1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro | vivo X100 Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Launch Date | 2021-03-24 | 2023-11-21 | vivo X100 Pro is significantly newer, implying more up-to-date tech. |
| Dimensions | 165.3 × 76.8 × 9.4 mm | 164.1 × 75.3 × 8.9 mm | Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro is slightly larger and thicker, may feel bulkier in hand. |
| Weight | 215g | 221g | Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro is slightly lighter, which may make it more comfortable for prolonged use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.67" | 6.78" | vivo X100 Pro has a slightly larger display, offering more screen real estate. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1260x2800 | vivo X100 Pro offers significantly sharper images, text, and videos. |
| Pixel Density | 395 PPI | 452 PPI | vivo X100 Pro has a noticeably sharper and more detailed display. |
| Technology | IPS LCD | AMOLED | vivo X100 Pro provides richer colors, deeper blacks, and better power efficiency, especially for dark mode. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both offer smooth scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 3000 nits | vivo X100 Pro offers dramatically better visibility in bright sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 860 (7 nm) | Mediatek Dimensity 9300 (4 nm) | vivo X100 Pro offers a significant performance advantage, leading to faster app loading, smoother multitasking and better gaming capabilities. |
| AnTuTu Score | 627,869 | 1,881,325 | vivo X100 Pro has substantially higher performance, which is ideal for demanding tasks. |
| GPU | Adreno 640 | Immortalis-G720 MC12 | vivo X100 Pro's GPU is much more powerful, resulting in a superior gaming and graphics performance. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 48MP, f/1.79, 1/2", Sony IMX582 | 50MP, f/1.75, 1", Sony IMX989 | vivo X100 Pro features a larger sensor and wider aperture, enabling better low-light performance and image quality with improved dynamic range. |
| Front Camera | 20MP, f/2.2, 1/3.4" | 32MP, f/2.0, 1/2.8" | vivo X100 Pro features a higher resolution, wider aperture, and larger sensor, which provides better selfies in various lighting. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 8MP, f/2.2, 1/4" | 50MP, f/2.0, 1/2.76" | vivo X100 Pro has significantly higher resolution and wider aperture for better ultrawide shots. |
| Portrait Mode | 2MP, f/2.4, 1/5" | N/A | Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro has a dedicated depth sensor, which aids with portrait mode effects. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP, f/2.4, 1/5" | N/A | Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro has a dedicated macro lens, suitable for close-up shots. |
| Telephoto + Macro Lens | N/A | 50MP, f/2.5, 1/2" | vivo X100 Pro has a versatile telephoto lens with macro capability, allowing for better zoom and close-up photography. |
| Video | Up to 4K@30fps | Up to 8K@30fps | vivo X100 Pro offers higher video recording resolution (8K) and stabilization. |
| Camera Features | Quadruple Camera, Digital image stabilization, No | Triple Camera, Optical Stabilization (OIS), Gimbal, Noise reduction | vivo X100 Pro provides advanced camera features such as optical stabilization and gimbal, which enhances image quality. |
| DXOMark | N/A | Mobile: 150 (Photo: 149, Video: 145) | vivo X100 Pro has been tested and scored well, indicating better image and video quality compared to Poco X3 Pro. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5160mAh | 5400mAh | vivo X100 Pro has a slightly larger battery, potentially offering marginally longer battery life. |
| Charging | 33W Fast Charging | 100W Fast Charging | vivo X100 Pro charges much faster, reducing downtime and making it a more convenient choice. |
| Features | Non-removable | Reverse charging, 50W Wireless Charging, Non-removable | vivo X100 Pro offers convenient charging features like wireless and reverse charging. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 (Upgradable to 12) | Android 14 (Upgradable to 15) | vivo X100 Pro has a more up-to-date OS with additional features and security updates. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 5 | Wi-Fi 7 | vivo X100 Pro supports newer Wi-Fi standards for higher speeds and better performance. |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.0 | Bluetooth 5.4 | vivo X100 Pro has a newer Bluetooth version for better connection stability and efficiency. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo, GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (L1), BeiDou (B1), Galileo (E1+E5a), BeiDou (B2), NavIC System, QZSS (L1 + L5) | vivo X100 Pro has more satellite systems for more accurate location tracking. |
| SIM | Dual SIM (Nano) | Dual SIM (Nano/eSIM) | vivo X100 Pro supports eSIM for digital carrier switching. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128/256 GB | 256/512/1024 GB | vivo X100 Pro offers significantly more storage, which is excellent for media and apps. |
| RAM | 6/8 GB | 12/16 GB | vivo X100 Pro provides more RAM, which is ideal for multitasking and resource-intensive apps. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone offers expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | vivo X100 Pro offers enhanced audio quality, with Dolby Atmos support. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | basic fingerprint sensor | Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro features a side-mounted fingerprint sensor which may be more convenient for some users. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 6 | Unknown | Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro has better screen protection. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Ultrasonic proximity virtual | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro has an Ultrasonic proximity sensor while vivo X100 Pro uses a standard proximity sensor. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro Advantages:
- More advanced side-mounted fingerprint sensor: Some users may prefer the side-mounted sensor for ease of access.
