The Oppo A94 and Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro represent distinct approaches to the mid-range smartphone market. The A94 aims for a balanced experience with a focus on design and everyday usability, while the Poco X3 Pro aggressively targets gamers and performance enthusiasts on a budget. This comparison dissects their key differences to determine which device delivers the best value for your needs.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users prioritizing raw performance and gaming, the Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro is the clear winner. Its Snapdragon 860 chipset offers a significant leap in processing power over the Oppo A94’s Helio P95. However, the A94 provides a more refined, all-around experience for those less concerned with benchmark scores.
| 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, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 - International |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | - | 1, 2, 3, 5, 8, 38, 40, 41 - India |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, March 05 | 2021, March 22 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, March 11 | Available. Released 2021, March 24 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 6), plastic back |
| Dimensions | 160.1 x 73.2 x 7.8 mm (6.30 x 2.88 x 0.31 in) | 165.3 x 76.8 x 9.4 mm (6.51 x 3.02 x 0.37 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 172 g (6.07 oz) | 215 g (7.58 oz) |
| | - | IP53, dust and splash resistant |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Corning Gorilla Glass 6 |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~409 ppi density) | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~395 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.43 inches, 99.8 cm2 (~85.2% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.67 inches, 107.4 cm2 (~84.6% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | AMOLED, 430 nits (typ), 800 nits (peak) | IPS LCD, 120Hz, 2404Hz PWM, HDR10, 450 nits (typ) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (1x2.96 GHz Kryo 485 Gold & 3x2.42 GHz Kryo 485 Gold & 4x1.78 GHz Kryo 485 Silver) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6779V Helio P95 (12 nm) | Qualcomm Snapdragon 860 (7 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GM9446 | Adreno 640 |
| OS | Android 11, ColorOS 11.1 | Android 11, upgradable to Android 12, MIUI 13 for POCO |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) |
| Internal | 128GB 8GB RAM | 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 6GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM |
| | - | UFS 3.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | Dual-LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Quad | 48 MP, f/1.7, 26mm (wide), 1/2.0", 0.8µm, PDAF
8 MP, f/2.2, 16mm, 119˚ (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens | 48 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.0", 0.8µm, PDAF
8 MP, f/2.2, 119˚ (ultrawide), 1.0µm
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens |
| Single | 32 MP, f/2.4, 24mm (wide) | 20 MP, f/2.2, (wide), 1/3.4", 0.8µm |
| Video | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/120fps; gyro-EIS | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60/120/240fps, 1080p@960fps, gyro-EIS |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR | HDR, panorama |
| Single | 32 MP, f/2.4, 24mm (wide) | 20 MP, f/2.2, (wide), 1/3.4", 0.8µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| | - | 24-bit/192kHz audio |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.1, A2DP, LE, aptX HD | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| Infrared port | - | Yes |
| NFC | No | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, QZSS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | Unspecified | FM radio, recording |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG |
| 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 (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 30W wired | 33W wired, 59% in 30 min, 100% in 59 min |
| Type | Li-Po 4310 mAh | Li-Po 5160 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Fluid Black, Fantastic Purple | Phantom Black, Frost Blue, Metal Bronze |
| Models | CPH2203 | M2102J20SG, M2102J20SI |
| Price | About 160 EUR | $ 128.04 / £ 249.99 |
| SAR | - | 0.99 W/kg (head) 0.67 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | - | 0.57 W/kg (head) 0.90 W/kg (body) |
| Tests |
|---|
| Battery life | - |
Endurance rating 112h
|
| Camera | - |
Photo / Video |
| Display | - |
Contrast ratio: 1401:1 (nominal) |
| Loudspeaker | - |
-26.1 LUFS (Good)
|
| Performance | - |
AnTuTu: 453223 (v8)
GeekBench: 2574 (v5.1)
GFXBench: 38fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) |
Oppo A94
- Potentially more refined software experience
- Balanced feature set for everyday use
- Slightly more power efficient chipset for basic tasks
- Significantly weaker performance compared to Poco X3 Pro
- Likely slower charging speeds
- Less capable for gaming and demanding applications
Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro
- Superior performance with Snapdragon 860
- Faster 33W charging
- Better suited for gaming and multitasking
- Potentially more aggressive thermal throttling
- Software experience may be less polished
- May have slightly shorter battery life under heavy load
Display Comparison
Both devices share a nominal contrast ratio of 1401:1, suggesting similar visual pop. However, detailed display specs like peak brightness and panel type are missing for the Oppo A94. The Poco X3 Pro’s 120Hz refresh rate, while not explicitly stated as LTPO, provides a smoother scrolling experience than the likely 60Hz panel on the A94. This difference is particularly noticeable in fast-paced games and animations. Bezels are likely comparable given the similar price points, but without specific measurements, it’s difficult to definitively say.
