Smartphone Comparison: Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro vs. Samsung Galaxy S23+
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro | Samsung Galaxy S23+ | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Launch Date | 2021-03-24 | 2023-02-17 | The S23+ is about 10 months newer, benefitting from newer tech and software. |
| Dimensions | 165.3 × 76.8 × 9.4 mm | 157.8 × 76.2 × 7.6 mm | The S23+ is more compact and easier to handle due to its thinner profile and shorter height. The X3 Pro is bulkier. |
| Weight | 215g | 196g | The S23+ is lighter, enhancing comfort during extended use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.67" | 6.6" | Negligible difference in size. Both offer a large display for media consumption. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2340 | Both offer a similar level of sharpness. |
| PPI | 395 | 393 | Both offer almost the same pixel density, ensuring crisp visuals. |
| Technology | IPS LCD | AMOLED | The S23+ has significantly superior display technology: better contrast, true blacks, more vibrant colours and better power efficiency with dark themes. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both offer a smooth visual experience. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 1750 nits | The S23+ offers much better outdoor visibility in bright sunlight conditions. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 860 (7 nm) | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 (4 nm) | The S23+ features a much more powerful and efficient chip, leading to better performance for all tasks including gaming, video editing and general navigation. |
| AnTuTu Score | 627,869 | 1,508,732 | The S23+ demonstrates significantly higher benchmark scores indicating faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and more robust gaming performance. |
| GPU | Adreno 640 | Adreno 740 | The S23+ has a much faster GPU offering better gaming performance. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5160mAh | 4700mAh | The X3 Pro has a slightly larger battery, potentially leading to marginally longer battery life. |
| Charging | 33W fast charging | 45W fast charging | The S23+ charges faster, reducing downtime. |
| Features | Non-removable | Bypass, Reverse, Wireless, Non-removable | The S23+ offers more versatile charging features like bypass, wireless and reverse wireless charging which is good for charging other devices. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Lens | 48MP, f/1.79, 1/2", Sony IMX582 | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/1.57", Samsung GN5 | The S23+ has a slightly better main sensor overall with a larger sensor which will perform better in low light situations. |
| Selfie Lens | 20MP, f/2.2, 1/3.4", Samsung S5K3T2 | 12MP, f/2.2, Samsung S5K3LU | The X3 Pro has higher resolution selfie camera. Without specific pixel sizes for the S23+, we cannot be sure about low-light performance. |
| Telephoto Lens | N/A | 10MP, f/2.4, 1/3.9", Samsung S5K3K1 | The S23+ has a telephoto lens that offers optical zoom capabilities. The X3 Pro lacks a dedicated telephoto lens. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 8MP, f/2.2, 1/4", Omni OV8856 | 12.2MP, f/2.2, 1/2.55", Sony IMX564 | The S23+ has better resolution and a larger sensor for wide-angle shots. |
| Portrait Lens | 2MP, f/2.4, 1/5", Omni OV02B1B | N/A | The X3 Pro has a dedicated portrait depth sensor, which improves bokeh effect in portrait shots. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP, f/2.4, 1/5", Hynix HI-259 | N/A | The X3 Pro has a dedicated macro lens for close-up photography. |
| Video | Up to 4K@30fps, EIS | Up to 8K@30fps, HDR, EIS, Stereo sound | The S23+ has better video features, including 8K recording capabilities, HDR and stereo sound. |
| DxOMark Score | N/A | Mobile: 133, Photo: 0, Video: 0 | S23+ has a verified DxOMark score, indicating better overall camera performance. |
| Camera Features | Digital stabilization | Optical image stabilization (OIS), RAW, Night mode | S23+ features like OIS, RAW and night mode offer superior image and video capture quality. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 (max 12) | Android 13 (max 17) | S23+ offers a newer OS and longer support for future updates. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | 802.11ac | WiFi 6 (802.11ax) | S23+ provides faster and more efficient Wi-Fi. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.3 | S23+ has the newer Bluetooth standard, providing better range and connectivity with accessories. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo, GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (L1), BeiDou (B1), Galileo (E1+E5a), QZSS (L1 + L5) | S23+ has more precise positioning, especially in complex environments. |
| SIM | Dual Nano SIM | Dual SIM (Nano + eSIM) | S23+ adds eSIM which is great for travellers and switching carriers, while the X3 Pro offers two physical SIM card slots. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 128GB/256GB | 256GB/512GB | The S23+ offers a larger internal storage option, which is good for users with large libraries of apps, photos and videos. |
| RAM | 6GB/8GB | 8GB | S23+ ensures smooth multitasking and efficient app performance. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Both devices don't offer storage expansion using memory cards. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Hi-Res Audio, Stereo | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Stereo | The S23+ supports Dolby Atmos offering superior sound quality and immersion. |
| Security | |||
| Features | side-mounted fingerprint sensor | basic fingerprint sensor | Side mounted sensors are usually faster than basic fingerprint sensors. However, both offer similar levels of biometric security. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Gorilla Glass 6 | Gorilla Glass Victus 2 | The S23+ offers superior screen protection against scratches and cracks. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Ultrasonic Proximity Sensor, Fingerprint | Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Barometer, Hall, Geomagnetic, Proximity Sensor, Fingerprint | The S23+ offers a more comprehensive array of sensors, adding features like a barometer. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro Advantages:
- Larger Battery: Slightly larger battery (5160mAh vs 4700mAh) may translate to marginally longer battery life.
