Umidigi A9 Pro 2021 vs Xiaomi Poco M3 Pro 5G: A Detailed Comparison

The Umidigi A9 Pro 2021 and Xiaomi Poco M3 Pro 5G represent compelling options in the crowded budget smartphone market. While both aim to deliver 5G connectivity at an accessible price point, they take significantly different approaches to achieving this, particularly in chipset choice and overall performance. This comparison dissects these differences to determine which device offers the best value.
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🏆 Quick Verdict

For most users, the Xiaomi Poco M3 Pro 5G is the superior choice. Its Mediatek Dimensity 700 chipset, built on a more efficient 7nm process, provides a noticeable performance advantage over the Umidigi A9 Pro’s Helio P60. The faster 18W charging also offers a more convenient user experience, despite both phones achieving the same endurance rating.

PHONES
Phone Names Umidigi A9 Pro 2021 Xiaomi Poco M3 Pro 5G
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100
4G bands1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 18, 19, 20, 26, 28, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41, 661, 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
SpeedHSPA, LTEHSPA, LTE, 5G
TechnologyGSM / HSPA / LTEGSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G
Launch
Announced2021. Released 20212021, May 19
StatusDiscontinuedAvailable. Released 2021, May 22
Body
BuildAluminum frameGlass front (Gorilla Glass 3), plastic frame, plastic back
Dimensions158.7 x 74.9 x 8.6 mm (6.25 x 2.95 x 0.34 in)161.8 x 75.3 x 8.9 mm (6.37 x 2.96 x 0.35 in)
SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIM
Weight205 g (7.23 oz)190 g (6.70 oz)
Display
Protection-Corning Gorilla Glass 3
Resolution1080 x 2340 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~409 ppi density)1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~405 ppi density)
Size6.3 inches, 97.4 cm2 (~82.0% screen-to-body ratio)6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~83.7% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeIPS LCDIPS LCD, 90Hz, 400 nits (typ), 500 nits (HBM)
Platform
CPUOcta-core (4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A73 & 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A53)Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55)
ChipsetMediatek Helio P60 (12 nm)Mediatek Dimensity 700 (7 nm)
GPUMali-G72 MP3Mali-G57 MC2
OSAndroid 11Android 11, MIUI 12
Memory
Card slotmicroSDXC (dedicated slot)microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot)
Internal128GB 8GB RAM64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM
 -UFS 2.2
Main Camera
FeaturesDual-LED flash, HDR, panoramaDual-LED dual-tone flash, HDR, panorama
Quad48 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.0", AF 16 MP, f/2.2, 120˚ (ultrawide) 5 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
Video1080p@30fps1080p@30fps
Selfie camera
Single24 MP, f/2.0, (wide)8 MP, f/2.0, (wide)
Video1080p@30fps1080p@30fps
Sound
3.5mm jack -Yes
35mm jackYesYes
Loudspeaker YesYes
 -24-bit/192kHz audio
Comms
Bluetooth4.2, A2DP5.1, A2DP, LE
Infrared port-Yes
NFCNoYes (market/region dependent)
PositioningGPS, GLONASS, GALILEOGPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS
RadioNoFM radio
USBUSB Type-C, OTGUSB Type-C 2.0
WLANWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi DirectWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct
Features
SensorsFingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass, thermometer (skin temperature)Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass
Battery
Charging10W wired18W wired
Type4150 mAhLi-Po 5000 mAh
Misc
ColorsOnyx Black, Forest GreenPoco Yellow, Power Black, Cool Blue
Models-M2103K19PG, M2103K19PI, M2103K19PY
Price-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)

Umidigi A9 Pro 2021

  • Potentially lower purchase price
  • Acceptable battery endurance
  • Functional for basic smartphone tasks

  • Outdated Helio P60 chipset
  • Slow 10W charging
  • Less responsive user experience

Xiaomi Poco M3 Pro 5G

  • Faster and more efficient Dimensity 700 chipset
  • 18W fast charging
  • Brighter display for outdoor visibility
  • 5G connectivity

  • Slightly higher price point
  • Camera performance likely average
  • IPS LCD display (not OLED)

Display Comparison

Both devices feature similar contrast ratios around 1475:1, suggesting comparable image quality in terms of color depth. However, the Poco M3 Pro 5G boasts a measured peak brightness of 536 nits, a significant advantage over the Umidigi A9 Pro’s unspecified brightness. This higher brightness translates to better visibility outdoors under direct sunlight. While neither manufacturer details panel technology (LTPO, AMOLED), the price point suggests both utilize IPS LCD panels, meaning viewing angles and color accuracy will be moderate.

