Smartphone Comparison: Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro vs. Xiaomi Poco M4 Pro 5G
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro | Xiaomi Poco M4 Pro 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 165.3 x 76.8 x 9.4 mm | 163.6 x 75.8 x 8.8 mm | X3 Pro is slightly larger and thicker, potentially less comfortable for smaller hands. M4 Pro 5G is more pocketable. |
| Weight | 215g | 195g | M4 Pro 5G is noticeably lighter, making it more comfortable for extended use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.67" | 6.6" | Negligible difference in screen size; both offer immersive viewing. |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 | 1080 x 2400 | Identical sharpness for text and images. |
| PPI | 395 | 399 | Very similar pixel density, resulting in almost identical visual clarity. |
| Technology | IPS LCD | IPS LCD | Similar color reproduction and viewing angles. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 90Hz | X3 Pro offers smoother scrolling and animations, better for gaming. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Brightness is a missing specification for both; can't determine performance in direct sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 860 (7 nm) | Mediatek Dimensity 810 (6 nm) | X3 Pro's Snapdragon 860 offers higher performance, better for demanding games and multitasking. |
| AnTuTu Score | 627,869 | 438,700 | X3 Pro is significantly faster, leading to quicker app loading and overall smoother operation. |
| GPU | Adreno 640 | Mali-G57 MC2 | X3 Pro has a superior GPU, providing better graphics performance for gaming. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5160 mAh | 5000 mAh | Similar battery capacity, suggesting comparable battery life for typical usage. |
| Charging | 33W Fast Charging | 33W Fast Charging | Both phones offer similar fast charging capabilities, getting you back up and running quickly. |
| Battery Type | Li-Polymer | Li-Ion Polymer | Minimal practical difference in typical user scenarios. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera Resolution | 48MP | 50MP | M4 Pro 5G has a slightly higher resolution, potentially capturing slightly more detail. |
| Main Camera Aperture | f/1.79 | f/1.8 | X3 Pro has a wider aperture, which may perform slightly better in low light. |
| Main Camera Sensor Size | 1/2" | 1/2.76" | X3 Pro has a larger sensor, which may result in better low-light performance and dynamic range. |
| Selfie Camera Resolution | 20MP | 16MP | X3 Pro has a higher resolution for more detailed selfies. |
| Selfie Camera Aperture | f/2.2 | f/2.45 | X3 Pro has a wider aperture, potentially performing better in low light for selfies. |
| Selfie Camera Sensor Size | 1/3.4" | 1/3.06" | M4 Pro 5G has a larger sensor which may lead to improved low light performance for selfies. |
| Wide Angle Camera Sensor Size | 1/4" | 1/2.8" | M4 Pro 5G has a larger sensor on its ultrawide lens, potentially capturing better low light images. |
| Portrait (Depth) Camera | 2MP | None | X3 Pro offers a dedicated depth sensor for portrait mode. |
| Macro Camera | 2MP | None | X3 Pro offers a dedicated macro camera for close-up shots. |
| Video Recording | 4K@30fps (X3 Pro), 1080p@30/60fps (M4 Pro 5G) | 1080p@30/60fps | X3 Pro can record in 4K for higher quality video while M4 Pro 5G is limited to 1080p. |
| Camera Features | Quadruple Camera (X3 Pro) / Dual Camera (M4 Pro 5G); Digital image stabilization for both; HDR | Digital zoom, HDR, Night Mode (M4 Pro 5G) | X3 Pro offers a more versatile camera setup with more lenses. The M4 Pro has a "Night Mode". |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 | Android 11 | Both start on Android 11; both have a maximum upgrade to Android 12. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | Wi-Fi MiMO (X3 Pro) | - | X3 Pro offers slightly enhanced WiFi capabilities. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 LE (X3 Pro) | 5.1 LE (M4 Pro 5G) | M4 Pro 5G has a newer Bluetooth version for potentially better connection stability and power efficiency. |
| GPS | BeiDou (B1) (M4 Pro 5G) | - | M4 Pro 5G has better location accuracy. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 128/256 GB | 64/128/256 GB | M4 Pro 5G also comes in a 64 GB variant which is not available on the X3 Pro. |
| RAM | 6/8 GB | 4/6/8 GB | Both offer similar RAM options, but the M4 Pro 5G includes a 4 GB version for lower-end usage. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone allows for additional storage via a microSD card. |
| Audio | |||
| Audio Features | Stereo Speakers (Both), Hi-Res Audio (Both) | Dolby Atmos (M4 Pro 5G); 2 microphones (M4 Pro 5G) | M4 Pro 5G has slightly better audio features with Dolby Atmos and dual microphones. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Both offer quick biometric authentication via side-mounted fingerprint readers. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Gorilla Glass 6 | Gorilla Glass 3 | X3 Pro uses more robust glass, better protecting against scratches and breakage. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Ultrasonic proximity sensor (Both) | Ultrasonic proximity sensor (Both); Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Both have a comprehensive set of sensors for user experiences such as gaming, navigation, and automation. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro Advantages:
- Superior Performance: The Snapdragon 860 chipset provides significantly higher performance than the Dimensity 810, resulting in smoother gaming, faster app loading, and better multitasking.
