Smartphone Comparison: Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro vs. Xiaomi Poco F5
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro | Xiaomi Poco F5 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Launch Date | 2021-03-24 | 2023-05-01 | Poco F5 is a newer device with more modern features |
| Dimensions | 165.3 × 76.8 × 9.4 mm | 161.1 × 75 × 7.9 mm | Poco F5 is more compact and pocketable, and comfortable for one-handed use |
| Weight | 215g | 181g | Poco F5 is significantly lighter, making it more comfortable to hold for extended periods |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.67" | 6.67" | Both offer a large screen for immersive media consumption |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2400 | Both provide a sharp display for detailed content |
| PPI | 395 | 395 | Both offer similar sharpness |
| Technology | IPS LCD | AMOLED | Poco F5 has superior contrast, deeper blacks, and more vibrant colors, better for HDR content and outdoor visibility |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both offer smooth scrolling and animation, suitable for gaming |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Peak brightness not available |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 860 (7 nm) | Qualcomm SM7475-AB Snapdragon 7+ Gen 2 (4 nm) | Poco F5's newer chipset is more powerful and energy-efficient, resulting in faster app loading, better multitasking and gaming performance |
| AnTuTu Score | 627,869 | 1,134,558 | Poco F5 has a significantly higher score, demonstrating superior real-world performance |
| GPU | Adreno 640 | Adreno 725 | Poco F5 has a more powerful GPU, offering better graphics performance for demanding games and applications |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Camera | 48MP (f/1.79, 1/2", Sony IMX582) | 64MP (f/1.79, 1/2", Omnivision OV64B) | Poco F5 has higher resolution for potentially more detailed photos, but sensor size is the same. |
| Selfie Camera | 20MP (f/2.2, 1/3.4", Samsung S5K3T2) | 16MP (f/2.45, 1/3.1", Samsung S5K3P9) | Poco X3 Pro has a higher resolution selfie camera, while the Poco F5 has a larger sensor. |
| Wide Angle Camera | 8MP (f/2.2, 1/4", Omnivision OV8856) | 8MP (f/2.2, 1/2.8", Sony IMX355) | Poco F5 has a larger sensor, potentially better low-light performance for wide-angle shots |
| Portrait Mode | 2MP (f/2.4, 1/5", Omnivision OV02B1B) | Not Available | Poco X3 Pro has a dedicated depth sensor for portrait mode, which may result in more accurate bokeh effects. Poco F5 relies on software. |
| Macro Camera | 2MP (f/2.4, 1/5", Hynix HI-259) | 2MP (f/2.4, 1/5", GalaxyCore GC02M1) | Both have similar macro cameras. |
| Video | Up to 4K@30fps, EIS | Up to 4K@30fps, EIS, OIS | Both record high-quality video. Poco F5 includes OIS for more stable video. |
| Camera Features | 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 | Digital zoom, Triple camera, Digital image stabilization, Optical Stabilization (OIS), Autofocus, Touch focus, Continuous autofocus, Manual focus, Phase detection autofocus (PDAF), Continuous shooting, Geotagging, Panorama, HDR, Face detection, White balance settings, ISO settings, Exposure compensation, Scene mode, Self-timer, Front Flash, Night Mode | Poco F5 offers more advanced features, such as OIS, PDAF, continuous autofocus, front flash, and night mode for improved low-light and focus performance |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5160mAh | 5000mAh | Both offer similar battery capacity for all-day use. |
| Charging | 33W Fast Charging | 67W Fast Charging | Poco F5 charges significantly faster, reducing downtime. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 (Upgradable to 12) | Android 13 (Upgradable to 14) | Poco F5 comes with a newer Android version out of the box and will have longer software support |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 5 | Wi-Fi 6 | Poco F5 supports the newer Wi-Fi 6 standard, offering faster speeds and better performance on compatible networks. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.3 | Poco F5 has newer Bluetooth with improved power efficiency, and connectivity. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo, BeiDou (B1) | Poco F5 offers more accurate location tracking using more satellite navigation systems |
| SIM | Dual SIM Dual Standby | Dual SIM Full Active | Poco F5 allows both SIMs to be active simultaneously. |
| Storage & Audio | |||
| Internal Storage | 128 GB or 256 GB | 256 GB | Both have a maximum of 256GB of storage. |
| RAM | 6 GB or 8 GB | 8 GB or 12 GB | Poco F5 has more RAM, making it better for heavy multitasking and demanding applications |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone supports expandable storage |
| Audio | Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Noise cancellation microphone, Stereo Speakers, 2 microphones | Poco F5 offers superior audio experience with Dolby Atmos, noise cancellation, and two microphones for better voice recording. |
| Security & Build | |||
| Security | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Both provide basic biometric security with side-mounted sensors |
| Screen Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 6 | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | Poco X3 Pro uses superior screen protection |
| Sensors | Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Ultrasonic proximity virtual | Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Ultrasonic proximity virtual | Both have the standard sensors suite. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro Advantages:
- Slightly Lower Price: Being an older model, the X3 Pro is typically more budget-friendly.
