Choosing between Xiaomi 11T and POCO F3 — It's a classic dilemma for those looking for a powerful smartphone for a reasonable price, and both are mid-range, but they're positioned differently: 11T — Like a flagship light. POCO F3 — It's like a flagship killer game. At first glance, they're all connected by Snapdragon processors. 870/888, AMOLED-Screens and fast charging, but the devil is in the details.
In this article, we will look at the key differences between the two devices by 7 criteria: performance, display, cameras, autonomy, software, design and price. You will learn which model is better suited for gaming at maximum settings in 2026, and which is better for video shooting and everyday use.
Spoiler: If you want a smartphone with a better camera and a premium design, the choice is obvious. But if the priority is pure Android, a long software update and maximum performance for less money, the answer is different. Let's figure it out!
1. Performance: Snapdragon 888 vs 870 - who's faster in 2026?
The main difference between the Xiaomi 11T and the POCO F3 is the processors, the first one is equipped with a Snapdragon 888 (5 nm), and the second one is a Snapdragon 870 (7 nm, relabeled 865+). On paper, the difference is 20% in favor of the 888, but in practice it is more difficult.
In benchmarks (AnTuTu, Geekbench), the 11T is 15-25% ahead of the opponent, but in real-world tasks the gap is narrowing.
- 🎮 Both models run Genshin Impact at maximum settings (60 FPS), but 11T It keeps the frame rate stable longer – through 40 minutes of loading the body temperature is lower by 3-5°C.
- 📱 Multitasking: POCO F3 8GB of RAM better retains background applications thanks to optimization MIUI for POCO.
- 🔋 Heating: Xiaomi 11T warms more because of the denser layout and lack of active cooling (unlike the POCO F3 Pro, but not F3).
It is important to consider the memory versions:
- 📦 Xiaomi 11T — only UFS 3.1 (speedier than 30%) UFS 2.2 POCO F3).
- 🖥️ POCO F3 — LPDDR5 (against LPDDR4X into 11T), giver +10% in the speed of operations with RAM.
⚠️ Note: If you plan to use a smartphone for longer than 3 years, keep in mind that the Snapdragon 888 has a history of overheating problems in long sessions (for example, when streaming games). POCO F3 more reliable in this respect.
2.Screen: 120Hz AMOLED vs 120Hz AMOLED - where's the catch?
Both models are equipped AMOLED-120Hz refresh rate displays, but the differences are critical:
| Parameter | Xiaomi 11T | POCO F3 |
|---|---|---|
| Diagonal | 6.67" | 6.67" |
| Permission | 1080×2400 (FHD+) | 1080×2400 (FHD+) |
| Brightness (max.) | 1,000 nits (HBM) | 1,300 nits (peak) |
| Support for HDR | Dolby Vision, HDR10+ | HDR10+ |
| Sensory frequency | 480 Hz | 360 Hz |
Key observations:
- 🌞 Sunshine. POCO F3 Readable better due to higher peak brightness (1300 nits vs 1000 nits).
- 🎥 Xiaomi 11T Dolby Vision is important for watching movies Netflix/Disney+.
- 🎯 Sensory frequency 480 Hz in 11T It gives you an advantage in shooters (for example, Call of Duty Mobile), where responsiveness is important.
Both screens use Punch-Hole technology for the front camera, but in the POCO F3, the cutout is in the center and in the 11T it is on the left. It's a matter of habit, but the centered notch seems more aesthetic to many.
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To check the actual refresh rate, download the Display Tester app from the Play Market and run the Refresh Rate test. Some manufacturers understate the frequency at low brightness!
3. Cameras: three modules vs. one main one - who won?
Xiaomi 11T is clearly in the lead here. Even though it doesn’t have a flagship sensor, its triple camera with a 108 MP main module bypasses the single 48MP POCO F3 sensor in all respects:
- 📸 Main camera: 11T: Samsung HM2 (108 MPP, 1/1.52", 0.7µm, 9-in-1 pixel) POCO F3: Sony IMX582 (48 MPP, 1/2", 0.8µm, 4-in-1 pixel)
- 🌃 Night photography: 11T It uses Night Mode 2.0 algorithms that better handle noise and save details.
- 🎥 Video: Only 11T shoot off 8K@24fps and 4K@60fps stabilizing. POCO F3 limited 4K@30fps.
Examples of photo (conditionally):
- 🌅 Landscape by day: 11T It gives more saturated colors and better detail when zooming.
- 🏙️ City at night: POCO F3"It is a little bit of detail, and 11T Keeps the readable inscriptions on the signs.
- 👤 Portrait: Boke on 11T more precisely, POCO F3 Sometimes it is better to work out the edges of the hair.
⚠️ If you are actively shooting videos for social networks, Xiaomi 11T — the only option for this pair. POCO F3 supportive HDR10+ when recording, and the sound from the microphones is noticeably worse (no noise reduction).
