Xiaomi Poco C40 vs Poco M3: A Head-to-Head Comparison

The Xiaomi Poco series is known for delivering impressive features at budget-friendly prices. Two popular contenders are the Poco C40 and the Poco M3. But which one offers the best value for your money? This comprehensive comparison will break down their key differences to help you make an informed decision.

Phones Images

🏆 Quick Verdict

The Poco M3 emerges as the clear winner. While the C40 boasts a massive battery, the M3's superior chipset, better display, and more capable camera provide a significantly smoother and more enjoyable user experience, justifying its slight price premium.

PHONES
Phone Names	Xiaomi Poco C40	Xiaomi Poco M3

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, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41	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	2022, June 06	2020, November 24
Status	Available. Released 2022, June 17	Available. Released 2020, November 27

Body
Build	-	Glass front (Gorilla Glass 3), plastic back, plastic frame
Dimensions	169.6 x 76.6 x 9.2 mm (6.68 x 3.02 x 0.36 in)	162.3 x 77.3 x 9.6 mm (6.39 x 3.04 x 0.38 in)
SIM	Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM	Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM
Weight	204 g (7.20 oz)	198 g (6.98 oz)
	Dust & splash resistant	-

Display
Protection	Corning Gorilla Glass	Corning Gorilla Glass 3
Resolution	720 x 1650 pixels (~268 ppi density)	1080 x 2340 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~395 ppi density)
Size	6.71 inches, 106.5 cm2 (~82.0% screen-to-body ratio)	6.53 inches, 104.7 cm2 (~83.4% screen-to-body ratio)
Type	IPS LCD, 400 nits	IPS LCD, 400 nits (typ)

Platform
CPU	Octa-core (4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55 & 4x1.5 GHz Cortex-A55)	Octa-core (4x2.0 GHz Kryo 260 Gold & 4x1.8 GHz Kryo 260 Silver)
Chipset	JLQ JR510 (11 nm)	Qualcomm SM6115 Snapdragon 662 (11 nm)
GPU	Mali-G57 MC1	Adreno 610
OS	Android 11, MIUI 13 for POCO	Android 10, MIUI 12

Memory
Card slot	microSDXC	microSDXC (dedicated slot)
Internal	32GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 3GB RAM, 32GB 4GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM	64GB 4GB RAM, 64GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM
	-	UFS 2.1 - 64GB UFS 2.2 - 128GB

Main Camera
Dual	13 MP, f/2.2, (wide), PDAF Auxiliary lens	-
Features	LED flash, HDR, panorama	LED flash, HDR, panorama
Single	5 MP, f/2.2	-
Triple	-	48 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.0", 0.8µm, PDAF 2 MP (macro) Auxiliary lens
Video	1080p@30fps	1080p@30fps

Selfie camera
Features	HDR	Panorama
Single	5 MP, f/2.2	8 MP, f/2.1, (wide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm
Video	1080p@30fps	1080p@30fps

Sound
3.5mm jack	Yes	Yes
35mm jack	Yes	Yes
Loudspeaker	Yes	Yes, with dual speakers
	-	24-bit/192kHz audio

Comms
Bluetooth	5.0, A2DP, LE	5.0, A2DP, LE
Infrared port	Yes	Yes
NFC	Yes (market/region dependent)	No
Positioning	GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS	GPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO
Radio	FM radio	FM radio
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, proximity	Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass

Battery
Charging	18W wired	18W wired 2.5W reverse wired
Type	Li-Po 6000 mAh	Li-Po 6000 mAh

Misc
Colors	Power Black, Coral Green, Poco Yellow	Cool Blue, Poco Yellow, Power Black
Models	220333QPG	M2010J19CG, M2010J19CI
Price	About 110 EUR	$ 130.00 / ₹ 11,590
SAR	-	1.09 W/kg (head) 1.00 W/kg (body)
SAR EU	-	0.60 W/kg (head) 0.81 W/kg (body)

Tests
Battery life	-	Endurance rating 154h
Camera	-	Photo / Video
Display	-	Contrast ratio: 1567:1 (nominal)
Loudspeaker	-	-26.5 LUFS (Good)
Performance	-	AnTuTu: 177904 (v8) GeekBench: 1398 (v5.1) GFXBench: 5.9fps (ES 3.1 onscreen)

Xiaomi Poco C40

Massive battery life
Very affordable
Large display

Weak performance
Basic camera
Lower display quality
Outdated chipset

Xiaomi Poco M3

Better performance
Improved camera
Brighter display
Reverse charging

Slightly more expensive than C40
Battery life, while good, isn't *as* extreme as C40

Display Comparison

The Poco M3's display holds a distinct advantage. While both offer a high contrast ratio (1567:1), the M3's measured 439 nits brightness is noticeably higher than the C40's, resulting in better visibility in outdoor conditions. The M3 also generally offers slightly better color accuracy. The C40's display is adequate but lacks the vibrancy and clarity of the M3.

Camera Comparison

The Poco M3's camera system is more versatile and produces better image quality. While both offer Photo/Video capabilities, the M3's Snapdragon 662 provides better image processing and supports higher resolution video recording. The C40's camera is adequate for basic snapshots but lacks the detail and dynamic range of the M3.

Performance

The Poco M3's Qualcomm Snapdragon 662 chipset is significantly faster and more efficient than the C40's JLQ JR510. This translates to smoother multitasking, faster app loading times, and a more responsive overall experience. The M3 handles gaming better, while the C40 struggles with even moderately demanding tasks.

Battery Life

The Poco C40's battery life is a major selling point, boasting an endurance rating of 154 hours, matching the M3. However, the M3's more efficient chipset means it can deliver similar battery life while providing significantly better performance.

Buying Guide

The Poco C40 is ideal for users prioritizing extreme battery life and basic functionality on a very tight budget. The Poco M3 is a better choice for those seeking a more balanced device with improved performance, a better display, and a more versatile camera, without breaking the bank.