- Superior Screen Protection: Offers Corning Gorilla Glass 6 protection compared to the Poco F5.
- Dedicated Portrait Lens: Has a dedicated 2MP depth sensor, potentially leading to better portrait mode results.
Xiaomi Poco F5 Advantages:
- Significantly Superior Performance: The Snapdragon 7+ Gen 2 chipset provides a substantial performance boost over the Snapdragon 860, making it faster and smoother for demanding tasks.
- AMOLED Display: Offers superior visual quality with vibrant colors, deep blacks, and improved contrast compared to the X3 Pro's IPS LCD.
- Faster Charging: 67W fast charging significantly reduces charging time.
- Enhanced Camera Features: OIS (Optical Image Stabilization), PDAF (Phase Detection Autofocus), front flash, and night mode improve image and video quality, especially in low light.
- More RAM: Options for 8GB or 12GB of RAM provide smoother multitasking.
- Modern Connectivity: Supports Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.3, and more accurate GPS for a better wireless experience.
- Better Audio Quality: With Dolby Atmos, noise cancellation, and dual microphones, the F5 provides an improved audio experience.
- Newer Software: Comes with Android 13, with support to upgrade to Android 14.
Trade-offs:
- Poco X3 Pro: Offers slightly better screen protection, and a dedicated depth lens, but sacrifices overall performance, display quality, and modern features compared to the Poco F5.
- Poco F5: While offering a significantly better experience, its cost may be higher than the Poco X3 Pro.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro Ideal Users:
- Budget-Conscious Users: Those looking for a capable phone at a lower price point and who prioritize value over cutting-edge features.
- Casual Gamers: Users who play basic games and don't need top-tier graphics performance.
- Users who prioritize battery life and screen protection: The larger battery capacity and gorilla glass 6.
- Users that need a dedicated depth camera sensor
Use Cases:
- Daily browsing, social media, and communication.
- Casual gaming and basic media consumption.
- Users who need a reliable device with a large battery and good value.
Xiaomi Poco F5 Ideal Users:
- Performance Enthusiasts: Users who demand smooth, fast performance for gaming, multitasking, and resource-intensive applications.
- Mobile Photographers: Users who want a versatile camera system with good image quality, especially in low light.
- Media Consumers: Users who enjoy watching videos and prefer high-quality displays with vibrant colors and deep blacks.
- Users who want a future proof device The Poco F5 has better software support with Android 13, and an upgrade to 14.
- Users who need high-quality audio and noise cancellation Dolby Atmos, and dual microphones.
Use Cases:
- Heavy gaming and demanding application use.
- High-quality photography and videography.
- Immersive media consumption and audio playback.
- Users who need the fastest charging available.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- Budget: How much are you willing to spend on a smartphone?
- Performance Needs: Do you prioritize smooth, fast performance for gaming and heavy multitasking, or are you okay with adequate performance?
- Display Quality and Camera: Do you value superior display quality and an advanced camera system?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Tight Budget, Basic Needs: If your priority is a basic, functional smartphone with a large battery, and screen protection, the Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro is a reasonable choice.
- Scenario 2: Performance and Display Priority: If you want the best possible performance, display quality, and camera experience for your money, the Xiaomi Poco F5 is the clear winner.
- Scenario 3: Balanced Needs with a Medium Budget: If budget is not a major concern, the Xiaomi Poco F5 offers better overall value due to the superior performance, display, and camera capabilities. The Poco X3 Pro is more of a budget option and is the right one if you need that price point, otherwise the Poco F5 is the superior phone in every other way.
Personal Recommendation
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would definitely choose the Xiaomi Poco F5. While the Poco X3 Pro does have a few minor advantages like slightly better screen protection and a dedicated depth lens, the improvements in almost every other aspect of the Poco F5 is far more valuable. The Snapdragon 7+ Gen 2 processor makes the phone run significantly faster and smoother, the AMOLED display is much more vibrant and enjoyable, the faster charging is convenient and the better camera experience is important. Given that I personally use my phone for lots of gaming and media consumption, the difference in visual and audio fidelity, as well as the smoother performance, is very important to me. The Poco F5 is a much more modern and capable device that is definitely worth the extra money in my opinion.
