The Samsung Galaxy M31 and Xiaomi Poco X3 NFC represent compelling options in the crowded mid-range smartphone market. While the M31 aims for a larger screen and potentially broader brand recognition, the Poco X3 NFC aggressively targets performance and value. This comparison dissects their key differences to determine which device offers the best experience for your money.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user, the Xiaomi Poco X3 NFC is the clear winner. Its Snapdragon 732G chipset, coupled with 33W fast charging, provides a smoother, more responsive experience and significantly reduces downtime. While the M31 boasts a larger display, the Poco X3 NFC’s efficiency and price point are more compelling.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 20, 26, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2020, February 25. Released 2020, March 05 | 2020, September 07 |
| Status | Discontinued | Available. Released 2020, September 08 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 3), plastic back, plastic frame | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 5), aluminum frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 159.2 x 75.1 x 8.9 mm (6.27 x 2.96 x 0.35 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 | 191 g (6.74 oz) | 215 g (7.58 oz) |
| | - | IP53, dust and splash resistant |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2340 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~403 ppi density) | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~395 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.4 inches, 100.5 cm2 (~84.1% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.67 inches, 107.4 cm2 (~84.6% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | Super AMOLED, 420 nits (peak) | IPS LCD, 120Hz, HDR10, 450 nits (typ) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A73 & 4x1.7 GHz Cortex-A53) | Octa-core (2x2.3 GHz Kryo 470 Gold & 6x1.8 GHz Kryo 470 Silver) |
| Chipset | Exynos 9611 (10 nm) | Qualcomm SM7150-AC Snapdragon 732G (8 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G72 MP3 | Adreno 618 |
| OS | Android 10, upgradable to Android 12, One UI 4.1 | Android 10, upgradable to Android 12, MIUI 14 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM | 64GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM |
| | UFS 2.1 | UFS 2.1
|
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, panorama, HDR | Dual-LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Quad | - | 64 MP, f/1.9, (wide), 1/1.73", 0.8µm, PDAF
13 MP, f/2.2, 119˚ (ultrawide), 1.0µm
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens |
| Triple | 64 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 1/1.72", 0.8µm, PDAF
8 MP, f/2.2, 123˚ (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm
5 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Video | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps, gyro-EIS | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/120fps, 720p@960fps; gyro-EIS |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR | HDR, panorama |
| Single | 32 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide), 1/2.8", 0.8µm | 20 MP, f/2.2, (wide), 1/3.4", 0.8µm |
| Video | 4K@30fps, 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 | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.1, A2DP, LE |
| Infrared port | - | Yes |
| NFC | Yes (market/region dependent) | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, BDS |
| Radio | FM radio, RDS, recording | FM radio, recording |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0 | 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 (rear-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, compass | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| | Virtual proximity sensing | - |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 15W wired | 33W wired, 62% in 30 min, 100% in 65 min |
| Type | Li-Po 6000 mAh | Li-Po 5160 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Ocean Blue, Space Black, Red | Cobalt Blue, Shadow Gray |
| Models | SM-M315F, SM-M315F/DS, SM-M315F/DSN | M2007J20CG, M2007J20CT |
| Price | About 310 EUR | About 100 EUR |
| SAR | 0.52 W/kg (head) 0.69 W/kg (body) | 0.77 W/kg (head) 0.61 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | 0.48 W/kg (head) 1.13 W/kg (body) | 0.56 W/kg (head) 0.99 W/kg (body) |
| Pricing |
|---|
| 128GB 6GB RAM | C$ 885.00 | € 259.00 |
| 128GB 8GB RAM | - | Rp 2,800,000 |
| 64GB 6GB RAM | - | € 229.00 |
| RENEWED | £ 199.00 | £ 119.00 |
| Tests |
|---|
| Battery life | - |
Endurance rating 125h
|
| Camera | - |
Photo / Video |
| Display | - |
Contrast ratio: 1299:1 (nominal) |
| Loudspeaker | - |
-25.3 LUFS (Very good)
|
| Performance | - |
AnTuTu: 283750 (v8)
GeekBench: 1777 (v5.1)
GFXBench: 16fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) |
Samsung Galaxy M31
- Potentially larger display size (unconfirmed)
- Samsung brand recognition
- Established Samsung ecosystem
- Slower 15W charging
- Less efficient Exynos 9611 chipset
- Potentially lower RAM options
Xiaomi Poco X3 NFC
- Faster 33W charging
- More efficient Snapdragon 732G chipset
- Available with up to 8GB RAM
- Significantly lower price
- 2MP macro camera is largely ineffective
- No official IP rating for water/dust resistance
- Less brand recognition than Samsung
Display Comparison
Both devices share a nominal contrast ratio of 1299:1, suggesting similar visual pop. However, the M31’s screen size isn’t specified, while the Poco X3 NFC features a 6.67-inch display. Without knowing the M31’s exact panel characteristics (resolution, peak brightness), it’s difficult to assess a clear advantage. The Poco X3 NFC’s display is protected by Gorilla Glass 5, offering a degree of durability not explicitly mentioned for the M31. The lack of high refresh rate on either device means neither will offer the buttery-smooth scrolling experience found on higher-end phones.
