1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro | Samsung Galaxy S24 FE | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 165.3 × 76.8 × 9.4 mm | 162 × 77.3 × 8 mm | The Poco X3 Pro is slightly taller and thicker, potentially feeling bulkier in hand and pocket. |
| Weight | 215g | 213g | Both phones have similar weight, making the difference negligible. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.67" | 6.7" | Very similar screen size; the 0.03" difference is barely noticeable. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2340 | Similar resolutions, resulting in comparable sharpness for regular use. |
| Pixel Density | 395 PPI | 385 PPI | Similar pixel densities, meaning both offer sharp visuals, with the difference being minor. |
| Technology | IPS LCD | AMOLED | AMOLED offers superior contrast, deeper blacks, and more vibrant colors. Better for media consumption and outdoor viewing. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both offer smooth scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 1900 nits | Samsung S24 FE offers drastically better visibility in direct sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 860 (7 nm) | Exynos 2400e (4 nm) | The S24 FE's 4nm chip offers significantly faster performance, better power efficiency, and handles intensive tasks (gaming, video editing) much better. |
| AnTuTu Score | 627,869 | 1,600,000 | The S24 FE's much higher score translates to snappier app launches and smoother multitasking, especially beneficial for power users. |
| GPU | Adreno 640 | Xclipse 940 | S24 FE's GPU provides superior graphics performance, essential for gaming and graphics intensive apps. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5160mAh | 4700mAh | The Poco X3 Pro's slightly larger battery may lead to marginally longer usage between charges. |
| Charging | 33W Fast Charging | 25W Fast Charging | Poco X3 Pro charges faster at 33W. |
| Features | Non-removable | Bypass Charging, Reverse charging, Non-removable, 15W wireless charging | The S24 FE provides more convenient charging options like bypass charging and wireless charging. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 48MP, f/1.79, 1/2" | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/1.57" | S24 FE's larger sensor will likely result in better low-light performance and overall image quality. |
| Selfie Camera | 20MP, f/2.2, 1/3.4" | 10.8MP, f/2.4, 1/2.65" | Xiaomi has a higher megapixel count, but the larger sensor size on the S24 FE could yield better performance in low-light conditions. |
| Telephoto Lens | None | 8MP, f/2.4, 1/4.4" | The S24 FE provides optical zoom capability, useful for capturing details from a distance. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 8MP, f/2.2, 1/4" | 13MP, f/2.2, 1/3.1" | S24 FE has better resolution and larger sensor, meaning better wide-angle shots. |
| Portrait Mode (Depth) | 2MP, f/2.4, 1/5" | None | Poco X3 Pro has a dedicated depth sensor for portrait photos; a basic depth effect. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP, f/2.4, 1/5" | None | Poco X3 Pro allows for dedicated macro shots, useful for very close-up images. |
| Video | 4K@30fps max | 8K@30fps max | S24 FE offers significantly higher video recording capabilities (8K), better for those who need professional-grade video. |
| Stabilization | EIS | Yes | S24 FE provides optical stabilization, resulting in smoother, less shaky videos. |
| DXoMark | N/A | Mobile: 133 | Only the S24 FE has been tested, providing a benchmark for its camera quality. |
| Camera 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 | Night Mode 2.0, 4K Video, 8K Video, Digital zoom, Optical zoom, Triple camera, Digital image stabilization, Optical Stabilization (OIS), Autofocus, Touch focus, Phase detection autofocus (PDAF), Continuous shooting, Geotagging, Panorama, HDR, Face detection, White balance settings, ISO settings, Exposure compensation, Scene mode, Self-timer, RAW | S24 FE has more advanced camera features and better video capabilities. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 (Max 12) | Android 14 | S24 FE comes with the latest Android version, likely to get more updates and have access to newer features. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac/ax (WiFi 6E) | S24 FE offers faster, more stable WiFi with newer standards. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 LE | 5.3 LE | S24 FE offers more stable and efficient Bluetooth connection and more features. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo, GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (L1), Galileo (E1+E5a), NavIC System | S24 FE offers more precise positioning through a wider range of satellite systems. |
| SIM | Dual SIM Dual Standby (Nano SIM + Nano SIM) | Dual SIM Dual Standby (Nano SIM / eSIM + Nano SIM / eSIM) | S24 FE supports eSIM, offering more flexibility for multiple mobile plans. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128 GB or 256 GB | 128 GB or 256 GB or 512 GB | S24 FE offers more storage for users with large media libraries. |
| RAM | 6 GB or 8 GB | 8 GB | Both offer ample RAM for smooth multitasking. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone offers expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | Noise cancellation microphone, Stereo Speakers | Both offer stereo speakers; Poco provides Hi-Res Audio, while the S24 FE has noise cancellation. |
| Security | |||
| Features | side-mounted fingerprint sensor | basic fingerprint sensor | Side-mounted fingerprint sensors are often more responsive. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 6 | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus+ | S24 FE offers superior screen protection for better durability. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Biometric: Fingerprint; Motion: Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope; Proximity: Ultrasonic proximity virtual | Motion: Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope; Environmental: Barometer; Proximity: Ultrasonic proximity virtual, Geomagnetic, Hall | The S24 FE includes a barometer for altitude information, which is useful for outdoor enthusiasts. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro Advantages:
- Slightly larger battery: May provide marginally longer battery life, which is advantageous for heavy usage.