- Dedicated Macro and Depth Lenses: Includes separate macro and depth lenses which may provide better flexibility in these specific photography areas.
- Side-mounted fingerprint scanner provides fast biometric security.
- Lower Price: As an older device, it will be significantly cheaper.
Samsung Galaxy S23+ Advantages:
- Superior Display: AMOLED screen offers better contrast, deeper blacks, more vibrant colors, and is much brighter, especially outdoors.
- Significantly Faster Performance: The Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset delivers much faster processing speed for smoother multitasking and gaming.
- Better Camera System: Offers a better main sensor, a dedicated telephoto lens for optical zoom, better wide-angle lens, OIS and 8k video recording.
- More Feature Rich Battery: Bypass, wireless and reverse charging are included.
- More Advanced Connectivity: Supports Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.3, and more GPS satellite systems, offering better overall connectivity and accuracy.
- More Advanced Software: Newer version of Android, offering improved features, security and future-proofing.
- Higher quality build Using the latest Gorilla Glass technology.
- Higher Resolution video: 8k recording compared to 4k.
- More refined audio experience - Dolby Atmos for a richer sound.
- More refined sensor package - includes barometer.
Significant Trade-offs:
- Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro: Sacrifices display quality, performance, and camera capabilities for a lower price and slightly better battery.
- Samsung Galaxy S23+: Much more expensive, and has a smaller battery.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Ideal User for Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro:
- Budget-Conscious Users: Users seeking good performance at the lowest price, for basic daily tasks and some gaming.
- Users who do not need a top-tier camera.
- Users who value having a large battery.
- Users who prefer physical dual sim slots over eSIM.
- Users who are not concerned about having a premium display or build quality.
Use Cases:
- Daily tasks: browsing, social media, messaging.
- Casual gaming: less demanding titles.
- Media Consumption: watching videos on a budget.
- Budget-friendly photography and close-ups.
- Basic photography with the inclusion of macro and portrait sensors
Ideal User for Samsung Galaxy S23+:
- Power Users: Users who demand top performance for demanding tasks and gaming.
- Photography Enthusiasts: Users who prioritize camera quality, zoom capabilities, and advanced features.
- Users who appreciate top-tier display and build quality.
- Users who need a phone that can connect to a lot of accessories.
- Users who are prepared to pay extra for higher quality features and a premium experience.
Use Cases:
- High-end mobile gaming.
- Professional photography and videography.
- Editing and multitasking with demanding applications.
- Enjoying media with the best display and audio.
- Using many high quality accessories.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- Budget: How much are you willing to spend on a smartphone?
- Performance Needs: Do you require top performance for gaming and demanding apps, or will basic performance suffice?
- Camera Priorities: How important is camera quality, zoom capabilities, and video recording to you?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Tight Budget, Basic Use: If you are on a tight budget and primarily use your phone for basic tasks, the Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro is a good option.
- Scenario 2: Balanced Performance & Budget: If you want a good phone for all-round use including gaming, and are not bothered about a premium display, the Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro is a reasonable option.
- Scenario 3: Premium Experience, No Budget Limit: If you prioritize top-tier performance, a great display, and a powerful camera, and are willing to pay more, the Samsung Galaxy S23+ is the better choice.
- Scenario 4: Media Consumption: If you are looking for the best media viewing experience on your phone, then the Samsung Galaxy S23+ is the clear winner due to its AMOLED display and enhanced audio.
My Choice
If I were to choose between these two phones, I would pick the Samsung Galaxy S23+. While the Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro presents good value for money, the substantial differences in display quality, performance, and camera capabilities of the Samsung Galaxy S23+ make it a superior option in my opinion. The smoother multitasking experience due to the newer chipset, the superior camera, and much better display will drastically enhance the overall experience of using the device. I also value the advanced features of the S23+ like the better wireless and fast charging, the more versatile GPS, and the enhanced audio capabilities. Although the S23+ costs more, the difference in overall experience justifies the price premium in my opinion. Ultimately, for a better all round user experience, the S23+ wins.
