Smartphone Comparison: Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro vs. Xiaomi Poco F4
1. Specifications Comparison
Here's a detailed comparison of the Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro and Xiaomi Poco F4, focusing on practical implications for users.
Design
| Feature | Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro | Xiaomi Poco F4 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 165.3 × 76.8 × 9.4 mm | 163.2 × 76 × 7.7 mm | Poco F4 is noticeably thinner and slightly shorter, making it more pocketable and easier to handle with one hand. X3 Pro is bulkier. |
| Weight | 215g | 195g | The Poco F4 is lighter by 20g, which translates to more comfortable extended use, especially for gaming or reading. |
| Build Quality | Corning Gorilla Glass 6 | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | The X3 Pro has a slightly more recent screen protection, but both offer good scratch resistance |
Display
| Feature | Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro | Xiaomi Poco F4 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 6.67" | 6.67" | Identical screen size; Both offer an immersive experience for media consumption. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2400 | Both provide a sharp, detailed viewing experience. |
| PPI | 395 | 395 | Identical pixel density. Both are crisp and clear. |
| Technology | IPS LCD | AMOLED | The AMOLED display on the F4 offers superior contrast, deeper blacks, more vibrant colors, and better power efficiency, especially with dark themes. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both provide smooth scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 1300 nits | The F4's significantly higher peak brightness makes it much easier to view under direct sunlight. X3 Pro's brightness information is missing. |
Performance
| Feature | Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro | Xiaomi Poco F4 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 860 (7 nm) | Qualcomm Snapdragon 870 5G (7 nm) | The Snapdragon 870 in the F4 provides better overall performance for gaming, multitasking and general responsiveness, while the 860 in the X3 Pro is still very capable. |
| Antutu Score | 627,869 | 861,200 | The Poco F4 achieves a much higher benchmark, which translates to snappier app loading, smoother multitasking, and better gaming performance. |
| GPU | Adreno 640 | Adreno 650 | The Adreno 650 in the F4 has superior graphical processing capabilities for gaming. |
Camera
| Feature | Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro | Xiaomi Poco F4 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main Camera | 48MP, f/1.79, 1/2" Sony IMX582 | 64MP, f/1.79, 1/2" Omnivision OV64B | The F4 has a higher resolution sensor, offering potentially more detail in photos; differences between Sony and Omnivision sensors can be subtle. |
| Selfie Camera | 20MP, f/2.2, 1/3.4" Samsung S5K3T2 | 20MP, f/2.4, 1/2" Sony IMX596 | The F4 has a larger sensor, potentially resulting in better low-light selfies, while the X3 Pro has a wider aperture. |
| Wide Angle | 8MP, f/2.2, 1/4" Omnivision OV8856 | 8MP, f/2.2, 1/4" Omnivision OV8856 | Identical specs for the ultrawide lens. |
| Portrait (Depth) | 2MP, f/2.4 | None | The X3 Pro has a dedicated depth sensor for better portrait mode separation, while F4 does it via software. |
| Macro | 2MP, f/2.4 | 2MP, f/2.4 | Comparable macro lens performance. |
| Video Recording | Up to 4K@30fps with EIS | Up to 4K@60fps, OIS | The F4 supports 4K@60fps and Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) leading to smoother videos. |
| Camera Features | Quadruple camera | Triple camera, OIS, Ultra Stable video, PDAF, RAW, Night Mode | F4 has superior camera features, including hardware and software enhancements. |
Battery
| Feature | Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro | Xiaomi Poco F4 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 5160mAh | 4500mAh | The X3 Pro offers a larger battery capacity, which translates to potentially longer battery life per charge. |
| Charging | 33W Fast Charging | 67W Fast Charging | The F4's faster charging allows for quicker replenishment of the battery, a significant convenience for users on the go. |
| Battery Type | Li-Polymer | Li-Ion Polymer | The difference between Li-Polymer and Li-Ion polymer is practically negligible for users. |
Software & Connectivity
| Feature | Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro | Xiaomi Poco F4 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| OS | Android 11, Upgradable to 12 | Android 12, Upgradable to 13 | The F4 launches with a newer Android version, which may have security and performance benefits, and a potential one more major upgrade. |
| WiFi | Wi-Fi 5 | Wi-Fi 6 | The F4 has the latest Wi-Fi version, resulting in better performance in crowded networks |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.0 | Bluetooth 5.2 | The F4 has a newer Bluetooth version, possibly improving connection stability and range. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo, GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (L1), BeiDou (B1), Galileo (E1+E5a), BeiDou (B2), NavIC System, QZSS (L1 + L5) | The F4 supports more satellite systems for potentially more accurate and reliable positioning. |
