Smartphone Comparison: Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro vs. Samsung Galaxy S24
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro | Samsung Galaxy S24 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Launch Date | 2021-03-24 | 2024-01-24 | The Galaxy S24 is significantly newer, benefiting from newer technologies and software. |
| Dimensions | 165.3 x 76.8 x 9.4 mm | 147 x 70.6 x 7.6 mm | The Poco X3 Pro is noticeably larger and thicker, making the S24 more pocketable and comfortable for one-handed use. |
| Weight | 215g | 167g | The S24 is significantly lighter, making it more comfortable to hold for extended periods. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.67" | 6.2" | The Poco X3 Pro offers a larger screen for media consumption and gaming, while the S24 is more compact. |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 | 1080 x 2340 | Both have similar sharpness, but the S24's smaller size leads to slightly higher pixel density. |
| PPI | 395 | 416 | S24 has slightly sharper text and images due to higher pixel density. |
| Technology | IPS LCD | Unknown | Poco X3 Pro uses IPS LCD, providing good color accuracy and viewing angles. S24 display tech is not specified, making a comparison impossible. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both phones offer smooth scrolling and animations with a 120Hz refresh rate. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 2600 nits | The S24's extremely high brightness ensures excellent visibility in direct sunlight, a major advantage over the Poco X3 Pro. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 860 (7 nm) | Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 (4 nm) | S24's newer chipset offers dramatically higher performance, faster app loading, better multitasking and gaming capabilities. |
| Antutu Score | 627,869 | 1,639,695 | The S24 scores significantly higher in benchmarks, indicating superior real-world performance for demanding tasks like gaming and video editing. |
| GPU | Adreno 640 | Adreno 750 / Xclipse 940 | S24's GPU offers substantially better graphics performance for gaming. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5160mAh | 4000mAh | The Poco X3 Pro has a much larger battery, potentially offering longer battery life, but real world usage is also impacted by software optimization and chipset power efficiency. |
| Charging | 33W fast charging | 25W fast charging | The Poco X3 Pro charges slightly faster, reducing downtime. |
| Features | Non-removable | Bypass, Reverse, Non-removable | The S24 offers useful features like bypass charging and reverse wireless charging that the Poco X3 Pro lacks. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Camera | 48MP, f/1.79, 1/2" | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/1.57" | The S24 has a slightly higher resolution and larger sensor, likely resulting in better low-light performance and overall image quality. |
| Selfie Camera | 20MP, f/2.2, 1/3.4" | 12MP, f/2.2, Unknown | The Poco X3 Pro has higher resolution. Sensor info for the S24 selfie camera is unavailable, so further comparison is not possible. |
| Telephoto Lens | No | 10MP, f/2.4, 1/3.9" | The S24 offers a telephoto zoom lens, allowing for optical zoom capabilities not present in the Poco X3 Pro. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 8MP, f/2.2, 1/4" | 12.2MP, f/2.2, 1/2.55" | S24's wide-angle camera provides better resolution and a larger sensor for enhanced wide-angle photos and videos. |
| Portrait Camera | 2MP, f/2.4, 1/5" | No | The Poco X3 Pro has a dedicated depth sensor to improve portrait mode quality but the S24 relies on computational photography for portrait mode. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP, f/2.4, 1/5" | No | The Poco X3 Pro has a dedicated macro camera to capture close-up shots. |
| Video | Up to 4K@30fps with EIS | Up to 8K@30fps with EIS & HDR | The S24 offers higher quality video recording up to 8K, also including HDR, and better stabilization. |
| Camera Features | Quad camera, Manual Focus | Triple camera, Optical Zoom, OIS | The S24 features optical zoom and OIS for better images, while the Poco X3 Pro offers a dedicated macro and depth camera. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11, upgradable to 12 | Android 14, upgradable to 21 | S24 has a significantly newer OS, providing more modern features, longer support, and potentially better security. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 5 | Wi-Fi 6E | The S24 supports newer Wi-Fi standards for faster speeds and more reliable connections, particularly in crowded environments. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.3 | The S24 has a newer Bluetooth version, offering better range, more advanced connection options, and potentially more efficient power usage. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo, GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (L1), Galileo (E1+E5a) | The S24 has more comprehensive GPS capabilities leading to more accurate location tracking. |
| SIM | Dual SIM (Nano) | Dual SIM (Nano/eSIM) | S24 offers eSIM capability for easy switching between carriers. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128/256 GB | 128/256/512 GB | The S24 offers up to 512 GB of storage while Poco X3 Pro maxes out at 256 GB. |
| RAM | 6/8 GB | 8/12 GB | The S24 offers more RAM, which enhances multitasking and overall performance. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone has expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | Noise cancellation, Stereo Speakers | Poco X3 Pro offers hi-res audio while the S24 has noise cancellation microphone for clearer calls. |
| Security | |||
| Features | side-mounted fingerprint | basic fingerprint | Poco X3 Pro uses a more practical side-mounted fingerprint sensor while S24 has a basic fingerprint sensor. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Protection | Gorilla Glass 6 | Gorilla Glass Victus 2 | S24 has better screen protection for enhanced durability. |
| Sensors | Biometric, Motion, Proximity | Proximity, Motion, Environmental | S24 includes Barometer for measuring atmospheric pressure. Poco X3 Pro has a side-mounted fingerprint sensor. S24 includes more sensors. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro Advantages:
- Larger Battery: Offers a larger battery capacity, potentially providing longer battery life.
