POCO F3 or Xiaomi 11T: comparison of two flagship killers from Xiaomi

Introduction: Two Approaches to Flagship Killers

The choice between the POCO F3 and Xiaomi 11T is not just a comparison of technical specifications, but a confrontation between two philosophies: maximum performance for minimal money versus a balanced device with a focus on multimedia. Both smartphones were released in 2021, but still remain relevant thanks to powerful hardware and regular updates to MIUI.

POCO F3 — This is a classic “gaming” phone with a top-end Snapdragon 870 processor, 120-hertz AMOLED-Its main task is to ensure smooth gaming and multitasking, while sacrificing some “chips” like superfast charging or an advanced camera. 11T, In turn, it offers a more versatile experience: the same Snapdragon 888 (in the version). 11T Pro, improved 108MP main camera and 120W charging support – but it comes with a small price increase.

So which smartphone to choose? The answer depends on your priorities. If you want the maximum FPS in games on a minimal budget, the POCO F3 will remain the best option. If you value photos, fast charging and not mind overpaying for premium chips, look at the 11T.

1.CPU and performance: Snapdragon 870 vs 888

Under the hood of the POCO F3 hides Qualcomm Snapdragon 870 — re-labeled and overclocked version of the Snapdragon 865+ with clock speeds up to 3.2 GHz. This chipset is still one of the most balanced solutions for gamers: it does not overheat as much as the Snapdragon 888, but it provides a stable 90+ FPS in Genshin Impact or Call of Duty Mobile at high settings. It is important to note that the POCO F3 is equipped with a liquid-intensity cooling system that prevents even after hours of throtting.

Xiaomi 11T (in the base version) uses the same Snapdragon 888 as the flagship models of 2021. On paper, it is more powerful — 5-nm process technology against 7-nm 870 — but in practice the difference in performance is minimal (about 5-10% in synthetic tests). The main disadvantage of the Snapdragon 888 is the tendency to overheat, especially in versions of smartphones without advanced cooling. 11T partially solves this problem due to the graphite heat dissipation layer, but in long sessions of the game can still reduce the frequency.

• 🎮 For gamers: POCO F3 More stable in games thanks to better cooling and optimization MIUI game-mode.
• 📊 For multitasking: Snapdragon 888 in 11T Opens apps faster and handles video rendering better.
• 🔥 Overheating: POCO F3 Heat less, which is critical for long-term loads.

⚠️ Note: If you plan to use your smartphone to stream games (e.g., via Xbox Cloud Gaming), consider that Xiaomi is a great player. 11T It may limit performance due to heating after 30-40 minute-long.

2.Screen: 120Hz AMOLED vs 120Hz AMOLED - where's the catch?

At first glance, the displays of both smartphones are identical: AMOLED-matrix with a refresh rate of 120 Hz and support HDR10+. However, the differences are in the details. POCO F3 It uses a panel from Samsung. E4 With peak brightness up to 1300 nits, but its color reproduction out of the box is colder (can be corrected in the settings). The screen supports adaptive refresh rate, but switches only between 60 and 120 Hz - intermediate values (for example, 90 Hz) there are no.

Xiaomi 11T received a display with Dolby Vision certification and a wider color gamut (100% DCI-P3 vs. 98% of POCO F3). Here, too, adaptive frequency, but the implementation is better: the smartphone smoothly adjusts to the content (for example, lowers up to 30 Hz when reading). Another key difference is the sensory frequency of the survey 480 Hz from 11T vs. 360 Hz from POCO F3. In practice, this means more responsive input in games and when scrolling tapes.

• 🌡️ Brightness: 11T brighter in the sun (up to 1000 nits in automatic mode vs 800 nits y) POCO F3).
• 🎥 For video: Xiaomi 11T Better with Dolby Vision and more accurate color reproduction.
• 🎮 For games: There is no difference in smoothness, but 11T touch-sensitive.

3. Camera: 48 MP vs 108 MP - not all so clearly

On paper, the Xiaomi 11T will beat the POCO F3 in terms of photography: its main module at 108 MP (with pixel binning up to 27 MP) promises more detailed shots. However, in practice, the difference is not so striking. During the day, both smartphones take quality photos, but the 11T better handles shadows and saves more detail when zooming. At night, the advantage of the 11T becomes obvious: its Night Mode 2.0 copes with noise better, and optical stabilization helps to avoid lubrication.

The POCO F3 is not ashamed of its camera: the 48MP Sony IMX582 sensor performs well in good lighting, and the MIUI processing algorithms compensate for the lack of iron power. However, in difficult conditions (contrast light, motion), POCO loses. Videos are both shot in 4K@30fps, but the 11T supports HDR10+ and has more stable stabilization.

