Poco M3 Pro 5G vs Nokia G10: A Detailed Comparison of Budget 5G Phones

The Nokia G10 and Xiaomi Poco M3 Pro 5G represent distinct approaches to the budget smartphone market. The Nokia prioritizes a clean software experience and brand reliability, while the Poco aims for maximum performance within a tight budget, leveraging 5G connectivity. This comparison dissects their key differences to determine which device delivers the best value.
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🏆 Quick Verdict

For most users, the Xiaomi Poco M3 Pro 5G is the superior choice. Its significantly more powerful Mediatek Dimensity 700 chipset, coupled with 18W fast charging, provides a smoother user experience and quicker power-ups, outweighing the Nokia G10’s potential software advantages.

PHONES
Phone Names Nokia G10 Xiaomi Poco M3 Pro 5G
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 - ROWHSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100
4G bands1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 - ROW1, 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
SpeedHSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 MbpsHSPA, LTE, 5G
TechnologyGSM / HSPA / LTEGSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G
 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 28, 66 - LATAM-
Launch
Announced2021, April 082021, May 19
StatusAvailable. Released 2021, April 26Available. Released 2021, May 22
Body
Build-Glass front (Gorilla Glass 3), plastic frame, plastic back
Dimensions164.9 x 76 x 9.2 mm (6.49 x 2.99 x 0.36 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-SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIM
Weight194 g (6.84 oz)190 g (6.70 oz)
 Splash protection-
Display
Protection-Corning Gorilla Glass 3
Resolution720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density)1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~405 ppi density)
Size6.52 inches, 102.6 cm2 (~81.9% screen-to-body ratio)6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~83.7% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeIPS LCDIPS LCD, 90Hz, 400 nits (typ), 500 nits (HBM)
Platform
CPUOcta-core (4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.5 GHz Cortex-A53)Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55)
ChipsetMediatek MT6762G Helio G25 (12 nm)Mediatek Dimensity 700 (7 nm)
GPUPowerVR GE8320Mali-G57 MC2
OSAndroid 11, upgradable to Android 13Android 11, MIUI 12
Memory
Card slotmicroSDXC (dedicated slot)microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot)
Internal32GB 3GB RAM, 32GB 4GB RAM, 64GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM
 eMMC 5.1UFS 2.2
Main Camera
FeaturesLED flash, HDR, panoramaDual-LED dual-tone flash, HDR, panorama
Single8 MP, (wide)8 MP, f/2.0, (wide)
Triple13 MP, (wide), AF 2 MP (macro) Auxiliary lens48 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 1/2.0", 0.8µm, PDAF 2 MP (macro) Auxiliary lens
Video1080p@30fps1080p@30fps
Selfie camera
Single8 MP, (wide)8 MP, f/2.0, (wide)
Video1080p@30fps1080p@30fps
Sound
3.5mm jack YesYes
35mm jackYesYes
Loudspeaker YesYes
 -24-bit/192kHz audio
Comms
Bluetooth5.0, A2DP, LE5.1, A2DP, LE
Infrared port-Yes
NFCNoYes (market/region dependent)
PositioningGPS, GLONASS, BDSGPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS
RadioFM radioFM radio
USBUSB Type-C 2.0, OTGUSB Type-C 2.0
WLANWi-Fi 802.11 b/g/nWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct
Features
SensorsFingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximityFingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass
Battery
Charging10W wired18W wired
TypeLi-Po 5050 mAhLi-Po 5000 mAh
Misc
ColorsDusk, NightPoco Yellow, Power Black, Cool Blue
ModelsTA-1334, TA-1351, TA-1346, TA-1338M2103K19PG, M2103K19PI, M2103K19PY
PriceAbout 110 EURAbout 140 EUR
SAR1.06 W/kg (head)     1.51 W/kg (body)0.94 W/kg (head)     1.06 W/kg (body)
SAR EU0.46 W/kg (head)     1.51 W/kg (body)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)

Nokia G10

  • Potential for longer software support from Nokia.
  • Clean and simple Android experience.
  • Reliable brand reputation.

