The sub-$150 smartphone market is fiercely competitive. Both the Xiaomi Poco C3 and the Motorola Moto G Play (2021) aim to deliver essential smartphone functionality at an incredibly affordable price. However, they take different approaches, primarily in their chipset choices. This comparison dissects those differences, focusing on real-world performance implications for the average user.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Motorola Moto G Play (2021) is the better choice. While both phones offer similar 10W charging and target the same price bracket, the Snapdragon 460’s more efficient 11nm process and Kryo architecture provide a smoother, more responsive experience, especially during multitasking and light gaming.
| 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, 40, 41 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 25, 26, 38, 41, 66, 71 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / LTE |
| | - | 2, 4, 5, 12, 14, 30, 66 |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2020, October 06 | 2021, January 08 |
| Status | Available. Released 2020, October 16 | Available. Released 2021, January 14 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Plastic frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 164.9 x 77.1 x 9 mm (6.49 x 3.04 x 0.35 in) | 166.6 x 76 x 9.4 mm (6.56 x 2.99 x 0.37 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 194 g (6.84 oz) | 204 g (7.20 oz) |
| | - | Water-repellent coating |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Panda Glass | - |
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~270 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~270 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.43 inches, 102.1 cm2 (~80.3% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~80.6% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 400 nits (typ) | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53) | Octa-core (4x1.8 GHz Kryo 240 & 4x1.6 GHz Kryo 240) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6765G Helio G35 (12 nm) | Qualcomm SM4250 Snapdragon 460 (11 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | Adreno 610 |
| OS | Android 10, MIUI 12 | Android 10 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM | 32GB 3GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | - | 13 MP, f/2.0, (wide), 1/3.1", 1.12µm, PDAF
Auxiliary lens |
| Features | LED flash, HDR | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Triple | 13 MP, f/2.2, 28mm (wide), 1.0µm, PDAF
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30/60fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR | HDR |
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.2, (wide), 1.12µm | 5 MP, f/2.2, (wide), 1.12µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO |
| Radio | FM radio | Unspecified |
| USB | microUSB 2.0, OTG | USB Type-C 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, proximity | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired | 10W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 5000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Arctic Blue, Lime Green, Matte Black | Misty Blue |
| Models | M2006C3MII, MZB07RIIN, MZB07RJIN, MZB07QAIN, MZB07RLIN, MZB07RKIN, MZB07RHIN | XT2093-3, XT2093-7, XT2093-DL, XT2093DL |
| Price | About 80 EUR | About 60 EUR |
| SAR | 0.51 W/kg (head) 0.83 W/kg (body) | - |
Xiaomi Poco C3
- Potentially lower price point
- Larger display size (likely)
- Simple, straightforward Android experience
- Less efficient chipset (Helio G35)
- Older CPU architecture
- Potential for more noticeable lag during multitasking
Motorola Moto G Play (2021)
- More efficient chipset (Snapdragon 460)
- Modern CPU architecture (Kryo 240)
- Smoother multitasking and app switching
- Potentially slightly higher price
- May have a smaller display
- 10W charging is slow
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Both likely utilize LCD panels, a common cost-saving measure in this segment. The focus here isn't on resolution or refresh rate, but on the underlying processors' ability to drive the UI smoothly. While specific display specs are unavailable, the Poco C3's larger size might be preferable for video viewing, but the Snapdragon 460 in the Moto G Play will ensure a more fluid experience when navigating the interface.
Camera Comparison
Both phones likely feature basic camera setups, and detailed sensor information is limited. Expect a primary camera accompanied by auxiliary lenses of questionable utility. The focus shouldn’t be on image quality, but on the chipset’s image signal processor (ISP). Qualcomm’s ISPs generally offer better noise reduction and dynamic range processing than MediaTek’s at this price point. Therefore, the Moto G Play is likely to produce slightly more pleasing images, even with similar sensor hardware. The 2MP macro lenses found on both are unlikely to deliver significant detail.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Poco C3’s MediaTek Helio G35 (12nm) uses older Cortex-A53 cores, while the Moto G Play’s Qualcomm Snapdragon 460 (11nm) employs Kryo 240 cores. The 11nm process node of the Snapdragon 460 is more efficient, translating to better thermal management and sustained performance. While both are octa-core, the Snapdragon 460’s architecture is more modern, offering improved instructions per clock (IPC). This means the Moto G Play will handle app switching and multitasking with less lag. The Helio G35’s 2.3 GHz clock speed is higher on paper, but doesn’t compensate for the architectural disadvantage.
Battery Life
Both devices are equipped with 10W wired charging, indicating a similar charging experience – slow by modern standards. Battery capacity isn’t specified, but the Snapdragon 460’s superior power efficiency means the Moto G Play will likely achieve comparable or better battery life despite potentially having a smaller capacity. The 11nm process allows it to sip power during everyday tasks, extending usage between charges.
Buying Guide
Buy the Xiaomi Poco C3 if your primary need is a large display for media consumption and you prioritize a slightly lower upfront cost, understanding that performance will be more limited. Buy the Motorola Moto G Play (2021) if you value a more responsive user experience, better multitasking capabilities, and a chipset built on a more modern manufacturing process, even if it means a potentially slightly higher price point.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Poco C3 struggle with popular apps like Facebook or WhatsApp?
The Poco C3's Helio G35 chipset may exhibit noticeable lag when running multiple apps simultaneously, including Facebook and WhatsApp. While these apps will function, expect slower loading times and occasional stuttering, especially with other background processes running.
❓ Is the Snapdragon 460 in the Moto G Play capable of playing any mobile games?
The Snapdragon 460 can handle less demanding mobile games like *Candy Crush* or *Angry Birds* without issue. However, graphically intensive titles like *PUBG Mobile* will require significantly reduced graphics settings and may still experience frame drops. It's best suited for casual gaming.
❓ How long does it take to fully charge either phone with the included 10W charger?
Expect a full charge to take approximately 3-4 hours with the included 10W charger for both devices. 10W charging is a very slow standard, and these phones do not support faster charging technologies.
❓ Which phone is better for someone who primarily uses their phone for calls and texts?
Both phones are perfectly adequate for basic calling and texting. However, the Moto G Play's more efficient chipset will contribute to slightly better standby battery life, meaning it will hold a charge longer when not actively in use.
