Smartphone Comparison: Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro vs. Xiaomi Poco X4 Pro 5G
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro | Xiaomi Poco X4 Pro 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 165.3 x 76.8 x 9.4 mm | 164.2 x 76.1 x 8.1 mm | X4 Pro 5G is slightly more compact and thinner, making it more comfortable for one-handed use. X3 Pro is slightly taller and bulkier. |
| Weight | 215g | 205g | X4 Pro 5G is lighter, which may be noticeable during extended use, especially for those with smaller hands or who hold their phones for long durations. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.67" | 6.67" | Both phones offer the same screen real estate for content consumption. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2400 | Identical sharpness and detail in images and text. |
| PPI | 395 | 395 | Similar pixel density means comparable visual clarity on both screens. |
| Technology | IPS LCD | AMOLED | X4 Pro 5G has much superior color reproduction, deeper blacks, and better contrast, making for a richer viewing experience. X4 Pro also has superior power efficiency with dark mode. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Smooth scrolling and animations on both phones. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 1200 nits | X4 Pro 5G will be significantly more readable under direct sunlight, making it suitable for outdoor use. X3 Pro's lack of brightness specification might indicate poor sunlight visibility. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 860 (7 nm) | Qualcomm Snapdragon 695 5G (6 nm) | X3 Pro's chipset is more powerful, resulting in faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and better gaming performance. X4 Pro 5G has a more efficient chipset, likely providing better battery optimization. |
| AnTuTu Score | 627,869 | 395,978 | X3 Pro has significantly higher benchmark performance, which translates to a better experience with demanding applications and games. |
| GPU | Adreno 640 | Adreno 619 | X3 Pro's GPU offers better graphics performance for gaming and video editing. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera Resolution | 48MP | 108MP | X4 Pro 5G has significantly higher resolution which can produce more detailed photos in good lighting, also allowing for more digital zoom without loss in image quality |
| Main Camera Aperture | f/1.79 | f/1.9 | X3 Pro has a slightly wider aperture allowing slightly more light to hit the sensor, useful for low-light shots. |
| Main Camera Sensor Size | 1/2" | 1/1.52" | X4 Pro 5G has a larger sensor size, potentially capturing more light and detail, especially in low light conditions. |
| Selfie Camera Resolution | 20MP | 16MP | X3 Pro's front camera has a slightly higher resolution. |
| Selfie Camera Aperture | f/2.2 | f/2.4 | X3 Pro has a wider aperture for slightly better low-light selfies. |
| Selfie Camera Sensor Size | 1/3.4" | 1/3.06" | X4 Pro 5G's front camera has a slightly larger sensor size, meaning more light capture and higher quality selfies. |
| Wide Angle Camera Sensor Size | 1/4" | 1/2.8" | X4 Pro 5G's wide-angle sensor is larger, potentially capturing more light and detail in wide-angle shots. |
| Portrait (Depth) Lens | 2MP, f/2.4 | None | X3 Pro offers dedicated depth sensing for better portrait shots. X4 Pro 5G uses computational bokeh. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP, f/2.4 | 2MP, f/2.4 | Both have a 2MP macro lens for close up shots. |
| Max Video Resolution | 4K@30fps | 1080p@30fps | X3 Pro can record videos with higher resolution for those who require higher video quality. |
| Video Stabilization | Yes (EIS) | Yes (Ultra stable) | Both phones have video stabilization capabilities, X4 Pro 5G offers "ultra stable" video. |
| Slow-motion | Up to 960fps | Up to 120fps | X3 Pro offers greater slow-motion capabilities for creative videography. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5160mAh | 5000mAh | Similar battery sizes offering comparable day-to-day battery life. |
| Charging | 33W Fast Charging | 67W Fast Charging | X4 Pro 5G charges significantly faster, which is convenient for users who need to quickly top up their battery. |
| Battery Type | Li-Polymer | Li-Ion Polymer | Both have non-removable batteries, but different chemistries, the implications of which are negligible for most users. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 | Android 11 | Both phones initially shipped with Android 11. |
| Max OS Version | 12 | Unknown | X3 Pro is guaranteed to be upgradable to Android 12. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | 802.11ac | 802.11ac | Both phones support the same Wi-Fi standards |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.0 | 5.2 | X4 Pro 5G uses a newer version of Bluetooth, which can offer improved efficiency and stability. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo, BeiDou (B1) | X4 Pro 5G has support for more satellite systems, potentially leading to more precise location data. |
| SIM | Dual SIM Dual Standby (Nano SIM + Nano SIM) | Dual SIM Dual Standby (Nano SIM + Nano SIM) | Both phones support dual SIM cards. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128 GB or 256 GB | 64 GB, 128 GB, or 256 GB | X4 Pro 5G has more storage options while both have same maximum storage |
| RAM | 6 GB or 8 GB | 6 GB or 8 GB | Both phones offer the same RAM configurations. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone offers storage expansion. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers, 2 microphones | X4 Pro 5G offers better audio quality with Dolby Atmos support and a second microphone for better sound recording. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Both phones use a side-mounted fingerprint sensor. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 6 | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | X3 Pro uses a slightly more durable version of Gorilla Glass. |
| Sensors | |||
| Features | Fingerprint, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Ultrasonic Proximity | Fingerprint, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Ultrasonic Proximity | Both phones have the same set of sensors |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro Advantages:
- Significantly More Powerful Performance: The Snapdragon 860 chipset and Adreno 640 GPU offer substantially higher performance in benchmarks, translating to snappier app loading, smoother multitasking, and better gaming. For users who prioritize performance, this is a clear advantage.
