Smartphone Comparison: Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro vs. Realme GT Neo 3
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro | Realme GT Neo 3 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 165.3 × 76.8 × 9.4 mm | 163.3 × 75.6 × 8.2 mm | Realme GT Neo 3 is more compact and thinner, likely feeling more comfortable in hand and pocket. |
| Weight | 215g | 188g | Realme GT Neo 3 is significantly lighter, making it more comfortable for prolonged use, especially for gaming or media consumption. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.67" | 6.7" | Negligible size difference. Both provide a large screen for media consumption and gaming. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2412 | Similar sharpness on both screens. Differences are nearly imperceptible. |
| PPI | 395 | 394 | Practically identical pixel density. Both displays will look sharp. |
| Technology | IPS LCD | AMOLED | Realme GT Neo 3 offers superior contrast, deeper blacks, more vibrant colors, and better power efficiency when using dark mode. Much better for viewing content. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both offer smooth scrolling and animations. Advantageous for gaming and fast-paced content. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 1000 nits | Realme GT Neo 3 is dramatically brighter, offering much better visibility in direct sunlight and bright environments. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 860 (7 nm) | Mediatek Dimensity 8100 (5 nm) | Realme GT Neo 3's chip is more recent, offering better overall performance, efficiency, and likely better future-proofing. |
| AnTuTu Score | 627,869 | 855,842 | Realme GT Neo 3 has a significantly higher score indicating faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and improved gaming performance. |
| GPU | Adreno 640 | Mali-G610 MC6 | Different GPUs. Realme GT Neo 3 is expected to perform better in graphically intensive tasks such as gaming. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5160mAh | 5000mAh | Comparable battery life, likely lasting a full day for most users. |
| Charging | 33W Fast Charging | 80W Fast Charging | Realme GT Neo 3 charges significantly faster, reducing downtime and providing quicker top-ups. |
| Features | Non-removable | Non-removable, Dual battery 2*2500 mAh, In-box 80W charger | Realme GT Neo 3 has a faster-charging dual battery setup. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera Resolution | 48MP | 50MP | Minor difference in resolution. Practical difference in image quality is more dependent on sensor size and processing. |
| Main Camera Sensor | Sony IMX582 Exmor RS (1/2") | Sony IMX766 (1/1.56") | Realme GT Neo 3 has a larger sensor, typically capturing more light and offering better low-light performance. |
| Main Camera Aperture | f/1.79 | f/1.88 | Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro has a slightly wider aperture, though the sensor size is more important overall. |
| Selfie Camera Resolution | 20MP | 16MP | Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro has a higher resolution selfie camera. |
| Selfie Camera Sensor | Samsung S5K3T2 (1/3.4") | Samsung S5K3P9 (1/3.1") | Realme GT Neo 3 has a larger sensor in selfie camera, likely capturing better selfies in low light. |
| Wide Angle Camera Sensor | Omnivision OV8856 (1/4") | Sony IMX355 (1/2.8") | Realme GT Neo 3 has a larger sensor in wide angle camera, likely capturing better photos in low light. |
| Portrait Camera | 2MP Depth Sensor | None | Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro has a dedicated depth sensor for portrait mode. The Realme GT Neo 3 relies on software for portrait mode effect. |
| Macro Camera | 2MP | 2MP | Both offer similar macro capabilities. |
| Video Recording | 4K@30fps with EIS | 4K@60fps with EIS | Realme GT Neo 3 offers 4K recording at 60 fps whereas Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro only offers up to 30 fps. This allows for more smooth video recording. |
| Features | 4K Video, 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 | UIS, UIS Max, 4K Video, Digital zoom, Triple camera, Digital image stabilization, Optical Stabilization (OIS), Ultra stable video, Autofocus, Touch focus, Continuous autofocus, Phase detection autofocus (PDAF), Continuous shooting, Geotagging, Panorama, HDR, Face detection, White balance settings, ISO settings, Exposure compensation, Scene mode, Self-timer, RAW, Night Mode | Realme GT Neo 3 offers more advanced video stabilization and focusing features, as well as a night mode and RAW capture for better quality. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 (upgradable to 12) | Android 12 (upgradable to 13) | Realme GT Neo 3 has a more recent OS out of the box and is expected to receive longer software support, meaning a better overall user experience. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | 802.11ac | 802.11ax (WiFi 6) | Realme GT Neo 3 supports WiFi 6, offering faster speeds and more efficient network usage. Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro also supports Wi-Fi MiMO. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.3 | Realme GT Neo 3 has a newer Bluetooth version with better efficiency and range. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo, GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (L1), BeiDou (B1), Galileo (E1+E5a), BeiDou (B2), QZSS (L1 + L5) | Realme GT Neo 3 offers more satellite systems for faster and more accurate GPS. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128 GB or 256 GB | 128 GB, 256 GB or 512 GB | Realme GT Neo 3 offers a larger 512GB storage option for users with lots of files or apps. |
| RAM | 6 GB or 8 GB | 6 GB, 8 GB or 12 GB | Realme GT Neo 3 offers a 12 GB RAM option, beneficial for heavy multitasking and gaming. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone supports expandable storage, so choose your internal storage option wisely. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Noise cancellation microphone, Stereo Speakers, 2 microphones | Realme GT Neo 3 offers enhanced audio with Dolby Atmos and noise cancellation features. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Basic fingerprint sensor | Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro's side-mounted sensor is more convenient, while Realme GT Neo 3 has an unspecified "basic" sensor. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 6 | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro offers slightly better screen protection. |
| Sensors | Biometric: Fingerprint; Motion: Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope; Proximity: Ultrasonic proximity virtual | Biometric: Fingerprint; Proximity: Proximity; Motion: Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Hall, Geomagnetic | Realme GT Neo 3 has Proximity, Hall, Geomagnetic sensors which are useful in different applications and for advanced features. Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro has a compass which is useful for navigation, and an ultrasonic proximity sensor, which is generally more reliable than a standard proximity sensor |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro Advantages:
- Slightly better screen protection: Corning Gorilla Glass 6 offers slightly improved scratch and shatter resistance compared to Gorilla Glass 5 on the Realme GT Neo 3.
