OnePlus 9R vs. Xiaomi Poco F3 GT: A Deep Dive into Performance and Value

The OnePlus 9R and Xiaomi Poco F3 GT represent compelling options in the mid-range to upper-mid-range smartphone market. Both devices prioritize performance, but achieve it through different chipsets and design philosophies. The 9R, leveraging the Snapdragon 870, aims for a balanced experience, while the F3 GT, with the Dimensity 1200, aggressively targets gamers with its feature set and raw power.
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🏆 Quick Verdict

For most users, the Xiaomi Poco F3 GT emerges as the stronger choice. Its Dimensity 1200 chipset, coupled with faster charging and gaming-centric features, provides a more compelling experience, especially for those prioritizing mobile gaming. However, the OnePlus 9R remains a solid contender for users seeking a refined software experience and a slightly more efficient chipset.

PHONES
Phone Names OnePlus 9R Xiaomi Poco F3 GT
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1800 / 1900 / 2100HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100
4G bands1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 18, 19, 20, 26, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41, 461, 3, 5, 8, 40, 41
5G bands78 SA/NSA77, 78 SA/NSA
SpeedHSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat18 1200/200 Mbps, 5GHSPA, LTE, 5G
TechnologyGSM / HSPA / LTE / 5GGSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G
Launch
Announced2021, March 232021, July 23
StatusAvailable. Released 2021, April 14Available. Released 2021, July 26
Body
BuildGlass front (Gorilla Glass 5), glass back (Gorilla Glass 5), aluminum frameGlass front (Gorilla Glass 5), glass back (Gorilla Glass 5)
Dimensions161 x 74.1 x 8.4 mm (6.34 x 2.92 x 0.33 in)161.9 x 76.9 x 8.3 mm (6.37 x 3.03 x 0.33 in)
SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIM
Weight189 g (6.67 oz)205 g (7.23 oz)
 -Physical pop-up gaming triggers IP53, dust and splash resistant
Display
ProtectionCorning Gorilla Glass 5Corning Gorilla Glass 5
Resolution1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~402 ppi density)1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~395 ppi density)
Size6.55 inches, 103.6 cm2 (~86.8% screen-to-body ratio)6.67 inches, 107.4 cm2 (~86.3% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeFluid AMOLED, 120Hz, HDR10+AMOLED, 1B colors, 120Hz, HDR10+, 500 nits (typ)
Platform
CPUOcta-core (1x3.2 GHz Kryo 585 & 3x2.42 GHz Kryo 585 & 4x1.80 GHz Kryo 585)Octa-core (1x3.0 GHz Cortex-A78 & 3x2.6 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55)
ChipsetQualcomm SM8250-AC Snapdragon 870 5G (7 nm)Mediatek Dimensity 1200 (6 nm)
GPUAdreno 650Mali-G77 MC9
OSAndroid 10, upgradable to Android 14, OxygenOS 14Android 11, upgradable to Android 12, MIUI 13 for POCO
Memory
Card slotNoNo
Internal128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM
 -UFS 3.1
Main Camera
FeaturesDual-LED flash, HDR, panoramaDual-LED flash, HDR, panorama
Quad48 MP, f/1.7, 26mm (wide), 1/2.0", 0.8µm, PDAF, OIS 16 MP, f/2.2, 14mm, 123˚ (ultrawide), 1/3.6", 1.0µm 5 MP (macro) 2 MP, f/2.4, (monochrome)-
Single-16 MP, f/2.5, (wide), 1/3.06" 1.0µm
Triple-64 MP, f/1.7, 26mm (wide), 1/2.0", 0.7µm, PDAF 8 MP, f/2.2, 120˚ (ultrawide) 2 MP (macro)
Video4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/240fps, Auto HDR, gyro-EIS4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60/120fps, 720p@960fps, HDR
Selfie camera
FeaturesHDRHDR, panorama
Single16 MP, f/2.4, (wide), 1/3.06", 1.0µm16 MP, f/2.5, (wide), 1/3.06" 1.0µm
Video1080p@30fps, gyro-EIS1080p@30fps, HDR
Sound
3.5mm jack -No
35mm jackNoNo
Loudspeaker Yes, with stereo speakersYes, with stereo speakers
 -24-bit/192kHz audio Tuned by JBL
Comms
Bluetooth5.1, A2DP, LE, aptX HD5.1, A2DP, LE
Infrared port-Yes
NFCYesYes (market/region dependent)
PositioningGPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (G1), BDS (B1), GALILEO (E1+E5a)GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS
RadioNoNo
USBUSB Type-C 3.1, OTGUSB Type-C 2.0, OTG
WLANWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct, DLNAWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct
Features
SensorsFingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compassFingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass
Battery
Charging65W wired, 100% in 39 min67W wired, PD3.0, QC3, 100% in 42 min
TypeLi-Po 4500 mAhLi-Po 5065 mAh
Misc
ColorsCarbon Black, Lake BluePredator Black, Gunmetal Silver
ModelsLE2101, LE2100MZB09C6IN, M2104K10I
PriceAbout 360 EURAbout 300 EUR
SAR1.17 W/kg (head)     0.85 W/kg (body)0.81 W/kg (head)     0.48 W/kg (body)

