1. Specifications Comparison
Here's a detailed comparison of the Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro and the Sony Xperia 1 IV, focusing on practical implications:
Design
| Feature | Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro | Sony Xperia 1 IV | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 165.3 x 76.8 x 9.4 mm | 165 x 71 x 8.2 mm | Xperia 1 IV is slimmer and narrower, potentially more comfortable for one-handed use; Poco X3 Pro is bulkier |
| Weight | 215g | 185g | Xperia 1 IV is significantly lighter, making it easier to carry and use for extended periods. |
| Build Quality (Screen Protection) | Corning Gorilla Glass 6 | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | Xperia 1 IV offers superior screen protection against scratches and drops, enhancing durability |
Display
| Feature | Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro | Sony Xperia 1 IV | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 6.67" | 6.5" | Poco X3 Pro offers a slightly larger screen, potentially better for media consumption and gaming. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1644x3840 | Xperia 1 IV has a much sharper display, resulting in clearer images and text. |
| Pixel Density | 395 PPI | 643 PPI | Xperia 1 IV has significantly higher pixel density, offering noticeably crisper visuals. |
| Technology | IPS LCD | OLED | Xperia 1 IV has better contrast, deeper blacks, and more vibrant colors compared to the Poco X3 Pro's LCD panel |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both offer smooth scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Both phones have identical peak brightness, but the quality of the brightness is different due to different display technologies. |
Performance
| Feature | Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro | Sony Xperia 1 IV | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Snapdragon 860 (7 nm) | Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 (4 nm) | Xperia 1 IV's chipset offers significantly faster processing and improved energy efficiency. |
| AnTuTu Score | 627,869 | 1,076,100 | Xperia 1 IV provides substantially better performance for gaming, video editing, and multitasking. |
| GPU | Adreno 640 | Adreno 730 | Xperia 1 IV's GPU delivers better graphics performance for demanding games and applications. |
Camera
| Feature | Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro | Sony Xperia 1 IV | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Camera | 48MP, f/1.79, 1/2" sensor | 12MP, f/1.7, Sony Exmor RS, 1.80µm pixel size | Xperia 1 IV's lower resolution camera uses larger pixels, capturing more light for better low-light performance; Poco X3 Pro's higher resolution may result in more detail in ideal conditions. |
| Selfie Camera | 20MP, f/2.2, 1/3.4" sensor | 12MP, f/2.0 | Poco X3 Pro has a higher resolution, but the Xperia 1 IV's wider aperture allows for better low light photos. |
| Telephoto Lens | None | 12MP, f/2.3, 1/3.5" sensor | Xperia 1 IV provides optical zoom capabilities for better clarity when zooming in on subjects. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 8MP, f/2.2, 1/4" sensor | 12MP, f/2.2 | Xperia 1 IV's wide-angle lens captures more detail. |
| ToF 3D sensor | None | Available | Xperia 1 IV can create 3D maps, enabling advanced photography and Augmented Reality capabilities. |
| Portrait Mode | 2MP depth sensor | None | Poco X3 Pro provides a dedicated depth sensor for better portrait mode. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP Macro lens | None | Poco X3 Pro offers the ability to capture very close-up details. |
| Video | 4K@30fps with EIS, 1080p up to 960fps | 4K@120fps with HDR, OIS, EIS, 1080p up to 120fps with HDR, OIS, EIS | Xperia 1 IV offers superior video capabilities with higher resolution, frame rates, HDR, and stabilization technologies. |
| DxOMark Score | Not Available | Mobile: 105, Photo: 107, Video: 92 | Xperia 1 IV has a tested score while Poco X3 Pro does not which gives a comparative idea of the image quality. |
| 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. | 4K Video, Digital zoom, Optical zoom, Quadruple 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 | Sony Xperia 1 IV has more advanced camera features. |
Battery
| Feature | Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro | Sony Xperia 1 IV | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 5160mAh | 5000mAh | Both offer comparable battery life for a full day's usage under normal conditions. |
| Charging | 33W fast charging | 30W fast charging | Poco X3 Pro charges slightly faster. |
| Features | Non-removable | Bypass Charging, Non-removable | Xperia 1 IV allows charging while playing games or watching videos without overheating issues. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro Advantages
- Larger Display: Slightly larger screen provides a more immersive experience for gaming and media.
- Faster Charging: 33W fast charging can top up the battery a bit quicker than the Sony's 30W.
- More versatile camera system: Dedicated macro and depth sensor.
- Price: The Poco X3 Pro is significantly more affordable than the Xperia 1 IV.
Sony Xperia 1 IV Advantages
- Superior Display: OLED panel with much higher resolution and pixel density offers significantly better visual quality.
- Significantly Higher Performance: The Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 offers faster processing and better gaming performance.
- Better Camera System: The superior camera setup with telephoto lens, optical image stabilization, larger pixels and more advanced features result in higher-quality photos and videos, especially in low light.
- More Advanced Features: Offers more advanced connectivity features, bypass charging, and a newer version of Android.
- Premium Build Quality: Better screen protection and build materials.
Trade-offs
- Poco X3 Pro: Sacrifices display quality, performance, and camera capabilities for affordability.
- Xperia 1 IV: More expensive and lacks a dedicated depth/macro lens and offers a slightly smaller screen.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro
- Ideal User: Budget-conscious users who prioritize performance for gaming and a large screen for media consumption, without needing top-tier camera quality.
- Use Cases:
- Mobile gaming, especially for games that benefit from a high refresh rate
- Casual media consumption (YouTube, movies, social media)
- Users on a tight budget.
- Value: Offers very good performance for the price, but lacks premium features.
Sony Xperia 1 IV
- Ideal User: Professional photographers or videographers, content creators, media enthusiasts, and users who demand top-tier performance and display quality, and are not price sensitive.
- Use Cases:
- Professional-level photography and videography.
- High-end mobile gaming.
- Content creation and editing.
- High-quality media consumption and entertainment.
- Users who prioritize a premium user experience with advanced features
- Value: High performance and premium features justify the high price tag, but it is not budget-friendly.
4. Decision Framework
Here are three key questions buyers should consider:
- What is your budget? If you have a limited budget, the Poco X3 Pro is the better choice. If the budget is not a big concern, the Xperia 1 IV is the way to go.
- What is your primary use case? If you prioritize camera performance and display quality, the Xperia 1 IV is better. If you prioritize gaming performance on a budget, the Poco X3 Pro is the way to go.
- How important are advanced features? If you need advanced features like optical zoom and better connectivity, the Xperia 1 IV is better, otherwise, the Poco X3 Pro's set of features will be enough for most users.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Budget Gamer: If you are a gamer on a tight budget, the Poco X3 Pro is a good option.
- Content Creator: If you create content regularly, especially videos, the Xperia 1 IV is better.
- Premium User: If you want the best display, camera, and performance, without concern for the price, the Xperia 1 IV is better.
- Casual User: If you just need a smartphone for everyday tasks, the Poco X3 Pro is a great option.
Final Decision
If I had to choose, I would pick the Sony Xperia 1 IV. While it comes at a much higher price point, the advancements it offers are well worth the cost if your budget allows it. The combination of its superior display, significantly better performance, and the high-quality camera capabilities with a telephoto lens makes it a more compelling option for my needs. I value the significantly enhanced overall experience that the Xperia 1 IV delivers for media consumption, gaming, and photography. The screen quality alone is enough to make it a superior experience. I also value the enhanced connectivity and the premium build quality. However, it should be noted that the Poco X3 Pro is a great smartphone on a budget.
