The Xiaomi Poco series is known for delivering impressive features at incredibly affordable prices. The Poco C31 and Poco C3 are two contenders in this space, both targeting budget-conscious consumers. But which one offers the better value for your money?
🏆 Quick Verdict
Both phones share the same core chipset and charging speed. The Poco C31 generally offers a slightly more modern design and potentially a better camera experience, but the Poco C3 might be found at a lower price point, making it the better value depending on current deals. It's a very close call!
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 8, 40, 41 | 1, 3, 5, 8, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, September 30 | 2020, October 06 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, October 02 | Available. Released 2020, October 16 |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 164.9 x 77.1 x 9 mm (6.49 x 3.04 x 0.35 in) | 164.9 x 77.1 x 9 mm (6.49 x 3.04 x 0.35 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 194 g (6.84 oz) | 194 g (6.84 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Panda Glass |
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~270 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.53 inches, 102.9 cm2 (~81.0% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.43 inches, 102.1 cm2 (~80.3% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD, 400 nits (typ) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53) | Octa-core (4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6765G Helio G35 (12 nm) | Mediatek MT6765G Helio G35 (12 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | PowerVR GE8320 |
| OS | Android 10, MIUI 12 | Android 10, MIUI 12 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM | 32GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR | LED flash, HDR |
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.2, (wide), 1.12µm | - |
| Triple | 13 MP, f/2.2, (wide), 1.0µm, PDAF
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens | 13 MP, f/2.2, 28mm (wide), 1.0µm, PDAF
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| 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, BDS |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio |
| USB | microUSB 2.0, OTG | microUSB 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity | Accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired | 10W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 5000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Royal Blue, Shadow Gray | Arctic Blue, Lime Green, Matte Black |
| Models | MZB0A0MIN, MZB0A0KIN, 211033MI, 22031116AI | M2006C3MII, MZB07RIIN, MZB07RJIN, MZB07QAIN, MZB07RLIN, MZB07RKIN, MZB07RHIN |
| Price | About 90 EUR | About 80 EUR |
| SAR | 0.51 W/kg (head) 0.83 W/kg (body) | 0.51 W/kg (head) 0.83 W/kg (body) |
Xiaomi Poco C31
- Slightly more modern design
- More versatile camera system (depth & macro)
- Potentially better scratch resistance coating
- May have slightly improved software support
- Potentially higher price than the Poco C3
- 10W charging is slow
Xiaomi Poco C3
- Generally more affordable
- Large 5000mAh battery for all-day use
- Decent performance for basic tasks
- Simpler camera system
- Older design
- 10W charging is slow
Display Comparison
Both phones typically feature a 6.53-inch HD+ (720 x 1600) IPS LCD display. While the specifications are identical, slight variations in color accuracy and brightness may exist. The Poco C31 might have a marginally improved coating for better scratch resistance.
Camera Comparison
The Poco C31 often boasts a more versatile camera setup, typically including a 13MP main sensor, a 2MP depth sensor, and a 2MP macro lens. The Poco C3 usually has a simpler 13MP main camera. Image quality in good lighting should be comparable, but the C31's additional lenses offer more creative options. Low-light performance will be limited on both.
Performance
Powered by the Mediatek Helio G35, both devices offer adequate performance for basic tasks like browsing, social media, and light gaming. Don't expect flagship-level speeds; these are entry-level phones. Multitasking with many apps simultaneously will likely result in noticeable slowdowns.
Battery Life
Both phones are equipped with a 5000mAh battery, providing all-day battery life for moderate usage. The 10W wired charging is relatively slow, so expect a couple of hours to fully charge the device.
Buying Guide
The Poco C31 is ideal for users prioritizing a slightly more contemporary design and potentially improved camera quality within a tight budget. The Poco C3 is a great choice for those seeking the absolute lowest price and are willing to compromise slightly on design and camera features. Consider current pricing and availability when making your decision.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Which phone is better for gaming?
Neither phone is ideal for demanding games. Both handle basic games reasonably well, but expect lower frame rates and graphical settings.
❓ What is the difference in software?
The Poco C31 typically receives slightly longer software support and updates compared to the Poco C3, although both run MIUI based on Android.
❓ Are the displays similar in quality?
Yes, both phones have similar HD+ IPS LCD displays. Differences in color accuracy and brightness are likely to be minor and may vary between individual units.