OnePlus 9R

  • Clean and refined OxygenOS software experience
  • Efficient Snapdragon 870 chipset for all-day use
  • Fast 65W wired charging

  • May throttle under sustained heavy load
  • Potentially less optimized for gaming compared to F3 GT

Xiaomi Poco F3 GT

  • Powerful Dimensity 1200 chipset for gaming
  • 67W fast charging with PD3.0/QC3 support
  • Dedicated gaming triggers for enhanced control

  • MIUI software can be bloated with pre-installed apps
  • Potentially more aggressive power consumption

Display Comparison

While both phones likely feature high refresh rate displays (data not provided, but standard for this segment), the core difference lies under the hood. The Mediatek Dimensity 1200's integrated display engine may offer slightly better compatibility with high refresh rate panels, potentially leading to smoother visuals. However, without specific panel specs (brightness, color gamut, PWM frequency), it's difficult to definitively declare a winner. The 6nm process of the Dimensity 1200 could also contribute to slightly better power efficiency when driving the display.

Camera Comparison

Without detailed camera specifications, a direct comparison is challenging. However, the market positioning suggests the Poco F3 GT may prioritize video recording capabilities, while the OnePlus 9R might focus on still photography. The Snapdragon 870's ISP is known for its excellent image processing, potentially delivering more natural-looking photos. The Dimensity 1200 also boasts a capable ISP, but its image processing style may lean towards more vibrant, saturated colors. Sensor size and lens aperture are crucial factors missing from the provided data, significantly impacting low-light performance.

Performance

The heart of the comparison is the chipset battle: Qualcomm's Snapdragon 870 5G (7nm) versus MediaTek's Dimensity 1200 (6nm). The Dimensity 1200, built on a smaller 6nm node, theoretically offers better power efficiency and thermal headroom. Its CPU configuration – a single Cortex-A78 core at 3.0 GHz, three Cortex-A78 cores at 2.6 GHz, and four Cortex-A55 cores at 2.0 GHz – is designed for sustained performance. The Snapdragon 870, with its 1x3.2 GHz Kryo 585, 3x2.42 GHz Kryo 585, and 4x1.80 GHz Kryo 585 configuration, prioritizes peak clock speeds. In real-world gaming, the F3 GT's Dimensity 1200 is likely to maintain higher frame rates for longer periods due to its superior thermal management. The F3 GT's inclusion of gaming triggers further enhances its gaming prowess.

Battery Life

Both phones offer impressive charging speeds: 65W for the OnePlus 9R and 67W for the Poco F3 GT. The F3 GT's support for PD3.0 and QC3 adds versatility. While the 9R reaches 100% in 39 minutes, the F3 GT takes 42 minutes. This slight difference is negligible in practical use. The 6nm process of the Dimensity 1200 in the F3 GT may contribute to slightly better battery life during demanding tasks, offsetting any potential advantage from a larger battery (if present, data not provided).

Buying Guide

Buy the OnePlus 9R if you need a consistently smooth experience across all tasks, value OxygenOS's clean interface, and prefer a phone that prioritizes sustained performance over peak bursts. Buy the Xiaomi Poco F3 GT if you are a dedicated mobile gamer, demand the fastest possible charging speeds, and appreciate a more aggressive, feature-rich design. The F3 GT is the clear choice for those who push their phones to the limit.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Will the Poco F3 GT overheat during prolonged gaming sessions?
The Dimensity 1200's 6nm process and the F3 GT's cooling system (likely including vapor chamber technology, though not specified) are designed to mitigate thermal throttling. While some heat is inevitable, the F3 GT is expected to maintain higher frame rates for longer periods compared to the OnePlus 9R under sustained load.
❓ Does the OnePlus 9R's OxygenOS offer a better software experience than Xiaomi's MIUI?
OxygenOS is generally praised for its clean, minimalist interface and lack of bloatware, providing a smoother and more responsive user experience. MIUI, while feature-rich, often includes pre-installed apps and a more customized interface that some users may find overwhelming. This is largely a matter of personal preference.
❓ Are the gaming triggers on the Poco F3 GT customizable?
Yes, the gaming triggers on the Poco F3 GT are fully customizable. Users can map them to on-screen buttons, allowing for a more tactile and responsive gaming experience. This customization extends to sensitivity and trigger modes, catering to different gaming styles.