display provides better colors, deeper blacks, and better power efficiency for dark themes.
- Better Main Camera Sensor: The 50MP Sony IMX766 sensor offers better low-light performance and potentially better image quality.
- Faster Charging: 60W charging is almost twice as fast as the Poco X3 Pro's 33W charging.
- Enhanced Audio: Dolby Atmos, noise cancellation microphone, and dual mics offer a superior audio experience.
- More Compact and Lighter: The Realme 9 Pro+ is easier to handle and carry around.
- Newer Operating System: Comes with Android 12 out of the box (upgradeable to 13).
- Better Connectivity: Supports Wi-Fi 6 for faster and more reliable wireless connections.
- Additional features: The Realme 9 Pro+ features additional useful camera features including: OIS, Ultra stable video, RAW, Night Mode.
- Better Satellite Support: Realme 9 Pro+ supports more satellite systems for better location accuracy (QZSS).
Trade-offs:
- Poco X3 Pro: Trades camera quality and display technology for performance and battery life.
- Realme 9 Pro+: Trades performance and battery life for better display, camera and charging speed.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro Ideal User:
- Gamers: The powerful Snapdragon 860 and 120Hz display provide a superior gaming experience.
- Performance-Focused Users: Users who prioritize fast app loading and smooth operation.
- Long Battery Life Seekers: Users who need a phone that can last all day.
- Users who prefer LCD displays Users who prefer the traditional LCD display technology.
- Users who value practicality: Side-mounted fingerprint sensor offers convenient unlocking.
Realme 9 Pro+ Ideal User:
- Multimedia Consumers: The AMOLED display is excellent for watching videos, browsing, and social media.
- Photography Enthusiasts: The superior camera sensor and OIS provide better image quality and video stabilization.
- Users who value quick charging People who need to quickly charge their phone and go.
- Audio Lovers: Dolby Atmos and noise cancellation offer an immersive audio experience.
- Users who prioritize a more compact phone People who prefer light and easy to carry phones.
- Users who need location accuracy: People who rely on precise GPS for navigation.
- Users who appreciate software features: People who prefer a cleaner UI and more updated features.
Specific Use Cases:
- Poco X3 Pro: Ideal for mobile gaming tournaments, intensive multitasking, and long road trips.
- Realme 9 Pro+: Ideal for content creators, daily commuters, streaming enthusiasts, and social media users.
Price-to-Value Ratio:
- The Poco X3 Pro offers high performance at a budget price.
- The Realme 9 Pro+ offers a more premium display, camera, and audio experience while being priced as a mid-range phone.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- What is your primary use case? (Gaming, multimedia consumption, photography, general use)
- How important is display quality vs raw performance? (AMOLED or IPS LCD, 120Hz vs 90Hz)
- What is your priority: battery life or charging speed?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Gaming and Performance: Choose the Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro for its superior processing power and 120Hz display.
- Scenario 2: Media Consumption and Photography: Choose the Realme 9 Pro+ for its AMOLED display and better camera system.
- Scenario 3: Balanced Use: If you need a balance of good performance, camera, and a superior display, the Realme 9 Pro+ is better, but if you need the best possible battery life and performance, the Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro is better.
My Choice
If I had to choose between these two phones, I would personally pick the Realme 9 Pro+. While the Poco X3 Pro offers raw power and a bigger battery, the AMOLED display, superior camera, faster charging, and enhanced audio features of the Realme 9 Pro+ align better with my typical daily usage. I value a good-looking screen for media consumption, a capable camera for capturing everyday moments, and the convenience of fast charging. The performance of the Realme 9 Pro+ is more than sufficient for my daily tasks and the slightly lighter and more compact design is a welcome addition. Although the Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro offers better performance, I don't often play intensive games on my phone which negates that advantage. The Realme 9 Pro+ is a well-rounded device that offers a more refined user experience, even if it trades some performance for these features. Ultimately, the superior camera and display win it for me.
