1. Specifications Comparison
Design
| Feature | Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro | Samsung Galaxy M35 | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Dimensions | 165.3 × 76.8 × 9.4 mm | 162.3 × 78.6 × 9.1 mm | Xiaomi is taller and thicker, Samsung is wider. The difference is minor but the Samsung might feel slightly more comfortable in hand for those with smaller hands, while the Xiaomi may feel a bit more substantial. |
| Weight | 215g | 222g | Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro is slightly lighter (7g) and might be noticeable during extended use. |
Display
| Feature | Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro | Samsung Galaxy M35 | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Size | 6.67" | 6.6" | Negligible difference in size, both offer a large viewing experience. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2340 | Practically identical sharpness, users won't perceive a significant difference. |
| PPI | 395 | 390 | Both have similar pixel density, resulting in equally sharp displays. |
| Technology | IPS LCD | AMOLED | AMOLED offers deeper blacks, better contrast, more vibrant colors, and is more power-efficient for dark themes. Samsung M35's display is superior for media consumption. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both provide a smooth scrolling and gaming experience. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Peak brightness is not specified. Difficult to comment on real world performance without this spec. |
Performance
| Feature | Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro | Samsung Galaxy M35 | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 860 (7 nm) | Exynos 1380 (5 nm) | Snapdragon 860 is designed for high-performance and gaming, while the Exynos 1380 offers good balance between power and efficiency. The Snapdragon may offer slightly higher peak performance, especially in older games, while the Exynos would be better for more modern app usage. |
| AnTuTu Score | 627,869 | 578,500 | Xiaomi has a slightly higher benchmark score. The Xiaomi may have an edge in demanding tasks like gaming, but the differences would not be significantly noticeable in most day to day tasks. |
| GPU | Adreno 640 | Mali-G68 MP5 | Adreno 640 is generally better suited for graphically intensive tasks. Mali-G68 MP5 is more modern and power efficient. |
Battery
| Feature | Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro | Samsung Galaxy M35 | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Capacity | 5160mAh | 6000mAh | Samsung M35 has a larger battery, which translates to potentially longer battery life, especially for heavy users. |
| Charging | 33W Fast Charging | 25W Fast Charging | Xiaomi charges faster, reducing downtime. Samsung sacrifices faster charging for longer battery life. |
| Battery Type | Li-Polymer | Li-Ion | Both are common battery types in smartphones and the differences are minor for most real world use cases. |
Camera
| Feature | Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro | Samsung Galaxy M35 | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Standard Lens | 48MP, f/1.79, 1/2" | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/2" | Samsung has a slightly higher resolution and larger sensor pixel size, which potentially leads to better low light performance and detail. Xiaomi has a slightly wider aperture, but the difference is marginal. |
| Selfie Lens | 20MP, f/2.2, 1/3.4" | 13MP, f/2.2 | Xiaomi has a higher resolution for potentially more detailed selfies. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 8MP, f/2.2, 1/4" | 8MP, f/2.2 | Similar wide-angle performance, with no significant difference expected. |
| Portrait Mode | 2MP depth | None | Xiaomi has a dedicated depth sensor for improved portrait mode effect. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP, f/2.4, 1/5" | 2MP, f/2.4 | Both offer similar macro capabilities, but the quality of macro lens are always of secondary priority. |
| Video | 4K@30fps, 1080p@960fps, No EIS | 4K@30fps, 720p@480fps, Yes EIS | Both have similar 4K video capture but with minor differences in slow-motion capabilities and EIS availability. |
| Camera Features | Quadruple camera, Manual Focus | Triple camera, OIS | Samsung offers OIS (Optical Image Stabilization) for smoother videos and sharper low light photos, while Xiaomi has a quadruple camera setup but lacks OIS. |
Software
| Feature | Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro | Samsung Galaxy M35 | Practical Impact |
|---|
| OS | Android 11 (Upgradable to 12) | Android 14 | Samsung has a newer OS version, which means better security and features, as well as a longer software update lifespan. |
Connectivity
| Feature | Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro | Samsung Galaxy M35 | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 5 | Wi-Fi 6 | Samsung supports Wi-Fi 6 for potentially faster speeds and more reliable connections, especially in crowded environments. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.3 | Samsung has newer Bluetooth version, for potentially improved connectivity with the latest devices. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo | Samsung provides better GPS accuracy and coverage through the inclusion of QZSS satellite system. |
Storage
| Feature | Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro | Samsung Galaxy M35 | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Internal | 128/256 GB | 128/256 GB | Both offer the same storage options. Users can choose the variant that suits their storage needs. |
| RAM | 6/8 GB | 6/8 GB | Both have sufficient RAM for smooth multitasking. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone offers expandable storage. |
Audio
| Feature | Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro | Samsung Galaxy M35 | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Quality | Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | Samsung M35 offers Dolby Atmos, which means it will have a slight edge in providing better, more immersive and realistic audio experience. |
Security
| Feature | Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro | Samsung Galaxy M35 | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Features | Side-mounted Fingerprint Sensor | Side-mounted Fingerprint Sensor | Both offer convenient and reliable fingerprint sensor security. |
Build Quality
| Feature | Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro | Samsung Galaxy M35 | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Screen Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 6 | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | Samsung's Gorilla Glass Victus provides superior scratch and impact resistance, offering better long-term screen protection. |
Sensors
| Feature | Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro | Samsung Galaxy M35 | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Proximity | Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Proximity, Hall, Geomagnetic | Both have a good sensor suite; Samsung adds extra sensors for additional functionalities. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro Advantages:
- Marginally Better Performance: Slightly higher benchmark scores, better performance in some older games thanks to its Snapdragon 860 chipset.
