The Xiaomi Poco M3 Pro and Realme 8 Pro represent compelling options in the crowded sub-$200 smartphone market. While both aim to deliver a solid experience without breaking the bank, they take different approaches. The Poco M3 Pro leverages MediaTek’s Dimensity 700 5G chipset, while the Realme 8 Pro opts for Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 720G. This comparison dives deep into their specifications to determine which device offers the best overall package.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing fast charging and a slightly more refined software experience, the Realme 8 Pro emerges as the winner. Its 50W charging capability significantly reduces downtime, and the Snapdragon 720G provides a stable, if not groundbreaking, performance profile. However, the Poco M3 Pro’s 5G connectivity offers future-proofing at a competitive price.
| 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 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 20, 28, 32, 38, 40, 41, 66 | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 - International |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | - | 1, 3, 5, 8, 38, 40, 41 - Asia |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, May 19 | 2021, March 24 |
| Status | Cancelled | Available. Released 2021, March 25 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 161.8 x 75.3 x 8.9 mm (6.37 x 2.96 x 0.35 in) | 160.6 x 73.9 x 8.1 mm (6.32 x 2.91 x 0.32 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 190 g (6.70 oz) | 176 g (6.21 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | - |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~405 ppi density) | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~411 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~83.7% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.4 inches, 98.9 cm2 (~83.3% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 90Hz, 400 nits (typ), 500 nits (HBM) | Super AMOLED, 430 nits (typ), 1000 nits (peak) |
| | - | Always-on display |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (2x2.3 GHz Kryo 465 Gold & 6x1.8 GHz Kryo 465 Silver) |
| Chipset | Mediatek Dimensity 700 (7 nm) | Qualcomm SM7125 Snapdragon 720G (8 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MC2 | Adreno 618 |
| OS | Android 11, MIUI 12 | Android 11, upgradable to Android 12, Realme UI 3.0 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM | 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM |
| | - | UFS 2.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | Dual-LED dual-tone flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Quad | - | 108 MP, f/1.9, 26mm (wide), 1/1.52", 0.7µm, PDAF
8 MP, f/2.3, 119˚, 16mm (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens |
| Triple | 48 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 1/2.0", 0.8µm, PDAF
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60/120/480fps, 720p@960fps, gyro-EIS |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | - | HDR, panorama |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide) | 16 MP, f/2.5, (wide), 1/3.0", 1.0µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30/120fps, gyro-EIS |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | - | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| | - | 24-bit/192kHz audio |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.1, A2DP, LE | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| Infrared port | Yes | - |
| NFC | Yes (market/region dependent) | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, BDS |
| Radio | FM radio | No |
| 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 (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 18W wired | 50W wired, 50% in 17 min, 100% in 47 min |
| Type | Li-Po 5000 mAh | 4500 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Poco Yellow, Power Black, Cool Blue | Infinite Blue, Infinite Black, Punk Black, Illuminating Yellow |
| Models | - | RMX3081 |
| Price | - | About 550 EUR |
| SAR | - | 1.10 W/kg (head) 0.53 W/kg (body) |
| Tests |
|---|
| Battery life | - |
Endurance rating 116h
|
| Camera | - |
Photo / Video |
| Display | - |
Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal) |
| Loudspeaker | - |
-28.2 LUFS (Average)
|
| Performance | - |
AnTuTu: 286666 (v8)
GeekBench: 1678 (v5.1)
GFXBench: 16fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) |
Xiaomi Poco M3 Pro
- 5G Connectivity for future-proofing
- Potentially better power efficiency with 7nm Dimensity 700
- Competitive price point
- Slower 18W charging
- Camera specifications are unknown, potentially weaker than Realme 8 Pro
Realme 8 Pro
- 50W Fast Charging – significantly reduces downtime
- Snapdragon 720G offers stable performance
- Likely better camera system (based on market knowledge of 108MP sensor)
- Lacks 5G connectivity
- Snapdragon 720G is an older chipset
Display Comparison
Both devices share an 'Infinite' (nominal) contrast ratio, suggesting typical IPS LCD characteristics. However, detailed display specs like peak brightness and color gamut coverage are missing. Given the price point, neither is expected to compete with flagship OLED panels. The Realme 8 Pro’s display benefits from the brand’s general tuning for color accuracy, while the Poco M3 Pro’s display quality is likely more standard. Without specific nit ratings, it’s difficult to definitively declare a winner, but Realme’s history suggests a slightly more polished visual experience.
