The Xiaomi Poco M3 and Redmi Note 10 Lite represent compelling options in the crowded budget smartphone market. While both aim to deliver a solid experience without breaking the bank, they take different approaches. The Poco M3 prioritizes battery endurance and a unique design, while the Redmi Note 10 Lite focuses on a more streamlined experience powered by a more capable chipset. This comparison will dissect their key differences to determine which device best suits your needs.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Redmi Note 10 Lite emerges as the better choice. Its Snapdragon 720G chipset provides a noticeable performance uplift over the Poco M3’s Snapdragon 662, translating to smoother multitasking and a more responsive user experience. While the Poco M3 boasts excellent battery life, the performance gains of the Note 10 Lite are more impactful for daily use.
| 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 | 2020, November 24 | 2021, October 01 |
| Status | Available. Released 2020, November 27 | Available. Released 2021, October 02 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 3), plastic back, plastic frame | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 5), glass back (Gorilla Glass 5), plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 162.3 x 77.3 x 9.6 mm (6.39 x 3.04 x 0.38 in) | 165.8 x 76.7 x 8.8 mm (6.53 x 3.02 x 0.35 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 198 g (6.98 oz) | 209 g (7.37 oz) |
| | - | Water-repellent coating |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2340 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~395 ppi density) | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~395 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.53 inches, 104.7 cm2 (~83.4% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.67 inches, 107.4 cm2 (~84.5% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 400 nits (typ) | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.0 GHz Kryo 260 Gold & 4x1.8 GHz Kryo 260 Silver) | Octa-core (2x2.3 GHz Kryo 465 Gold & 6x1.8 GHz Kryo 465 Silver) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM6115 Snapdragon 662 (11 nm) | Qualcomm SM7125 Snapdragon 720G (8 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 610 | Adreno 618 |
| OS | Android 10, MIUI 12 | Android 10, MIUI 11 |
| 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, 64GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM |
| | UFS 2.1 - 64GB
UFS 2.2 - 128GB | - |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Quad | - | 48 MP, f/1.9, 26mm (wide), 0.8µm, PDAF
8 MP, f/2.2, 119˚ (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm
5 MP (macro), AF
Auxiliary lens |
| Single | - | 16 MP, f/2.5, (wide), 1/3.06", 1.0µm |
| Triple | 48 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.0", 0.8µm, PDAF
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60/120fps, 720p@960fps, gyro-EIS |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | Panorama | HDR, panorama |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.1, (wide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm | 16 MP, f/2.5, (wide), 1/3.06", 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 | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| Infrared port | Yes | Yes |
| NFC | No | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, NavIC |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio, recording |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG | USB Type-C 2.0 |
| 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, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 18W wired
2.5W reverse wired | 18W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 6000 mAh | Li-Po 5020 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Cool Blue, Poco Yellow, Power Black | Aurora Blue, Glacier White, Interstellar Black, Champagne Gold |
| Models | M2010J19CG, M2010J19CI | M2002F4LG |
| Price | $ 130.00 / ₹ 11,590 | About 200 EUR |
| SAR | 1.09 W/kg (head) 1.00 W/kg (body) | 1.17 W/kg (head) 0.86 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | 0.60 W/kg (head) 0.81 W/kg (body) | 1.01 W/kg (head) 1.39 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 M3
- Exceptional battery life (154h endurance)
- Unique textured back design
- Good contrast ratio (1567:1)
- Less powerful Snapdragon 662 chipset
- Potentially slower app loading times
- Limited gaming performance
Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 Lite
- More powerful Snapdragon 720G chipset
- Smoother multitasking and app performance
- Better gaming capabilities
- Battery life may be shorter than Poco M3
- Less distinctive design
- Missing brightness specifications
Display Comparison
Both phones lack detailed display specifications beyond the Poco M3’s measured 439 nits of max brightness and 1567:1 contrast ratio. Given the price point, both likely utilize IPS LCD panels. The Poco M3’s contrast ratio suggests a decent viewing experience, but the Redmi Note 10 Lite’s omission of brightness data leaves its outdoor visibility uncertain. Users prioritizing media consumption in bright environments may find the Poco M3 slightly preferable, assuming the measured brightness translates to real-world performance. Bezels are likely comparable, typical of this price bracket.
Camera Comparison
Both phones are listed with 'Photo / Video' capabilities, offering minimal insight. Without sensor details, it’s difficult to make a definitive judgment. However, the Redmi Note 10 Lite’s more powerful chipset likely enables better image processing, potentially leading to improved photo and video quality. The absence of OIS on either device suggests reliance on software stabilization. The prevalence of low-resolution auxiliary cameras in this segment suggests avoiding expectations for the quality of macro or depth sensors on either phone.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Redmi Note 10 Lite’s Snapdragon 720G (8nm) is a significant step up from the Poco M3’s Snapdragon 662 (11nm). The 720G features Kryo 465 Gold cores clocked at 2.3 GHz, compared to the 662’s 2.0 GHz Kryo 260 Gold cores. This, combined with the more efficient 8nm process, results in faster application loading times, smoother multitasking, and improved gaming performance. While both phones are capable of handling everyday tasks, the Note 10 Lite will exhibit less lag and stuttering under heavier workloads. The 6 additional cores on the 720G also contribute to better sustained performance.
Battery Life
The Poco M3 boasts an impressive endurance rating of 154 hours, indicating exceptional battery life. While the Redmi Note 10 Lite’s battery capacity isn’t specified, the more power-efficient Snapdragon 720G could partially offset the Poco M3’s advantage. Both phones support 18W wired charging, and 2.5W reverse wired charging on the Poco M3. The Poco M3’s longer endurance is ideal for users who frequently travel or have limited access to charging outlets. However, the Note 10 Lite’s faster processor may mean more frequent charging, but a quicker top-up time.
Buying Guide
Buy the Xiaomi Poco M3 if you absolutely prioritize maximum battery life and a distinctive textured back design, and your usage primarily revolves around basic tasks like calling, texting, and light social media. Buy the Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 Lite if you value a smoother, more responsive user experience, enjoy occasional gaming, and appreciate a more conventional aesthetic. The Note 10 Lite is the better all-rounder for most users.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Snapdragon 720G in the Redmi Note 10 Lite handle demanding games like PUBG Mobile smoothly?
Yes, the Snapdragon 720G is capable of running PUBG Mobile at medium to high settings with reasonable frame rates. While it won't deliver a flagship-level gaming experience, it provides a significantly smoother experience than the Poco M3's Snapdragon 662, especially during prolonged gaming sessions.
❓ How much faster will app loading times be on the Redmi Note 10 Lite compared to the Poco M3?
Expect app loading times on the Redmi Note 10 Lite to be noticeably faster, potentially by 20-30%, due to the more powerful Snapdragon 720G and its faster processing speeds. This difference will be most apparent when launching resource-intensive applications.
❓ Is the 2.5W reverse wired charging on the Poco M3 useful for anything?
The 2.5W reverse wired charging is primarily useful for topping up accessories like wireless earbuds or a smartwatch in a pinch. It's a very slow charging speed and won't significantly charge a phone.
❓ Does the Redmi Note 10 Lite support fast charging beyond 18W?
No, the Redmi Note 10 Lite officially supports up to 18W fast charging. While it might work with chargers offering higher wattage, it won't charge any faster than 18W.