  • Significantly weaker processor performance.
  • Slow 10W charging.
  • Lower display brightness.

Xiaomi Poco M3 Pro 5G

  • Faster and more efficient Mediatek Dimensity 700 chipset.
  • 18W fast charging for quicker top-ups.
  • Brighter display for better outdoor visibility.
  • 5G connectivity for faster data speeds.

  • MIUI software can be more cluttered than stock Android.
  • Potentially shorter software update commitment compared to Nokia.

Display Comparison

The Poco M3 Pro 5G boasts a brighter display, measured at 536 nits, compared to the Nokia G10’s unspecified brightness. Both share a 1475:1 contrast ratio, suggesting similar color depth and black levels. However, the Poco’s higher peak brightness translates to better visibility outdoors under direct sunlight. While neither display is expected to feature high refresh rates, the Poco’s superior brightness is a clear advantage for media consumption and general usability.

Camera Comparison

Both phones feature 'Photo / Video' capabilities, but details are sparse. Without specific sensor information, it’s difficult to make a definitive judgment. However, the Poco M3 Pro 5G’s chipset generally supports more advanced image processing features. Given the market positioning, it’s likely the Poco offers a more versatile camera system, even if the megapixel count is similar. The Nokia G10 likely focuses on simplicity and ease of use, while the Poco aims for more features.

Performance

The performance gap between these two devices is substantial. The Poco M3 Pro 5G’s Mediatek Dimensity 700 (7nm) utilizes Cortex-A76 performance cores, offering a significant leap in CPU performance over the Nokia G10’s Mediatek Helio G25 (12nm) and its Cortex-A53 cores. The Dimensity 700’s more efficient 7nm process also contributes to better thermal management. This translates to noticeably faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and a more responsive overall experience on the Poco, especially when running demanding applications. The Nokia G10 will struggle with more intensive tasks.

Battery Life

Both the Nokia G10 and Poco M3 Pro 5G achieve an endurance rating of 121 hours, suggesting comparable battery life under similar usage conditions. However, the Poco M3 Pro 5G’s 18W wired charging is a significant advantage over the Nokia G10’s slow 10W charging. This means the Poco can be topped up much faster, minimizing downtime and providing greater convenience. While both will likely last a full day, the Poco’s charging speed is a key differentiator.

Buying Guide

Buy the Nokia G10 if you prioritize a guaranteed software update schedule and a simple, uncluttered Android experience, and your usage is limited to basic tasks like calls, texts, and light social media. Buy the Xiaomi Poco M3 Pro 5G if you want a phone capable of handling more demanding apps, enjoy faster download speeds with 5G, and appreciate quicker charging times, even if it means a slightly more customized software experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Does the Poco M3 Pro 5G's MIUI software have a lot of bloatware?
MIUI is known for including pre-installed apps, often referred to as bloatware. However, many of these can be uninstalled or disabled, allowing you to customize the software to your preferences. The Poco M3 Pro 5G offers a relatively clean MIUI experience compared to some other Xiaomi devices.
❓ How well does the Nokia G10 handle multitasking with several apps open?
The Nokia G10’s Mediatek Helio G25 chipset and limited RAM will struggle with heavy multitasking. Switching between apps may be slow, and performance will likely degrade when running multiple demanding applications simultaneously. It's best suited for running one app at a time.
❓ What 5G bands does the Poco M3 Pro 5G support?
The Poco M3 Pro 5G supports a wide range of 5G bands, including n1, n3, n5, n7, n8, n20, n28, n38, n40, and n41. This ensures compatibility with 5G networks in many regions, but it's crucial to verify compatibility with your specific carrier.
❓ Is the Nokia G10 a good choice for mobile gaming?
The Nokia G10 is not well-suited for mobile gaming. The Helio G25 chipset lacks the graphical power to run demanding games smoothly, and the limited RAM can cause stuttering and lag. Casual games will be playable, but don't expect a great gaming experience.