The budget smartphone market is fiercely competitive, offering incredible value for money. Today, we're pitting two popular contenders against each other: the Realme Narzo 30A and the Xiaomi Poco M3 Pro 5G. Both promise a lot, but which one delivers the best overall experience?
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Poco M3 Pro 5G takes the crown thanks to its 5G connectivity, more powerful Dimensity 700 chipset, and brighter display. While the Narzo 30A is a solid budget option, the Poco M3 Pro 5G offers a noticeable upgrade in performance and future-proofing.
| 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 | 2021, February 24 | 2021, May 19 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, March 05 | Available. Released 2021, May 22 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 3), plastic frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 164.5 x 75.9 x 9.8 mm (6.48 x 2.99 x 0.39 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 | 205 g (7.23 oz) | 190 g (6.70 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | 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 (~81.7% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~83.7% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 470 nits (typ), 570 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, Realme UI | Android 11, MIUI 12 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | UFS 2.2 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 13 MP, f/2.2, 26mm (wide), 1/3.06", 1.12µm, PDAF
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | Dual-LED dual-tone flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide), 1/4", 1.12µm | 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, panorama | - |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (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 | 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
5W reverse wired | 18W wired |
| Type | 6000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Laser Black, Laser Blue | Poco Yellow, Power Black, Cool Blue |
| Models | RMX3171 | M2103K19PG, M2103K19PI, M2103K19PY |
| Price | About 450 EUR | About 140 EUR |
| SAR | 1.37 W/kg (head) 1.10 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)
|
Realme Narzo 30A
- Affordable
- Reverse wired charging
- Reliable for basic tasks
- Dim display
- Less powerful chipset
- No 5G
Xiaomi Poco M3 Pro 5G
- 5G connectivity
- More powerful chipset
- Brighter display
- Good battery life
- Potentially higher price
- Camera specs unclear
Display Comparison
The Poco M3 Pro 5G boasts a significant advantage with its measured 536 nits max brightness, making it easier to view outdoors. Both phones share a high 1475:1 contrast ratio, promising deep blacks and vibrant colors, but the Poco's brightness gives it a clearer edge. The Narzo 30A's display is adequate but noticeably dimmer.
Camera Comparison
While both phones are marketed as having 'Photo / Video' capabilities, detailed camera specifications are missing. Generally, the Poco M3 Pro 5G is expected to offer slightly better image quality due to its more advanced chipset and potentially better image processing algorithms. However, without specific sensor details, a definitive comparison is difficult.
Performance
Here, the Poco M3 Pro 5G shines. Its Mediatek Dimensity 700 chipset (7nm) is considerably more powerful than the Narzo 30A's Helio G85 (12nm). The Cortex-A76 cores in the Dimensity 700 offer a substantial performance boost over the Narzo's Cortex-A75 cores, resulting in smoother app loading, faster multitasking, and better gaming performance. The Poco also benefits from 5G connectivity.
Battery Life
Both phones offer impressive battery life, with the Poco M3 Pro 5G claiming an endurance rating of 121 hours. The Narzo 30A's battery capacity is likely comparable, suggesting similar real-world usage times. Both support 18W wired charging, with the Narzo 30A adding 5W reverse wired charging for charging other devices.
Buying Guide
The Realme Narzo 30A is ideal for users prioritizing a simple, reliable phone for basic tasks like calling, texting, and light social media use. The Xiaomi Poco M3 Pro 5G is better suited for those who want 5G connectivity, smoother performance for gaming and multitasking, and a slightly better display experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Poco M3 Pro 5G worth the extra money?
Yes, if you value 5G connectivity and smoother performance. The Dimensity 700 chipset provides a noticeable upgrade over the Narzo 30A's Helio G85.
❓ Which phone has better battery life?
Both phones offer excellent battery life, with the Poco M3 Pro 5G claiming a slightly higher endurance rating. Real-world usage will likely be similar.
