1. Specifications Comparison
Design
| Feature | Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro | Xiaomi Poco F4 GT | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 165.3 × 76.8 × 9.4 mm | 162.5 × 76.7 × 8.5 mm | The Poco F4 GT is slightly more compact and thinner, potentially making it more comfortable to hold for longer periods. The X3 Pro is a bit taller and thicker, which might feel bulkier. |
| Weight | 215g | 210g | The F4 GT is 5g lighter which might be barely noticeable but could contribute to slightly less fatigue during extended use. |
Display
| Feature | Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro | Xiaomi Poco F4 GT | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 6.67" | 6.67" | Both have the same screen size, suitable for multimedia consumption. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2400 | Identical resolution means similar sharpness. |
| PPI | 395 | 395 | Both have the same pixel density, resulting in similar image clarity. |
| Technology | IPS LCD | AMOLED | AMOLED offers superior blacks, better contrast, and more vibrant colors, as well as better power efficiency, especially with dark themes. This results in a richer and more visually pleasing display. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both have a smooth scrolling and gaming experience with a 120Hz refresh rate. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Neither specification for brightness was provided, hindering the analysis of outdoor usability under bright sunlight. |
Performance
| Feature | Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro | Xiaomi Poco F4 GT | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 860 (7 nm) | Qualcomm SM8450 Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 (4 nm) | The Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 in the F4 GT provides significantly higher performance for gaming, demanding apps, and overall responsiveness due to its newer architecture and smaller process node (4nm vs 7nm). |
| AnTuTu Score | 627,869 | 1,178,365 | The F4 GT has a vastly superior benchmark score, meaning much smoother and faster app launching, multitasking, and gaming. |
| GPU | Adreno 640 | Adreno 730 | The Adreno 730 in the F4 GT delivers a significant upgrade in graphics processing, resulting in better gaming performance and smoother rendering of graphic-intensive applications. |
Camera
| Feature | Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro | Xiaomi Poco F4 GT | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main Camera | 48MP, f/1.79, 1/2" Sony IMX582 | 64MP, f/1.73, 1/1.7" Sony IMX686 | The F4 GT’s main camera has a higher megapixel count and larger sensor, resulting in better detail, low-light performance and overall image quality. |
| Selfie Camera | 20MP, f/2.2, 1/3.4" Samsung S5K3T2 | 20MP, f/2.4, 1/2" Sony IMX596 | F4 GT's selfie camera has a larger sensor, likely capturing more light and detail, despite a slightly narrower aperture. |
| Wide Angle | 8MP, f/2.2, 1/4" Omnivision OV8856 | 8MP, f/2.2, 1/4" Omnivision OV8856 | Both devices have comparable wide-angle cameras. |
| Portrait Mode | 2MP, f/2.4, 1/5" Omnivision OV02B1B | None | The X3 Pro has a dedicated depth sensor for portrait photos, whereas the F4 GT relies on software. |
| Macro Camera | 2MP, f/2.4, 1/5" Hynix HI-259 | 2MP, f/2.4, Unknown | Both phones have a basic macro camera with similar specs and limited real world utility. |
| Video | 4K@30fps, EIS | 4K@60fps, HDR | The F4 GT provides 60fps 4K recording and HDR support, which allows for smoother, more dynamic video recording with greater color depth. |
| Features | Quad Camera | Triple Camera, Flicker Sensor, Gimbal | The F4 GT has features like a flicker sensor and gimbal for added video stabilization whereas the X3 Pro has an additional depth sensor. |
Battery
| Feature | Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro | Xiaomi Poco F4 GT | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 5160mAh | 4700mAh | The X3 Pro has a slightly bigger battery which may translate to longer usage between charges. |
| Charging | 33W Fast Charging | 120W Fast Charging | The F4 GT has a significantly faster charging speed, resulting in much quicker charging times (from 0 to 100 in under 20 mins), making it very convenient for users on the go. |
| Type | Li-Polymer | Li-Ion | Both phones have non-removable batteries. No significant impact between the two battery technologies. |
Software
| Feature | Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro | Xiaomi Poco F4 GT | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| OS | Android 11 (upgradable to 12) | Android 12 (upgradable to 13) | The F4 GT has a newer Android version with more recent features, improved security, and better optimization. |
Connectivity
| Feature | Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro | Xiaomi Poco F4 GT | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| WiFi | 802.11ac | WiFi 6 (802.11ax) | The F4 GT supports the newer WiFi 6 standard which results in faster speeds and more reliable connections on compatible networks. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.2 | The F4 GT has a slightly newer Bluetooth version, potentially offering more efficient connections. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (L1), BeiDou (B1), Galileo (E1+E5a), BeiDou (B2) | The F4 GT supports more satellite systems for better accuracy, especially in urban areas. |
| SIM | Dual SIM Dual Standby | Dual SIM Dual Standby | Both phones support dual SIM functionality. |
Storage & Audio
| Feature | Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro | Xiaomi Poco F4 GT | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Internal | 128/256 GB | 128/256 GB | Both come with the same storage options, with no expandability. |
| RAM | 6/8 GB | 8/12 GB | The F4 GT offers more RAM, allowing for better performance with demanding apps and multitasking. |
| Audio | Stereo Speakers, Hi-Res Audio | Stereo Speakers, Hi-Res Audio, Dolby Atmos, 3 Microphones | The F4 GT offers a more immersive audio experience with Dolby Atmos and better audio recording capabilities with 3 microphones, giving it an edge over the X3 Pro. |
Security & Build
| Feature | Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro | Xiaomi Poco F4 GT | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fingerprint Sensor | Side-mounted | Side-mounted | Both offer similar fingerprint sensors for biometric security. |
| Screen Protection | Gorilla Glass 6 | Gorilla Glass Victus | The F4 GT has superior screen protection against scratches and damage. |
| Sensors | Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Proximity | Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Proximity, RGB | The F4 GT includes an RGB sensor for potentially better ambient light adjustments. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Xiaomi Poco F4 GT Advantages:
- Superior Performance: The Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 chipset provides vastly superior CPU and GPU performance compared to the Snapdragon 860 in the X3 Pro. This leads to much better gaming performance, faster app loading, and smoother multitasking.
