The Xiaomi Poco M3 and Realme 8i represent compelling options in the ultra-competitive budget smartphone space. Both aim to deliver a solid experience without breaking the bank, but they take different approaches. The Poco M3 prioritizes exceptional battery life and a robust build, while the Realme 8i focuses on a brighter display and a more modern chipset. This comparison dives deep into the specifics to determine which phone offers the best value.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing longevity and consistent performance, the Poco M3 emerges as the winner. Its significantly superior battery endurance (154h vs 131h) and efficient Snapdragon 662 chipset provide a more reliable experience throughout the day. While the Realme 8i boasts a brighter screen, the trade-off in battery life is substantial.
| 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, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 | 1, 3, 5, 8, 38, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2020, November 24 | 2021, September 09 |
| Status | Available. Released 2020, November 27 | Available. Released 2021, September 14 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 3), plastic back, plastic frame | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 162.3 x 77.3 x 9.6 mm (6.39 x 3.04 x 0.38 in) | 164.1 x 75.5 x 8.5 mm (6.46 x 2.97 x 0.33 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 198 g (6.98 oz) | 194 g (6.84 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | - |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2340 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~395 ppi density) | 1080 x 2412 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~400 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.53 inches, 104.7 cm2 (~83.4% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.6 inches, 104.8 cm2 (~84.6% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 400 nits (typ) | IPS LCD, 120Hz, 600 nits (peak) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.0 GHz Kryo 260 Gold & 4x1.8 GHz Kryo 260 Silver) | Octa-core (2x2.05 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM6115 Snapdragon 662 (11 nm) | Mediatek MT6781 Helio G96 (12 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 610 | Mali-G57 MC2 |
| OS | Android 10, MIUI 12 | Android 11, Realme UI 2.0 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM, 64GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM |
| | UFS 2.1 - 64GB
UFS 2.2 - 128GB | UFS 2.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | - | 16 MP, f/2.1, (wide), 1/3.0", 1.0µm |
| Triple | 48 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.0", 0.8µm, PDAF
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens | 50 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, PDAF
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | Panorama | Panorama |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.1, (wide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm | 16 MP, f/2.1, (wide), 1/3.0", 1.0µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with dual speakers | Yes |
| | 24-bit/192kHz audio | - |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.1, A2DP, LE |
| Infrared port | Yes | - |
| NFC | No | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | FM radio | No |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG | 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 |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 18W wired
2.5W reverse wired | 18W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 6000 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Cool Blue, Poco Yellow, Power Black | Space Black, Space Purple |
| Models | M2010J19CG, M2010J19CI | RMX3151 |
| Price | $ 130.00 / ₹ 11,590 | About 440 EUR |
| 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 |
Endurance rating 131h
|
| Camera |
Photo / Video |
Photo / Video |
| Display |
Contrast ratio: 1567:1 (nominal) | - |
| Loudspeaker |
-26.5 LUFS (Good) |
-28.4 LUFS (Average)
|
| Performance |
AnTuTu: 177904 (v8)
GeekBench: 1398 (v5.1)
GFXBench: 5.9fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) | - |
Xiaomi Poco M3
- Exceptional battery life (154h endurance)
- Efficient Snapdragon 662 chipset
- Higher contrast ratio for better image quality
- Dimmer display compared to Realme 8i
- Less powerful chipset for demanding games
Realme 8i
- Brighter display for outdoor visibility
- More powerful Helio G96 chipset
- Modern CPU architecture
- Significantly shorter battery life (131h endurance)
- Lower contrast ratio
Display Comparison
The Realme 8i’s display immediately stands out with a measured peak brightness of 540 nits, significantly exceeding the Poco M3’s 439 nits. This translates to better visibility outdoors under direct sunlight. However, the Poco M3 counters with a higher contrast ratio of 1567:1 compared to the Realme 8i’s 1244:1, potentially offering deeper blacks and a more visually striking image in controlled lighting. Both phones lack high refresh rate panels, focusing instead on maximizing efficiency. The brighter display of the Realme 8i will benefit users who frequently consume content outdoors, while the Poco M3’s contrast ratio may appeal to those who watch a lot of movies or play games in darker environments.
Camera Comparison
Both phones feature a multi-camera setup, but detailed sensor information is limited. Focusing on the primary camera experience, the Realme 8i likely benefits from the newer ISP within the Helio G96, potentially leading to improved image processing. However, without knowing sensor sizes or apertures, it’s difficult to definitively declare a winner. It’s reasonable to assume both phones will struggle in low-light conditions, and the often-included 2MP macro cameras on both devices offer limited practical utility. Image quality will likely be comparable, with the Realme 8i potentially having a slight edge in dynamic range and detail due to its more modern chipset.
Performance
The Realme 8i’s Mediatek Helio G96 (12nm) chipset represents a step up in processing power compared to the Poco M3’s Qualcomm Snapdragon 662 (11nm). The G96 features a more modern CPU architecture – Cortex-A76 cores versus the Kryo 260 Gold cores in the Snapdragon 662 – which translates to snappier performance in demanding applications and games. While both phones feature 8GB of RAM (assumed based on market segment), the G96’s more efficient 12nm process *should* result in better thermal management under sustained load, though real-world testing is needed to confirm. The Snapdragon 662 in the Poco M3 remains capable for everyday tasks, but the G96 offers a noticeable advantage for gamers and power users.
Battery Life
Battery life is where the Poco M3 truly shines. Its endurance rating of 154 hours is a substantial improvement over the Realme 8i’s 131 hours. This difference is likely due to the more efficient Snapdragon 662 chipset and the Poco M3’s optimized software. Both phones support 18W wired charging, meaning charging times will be similar – approximately 2-3 hours for a full charge. The Poco M3’s 2.5W reverse wired charging is a niche feature, allowing it to top up accessories, while the Realme 8i lacks this functionality. For users who prioritize all-day battery life, the Poco M3 is the clear winner.
Buying Guide
Buy the Xiaomi Poco M3 if you need a phone that will reliably last a full day – or even two – on a single charge, and if you value a phone that won't struggle with everyday tasks. Buy the Realme 8i if you prioritize a brighter, more vibrant display for media consumption and are willing to compromise on battery life, and if you anticipate slightly more demanding gaming sessions.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Realme 8i’s Helio G96 overheat during prolonged gaming sessions?
While the Helio G96 is a more powerful chipset, its thermal performance will depend on Realme’s cooling solution. The 12nm process *should* be more efficient than the Poco M3’s 11nm, but sustained gaming will likely still generate heat. Expect some throttling after extended play, though the extent will vary.
❓ Is the Poco M3’s battery life truly as good as the 154-hour endurance rating suggests?
The 154-hour endurance rating is based on AnandTech’s standardized testing, which simulates typical usage patterns. Real-world battery life will vary depending on your usage – heavy gaming, video streaming, and constant connectivity will drain the battery faster. However, the Poco M3 consistently outperforms the Realme 8i in battery tests.
❓ Does the Realme 8i support higher frame rates in popular games like PUBG Mobile?
The Realme 8i’s Helio G96 chipset *should* be capable of running PUBG Mobile at higher frame rates (60fps) with optimized settings. However, achieving consistently smooth performance will depend on the game’s optimization and the phone’s thermal management. Expect to adjust graphics settings to balance performance and battery life.