- 4K Video Recording: Enables higher resolution video recording, which is beneficial for users who want the best video quality, and gives higher-quality recordings.
- Superior Slow-Motion Capabilities: Offers 960fps slow-motion recording for creative and detailed slow-motion video capture.
- Depth Sensor for Portrait Mode: Offers a dedicated depth camera for better-looking portrait mode.
- Slightly Better Screen Protection: Uses Gorilla Glass 6 which has a slight durability edge.
Xiaomi Poco X4 Pro 5G Advantages:
- Superior Display Technology: AMOLED display offers much better color reproduction, deeper blacks, better contrast, and better power efficiency with dark themes, especially for those who value image quality.
- Faster Charging: 67W fast charging is significantly faster than 33W, allowing for much quicker battery top-ups.
- Better Camera Sensor (Main and Wide): Offers a higher resolution main camera, and a larger wide-angle sensor, capturing more light and detail.
- 5G Connectivity: Offers 5G connectivity for faster mobile data speeds (when available).
- Dolby Atmos Audio: Provides an enhanced audio experience with Dolby Atmos support.
- Lighter and Thinner Design: The phone is slightly more comfortable to use due to its thinner design and lower weight.
- More Accurate GPS: Has support for additional satellite systems, leading to more accurate location data.
- Newer Bluetooth: Bluetooth 5.2 offers newer efficiency and stability, improving audio performance and battery efficiency for wireless devices.
- Better Screen Brightness: The 1200 nits brightness ensures better visibility in outdoor sunlight.
Trade-offs:
- The Poco X3 Pro prioritizes raw performance and has better camera features in some areas, while sacrificing a premium display and fast charging.
- The Poco X4 Pro 5G offers a better display and faster charging, a more modern design, and 5G connectivity, but has less processing power.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro Ideal User:
- Gamers and Power Users: Those who need the best possible performance for demanding games and apps.
- Budget-Conscious Buyers: Individuals who prioritize performance and value over cutting-edge display technology.
- Video Enthusiasts: Users who value 4K video recording and slow-motion capabilities.
- Users who prefer a good depth sensor for portrait mode.
Xiaomi Poco X4 Pro 5G Ideal User:
- Everyday users who prioritize display quality: Individuals who watch a lot of videos or prefer richer visuals.
- Users who prioritize fast charging Those who need a phone that can be quickly charged during the day.
- Users who require 5G connectivity: People who need the fastest mobile data speeds.
- Users who consume a lot of audio: People who desire better sound quality through better speakers or headphones with Bluetooth.
- Users who want to take good pictures: Those who require a better main camera sensor.
- Users who prefer a more modern design: People who want a lighter and thinner phone with a more premium feel.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions to Consider:
- How important is raw performance for you? (Gaming, app loading, multitasking)
- How important is display quality for you? (Color accuracy, brightness, contrast)
- How important is fast charging and 5G for you? (Battery top-ups, mobile data speed)
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Heavy Gamer/Power User: Choose the Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro for its superior processing power.
- Scenario 2: Multimedia Lover/Everyday User: Choose the Xiaomi Poco X4 Pro 5G for its AMOLED display and faster charging.
- Scenario 3: Budget-Conscious Buyer Who Wants Good Performance: Choose the Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro for its value and performance, despite the IPS display.
- Scenario 4: User Who Values Good Camera Quality: Choose the Xiaomi Poco X4 Pro 5G for its main camera sensor with better overall photo quality.
My Choice
Personally, I would choose the Xiaomi Poco X4 Pro 5G. While the X3 Pro has a superior chipset for gaming, the benefits of the AMOLED screen and the substantially faster charging are more appealing to my daily usage. I also value the slightly better main camera and the more modern design. While the X3 Pro is good in its own right, the modern features of the X4 Pro would ultimately lead to a more enjoyable daily experience. The performance difference is significant, but the Snapdragon 695 is more than adequate for most tasks.