- Side-mounted fingerprint sensor: Arguably more ergonomic and convenient for some users.
- Compass Sensor: Offers better navigational features.
Realme GT Neo 3 Advantages:
- Superior Display: AMOLED screen provides significantly better contrast, colors, and sunlight visibility.
- Significantly Better Performance: The Dimensity 8100 chipset outperforms the Snapdragon 860 in most tasks, providing smoother gaming and app performance.
- Much Faster Charging: 80W charging significantly reduces charging times compared to the 33W on the Poco X3 Pro.
- Better Cameras: The larger main and selfie sensors, as well as better video features including OIS and 4K 60fps video.
- Newer OS & Software: Ships with a more recent version of Android and should receive longer support.
- More RAM and Storage Options: The 12GB RAM and 512GB storage options provide more flexibility for power users.
- Enhanced Audio: Includes Dolby Atmos, which enhances spatial audio immersion, as well as a noise cancellation microphone for clearer calls.
- Better Connectivity: Supports WiFi 6 and a newer version of Bluetooth for faster speeds and better range.
- More Satellite System support: The addition of several GPS related satellite systems allows for more accurate GPS performance.
Trade-offs:
- Weight and Size: The Realme GT Neo 3 is lighter and thinner, which may be a positive for many but the Poco X3 Pro's larger dimensions could be preferred by some.
- Screen Protection: While the Poco X3 Pro offers slightly better screen protection in terms of the Gorilla Glass version, the overall viewing experience on the Realme GT Neo 3 is much superior due to the AMOLED display technology.
- Fingerprint Sensor: While side-mounted sensors are more convenient for some, the "basic" sensor on the Realme GT Neo 3 is still functional.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro is Ideal For:
- Budget-Conscious Gamers: Users who want a decent gaming performance but are on a tighter budget.
- Users who prioritize screen protection: For those who are particularly prone to dropping their phone or would like the assurance of the latest Gorilla Glass Protection.
- Users who prefer side-mounted fingerprint sensor: For those who find it more convenient or comfortable.
- Users who are comfortable with an older OS and may not require frequent updates.
Use Cases:
- Casual gaming on a budget, daily social media use, basic photography.
- Users who need a phone that can be replaced without much financial burden.
Realme GT Neo 3 is Ideal For:
- Power Users and Gamers: Those who need top performance for demanding games and apps and will benefit from the faster charging.
- Multimedia Enthusiasts: Users who prioritize display quality, camera capabilities, and audio experience.
- Users who want a newer OS and software with extended support
- Users who need reliable GPS performance
- Users who want the flexibility of more storage options
Use Cases:
- Intensive gaming, high-quality photography and videography, heavy multitasking, content creation, and navigation.
- Users who want a future-proof device with a better user experience.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- What is your primary use case? (Gaming, photography, everyday use)
- How important are display quality and performance? (Consider AMOLED vs IPS, and chipset differences)
- What is your budget and how much do you value future-proofing? (Consider the price difference and software longevity.)
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
Scenario 1: Budget Gaming. If your budget is very tight and you prioritize gaming performance over display quality, the Poco X3 Pro is the better choice, assuming the price difference is significant.
Scenario 2: Mid-Range Power User. If you have a mid-range budget and prioritize overall performance, display quality, and battery charging, the Realme GT Neo 3 is the clear winner due to its far superior display, more powerful chip and much faster charging.
Scenario 3: High-End Mobile Photography. If you want great image quality and need a great sensor in low lighting conditions, then the Realme GT Neo 3 should be your go-to choice.
My Choice and Why
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would choose the Realme GT Neo 3. While the Poco X3 Pro might be a decent phone for users on a tight budget, the Realme GT Neo 3 is a clear upgrade in almost every important aspect, with a significantly better display, vastly better performance, superior cameras, much faster charging and a better audio experience. The performance offered by the Dimensity 8100 coupled with the 80W charging is just too good to pass up, especially when considering the AMOLED screen's quality and the advanced video and camera features. It also has a better GPS system and supports newer versions of WiFi and Bluetooth. Even though the Poco X3 Pro might have slightly better screen protection and a side mounted fingerprint sensor, these are minor trade offs that are easily justified by the huge difference in performance, cameras, battery and overall user experience.