- Faster Charging: Supports slightly faster 33W charging compared to the S24's 25W.
- Lower price: It is significantly cheaper, offering better value for budget-conscious users.
- Dedicated Macro and Portrait Sensors: Offers dedicated macro and portrait cameras for close-up and bokeh shots.
Samsung Galaxy S24 Advantages:
- Significantly Higher Performance: Uses a much newer and more powerful chipset for faster overall performance and gaming.
- Superior Display Brightness: Offers dramatically higher brightness, ensuring great outdoor visibility.
- Better Camera System: Features a better main sensor, a telephoto lens for optical zoom, and enhanced video recording capabilities, including 8K support.
- Newer Software: Runs on Android 14, offering better features and longer support.
- More Compact and Lighter: More pocketable and comfortable for extended use.
- More Advanced Connectivity: Features newer Wi-Fi and Bluetooth versions for improved speeds and connectivity.
- Advanced Features: Includes features like bypass charging and reverse wireless charging.
- More Internal Storage Option: Offers an option for 512 GB internal storage.
- More RAM: Offers up to 12 GB RAM for smooth multitasking.
Trade-offs:
- Battery vs. Performance: The Poco X3 Pro trades performance for a larger battery and lower price, while the S24 sacrifices battery capacity for significantly better performance and camera capabilities.
- Size vs. Portability: The Poco X3 Pro offers a larger screen but is bulkier, whereas the S24 is more compact and portable but has a smaller screen.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro:
- Ideal User: Budget-conscious users who prioritize battery life and larger screen size.
- Use Cases:
- Casual gaming and media consumption.
- Long periods away from charging sources.
- Users who value a large display for reading or video.
- Users who need a dedicated depth sensor.
- Price-to-Value: Very good value for its price, offering good performance and key features at a budget price point.
Samsung Galaxy S24:
- Ideal User: Users who prioritize performance, camera quality, and cutting-edge features.
- Use Cases:
- High-end gaming and resource-intensive apps.
- Professional photography and video recording.
- Users who want a compact, pocketable phone.
- Users who value the latest software and connectivity options.
- Price-to-Value: Premium pricing, but offers top-tier performance, camera capabilities, and a rich feature set.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions:
- What is your budget? If you are on a tight budget, the Poco X3 Pro offers better value. If budget is less of a concern, the S24 provides more performance and features.
- What is your primary use case? For gamers, content creators, or power users, the S24 is the clear choice. For media consumption and basic use, the Poco X3 Pro is sufficient.
- How important are camera quality and software updates? If these are crucial, the S24's superior camera and software support make it a better choice.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Student on a Budget - The Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro is a better choice due to its lower price, large display, and larger battery.
- Scenario 2: Mobile Gamer/Content Creator - The Samsung Galaxy S24 offers superior performance, a better camera, and advanced video features, making it the preferred option.
- Scenario 3: Everyday User Wanting Premium Experience - The Samsung Galaxy S24 provides a premium build, advanced features, and cutting-edge technology, offering a superior user experience, provided the price aligns with budget.
My Choice
If I were to choose between these two phones, I would choose the Samsung Galaxy S24. Although the Poco X3 Pro has its strengths, such as a larger battery and lower price, the S24's significant improvements in performance, display brightness, camera capabilities, and software make it a better overall investment for me personally, and a more future proof phone. The newer chipset, better display, superior camera system and the latest software, along with the more compact and lighter design, are all features that are more critical to my daily use and preferences. While the price is a factor, the S24's advancements make it a worthwhile choice for those willing to invest in a high-end device.