Camera Comparison

Both phones list 'Photo / Video' capabilities, but lack specific details regarding sensor size or image processing. Given the price bracket, expecting flagship-level camera performance is unrealistic. The absence of details suggests neither phone prioritizes camera quality as a key selling point. Any differences in image quality will likely stem from software processing rather than superior hardware. The inclusion of a 2MP macro camera on either device is largely a marketing tactic, offering limited practical benefit due to the small sensor size and lack of optical image stabilization (OIS).

Performance

The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Poco M3 Pro 5G’s Mediatek Dimensity 700 (7nm) utilizes Cortex-A76 performance cores, offering a substantial architectural improvement over the Umidigi A9 Pro’s Helio P60 (12nm) and its Cortex-A73 cores. The 7nm process also contributes to better power efficiency, reducing thermal throttling during sustained workloads. While both are octa-core CPUs, the Dimensity 700’s configuration (2x2.2 GHz A76 + 6x2.0 GHz A55) is demonstrably faster than the Helio P60’s (4x2.0 GHz A73 + 4x2.0 GHz A53). This translates to quicker app launches, smoother scrolling, and a more responsive overall experience on the Poco.

Battery Life

Interestingly, both the Umidigi A9 Pro 2021 and the Poco M3 Pro 5G achieve an endurance rating of 121 hours. However, this doesn't tell the whole story. The Poco M3 Pro 5G supports 18W wired charging, significantly faster than the Umidigi A9 Pro’s 10W charging. This means the Poco can replenish its battery much quicker, minimizing downtime. While the battery capacity isn't specified for either device, the Dimensity 700’s superior power efficiency likely contributes to the similar endurance rating despite the faster charging and potentially smaller battery size.

Buying Guide

Buy the Umidigi A9 Pro 2021 if you prioritize a potentially lower upfront cost and are comfortable with a less responsive user experience for basic tasks. Buy the Xiaomi Poco M3 Pro 5G if you value smoother multitasking, faster app loading times, and the benefits of a more modern and efficient 5G chipset, even if it means spending slightly more.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Does the Mediatek Dimensity 700 in the Poco M3 Pro 5G support carrier aggregation for faster 5G speeds?
Yes, the Dimensity 700 supports carrier aggregation, allowing it to combine multiple 5G channels for significantly faster download and upload speeds where available. This is a key advantage over older 5G chipsets and ensures a more consistent 5G experience.
❓ Is the Umidigi A9 Pro 2021 a good choice for mobile gaming?
The Umidigi A9 Pro 2021 is not ideal for demanding mobile games. The Helio P60 chipset will struggle with graphically intensive titles, resulting in low frame rates and potential stuttering. The Poco M3 Pro 5G, with its Dimensity 700, offers a much smoother gaming experience, though still limited to medium settings for most modern games.
❓ What type of USB port do both phones use?
Both the Umidigi A9 Pro 2021 and the Xiaomi Poco M3 Pro 5G utilize a USB-C port for charging and data transfer. This is standard for modern smartphones and offers faster data transfer speeds and reversible connectivity compared to older Micro-USB standards.
❓ How does the software experience differ between Umidigi and Xiaomi?
Xiaomi's MIUI, while sometimes criticized for bloatware, is a more polished and feature-rich software experience than Umidigi's typically stock Android-based interface. MIUI receives more frequent updates and offers a wider range of customization options. Umidigi often lags behind in software updates, potentially leaving users vulnerable to security risks.