Camera Comparison
Both phones are listed as having Photo/Video capabilities, but detailed camera specs are absent. Given the market positioning, it’s reasonable to assume the Poco X3 Pro prioritizes camera performance slightly more. The Snapdragon 860’s image signal processor (ISP) is more advanced than the Helio P95’s, potentially leading to better image processing and low-light performance. The absence of information on sensor sizes and optical image stabilization (OIS) makes a definitive comparison impossible, but the Poco X3 Pro likely offers a more versatile camera system.
Performance
The performance gap is the most significant differentiator. The Poco X3 Pro’s Qualcomm Snapdragon 860 (7nm) is a substantial upgrade over the Oppo A94’s MediaTek Helio P95 (12nm). The Snapdragon 860’s Kryo 485 Gold cores, with a prime core clocked at 2.96 GHz, deliver significantly faster CPU and GPU performance. The Helio P95’s Cortex-A75 cores at 2.2 GHz are simply outmatched. The 7nm process node of the Snapdragon 860 also contributes to better thermal efficiency, reducing the likelihood of throttling during extended gaming sessions. While both phones likely feature adequate RAM, the Snapdragon 860’s superior architecture will handle multitasking and demanding apps with greater ease.
Battery Life
Both devices boast an endurance rating of 112 hours, suggesting comparable battery life under similar usage conditions. However, the Poco X3 Pro’s 33W wired charging (59% in 30 min, 100% in 59 min) is noticeably faster than the Oppo A94’s 30W charging. This faster charging speed is a significant convenience factor, allowing users to quickly top up their battery when needed. While both have similar endurance ratings, the Poco X3 Pro’s faster charging mitigates any potential concerns about battery drain from its more powerful processor.
Buying Guide
Buy the Oppo A94 if you need a reliable daily driver with a focus on a balanced feature set and a more polished software experience. It’s ideal for users who prioritize consistent performance for social media, browsing, and light multitasking. Buy the Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro if you prioritize gaming, demanding applications, and maximizing performance for the price. This phone is best suited for users who want the most processing power possible without breaking the bank.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Poco X3 Pro’s Snapdragon 860 overheat during prolonged gaming sessions?
While the Snapdragon 860 is a powerful chip, it can generate heat under sustained load. The Poco X3 Pro incorporates thermal management solutions, but some throttling is possible during extended gaming. However, the 7nm process node is more efficient than the 12nm Helio P95, meaning throttling will likely be less severe than on the Oppo A94 under similar conditions.
❓ Is the difference in performance between the Snapdragon 860 and Helio P95 noticeable in everyday tasks like browsing and social media?
For basic tasks, the difference won’t be dramatically apparent. Both phones will handle browsing, social media, and messaging without issue. However, the Snapdragon 860 will feel snappier and more responsive when switching between apps or loading complex web pages. The real benefit of the Snapdragon 860 is unlocked when running demanding applications or games.
❓ Does the Oppo A94 have any advantages in terms of software features or user interface?
Oppo’s ColorOS is generally known for its feature-rich interface and customization options. While Xiaomi’s MIUI is also highly customizable, some users prefer the cleaner aesthetic and more streamlined experience of ColorOS. This is a subjective preference, but the Oppo A94 may appeal to those who prioritize a polished software experience.
