The sub-$200 5G smartphone market is heating up, with the Xiaomi Poco M3 Pro 5G and the Micromax In Note 1 vying for attention. Both aim to deliver 5G connectivity and a solid smartphone experience without breaking the bank, but they take different approaches to achieving this. This comparison dives deep into their specifications and performance to determine which device offers the best value.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Xiaomi Poco M3 Pro 5G emerges as the stronger choice. Its Mediatek Dimensity 700 chipset, built on a more efficient 7nm process, provides a noticeable performance advantage over the Micromax In Note 1’s Helio G85, especially in sustained workloads. While both offer 18W charging and similar battery endurance ratings, the Poco’s superior processing power makes it the better all-rounder.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 8, 40, 41 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 20, 28, 32, 38, 40, 41, 66 |
| 5G bands | - | 1, 3, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66, 77, 78 SA/NSA |
| Speed | HSPA 42.2/11.5 Mbps, LTE (2CA) Cat7 300/150 Mbps | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2020, November 03. Released 2020, November 24 | 2021, May 19 |
| Status | Discontinued | Available. Released 2021, May 22 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 3), plastic frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 165.2 x 77 x 9 mm (6.50 x 3.03 x 0.35 in) | 161.8 x 75.3 x 8.9 mm (6.37 x 2.96 x 0.35 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 196 g (6.91 oz) | 190 g (6.70 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Oleophobic coating | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~395 ppi density) | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~405 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.67 inches, 107.4 cm2 (~84.4% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~83.7% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 450 nits (peak) | IPS LCD, 90Hz, 400 nits (typ), 500 nits (HBM) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6769Z Helio G85 (12 nm) | Mediatek Dimensity 700 (7 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G52 MC2 | Mali-G57 MC2 |
| OS | Android 10 | Android 11, MIUI 12 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | UFS 2.2 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR | Dual-LED dual-tone flash, HDR, panorama |
| Quad | 48 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 1/2.0", 0.8µm, PDAF
5 MP, f/2.2, 115˚ (ultrawide), 1/5.0", 1.12µm
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Single | - | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide) |
| Triple | - | 48 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 1/2.0", 0.8µm, PDAF
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 16 MP, f/2.0, 27mm (wide), 1/3.06", 1.0µm | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide) |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| | - | 24-bit/192kHz audio |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.1, A2DP, LE |
| Infrared port | - | Yes |
| NFC | No | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG | USB Type-C 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 18W wired
2.5W reverse wired | 18W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 5000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Green, White | Poco Yellow, Power Black, Cool Blue |
| Models | E7746 | M2103K19PG, M2103K19PI, M2103K19PY |
| Price | About 130 EUR | About 140 EUR |
| SAR | 0.57 W/kg (head) 0.96 W/kg (body) | 0.94 W/kg (head) 1.06 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | - | 0.54 W/kg (head) 0.90 W/kg (body) |
| Tests |
|---|
| Battery life | - |
Endurance rating 121h
|
| Camera | - |
Photo / Video |
| Display | - |
Contrast ratio: 1475:1 (nominal) |
| Loudspeaker | - |
-27.9 LUFS (Good)
|
Micromax In note 1
- Familiar Indian Brand
- Adequate Performance for Basic Tasks
- Competitive Price
- Less Powerful Chipset
- Limited Performance in Demanding Apps
- Display Specs are Unclear
Xiaomi Poco M3 Pro 5G
- More Powerful Dimensity 700 Chipset
- Better Performance for Gaming and Multitasking
- Higher Peak Display Brightness
- Xiaomi's MIUI Software (can be bloated)
- Potentially Less Brand Recognition in India
- Camera details are limited
Display Comparison
Both phones offer a comparable visual experience, with the Poco M3 Pro 5G boasting a measured peak brightness of 536 nits and a 1475:1 contrast ratio. While the Micromax In Note 1’s display specifications aren’t provided, the Poco’s higher brightness translates to better visibility outdoors. The contrast ratio, being identical on paper, suggests similar color reproduction capabilities. However, the lack of information regarding the In Note 1’s panel type (IPS vs. AMOLED) leaves a question mark regarding its viewing angles and color accuracy.
Camera Comparison
Both devices list 'Photo / Video' capabilities, but lack specific details. Without sensor size or aperture information, a direct comparison is difficult. However, the market positioning suggests the Poco M3 Pro 5G likely features a more sophisticated camera system. Xiaomi generally invests more heavily in camera technology than Micromax. The presence of a dedicated Night Mode or AI scene detection on the Poco is probable, offering an advantage in low-light conditions. The usefulness of a 2MP macro lens, often found in this price range, is questionable on both devices.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Poco M3 Pro 5G’s Mediatek Dimensity 700, fabricated on a 7nm process, significantly outperforms the Micromax In Note 1’s Mediatek Helio G85 (12nm). The Dimensity 700 utilizes Cortex-A76 cores clocked at 2.2 GHz, compared to the Helio G85’s Cortex-A75 cores at 2.0 GHz. This architectural advantage, coupled with the smaller process node, results in better CPU and GPU performance, and improved power efficiency. The Poco will handle demanding games and multitasking with greater ease. The In Note 1’s Helio G85 is still capable, but will show its limitations more quickly.
Battery Life
Both phones share an endurance rating of 121 hours, suggesting similar real-world battery life despite the chipset differences. This indicates efficient power management on both sides. Both also support 18W wired charging, and 2.5W reverse wired charging. The Dimensity 700’s efficiency might slightly offset the Helio G85’s larger battery capacity (if present, which is unconfirmed for the In Note 1), but the difference is unlikely to be substantial. Expect roughly 2-3 hours of screen-on time with moderate usage on both devices.
Buying Guide
Buy the Micromax In Note 1 if you prioritize a familiar Indian brand and primarily need a phone for basic tasks like calling, messaging, and light social media use. Its Helio G85 is adequate for casual gaming. Buy the Xiaomi Poco M3 Pro 5G if you want a more future-proof device with better performance for demanding apps, smoother multitasking, and a more responsive overall experience, particularly benefiting from the 5G connectivity.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Does the Mediatek Dimensity 700 in the Poco M3 Pro 5G get hot during extended gaming sessions?
The Dimensity 700’s 7nm process is relatively efficient, and the Poco M3 Pro 5G generally manages thermals well. While some heat is expected during prolonged gaming, it’s unlikely to cause significant throttling or discomfort. The larger surface area of the phone also aids in heat dissipation.
❓ Is the 5G connectivity on the Poco M3 Pro 5G actually useful in India right now?
5G rollout in India is still ongoing, but coverage is expanding rapidly in major cities. The Poco M3 Pro 5G’s 5G support future-proofs the device, allowing you to take advantage of faster speeds as 5G infrastructure becomes more widespread. Even without 5G, the phone functions perfectly well on 4G networks.
❓ How does the software experience differ between the Micromax In Note 1 and the Poco M3 Pro 5G?
The Micromax In Note 1 runs a near-stock Android experience, which many users prefer for its simplicity and lack of bloatware. The Poco M3 Pro 5G runs Xiaomi’s MIUI, which is heavily customized and includes numerous features, but can also come with pre-installed apps and occasional advertisements. This is a key difference for users who value a clean software experience.