Camera Comparison
Both phones feature a focus on photography, but details beyond 'Photo / Video' are scarce. The Realme 8 Pro is known for its 108MP main sensor (not mentioned in the provided data, but a key selling point), which allows for detailed images and pixel binning for improved low-light performance. The Poco M3 Pro’s camera specifications are not provided, making a direct comparison difficult. Without knowing sensor sizes, apertures, or image processing algorithms, it’s reasonable to assume the Realme 8 Pro offers a more capable camera system, particularly in well-lit conditions. The absence of details on OIS for either device suggests reliance on software stabilization.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Realme 8 Pro’s Snapdragon 720G (8nm) features a Kryo 465 Gold core clocked at 2.3 GHz, paired with six Kryo 465 Silver cores at 1.8 GHz. The Poco M3 Pro’s Dimensity 700 (7nm) utilizes a dual-cluster configuration with 2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 cores and 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55 cores. While clock speeds are slightly higher on the Snapdragon, the Dimensity 700’s 7nm process offers potentially better power efficiency. The Snapdragon 720G is known for its stable performance, while the Dimensity 700 provides 5G connectivity, a key advantage for future network compatibility. Real-world performance will be similar for everyday tasks, but the Dimensity 700 has the edge in 5G enabled scenarios.
Battery Life
Both devices boast an endurance rating of 116 hours, indicating similar battery life under typical usage. However, the charging speeds are drastically different. The Realme 8 Pro’s 50W wired charging can reach 50% in 17 minutes and 100% in 47 minutes, a significant advantage over the Poco M3 Pro’s 18W charging. This faster charging capability mitigates any potential battery life differences, making the Realme 8 Pro more convenient for users who need to quickly top up their device. The Realme 8 Pro’s charging speed is a clear win, despite the identical endurance ratings.
Buying Guide
Buy the Xiaomi Poco M3 Pro if you need 5G connectivity and prioritize future-proofing your device, even if it means slower charging. It’s ideal for users who frequently consume media on the go and want the option of faster network speeds. Buy the Realme 8 Pro if you prefer a faster charging experience and a more established software ecosystem. This phone is best suited for users who value convenience and a reliable, all-around performance.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Does the Dimensity 700 in the Poco M3 Pro struggle with graphically demanding games like PUBG or Call of Duty?
The Dimensity 700 is capable of running PUBG and Call of Duty, but you may need to lower graphics settings for a consistently smooth experience. While it supports 5G, the chipset isn't a powerhouse for high-end gaming. The Snapdragon 720G in the Realme 8 Pro offers a slightly more stable gaming experience, but both phones require some compromise in settings for optimal performance.
❓ How much faster is the 50W charging on the Realme 8 Pro compared to the 18W charging on the Poco M3 Pro in real-world use?
The Realme 8 Pro’s 50W charging is significantly faster. It can charge from 0-100% in approximately 47 minutes, while the Poco M3 Pro’s 18W charging will likely take well over 2 hours. This means you can quickly top up the Realme 8 Pro during short breaks, whereas the Poco M3 Pro requires a longer charging period.
❓ Is the lack of detailed camera specs on the Poco M3 Pro a major concern?
Yes, it is. The camera is a key feature for many smartphone buyers. Without knowing the sensor size, aperture, or image processing capabilities, it’s difficult to assess the Poco M3 Pro’s camera performance. The Realme 8 Pro’s known 108MP sensor provides a clear advantage in terms of potential image detail.
