Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 Pro Max vs Poco X3 Pro: A Deep Dive Comparison

The Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 Pro Max and Poco X3 Pro represent distinct approaches to the mid-range smartphone market. The Note 10 Pro Max prioritizes a well-rounded experience, while the Poco X3 Pro aggressively targets gamers with a more powerful chipset. This comparison dissects their key differences to determine which device delivers the best value for your needs.
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🏆 Quick Verdict

For the average user, the Poco X3 Pro is the stronger choice. Its Snapdragon 860 chipset provides a significant performance boost over the Redmi Note 10 Pro Max’s Snapdragon 732G, making it ideal for demanding games and applications. While battery life is comparable, the X3 Pro charges slightly faster.

PHONES
Phone Names Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 Pro Max Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100
4G bands1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 40, 411, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 - International
SpeedHSPA, LTEHSPA, LTE
TechnologyGSM / HSPA / LTEGSM / HSPA / LTE
 -1, 2, 3, 5, 8, 38, 40, 41 - India
Launch
Announced2021, March 042021, March 22
StatusAvailable. Released 2021, March 18Available. Released 2021, March 24
Body
BuildGlass front (Gorilla Glass 5), glass backGlass front (Gorilla Glass 6), plastic back
Dimensions164.5 x 76.2 x 8.1 mm (6.48 x 3.00 x 0.32 in)165.3 x 76.8 x 9.4 mm (6.51 x 3.02 x 0.37 in)
SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIM
Weight192 g (6.77 oz)215 g (7.58 oz)
 IP53, dust and splash resistantIP53, dust and splash resistant
Display
ProtectionCorning Gorilla Glass 5Corning Gorilla Glass 6
Resolution1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~395 ppi density)1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~395 ppi density)
Size6.67 inches, 107.4 cm2 (~85.7% screen-to-body ratio)6.67 inches, 107.4 cm2 (~84.6% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeSuper AMOLED, 120Hz, HDR10, 450 nits (typ), 1200 nits (peak)IPS LCD, 120Hz, 2404Hz PWM, HDR10, 450 nits (typ)
Platform
CPUOcta-core (2x2.3 GHz Kryo 470 Gold & 6x1.8 GHz Kryo 470 Silver)Octa-core (1x2.96 GHz Kryo 485 Gold & 3x2.42 GHz Kryo 485 Gold & 4x1.78 GHz Kryo 485 Silver)
ChipsetQualcomm SM7150 Snapdragon 732G (8 nm)Qualcomm Snapdragon 860 (7 nm)
GPUAdreno 618Adreno 640
OSAndroid 11, MIUI 12Android 11, upgradable to Android 12, MIUI 13 for POCO
Memory
Card slotmicroSDXC (dedicated slot)microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot)
Internal64GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 6GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM
 UFS 2.2UFS 3.1
Main Camera
FeaturesLED flash, HDR, panoramaDual-LED flash, HDR, panorama
Quad108 MP, f/1.9, 26mm (wide), 1/1.52", 0.7µm, PDAF 8 MP, f/2.2, 118˚ (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm 5 MP (macro) Auxiliary lens48 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.0", 0.8µm, PDAF 8 MP, f/2.2, 119˚ (ultrawide), 1.0µm 2 MP (macro) Auxiliary lens
Single-20 MP, f/2.2, (wide), 1/3.4", 0.8µm
Video4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60/120fps, 720p@960fps4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60/120/240fps, 1080p@960fps, gyro-EIS
Selfie camera
FeaturesPanoramaHDR, panorama
Single16 MP, f/2.5, (wide), 1/3.06", 1.0µm20 MP, f/2.2, (wide), 1/3.4", 0.8µm
Video1080p@30fps1080p@30fps
Sound
3.5mm jack YesYes
35mm jackYesYes
Loudspeaker Yes, with stereo speakersYes, with stereo speakers
 24-bit/192kHz audio24-bit/192kHz audio
Comms
Bluetooth5.1, A2DP, LE5.0, A2DP, LE
Infrared portYesYes
NFCNoYes (market/region dependent)
PositioningGPS, GLONASS, BDSGPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS
RadioUnspecifiedFM radio, recording
USBUSB Type-C 2.0, OTGUSB Type-C 2.0, OTG
WLANWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi DirectWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct
Features
SensorsFingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compassFingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass
Battery
Charging33W wired, 60% in 30 min, 100% in 75 min33W wired, 59% in 30 min, 100% in 59 min
TypeLi-Po 5020 mAhLi-Po 5160 mAh
Misc
ColorsDark Night, Glacial Blue, Vintage BronzePhantom Black, Frost Blue, Metal Bronze
ModelsM2101K6IM2102J20SG, M2102J20SI
PriceAbout 220 EUR$ 128.04 / £ 249.99
SAR0.83 W/kg (head)     0.65 W/kg (body)0.99 W/kg (head)     0.67 W/kg (body)
SAR EU-0.57 W/kg (head)     0.90 W/kg (body)
Tests
Battery life- Endurance rating 112h
Camera- Photo / Video
Display- Contrast ratio: 1401:1 (nominal)
Loudspeaker- -26.1 LUFS (Good)
Performance- AnTuTu: 453223 (v8) GeekBench: 2574 (v5.1) GFXBench: 38fps (ES 3.1 onscreen)

Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 Pro Max

  • Potentially better camera image processing
  • Balanced overall experience
  • Slightly more refined software (potentially)

  • Significantly weaker chipset performance
  • Slower charging speed

Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro

  • Superior Snapdragon 860 performance
  • Faster charging speed
  • Better suited for gaming

  • Potentially less optimized software
  • Camera may not be as refined as the Note 10 Pro Max

Display Comparison

Both devices share a nominal contrast ratio of 1401:1, suggesting similar visual pop. However, detailed display specs like peak brightness and panel type are missing. Given the Poco X3 Pro’s gaming focus, it’s likely to have a faster refresh rate (a common feature in gaming phones) which isn’t mentioned for the Note 10 Pro Max. This would give the X3 Pro an edge for smoother visuals during fast-paced action. Without further data, it's difficult to assess color accuracy or viewing angles.

Camera Comparison

Both phones are listed as having Photo/Video capabilities, but detailed sensor information is absent. The absence of specific details makes a direct comparison difficult. However, the Redmi Note 10 Pro Max is often marketed with a focus on camera quality, suggesting a potentially more sophisticated image processing pipeline. Without knowing sensor sizes, apertures, or the presence of Optical Image Stabilization (OIS), it’s impossible to definitively declare a winner. The prevalence of 2MP macro lenses on both devices suggests they are likely of limited practical use.

Performance

The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Poco X3 Pro’s Snapdragon 860 (7nm) is a substantial upgrade over the Redmi Note 10 Pro Max’s Snapdragon 732G (8nm). The 860 features a 1x2.96 GHz Kryo 485 Gold core, alongside three additional Gold cores clocked at 2.42 GHz, and four Silver cores at 1.78 GHz, compared to the 732G’s 2x2.3 GHz Kryo 470 Gold and 6x1.8 GHz Kryo 470 Silver. This translates to significantly faster CPU and GPU performance, particularly in graphically intensive tasks. The 7nm process node of the 860 also contributes to better thermal efficiency, potentially reducing throttling during extended gaming sessions. While RAM specifications are not provided, the X3 Pro’s superior chipset will deliver a more responsive experience regardless.

Battery Life

Both devices boast an endurance rating of 112 hours, indicating comparable battery life under typical usage. However, charging speeds differ. The Poco X3 Pro reaches 59% charge in 30 minutes and 100% in 59 minutes, while the Redmi Note 10 Pro Max takes 30 minutes to reach 60% and 75 minutes for a full charge. This faster charging on the X3 Pro is a practical benefit for users who need to quickly top up their battery.

Buying Guide

Buy the Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 Pro Max if you prioritize a balanced experience with a focus on camera versatility and a slightly more refined software experience. Buy the Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro if you are a mobile gamer or power user who demands the highest possible performance for the price, and are willing to accept potentially less optimized software.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Will the Poco X3 Pro’s Snapdragon 860 overheat during prolonged gaming sessions?
The Snapdragon 860 is known for its efficient thermal management, especially compared to the Snapdragon 888. While some heat generation is inevitable during intense gaming, the 7nm process node and Xiaomi’s cooling solutions should prevent significant throttling. However, sustained peak performance may eventually lead to some temperature increase.
❓ Is the 33W charging on either phone truly fast charging?
33W charging is considered moderately fast charging in 2024. While not as rapid as 65W or 120W charging solutions, it’s still a significant improvement over slower charging standards. The Poco X3 Pro’s slightly faster charging time (59 minutes to 100%) provides a small convenience advantage.
❓ How does the Snapdragon 732G in the Redmi Note 10 Pro Max handle demanding games like PUBG Mobile?
The Snapdragon 732G can run PUBG Mobile, but you’ll likely need to lower the graphics settings to achieve a consistently smooth frame rate. Expect some occasional stuttering or frame drops during intense firefights. The Poco X3 Pro, with its Snapdragon 860, will provide a much smoother and more stable gaming experience at higher settings.