🔹 Night photography test (take a picture of a dark object with backlighting)

🔹 Autofocus checks on close objects (5-10 centimeter)

🔹 Shooting a video with movement - is there a "jelly" effect

🔹 Color reproduction of the skin in portrait mode-->

⚠️ If you often shoot videos for social networks, pay attention to the microphone: Xiaomi 11T It is better at suppressing wind noise thanks to two membranes, while the POCO F3 The sound may be muffled.

4. Battery and Charging: 4520mAh vs 5000mAh with super-fast charging

In terms of battery capacity, Xiaomi 11T is confidently leading: 5000 mAh vs. 4520 mAh for the POCO F3. In practice, this means that with moderate use (social networks, messengers, video), the 11T will live 15-20% longer. However, in games the difference is reduced: POCO F3 thanks to a more efficient processor and cooling consumes charge more slowly. For example, in PUBG Mobile at the maximum settings, POCO F3 loses ~12% per hour, and 11T - ~15%.

The main advantage of Xiaomi 11T is charging at 67 watts (in the Pro version - 120 watts). A full cycle from 0 to 100% takes about 40 minutes, while the POCO F3 with its 33-watt charging takes 1 hour 10 minutes. Importantly, the original power supply is required for the maximum charging speed of 11T - with third-party adapters, power can drop to 30-40 watts.

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To extend the battery life on the Xiaomi 11T, turn off ultrafast charging in settings (Settings → Battery → Charging Modes) and use Smart Charging Mode (limits charge to 80% at night).

• ⚡ Fast charging: 11T Charges 2 times faster – critical for those who often forget to put the phone on charge.
• 🔋 Autonomy: POCO F3 stays in games longer, 11T — daily.
• 🔌 Wireless charging: None of the smartphones supports it.

5. Design and Assembly: Plastic vs Glass

The POCO F3 and Xiaomi 11T come in different stylistic keys. POCO offers a minimalist design with a plastic back panel (which, incidentally, reduces the weight to 196g) and a metal frame. The smartphone does not slide in the hand, but looks simpler. Xiaomi 11T is more “premium”: a glass back panel with a matte coating (less collects prints), aluminum frame and weight of 203g. Both devices have IP53 spray protection, but do not need to test them for water resistance.

The POCO F3 is more convenient in ergonomics: it is already (76.4 mm vs. 76.9 mm in the 11T) and has a flatter rear panel. Xiaomi 11T also has curved edges of the screen (2.5D), which some users find more comfortable with holding. Both smartphones are equipped with stereo speakers, but the 11T they are louder and have support for Dolby Atmos.

⚠️ Note: If you plan to use a magnetically fastened case (for example, for wireless charging in a car), note that the device is not used in the car. POCO F3 magnet is attracted weaker due to plastic case.

6. Software and updates

Both smartphones run on MIUI, but with different shells: POCO F3 uses POCO Launcher (lighter version without unnecessary "chips"), and Xiaomi 11T - standard MIUI with advanced features (for example, Sidebar for quick access to applications).As of 2026, both devices received an upgrade to MIUI 14 based on Android 13, but Xiaomi 11T has priority in the queue for new versions due to higher status in the lineup.

Support for both phones is coming to an end: the POCO F3 received its last major update in 2023, and the Xiaomi 11T will last until the end of 2026. This means that in a year and a half, both phones will be without official security updates. If you are critical to long-term support, consider newer models like the POCO F5 or Xiaomi 12T.

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If you buy a smartphone for a long time, note that after the end of official support MIUI can install custom firmware (for example, LineageOS or Pixel Experience), but this will require unlocking the bootloader and cancel the warranty.

7.Price and Affordability: Which is Better in 2026?

In the secondary market (2026), the POCO F3 can be found in the range of 15,000-20,000 rubles depending on condition and configuration. Xiaomi 11T costs more - 20,000-28,000 rubles, but often come across promotional offers (for example, on AliExpress or in official Xiaomi stores).

• 🔋 Battery status (via ##4636### in dialer or AccuBattery app).
• 📱 Performance of all cameras and sensors (gyroscope, compass, NFC).
• 🔄 The original charger (especially for the 11T, where the charging speed depends on the block).

If the budget is tight, the POCO F3 offers the best price/performance ratio. If you are willing to pay extra for the camera, screen and fast charging, the Xiaomi 11T will justify the investment. Pay attention to the used market: you can often find devices in perfect condition with a warranty from the store (for example, on Avito or SberMegaMarket).

FAQ: Frequent questions about POCO F3 and Xiaomi 11T