Camera Comparison
Both phones are listed as having Photo/Video capabilities, but lack specific details. Without sensor size, aperture, or image processing details, a direct comparison is limited. However, the market segment suggests the M31 likely focuses on a versatile camera setup, while the Poco X3 NFC may prioritize value. The presence of a 2MP macro camera on the Poco X3 NFC is unlikely to provide significant photographic benefit, serving more as a marketing feature than a practical tool. The absence of OIS (Optical Image Stabilization) on either device suggests image stabilization relies solely on software, potentially impacting low-light performance.
Performance
The Poco X3 NFC’s Qualcomm Snapdragon 732G (8nm) demonstrably outperforms the Samsung Galaxy M31’s Exynos 9611 (10nm). The 8nm process node of the Snapdragon 732G is more efficient, leading to better thermal management and sustained performance. While both CPUs feature octa-core configurations, the Snapdragon 732G’s Kryo 470 Gold cores (2x2.3 GHz) are architecturally superior to the Exynos 9611’s Cortex-A73 cores (4x2.3 GHz). The Poco X3 NFC’s availability with 8GB of RAM, compared to the M31’s standard 6GB, further enhances multitasking capabilities. This translates to snappier app switching and a more fluid user experience.
Battery Life
The Poco X3 NFC boasts a significant advantage in charging speed with its 33W wired charging, achieving 62% charge in 30 minutes and 100% in 65 minutes. The Samsung Galaxy M31 is limited to 15W charging, resulting in a considerably slower charging experience. Both devices have an endurance rating of 125h, suggesting comparable battery life under similar usage conditions. However, the Snapdragon 732G’s efficiency means the Poco X3 NFC is likely to maintain its charge for longer during demanding tasks.
Buying Guide
Buy the Samsung Galaxy M31 if you prioritize a very large screen for media consumption and are heavily invested in the Samsung ecosystem. However, buy the Xiaomi Poco X3 NFC if you value performance, fast charging, and a more modern chipset for gaming and everyday tasks, all at a significantly lower price point. The Poco X3 NFC is the better choice for users who prioritize value and responsiveness.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Does the Exynos 9611 in the Galaxy M31 overheat during prolonged gaming sessions?
The Exynos 9611, built on a 10nm process, is prone to thermal throttling under sustained load. While it can handle casual gaming, demanding titles may experience frame drops and reduced performance over time. The Snapdragon 732G in the Poco X3 NFC, with its 8nm process, offers better thermal efficiency and sustained performance.
❓ Is the 2MP macro camera on the Poco X3 NFC actually useful for taking detailed close-up photos?
Generally, 2MP macro cameras on budget phones offer limited image quality. The small sensor size and lack of optical image stabilization result in soft, noisy images. It's primarily a marketing feature and won't deliver professional-level macro photography.
❓ Can the Poco X3 NFC handle demanding games like PUBG Mobile at high frame rates?
The Poco X3 NFC can run PUBG Mobile at high settings, but achieving a consistent 60fps may require adjusting graphics settings. The Snapdragon 732G is capable, but the phone's thermal management will play a role in sustained performance. Expect to potentially lower settings for extended gaming sessions.
❓ How does the charging speed of the Poco X3 NFC compare to other phones in its price range?
The 33W fast charging on the Poco X3 NFC is exceptionally fast for its price range. Many competitors in the sub-$300 segment offer 15W or 18W charging, making the Poco X3 NFC a clear leader in charging speed.