- Faster Charging: 33W fast charging means shorter charging times.
- Higher Resolution Selfie Camera: 20MP front camera for detailed selfies.
- Dedicated Portrait Mode Depth Sensor: Provides a potentially more accurate background blur in portrait mode.
- Lower Price Point: Typically found at a lower price point.
Samsung Galaxy M35 Advantages:
- Superior Display: AMOLED technology for vibrant colors, deeper blacks, and better contrast.
- Longer Battery Life: Larger 6000mAh battery for extended use.
- Newer Software: Ships with Android 14, offering better security and features and a longer support lifespan.
- Superior Camera Tech: Includes OIS (Optical Image Stabilization) for smoother videos and sharper low-light photos.
- Better Connectivity: Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.3, for newer, faster connections and improved latency.
- Better Audio Experience: Comes with Dolby Atmos.
- Superior Screen Protection: Offers Gorilla Glass Victus, for superior scratch and drop resistance.
- More Sensors: Includes Hall and Geomagnetic sensors.
Trade-offs:
- Xiaomi: Sacrifices display quality and battery life for slightly better peak performance in older titles and a lower price.
- Samsung: Sacrifices slightly faster charging and a dedicated depth sensor for better display, more software support, camera stabilization, and a longer battery.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Ideal User for Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro:
- Budget-conscious gamers: Who prioritize performance on a budget.
- Users who prioritize peak gaming performance above camera quality and display technology
- Users who want faster charging for quick top ups during the day.
Specific Use Cases:
- Gaming on older titles.
- Users on a tight budget who need the most performance for their money.
- Users who prioritize raw performance over other aspects.
Ideal User for Samsung Galaxy M35:
- Media Consumers: Who enjoy watching videos, browsing, and using social media.
- Casual Gamers: Who also want a great experience for consuming content, browsing and daily tasks
- Users who want the latest version of Android and a longer support span.
- Users who prioritize battery life for all-day use and a more robust daily driver.
Specific Use Cases:
- Watching movies and TV shows with vibrant colors and deep blacks.
- Taking high-quality, stable photos and videos, especially in low-light conditions.
- Everyday use for productivity, social media, and browsing.
Price-to-Value Ratio:
- Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro offers very good performance for its price.
- Samsung Galaxy M35 provides better all round feature set for its higher price.
- The better value for a user will come down to individual requirements and priorities.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- What is your primary use case? (Gaming, media consumption, everyday use, photography)?
- How important is display quality to you? (Are vibrant colours, blacks and contrast important?)
- How important is battery life, camera, and longevity of use?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1 (Budget Gaming): If you prioritize gaming on a tight budget, and don't care about the latest OS or high quality media consumption, the Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro provides slightly better peak performance than the M35 for older games.
- Scenario 2 (All-Around Value): If you need a good all-rounder with a solid display, great battery life, modern software, improved camera, the Samsung Galaxy M35 is the better option.
- Scenario 3 (Media Consumption & Photography): If you prioritize a great display, superior camera stabilization, great audio, and a modern operating system, the Samsung Galaxy M35 is the obvious choice.
My Choice
I would choose the Samsung Galaxy M35. While the Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro offers a slight edge in older game performance, the Samsung Galaxy M35 wins across the board in almost every other major category. The AMOLED display is a significant upgrade for media consumption, and the larger battery, newer software, improved camera with OIS and modern connectivity options make it a more versatile and future-proof device. The better screen protection is also very desirable. While I appreciate a price conscious pick, the Samsung M35 provides so much more value and features across the board for the extra premium that it would be my personal choice.