| SIM | Dual SIM Dual Standby | Dual SIM Dual Standby | Both support dual SIM functionality. |
Storage & Audio
| Feature | Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro | Xiaomi Poco F4 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Internal Storage | 128GB or 256GB | 128GB or 256GB | Both phones offer the same storage options. |
| RAM | 6GB or 8GB | 6GB, 8GB or 12GB | The F4 offers a 12GB RAM option, which is better for heavy multitasking and gaming. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone allows for storage expansion via microSD cards. |
| Audio | Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers, 2 microphones | The F4 offers additional features for improved audio quality and recording. |
Security & Sensors | Feature | Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro | Xiaomi Poco F4 | Practical Impact | |---|---|---|---| | Security | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Both phones offer similar side-mounted fingerprint sensors. | | Sensors | Biometric: Fingerprint; Motion: Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope; Proximity: Ultrasonic proximity virtual | Biometric: Fingerprint; Motion: Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope; Proximity: Ultrasonic proximity virtual | Both offer a comprehensive set of sensors.|
2. Key Differences Analysis
Advantages of Xiaomi Poco F4:
- Superior Display: AMOLED display with higher brightness provides significantly better visual experience with better colours, deeper blacks and superior outdoor visibility.
- Enhanced Performance: The Snapdragon 870 chipset offers faster processing speeds, smoother multitasking, and better gaming performance compared to the Snapdragon 860.
- Improved Camera: The F4 boasts a higher resolution main camera, larger sensor selfie camera, OIS, and better video recording capabilities, making it a more versatile option for photography enthusiasts.
- Faster Charging: 67W fast charging significantly reduces charging times.
- Newer Software & Connectivity: Comes with a newer Android OS version out of the box and superior Wi-Fi and Bluetooth standards.
- Superior Audio: Enhanced Audio, Dolby Atmos, and dual microphones provide better sound.
Advantages of Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro:
- Larger Battery: The larger 5160mAh battery may offer better battery life.
- Dedicated Depth Camera: Has a dedicated depth camera.
Trade-offs:
- The F4 sacrifices a bit of battery capacity for significantly better performance, display, and camera features.
- The X3 Pro, while having a larger battery, lacks the more advanced features found in the F4.
- The X3 Pro lacks the OIS of the F4.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Xiaomi Poco F4 is ideal for:
- Power users and gamers: Who prioritize smooth performance and a great gaming experience.
- Media consumers: Who value vibrant colours and excellent display quality, especially in bright environments.
- Photography enthusiasts: Who want a versatile camera setup with good video capabilities.
- Users who need fast charging: Prefer shorter charge times.
- Users who want the latest software and features: Would like to stay up to date with connectivity standards and Android version.
Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro is ideal for:
- Users on a tighter budget: Who still want great performance, and do not need all the latest features.
- Users who prefer a bigger battery: For extended use without frequent charging.
- Users who want a dedicated depth camera: for better portrait photography.
Use Cases:
- Poco F4: Gaming, watching movies/TV shows, social media usage, photography, content creation, and users with a need for fast charging.
- Poco X3 Pro: General day-to-day use, social media, basic photography, users who prioritize battery life and are on a tighter budget.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions to Consider:
- What is my budget? The Poco X3 Pro will likely be more budget friendly.
- How important is display quality and outdoor visibility to me? The F4's AMOLED display and higher brightness are superior.
- Do I prioritize camera quality and video recording? The F4 is significantly better in this regard.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: If you are a gamer and/or enjoy watching videos and are looking for superior performance, display, and better camera quality. Choose the Poco F4.
- Scenario 2: If you are on a budget and want good general performance and a larger battery with a decent camera. Choose the Poco X3 Pro.
- Scenario 3: If you need a reliable phone for everyday tasks, browsing, and light social media. The Poco F4 is still a better choice overall, but consider the Poco X3 Pro if you have an extremely strict budget.
My Choice
If I had to choose, I would pick the Xiaomi Poco F4. While the Poco X3 Pro offers a larger battery, the advantages of the Poco F4 in terms of display, performance, camera, charging speed and connectivity are more compelling and enhance the overall user experience. I would be willing to sacrifice some battery life for the much better AMOLED screen, the faster chipset, superior camera quality, and notably faster charging. The improved video recording with OIS is also a major draw for me. The user experience is far better with the F4.