How to check the camera before buying a used one?
4. Battery and charging: who will live longer?
On paper, the POCO F3 should lose: its battery at 4520 mAh versus 5000 mAh in the 11T. But in practice, it all depends on the use case:
| Test | Xiaomi 11T | POCO F3 |
|---|---|---|
| Video (YouTube, 50% brightness) | 12:30 | 14: 10 minutes |
| Games (PUBG Mobile, 60 FPS) | 5:40 min. | 6:20 min. |
| Social media (TikTok, Instagram) | 10:50 min | 11:40 min |
| Charging 0-100% | 36 min (67W) | 52 min (33W) |
Why does POCO F3 last longer?
- ⚡ More energy efficient processor (Snapdragon 870 vs 888).
- 🔄 MIUI for POCO More aggressively optimizes background processes.
- 📡 Module 5G into 11T (X60) consumes more energy than X55 into POCO F3.
But the Xiaomi 11T wins in charging speed: 67W vs 33W. In 15 minutes, you get 50% charge on the 11T and only 30% charge on the POCO F3. This is critical if you often forget to charge your phone overnight.
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For gamers and active users, the POCO F3 is the best choice for autonomy. For those who appreciate fast charge recovery, the Xiaomi 11T is the best choice.
5.Software: MIUI vs MIUI - where's the catch?
Both models work on MIUI, but with different tastes:
- 📱 Xiaomi 11T: MIUI 14 (based on Android 13), updates to Android 15 are guaranteed.
- 📱 POCO F3: POCO Launcher + MIUI 14 (Android 13), updates to Android 14 (officially).
Key differences:
- 🧹 Cleanliness of the interface: POCO F3 Has fewer pre-installed apps (no Mi Browser, Mi Video, etc.).
- 🔄 Updates: Xiaomi 11T You will receive more support for one year, but POCO F3 It has more stable builds (fewer bugs with animations).
- 🎮 Game mode: B POCO F3 It’s called Turbo Gaming and allows you to block notifications, optimize performance, and even record gameplay without lags.
Important: If you plan to install custom firmware, POCO F3 is the best candidate, it’s easier to unlock the bootloader (no binding to a Mi Account), and the developer community is larger.
Remove unnecessary apps (Mi Music, Mi Pay)
Turn off ads in MIUI (Settings → About Phone → MIUI version → tap 7 times)
Enable 120 Hz in the screen settings
Update all applications through the Play Market-->
6. Design and ergonomics: glass vs plastic
Xiaomi 11T looks more premium thanks to the glass back panel with a gradient coating (colors Meteorite Gray, Moonlight White, Celestial Blue).
- 🧲 Glass is a fingerprint magnet and scratches. Without a case, the phone is slippery.
- ⚖️ Weight: 203g vs 196g y POCO F3 (plastic + smaller).
- 🔊 There are stereo speakers in both models, but in 11T They are 10 percent louder (due to the larger body).
The POCO F3 is made of plastic, but with a matte coating that doesn't collect prints, and it's more discreet (black, blue, white), but it has a backlight of the POCO logo when notified, a feature that many people like.
Ergonomics:
- 👆 POCO F3 It is more comfortable to lay in the hand due to flat faces (against rounded ones). 11T).
- 🔌 Connector. USB-C into 11T Inconveniently located - the cable interferes with the horizontal game.
7.Price and relevance in 2026
At the time of writing (2026), the prices for new and used models are as follows:
| Model | New (compare price) | B/w (good condition) | Better to buy? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Xiaomi 11T 8/128GB | 32 000 — 35 000 ₽ | 18 000 — 22 000 ₽ | ❌ No (there are more recent alternatives) |
| Xiaomi 11T 8/256GB | 38 000 — 40 000 ₽ | 23 000 — 26 000 ₽ | ⚠️ Only if you need a 108MP sensor |
| POCO F3 6/128GB | 25 000 — 28 000 ₽ | 14 000 — 17 000 ₽ | ✅ Yes (best price/performance ratio) |
| POCO F3 8/256 GB | 30 000 — 33 000 ₽ | 18 000 — 21 000 ₽ | ✅ Yes (optimum for games) |
Should I buy these models in 2026?
- ✅ POCO F3 — Yes, if you need a powerful gaming smartphone for 15-20 Thousands of rubles (b/y) New analogues (POCO F5, Redmi K60) stand 30-40% more.
- ❌ Xiaomi 11T — No, unless you will find it cheaper than 20 thousand rubles. 12T or POCO F5 Pro.
⚠️ Note: When buying a used Xiaomi 11T Check the status of the battery (through the ##4636## →"Battery information. Many of the copies have already been lost. 15-20% capacity due to intensive charging 67W.