Smartphone Comparison: Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro vs. Xiaomi Poco X5
1. Specifications Comparison
Design
| Feature | Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro | Xiaomi Poco X5 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 165.3 × 76.8 × 9.4 mm | 165.9 × 76.2 × 8 mm | Poco X5 is noticeably slimmer (1.4mm) and slightly taller, which can impact pocketability. X3 Pro is more bulky. |
| Weight | 215g | 189g | Poco X5 is significantly lighter (26g), making it more comfortable for long use. X3 Pro is noticeably heavier. |
Display
| Feature | Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro | Xiaomi Poco X5 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 6.67" | 6.67" | Identical screen size on both phones. |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 | 1080 x 2400 | Identical resolution, both displays will look similarly sharp. |
| PPI | 395 | 395 | Identical pixel density, resulting in similar sharpness. |
| Technology | IPS LCD | AMOLED | Poco X5 offers deeper blacks, higher contrast, and better power efficiency when using dark themes and more vibrant colors, significantly better for media consumption. X3 Pro's LCD screen doesn't offer the same contrast or color vibrancy |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both offer smooth scrolling and animations, better for gaming. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 1200 nits | Poco X5 is much better for outdoor visibility under direct sunlight. X3 Pro is very poor with no nit information provided. |
Performance
| Feature | Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro | Xiaomi Poco X5 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 860 (7 nm) | Qualcomm Snapdragon 695 5G (6 nm) | X3 Pro has a more powerful chipset, meaning better performance in demanding games and apps, faster app loading. X5 has better power efficiency due to the newer architecture. |
| AnTuTu Score | 627,869 | 422,900 | X3 Pro provides noticeably faster performance in benchmarks. X3 Pro provides smoother operation in general |
| GPU | Adreno 640 | Adreno 619 | X3 Pro has a superior GPU, offering better graphics performance for gaming and heavy apps. |
Camera
| Feature | Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro | Xiaomi Poco X5 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Camera | 48MP, f/1.79, 1/2", Sony IMX582, 0.80µm | 48MP, f/1.8, 0.64µm | X3 Pro likely performs slightly better in low light with larger sensor and wider aperture. X3 Pro likely to capture more light. |
| Selfie Camera | 20MP, f/2.2, 1/3.4", Samsung S5K3T2, 0.80µm | 13MP, f/2.45 | X3 Pro has better resolution and a wider aperture, resulting in better selfie photos especially in low light. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 8MP, f/2.2, 1/4", Omnivision OV8856, 1.12µm | 8MP, f/2.2 | Similar wide-angle performance, good for group photos and landscapes. |
| Portrait Mode (Depth) | 2MP, f/2.4, 1/5", Omnivision OV02B1B, 1.75µm | None | X3 Pro has dedicated depth sensor for better portrait mode. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP, f/2.4, 1/5", Hynix HI-259, 1.75µm | 2MP, f/2.4 | Similar macro lens performance, good for close up shots. |
| Video | Up to 4K@30fps w/EIS, 1080p@960fps with EIS | 1080p@30fps | X3 Pro supports higher resolution video recording, better for video. |
| Camera Features | 4K Video, Quadruple camera, Manual focus, Continuous shooting | Night Mode 2.0, Triple camera, Phase detection autofocus (PDAF) | X3 Pro has better features for advanced video recording, while X5 has better night photography and quicker focusing with PDAF. |
Battery
| Feature | Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro | Xiaomi Poco X5 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 5160mAh | 5000mAh | Similar battery life, likely both will last a full day of typical use. |
| Charging | 33W Fast Charging | 33W Fast Charging | Similar charging speeds on both phones. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro Advantages:
- Superior Performance: The Snapdragon 860 chipset offers significantly higher performance and faster app loading, better for gaming and multitasking.
- Better Camera Features: Supports 4K video recording, a higher-resolution selfie camera with a wider aperture, and includes a depth sensor.
- Better Audio: Features Hi-Res audio and stereo speakers, providing a better audio experience.
- Better Screen Protection: Features Corning Gorilla Glass 6 which provides more durable screen protection compared to the unknown screen protection on the X5.
Xiaomi Poco X5 Advantages:
- Superior Display Technology: AMOLED display offers deeper blacks, higher contrast, and better power efficiency with vibrant colors.
- Lighter and Thinner Design: More comfortable to hold and carry due to being lighter (26g) and thinner (1.4mm).
- Better Brightness: Much higher screen brightness (1200 nits) is ideal for outdoor use.
- Newer Operating System: Comes with a newer version of Android (12 vs 11).
- Newer Bluetooth Version: Comes with a newer version of Bluetooth (5.1 vs 5.0).
Trade-offs
- X3 Pro trades a superior display (AMOLED) and lighter design for raw processing power and better camera features (e.g., 4K recording).
- X5 trades raw performance for a superior display (AMOLED), making it ideal for media consumption.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro Ideal User:
- Gamers: The powerful chipset and GPU make it well-suited for mobile gaming and demanding applications.
- Photography and Videography Enthusiasts: Benefits from the 4K video recording and higher resolution selfie camera.
- Users who prioritize raw performance: Benefit from faster app loading and smoother multitasking.
- Audio Lovers: The inclusion of Hi-Res audio and stereo speakers are great for anyone who want high quality audio from their phone.
Specific Use Cases:
- Playing graphic-intensive games.
- Shooting 4K videos or using manual camera settings.
- Multitasking between several apps
- Listening to music through the phone's speakers.
Xiaomi Poco X5 Ideal User:
- Media Consumers: The AMOLED display is perfect for watching videos, browsing photos, or reading.
- Everyday Users: The lighter design and better outdoor visibility make it great for day to day use.
- Users who prioritize battery life: The more efficient chip will extend battery life.
Specific Use Cases:
- Watching movies and shows in various lighting conditions.
- Daily browsing and social media usage.
- Using the phone outdoors in bright sunlight.
- Using the phone for basic tasks.
Price-to-Value Ratio
- X3 Pro: Offers a higher performance for its price, a better camera system, and high-quality audio.
- X5: Offers a better display, a lighter design, better outdoor visibility for its price.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions:
- Do you prioritize raw performance or display quality?
- How important is camera quality and video recording to you?
- Do you value a lighter, slimmer phone or better audio?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: If you play a lot of games and want the best performance, and high-quality audio, the Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro is better suited for you.
- Scenario 2: If you watch movies frequently and use your phone in bright sunlight, and you need a light phone, the Xiaomi Poco X5 is the clear choice.
- Scenario 3: If you prioritize general use and battery life but don't require the best performance, the Xiaomi Poco X5 offers a more balanced experience.
- Scenario 4: If you often use the camera and want 4k video recording and a high quality selfie camera, then the Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro is the better option.
My Choice
I would choose the Xiaomi Poco X5. While the X3 Pro offers better raw performance, the superior AMOLED display, lighter design, and much improved brightness of the X5 are more important for my typical usage. I watch a lot of content on my phone, and use it in all different lighting conditions including sunlight. While the X3 Pro's 4k recording is nice, I find the screen on the X5 to be more of an upgrade. While the performance is a downgrade, I still find the device to be snappy for every day use. Ultimately, the better display, lighter weight, and brighter screen of the X5 align more closely with my needs.
