Xiaomi’s Redmi Note 10 Pro and Poco X3 Pro represent compelling options in the crowded mid-range smartphone market. While both offer aggressive pricing, they cater to different priorities: the Redmi Note 10 Pro emphasizes a well-rounded experience with a bright display, while the Poco X3 Pro prioritizes raw processing power for gaming and demanding tasks. This comparison dissects their key differences to determine which device delivers the best value.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user, the Poco X3 Pro emerges as the stronger choice. Its Snapdragon 860 chipset provides a significant performance uplift over the Redmi Note 10 Pro’s Snapdragon 732G, making it ideal for gamers and power users. While the Redmi Note 10 Pro boasts a brighter display, the Poco X3 Pro’s performance advantage outweighs this difference.
| 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, 32, 38, 40, 41 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 - International |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | - | 1, 2, 3, 5, 8, 38, 40, 41 - India |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, March 04 | 2021, March 22 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, March 24 | Available. Released 2021, March 24 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 5), glass back (Gorilla Glass 5), plastic frame | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 6), plastic back |
| Dimensions | 164 x 76.5 x 8.1 mm (6.46 x 3.01 x 0.32 in) | 165.3 x 76.8 x 9.4 mm (6.51 x 3.02 x 0.37 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 193 g (6.81 oz) | 215 g (7.58 oz) |
| | IP53, dust and splash resistant | IP53, dust and splash resistant |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | Corning Gorilla Glass 6 |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~395 ppi density) | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~395 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.67 inches, 107.4 cm2 (~85.6% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.67 inches, 107.4 cm2 (~84.6% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | AMOLED, 120Hz, HDR10, 450 nits (typ), 1200 nits (peak) | IPS LCD, 120Hz, 2404Hz PWM, HDR10, 450 nits (typ) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-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) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM7150 Snapdragon 732G (8 nm) | Qualcomm Snapdragon 860 (7 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 618 | Adreno 640 |
| OS | Android 11, upgradable to Android 13, MIUI 14 | Android 11, upgradable to Android 12, MIUI 13 for POCO |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM | 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 6GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM |
| | UFS 2.2 | UFS 3.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | Dual-LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Quad | 108 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), AF
Auxiliary lens | 48 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 |
| Video | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60fps | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60/120/240fps, 1080p@960fps, gyro-EIS |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | Panorama | HDR, panorama |
| Single | 16 MP, f/2.5, (wide), 1/3.06", 1.0µm | 20 MP, f/2.2, (wide), 1/3.4", 0.8µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps, 720p@120fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with stereo speakers | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| | 24-bit/192kHz audio | 24-bit/192kHz audio |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.1, A2DP, LE | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| Infrared port | Yes | Yes |
| NFC | Yes (market/region dependent) | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio, recording |
| 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, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, compass | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| | Virtual proximity sensing | - |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 33W wired, 59% in 30 min | 33W wired, 59% in 30 min, 100% in 59 min |
| Type | Li-Po 5020 mAh | Li-Po 5160 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Onyx Gray, Glacier Blue, Gradient Bronze | Phantom Black, Frost Blue, Metal Bronze |
| Models | M2101K6G, M2101K6R | M2102J20SG, M2102J20SI |
| Price | $ 107.43 / £ 163.94 / € 144.87 | $ 128.04 / £ 249.99 |
| SAR | 1.09 W/kg (head) 1.06 W/kg (body) | 0.99 W/kg (head) 0.67 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | 0.60 W/kg (head) 0.99 W/kg (body) | 0.57 W/kg (head) 0.90 W/kg (body) |
| Pricing |
|---|
| 128GB 6GB RAM | $ 189.99 | - |
| 128GB 8GB RAM | $ 209.99 | - |
| 64GB 6GB RAM | $ 221.00 | - |
| RENEWED | £ 348.00 | - |
| Tests |
|---|
| Battery life |
Endurance rating 118h
|
Endurance rating 112h
|
| Camera |
Photo / Video |
Photo / Video |
| Display |
Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal) |
Contrast ratio: 1401:1 (nominal) |
| Loudspeaker |
-25.7 LUFS (Very good)
|
-26.1 LUFS (Good)
|
| Performance |
AnTuTu: 295442 (v8)
GeekBench: 1780 (v5.1)
GFXBench: 16fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) |
AnTuTu: 453223 (v8)
GeekBench: 2574 (v5.1)
GFXBench: 38fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) |
Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 Pro
- Brighter display for outdoor visibility
- Slightly better battery endurance
- Potentially more refined camera software
- Significantly weaker performance compared to the Poco X3 Pro
- Less capable chipset for gaming and demanding apps
Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro
- Much faster Snapdragon 860 processor
- Superior gaming performance
- Faster full charge time (59 minutes)
- Potentially lower battery endurance under heavy load
- Display may not be as bright in direct sunlight
Display Comparison
The Redmi Note 10 Pro’s display shines with a measured peak brightness of 725 nits, making it more visible under direct sunlight compared to the Poco X3 Pro (brightness data unavailable, but assumed lower). However, the Poco X3 Pro counters with a contrast ratio of 1401:1, offering deeper blacks and a more vibrant image, a metric the Redmi Note 10 Pro doesn’t specify. Both displays feature an 'infinite' (nominal) contrast ratio, but the Poco’s specified 1401:1 provides a more concrete understanding of its visual performance. While both are likely LCD panels, the Poco’s contrast advantage suggests a more immersive viewing experience, especially for media consumption.
Camera Comparison
Both phones are listed as having 'Photo / Video' capabilities, lacking specific details. Without sensor size or aperture information, a direct comparison is difficult. However, given the Redmi Note 10 Pro’s marketing often emphasizes camera features, it’s reasonable to assume a more refined camera experience, potentially with better software processing. The Poco X3 Pro, focused on performance, likely prioritizes speed over advanced camera features. The absence of detail suggests neither phone will challenge flagship camera performance, but the Redmi Note 10 Pro may offer a more polished overall experience.
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’s Snapdragon 732G (8nm). The 860’s Kryo 485 cores, with a prime core clocked at 2.96 GHz, deliver significantly faster CPU and GPU performance. The 732G, while efficient, simply can’t compete with the 860’s raw power. This translates to smoother gameplay, faster app launches, and improved multitasking. The Poco X3 Pro is the clear winner for users prioritizing performance, though the 860’s thermal management will be a key factor under sustained load.
Battery Life
The Redmi Note 10 Pro boasts an endurance rating of 118 hours, slightly better than the Poco X3 Pro’s 112 hours. Both support 33W wired charging, achieving 59% charge in 30 minutes. However, the Poco X3 Pro fully charges in 59 minutes, while the Redmi Note 10 Pro’s full charge time is unspecified. The Redmi Note 10 Pro’s slightly better endurance is likely due to the more efficient Snapdragon 732G, but the Poco X3 Pro’s faster full charge time mitigates this difference. The higher power draw of the Snapdragon 860 in the Poco X3 Pro will impact real-world battery life during intensive tasks.
Buying Guide
Buy the Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 Pro if you need a consistently bright display for outdoor use and prioritize a balanced feature set with a focus on photography. Buy the Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro if you prefer a smoother gaming experience, demand faster app loading times, and are willing to trade a bit of battery endurance for significantly improved performance.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Snapdragon 860 in the Poco X3 Pro overheat during prolonged gaming sessions?
The Snapdragon 860 is known to generate heat under sustained load. While Xiaomi likely implements thermal throttling to prevent damage, users may experience some performance reduction after extended gaming. The Poco X3 Pro’s cooling system will be crucial in mitigating this, but it’s unlikely to remain at peak performance indefinitely.
❓ Is the 33W charging speed on both phones truly fast in 2024?
While 33W charging was considered fast in the past, it’s now mid-range. Both phones achieve 59% charge in 30 minutes, which is respectable, but many competitors now offer 65W or even 120W charging, significantly reducing charge times. The Poco X3 Pro’s faster full charge (59 minutes) is a slight advantage.
❓ Does the Poco X3 Pro support high refresh rate gaming, like 90fps in PUBG Mobile?
The Poco X3 Pro’s powerful Snapdragon 860 and ample RAM should comfortably handle 90fps in PUBG Mobile, assuming the game settings are optimized. However, achieving consistently high frame rates will depend on the specific device configuration and in-game settings, and may impact battery life.