- Screen protection: The device features Gorilla Glass 6 for enhanced screen protection.
- Lower Price Point: Typically a more budget-friendly option, making it accessible to a wider audience.
- Dedicated Macro lens: Offers a dedicated Macro lens, suitable for close-up shots.
- Dedicated depth sensor: Offers a dedicated depth sensor, suitable for portrait mode effects.
- Ultrasonic proximity sensor: Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro features an Ultrasonic proximity sensor, which might be preferred by some users.
vivo X100 Pro Advantages:
- Superior Display: AMOLED with higher resolution, brightness, and pixel density for vibrant, clear visuals.
- Significantly More Powerful Performance: The Dimensity 9300 chipset provides much higher CPU and GPU performance, resulting in significantly better gaming and multitasking experiences.
- Much Improved Camera System: Larger sensors, wider apertures, and advanced features (OIS, gimbal stabilization) lead to drastically superior photo and video quality across all lenses, particularly in low light.
- Faster Charging: 100W fast charging significantly reduces charging time.
- Wireless and Reverse Charging: Provides added convenience.
- More RAM and Storage: 12/16GB RAM and up to 1TB storage offer better multitasking and space for apps and media.
- Newer Software: Comes with Android 14, offering more features and up-to-date security.
- Advanced Connectivity: Supports the latest Wi-Fi standards and a newer Bluetooth version.
- eSIM support: Adds digital carrier switching flexibility.
- Dolby Atmos: Supports enhanced spatial audio and a higher quality audio experience
Trade-offs:
- Price: The vivo X100 Pro is considerably more expensive than the Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro.
- Size and Weight: The vivo X100 Pro is slightly heavier and may be less comfortable to use for extended periods than the Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro.
- No expandable storage: Both phones lack an expandable storage option.
- No dedicated Macro or Depth camera lens: The vivo X100 Pro lacks a dedicated Macro and Depth sensor.
- Unknown screen protection: The vivo X100 Pro's screen protection is unknown.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro:
- Ideal User: Budget-conscious users seeking a capable phone for everyday tasks and moderate gaming.
- Use Cases:
- Social media browsing
- Casual mobile gaming
- Streaming videos
- Basic photography in good lighting
- Users who prioritize value for money
- Strengths:
- Cost-effective
- Side-mounted fingerprint sensor may be preferred by some users
- Gorilla Glass 6 provides good screen protection
vivo X100 Pro:
- Ideal User: Users who prioritize top-tier performance, camera quality, and display and are less price-sensitive.
- Use Cases:
- High-end mobile gaming
- Professional-grade photography and videography
- Multitasking across demanding applications
- Viewing high-resolution content
- Demanding users who need the best from their phones
- Strengths:
- Exceptional camera performance
- Premium display quality
- Flagship-level performance
- Fast charging and wireless charging
- Dolby Atmos enhanced audio experience.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- What is your budget? If budget is a major concern, the Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro is more affordable. If you're willing to pay a premium for top-tier features, the vivo X100 Pro is a superior choice.
- What is your primary use case? If you use your phone mostly for everyday tasks with occasional casual gaming and photography, the Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro may suffice. However, if you engage in demanding tasks, high-end gaming, or professional photography, the vivo X100 Pro is more suitable.
- Do you need advanced camera features? If you are a photography enthusiast or require excellent low-light performance and advanced video recording capabilities, the vivo X100 Pro’s camera is significantly better.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Budget-Conscious User: If you're on a tight budget and need a reliable phone for everyday use, the Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro is a good option.
- Gaming Enthusiast: For avid gamers wanting high frame rates and smooth graphics, the vivo X100 Pro is the better choice due to its superior chipset and GPU.
- Photography Enthusiast: For photography and videography, especially in low light or for professional output, the vivo X100 Pro is the obvious winner due to its superior sensors and image processing.
- Power User: If you require a device that can handle demanding apps, multitask efficiently, and provide the best overall performance, the vivo X100 Pro is the preferred option.
My Choice
I would choose the vivo X100 Pro. Despite the higher price, its advantages in display quality, performance, camera capabilities, and overall user experience make it a compelling choice. The significantly upgraded camera system, the superior performance of the latest Mediatek chipset, the much improved display, and the faster charging make it a device that is much more future-proof and will provide a better experience for my personal use case. While the Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro is a great value for money proposition, the gap in features and overall performance is just too vast to ignore. I am also willing to trade the side-mounted fingerprint sensor and the dedicated macro and depth sensors for better overall camera performance and premium features.