- Better Display: The AMOLED display offers richer colors, deeper blacks, and better contrast compared to the IPS LCD of the X3 Pro. It provides a significantly improved visual experience, especially with high-quality media.
- Significantly Faster Charging: The 120W fast charging is a huge advantage, allowing users to quickly top up their battery in a matter of minutes. This is a game-changer for users who need to charge quickly and frequently.
- Enhanced Camera Quality: Larger main sensor and improved selfie camera result in better quality photos and videos, especially in low-light situations.
- Better Audio: Dolby Atmos, 3 microphones, stereo speakers make the F4 GT a better multimedia experience
- Newer Software & Connectivity: The F4 GT has newer software and WiFi / Bluetooth standards, resulting in better security, additional features, faster network speeds and more reliable connections.
- Build Quality: The F4 GT has better screen protection with Gorilla Glass Victus.
Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro Advantages:
- Marginally Larger Battery: The X3 Pro has a larger 5160mAh battery compared to 4700mAh in the F4 GT. However the difference in real world usage is likely negligible.
- Dedicated Depth Sensor: The X3 Pro has a dedicated depth sensor for portrait photos, however, this could be replicated through software.
- Lower Price: The X3 Pro is a substantially cheaper phone compared to the F4 GT.
Trade-offs:
- The X3 Pro offers slightly better battery life with a bigger battery, but the F4 GT compensates by offering much faster charging times. The difference is negligible.
- The F4 GT has better camera sensors, but the X3 Pro has a dedicated depth sensor for portrait mode, however, this can be compensated via software.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Xiaomi Poco F4 GT:
- Ideal User: Gamers, power users, and media consumers who prioritize performance, visual quality, and fast charging. Users who want the best possible performance for the price, especially when compared to other phones at a similar price point.
- Use Cases:
- High-performance gaming.
- Demanding apps, intensive multitasking.
- Streaming high-quality videos.
- Content creation and photography.
- Users who prefer an immersive audio experience.
Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro:
- Ideal User: Budget-conscious users seeking good all-round performance at a lower price point, and who don’t require the most advanced features and performance.
- Use Cases:
- General everyday tasks.
- Casual gaming.
- Multimedia consumption.
- Users who want decent battery life but are not on the go.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- How important is peak gaming performance and overall speed? If this is critical, the F4 GT is a must-have.
- What is your budget? The X3 Pro is a more affordable option, while the F4 GT is better in most ways and therefore more expensive.
- How important is display quality and visuals? The AMOLED screen on the F4 GT is a major upgrade over the X3 Pro's IPS LCD.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: You are a serious gamer or need the best performance: Choose the Poco F4 GT.
- Scenario 2: You are a casual user looking for a budget-friendly phone for daily use: Choose the Poco X3 Pro.
- Scenario 3: You value a quality screen and faster charging: Choose the Poco F4 GT.
- Scenario 4: You value the best price-to-performance ratio: Choose the Poco F4 GT (if it is in budget, otherwise the X3 Pro).
My Choice
I would choose the Xiaomi Poco F4 GT.
Here's why:
The Poco F4 GT offers a much more well rounded experience, particularly in areas that significantly impact my daily use. The superior display (AMOLED), enhanced performance with the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1, and vastly superior fast charging at 120W makes the F4 GT a far better experience overall. Although the Poco X3 Pro has a slightly bigger battery, the F4 GT's charging more than makes up for it, making the difference negligable. The superior camera performance and audio features are welcome enhancements. Overall, I feel that the F4 GT offers an experience that justifies the added cost.
While the X3 Pro is a competent device for budget-conscious users, the F4 GT’s improvements across the board are hard to ignore, making it a far superior option overall and the better option for me.
