The Realme C17 and Xiaomi Poco M3 Pro 5G represent the increasingly competitive landscape of affordable 5G smartphones. Both aim to deliver next-generation connectivity without breaking the bank, but they achieve this through different approaches to chipset selection and feature prioritization. This comparison dissects their strengths and weaknesses to determine which device offers the best overall experience.
🏆 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 Realme C17’s Snapdragon 460, making it better suited for demanding tasks and future-proofing. While both offer similar charging speeds and battery endurance ratings, the Poco’s superior processing power gives it the edge.
| 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, 38, 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, LTE | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2020, September 21. Released 2020, September 22 | 2021, May 19 |
| Status | Discontinued | Available. Released 2021, May 22 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 3), plastic frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 164.1 x 75.5 x 8.9 mm (6.46 x 2.97 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 | 188 g (6.63 oz) | 190 g (6.70 oz) |
| | Weather-sealed ports & loudspeaker | - |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 |
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~270 ppi density) | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~405 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~82.3% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~83.7% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 90Hz | IPS LCD, 90Hz, 400 nits (typ), 500 nits (HBM) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x1.8 GHz Kryo 240 & 4x1.6 GHz Kryo 240) | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM4250 Snapdragon 460 (11 nm) | Mediatek Dimensity 700 (7 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 610 | 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 6GB RAM, 256GB 6GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM |
| | UFS 2.1 | UFS 2.2 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | Dual-LED dual-tone flash, HDR, panorama |
| Quad | 13 MP, f/2.2, (wide), 1/3.06", 1.12µm, PDAF
8 MP, f/2.2, 119˚ (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 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 |
|---|
| Features | HDR | - |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm | 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, 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, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 18W wired | 18W wired |
| Type | 5000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Navy Blue, Lake Green | Poco Yellow, Power Black, Cool Blue |
| Models | RMX2101 | M2103K19PG, M2103K19PI, M2103K19PY |
| Price | About 160 EUR | About 140 EUR |
| SAR | - | 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)
|
Realme C17
- Potentially lower price point
- Acceptable battery life (121h endurance)
- Supports 5G connectivity
- Less powerful Snapdragon 460 chipset
- Limited performance for demanding tasks
- Lack of detailed specifications
Xiaomi Poco M3 Pro 5G
- More powerful Mediatek Dimensity 700 chipset
- Higher peak brightness (536 nits)
- Better overall performance and responsiveness
- May be slightly more expensive
- 18W charging isn't the fastest available
- Camera details are limited
Display Comparison
Both devices lack detailed display specifications beyond the Poco M3 Pro 5G’s measured 536 nits of peak brightness and 1475:1 contrast ratio. This brightness level suggests a reasonably viewable experience outdoors, though not exceptional. The nominal 1475:1 contrast ratio indicates adequate black levels. Without knowing the panel technology used in the Realme C17, it’s difficult to assess its color accuracy or viewing angles. However, given the price point, both likely utilize IPS LCD panels, prioritizing affordability over premium features like OLED.
Camera Comparison
Both phones are listed as having 'Photo / Video' capabilities, offering minimal insight. Without sensor size or aperture details, a direct comparison is challenging. However, the market segment suggests both will rely on budget-friendly sensors. The Poco M3 Pro 5G likely benefits from Mediatek’s image signal processor (ISP) optimizations, potentially leading to better image processing and low-light performance. The absence of details suggests neither phone will excel in photography, but the Poco’s chipset offers a slight advantage.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Poco M3 Pro 5G’s Mediatek Dimensity 700 (7nm) boasts a more modern architecture with 2x 2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 cores and 6x 2.0 GHz Cortex-A55 cores, offering significantly improved CPU performance compared to the Realme C17’s Qualcomm Snapdragon 460 (11nm) with its 4x 1.8 GHz Kryo 240 and 4x 1.6 GHz Kryo 240 configuration. The 7nm process node of the Dimensity 700 also translates to better power efficiency and potentially less thermal throttling under sustained load. This means the Poco M3 Pro 5G will handle multitasking, gaming, and demanding apps more smoothly.
Battery Life
Both the Realme C17 and Poco M3 Pro 5G share an endurance rating of 121 hours, indicating comparable real-world battery life. Both also support 18W wired charging. While the mAh capacity of the Realme C17 is unknown, the similar endurance rating suggests it’s adequately sized for its power consumption. The 18W charging, while not particularly fast, should provide a reasonable recharge time for both devices. The Dimensity 700’s efficiency may slightly offset the battery capacity difference, if any exists.
Buying Guide
Buy the Realme C17 if you prioritize a minimal cost of entry into the 5G world and your usage primarily revolves around basic communication and light social media. Buy the Xiaomi Poco M3 Pro 5G if you value smoother multitasking, a more responsive user experience, and the ability to handle more demanding applications and games, even if it means spending slightly more.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Poco M3 Pro 5G struggle with graphically intensive games like PUBG Mobile?
While not a dedicated gaming phone, the Mediatek Dimensity 700 in the Poco M3 Pro 5G is capable of running PUBG Mobile at medium settings with reasonable frame rates. Expect some frame drops during intense action, but it’s a significantly better gaming experience than the Snapdragon 460-powered Realme C17.
❓ Is the 18W charging speed sufficient for daily use on either device?
18W charging is adequate but not fast. Expect a full charge to take around 2-3 hours. Both phones benefit from similar battery endurance ratings, so the slower charging speed isn't a major drawback, but it's not as convenient as faster charging solutions.
❓ How does the Snapdragon 460 in the Realme C17 handle multitasking compared to the Dimensity 700?
The Snapdragon 460 will struggle with heavy multitasking. Switching between several apps will likely result in noticeable lag and app reloading. The Dimensity 700, with its more powerful cores and efficient architecture, handles multitasking far more smoothly, allowing you to switch between apps with minimal delay.