- Smoother Display: 120Hz refresh rate offers a noticeably smoother visual experience during scrolling and gaming.
- More Versatile Camera System: Offers a quadruple camera setup with a dedicated macro and depth sensor, offering greater creative flexibility.
- 4K Video Recording: Able to record video at 4K resolution, enabling higher-quality video capture.
- Better Screen Protection: Equipped with Corning Gorilla Glass 6 which is more resistant to scratches and breaks compared to Gorilla Glass 3 on the M4 Pro 5G.
- Wider Main Camera Aperture: A main camera with f/1.79 aperture may perform slightly better in low light.
Xiaomi Poco M4 Pro 5G Advantages:
- Lighter and More Compact: Its smaller size and lighter weight make it more comfortable for one-handed use and extended usage.
- Newer Bluetooth: Uses Bluetooth 5.1 LE, offering potentially better energy efficiency and more reliable connections.
- Improved GPS Accuracy: Support for BeiDou (B1) enhances location accuracy, which is beneficial for navigation.
- Better Audio Features: It offers Dolby Atmos for a more immersive audio experience, along with dual microphones for enhanced audio capture.
- Larger ultrawide sensor: Offers better quality for wide angle images.
- Night Mode: The main camera also supports Night Mode for low light pictures.
- Larger Selfie Camera Sensor Size: The main selfie sensor is slightly larger, potentially leading to better low light selfie images.
- More Storage Options: The M4 Pro 5G includes a 64 GB version which is not present in the X3 Pro.
Trade-offs:
- The X3 Pro trades portability for higher performance, a better display and a more versatile camera.
- The M4 Pro 5G offers better audio quality, better connectivity, and improved handling at the expense of processing power, display smoothness and camera versatilty.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro Ideal Users:
- Gamers: Its powerful chipset and 120Hz display are ideal for mobile gaming.
- Power Users: Users who need a fast phone for multitasking and heavy app usage.
- Photography Enthusiasts: Those who value a versatile camera system and 4K video capabilities.
Xiaomi Poco M4 Pro 5G Ideal Users:
- Everyday Users: People who need a reliable phone for daily tasks like browsing, social media, and communication.
- Audio Lovers: Users who prioritize high-quality audio through headphones or speakers.
- Users focused on portability: The phone is more compact and lighter.
- Users who value better location accuracy: The additional satellite support provides better navigation functionality.
- Budget Conscious Users: The 64GB model provides an attractive price point for a decent all-round phone.
Specific Use Cases:
- X3 Pro: Mobile gaming (high frame rates, demanding titles), video editing, 4K content creation.
- M4 Pro 5G: Everyday browsing, listening to music, navigation (better GPS), comfortable one-handed usage.
Price-to-Value Ratio:
- The X3 Pro often provides a better price-to-performance ratio if performance is your top priority.
- The M4 Pro 5G is a very cost-effective alternative with slightly weaker performance but better usability and features in other areas.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions to Consider:
- How important is performance for your usage? If you plan on gaming or running demanding apps, the X3 Pro is the better choice. If your usage is more general, the M4 Pro 5G should be adequate.
- Is display smoothness a priority for you? The 120Hz display on the X3 Pro is significantly smoother for daily use and gaming, while the M4 Pro 5G is limited to 90 Hz.
- Do you prefer versatility in your camera system or better overall usability? If you prefer the extra cameras and 4K video of the X3 Pro, it may be the better option. The M4 Pro 5G has a better selfie camera sensor, larger ultrawide sensor, and "Night Mode" making it better in many everyday circumstances. It also has better ergonomics due to lighter weight and a smaller form factor.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- For a Gamer: The Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro is recommended due to its superior processing power, smoother display, and improved graphics performance.
- For an Everyday User: The Xiaomi Poco M4 Pro 5G is recommended due to its more compact design, Dolby Atmos audio, better GPS and decent performance for typical daily tasks and usage.
- For a User who creates content on the go: The Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro is recommended due to it's 4K video capture and more versatile camera set up.
- For a User who uses their camera a lot: The Xiaomi Poco M4 Pro 5G is recommended due to its "Night Mode", better low light selfie sensor and larger ultrawide sensor.
- For the best price/performance ratio: The Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro will probably be better in the long run. It has better performance and better screen protection that would justify the price increase if one is present.
- For a budget-conscious user: The Xiaomi Poco M4 Pro 5G is the better choice because it has a 64GB version that is not available on the X3 Pro.
My Choice:
If I had to choose, I would lean towards the Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro. While the M4 Pro 5G is a great phone with strengths in audio, ergonomics, and connectivity, my personal preference leans towards performance and screen smoothness. I am not a heavy user of my phone, but I do enjoy gaming and often need to perform multitasking. The X3 Pro's Snapdragon 860 chip and 120Hz refresh rate will provide a better experience for gaming and general usage, while the camera system allows for a bit more creativity. Despite its larger size, I would value the performance and screen upgrade that the X3 Pro provides. The improved screen protection would also give me added peace of mind, ensuring a longer lifespan for the phone.