- Faster Charging: The 33W charging is faster than 25W on the S24 FE.
- Hi-Res Audio: A beneficial feature for audiophiles who prioritize high-quality audio output.
- Dedicated Depth and Macro Cameras: Provides some flexibility with close up and portrait shots.
- Potentially Lower Price: Generally older models are more affordable
Samsung Galaxy S24 FE Advantages:
- Superior Display: AMOLED technology provides vibrant colors, deeper blacks, and better contrast for a much better viewing experience, particularly in sunlight.
- Much Higher Performance: The Exynos 2400e chipset and Xclipse 940 GPU offer significantly faster performance for intensive tasks, gaming, and general multitasking.
- Significantly Better Camera System: Offers a telephoto lens for optical zoom, a higher-resolution wide-angle lens, and superior video capabilities up to 8K. Also has improved image stabilization (OIS).
- Newer OS: Comes with the latest Android 14, providing access to new features and security updates.
- Advanced Connectivity: WiFi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3 provide faster, more stable connections and more features.
- eSIM Support: Offers more flexibility for managing multiple mobile plans.
- Wireless Charging and Reverse Wireless Charging: Adds additional convenience with various charging methods.
- Superior Screen Protection: Corning Gorilla Glass Victus+ provides better scratch and damage resistance.
- Additional Sensors: Includes a barometer, which might appeal to specific user needs.
Significant Trade-offs:
- The Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro sacrifices overall performance, display quality, and camera capabilities for a lower price.
- The Samsung Galaxy S24 FE offers a significant performance and feature jump but at a higher cost.
- The Poco X3 Pro features a more basic camera setup, while the S24 FE features more advanced lens and video recording, but lacks the depth and macro lens.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro:
- Ideal User: Budget-conscious users who primarily use their phone for everyday tasks, browsing, and social media. Users who value a larger battery and faster charging, and don't need a top-of-the-line camera.
- Use Cases:
- Basic social media use, web browsing, and messaging.
- Users who listen to music and prefer Hi-Res audio support
- Occasional gaming.
- Users needing a reliable device with good battery life without a high price tag.
- Users that enjoy taking photos in portrait mode and close up macro shots.
Samsung Galaxy S24 FE:
- Ideal User: Users who prioritize performance, a great display, camera quality, and future-proofing. Those willing to pay extra for advanced features and a premium user experience.
- Use Cases:
- High-end mobile gaming.
- Professional-grade photography and videography.
- Users who heavily rely on their phones for media consumption (videos, movies, etc.).
- Users who want a modern, fast phone with the latest software and connectivity features.
- Users who use a variety of wireless charging accessories.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions to Consider:
- Budget: How much are you willing to spend on a smartphone? The Poco X3 Pro is a budget option, while the S24 FE is more premium.
- Performance Needs: How important is raw processing power for your daily use? If you're a power user or gamer, the S24 FE is a better fit.
- Camera Requirements: How important is photography and videography to you? The S24 FE features a more versatile and advanced camera.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Budget-Conscious User: If you need a reliable phone for basic use and don't want to spend a lot, the Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro is suitable.
- Scenario 2: Performance & Camera Enthusiast: If performance, camera quality, and display are your top priorities and price is not a major concern, the Samsung Galaxy S24 FE is clearly the superior choice.
- Scenario 3: Heavy Media Consumer: If you watch a lot of videos and want a great screen, the Samsung Galaxy S24 FE with its AMOLED display is recommended.
My Choice
Given the choice, I would choose the Samsung Galaxy S24 FE. While the Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro is an excellent option for budget-conscious users who prioritize basic functionality, the S24 FE provides a significant leap in key areas that enhance daily usage and enjoyment. The AMOLED display offers superior visual quality, the Exynos chipset delivers a smoother and more responsive performance, and the camera capabilities are significantly more advanced. For me, the advantages of the S24 FE in terms of display, performance, and camera versatility outweigh the trade-off in price. In addition, the newer software and better connectivity ensure a longer device lifespan, making it a more future-proof investment. The additional convenience of features such as wireless charging, and eSIM support make this a more compelling phone. While a slightly smaller battery and slower wired charging are negatives compared to the Poco X3 Pro, the benefits of the S24 FE make it a more worthwhile choice.
