Choosing between the Xiaomi Mi 10T and POCO F3 is a classic dilemma for those looking for a powerful smartphone at an adequate price. Both models are in the flagship segment of budget devices, but have different priorities: one relies on the camera and design, the other on clean performance and high refresh rate of the screen. In this article, we will analyze the key differences, analyze the pros and cons of each device and help determine which model is right for you.
Both smartphones were released in 2020, but still remain relevant thanks to the powerful hardware and regular updates to MIUI. However, they have different audiences: the Mi 10T is more focused on lovers of photography and premium design, and the POCO F3 is more focused on gamers and those who appreciate smooth interface. Next we will compare them on performance, screen, camera, battery and other parameters so you can make an informed choice.
1. Design and Assembly: Premium vs. Practicality
At first glance, the Xiaomi Mi 10T looks more “adult” and premium. Its body is made of matte glass with an aluminum frame, which gives the smartphone solidity. The weight of the device is 216 grams, which feels in the hand, but not critical. The rear panel is pleasant to the touch, although it collects fingerprints. One of the key elements of the design is the Mi logo in the center, which glows at notifications (option available in the settings).
The POCO F3, in turn, has a more modest but practical design. Its back is also glass, but with a glossy coating that gets more dirty. But it has the backlight of the POCO logo, which many users like. The body is thinner (8.9 mm vs. 9.3 mm in the Mi 10T) and lighter (196 grams), which makes it more convenient for long-term use. Both smartphones have IP53 spray protection, but do not count on them in the rain or under water.
- 📱 Mi 10T: matte glass, premium look, heavier, logo glow
- 🎮 POCO F3: glossy glass, lighter, thinner, logo illumination POCO
- 🔄 General: protection IP53, aluminum frame, glass back panel
⚠️ Warning: Both smartphones do not have official water protection (splash only) and are not recommended for use in the rain or in the bathroom – even a brief ingress of moisture can disable speakers or microphones.
2. Screen: 144 Hz vs 90 Hz - which is more important?
One of the big cards POCO F3 — his 6,67-inch AMOLED-resolution-screen 2400×1080 and frequency of renewal 120 Hz (supported) 144 Hz in some modes. It makes the scrolling menus, animations and games incredibly smooth. HDR10+ and has peak brightness 1300 It's a thread that gives you great visibility in the sun, it's rich, it's deep black. AMOLED), The default calibration is close to natural.
Xiaomi Mi 10T fitted 6,67-inch IPS-resolution-screen 2340×1080 and frequency of renewal 144 Hz. On paper, it sounds impressive, but in practice. IPS yield AMOLED It's also very bright, it's very bright, it's very energy efficient. 650 Manual filament, but in sunny weather the screen loses POCO F3. But Mi. 10T has an adaptive update frequency that automatically adjusts to the content (from the 30 before 144 Hz), saving battery power.
| Parameter | Xiaomi Mi 10T | POCO F3 |
|---|---|---|
| Screen type | IPS LCD | AMOLED |
| Frequency of update | 144 Hz (adaptive) | 120Hz (up to 144Hz in games) |
| Permission | 2340×1080 | 2400×1080 |
| Peak brightness | 650 nits | 1300 nits |
| Support for HDR | HDR10 | HDR10+ |
Critical: if you play mobile games frequently (like Genshin Impact or Call of Duty Mobile), POCO F3 It would be preferable because of AMOLED-screen with better contrast and support for high refresh rates in games.
3. Performance: Snapdragon 865 vs 870 - is there a difference?
Both smartphones are based on Qualcomm Snapdragon processors, but with different modifications. Xiaomi Mi 10T is equipped with Snapdragon 865, and POCO F3 is an improved version, Snapdragon 870. On paper, the difference in performance is about 10-15% in favor of POCO F3, but in practice this is noticeable only in the most demanding tasks:
- 🎮 Games: POCO F3 shows a more stable FPS heavy games (e.g., Genshin Impact at maximum settings).
- 📊 Benchmark: In AnTuTu POCO F3 pick up ~650,000 points, and Mi 10T — ~580 000.
- 🔥 Heat: Both smartphones are warmed under load, but POCO F3 has a better cooling system (graphite plates) + steam-chamber).
Both models have enough RAM: the Mi 10T offers options with 6/8 GB LPDDR5, and the POCO F3 – 6/8 GB LPDDR5 (in some regions there is a version with 12 GB). In everyday tasks (social networks, instant messengers, video) the difference between the processors is not felt. However, if you plan to use a smartphone for multitasking (for example, simultaneously play and stream), POCO F3 will be more reliable.
⚠️ Warning: In 2026, both chipsets no longer support the latest versions of Android at the manufacturer level. Xiaomi releases updates MIUI, But without guarantee of optimization for new OS versions. If you want long-term support, consider newer models (for example, the newer ones, POCO F5 Xiaomi 13T).
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To reduce the heat in games, activate the performance mode in the MIUI settings: Settings → Special features → Performance mode. This will limit background processes and improve FPS stability.
Camera: three modules vs one main
If photography is your priority, the Xiaomi Mi 10T definitely wins.
- 📷 Core module: 64 MP (Sony) IMX682), diaphragm f/1.89, optical stabilization (OIS).
- 🌃 Wide-angle: 13 MP, angle of view 123°, diaphragm f/2.4.
- 🔍 Macro: 5 MP, diaphragm f/2.4 (useful for shooting small objects).
The POCO F3 has only one 48 MP core module (Sony IMX582) with an f/1.79 aperture and no optical stabilization. There is no wide-angle and macro camera here, which significantly limits the capabilities. During daytime, both smartphones take good pictures, but in low-light conditions, the Mi 10T performs better thanks to OIS and a more advanced processing algorithm.
Video footage on the Mi 10T is also more diverse: 8K@30fps and 4K@60fps are supported with electronic stabilization. POCO F3 is limited to 4K@30fps without stabilization, which makes the video less smooth. If you shoot for social networks often (TikTok, Instagram Reels), the difference will be noticeable.
Photos from Mi 10T and POCO F3
5. Battery and charging: who lives longer?
Both models are equipped with batteries with capacity 5000 mAh, but battery life differs due to different screens and processors. POCO F3 averagely 1-1,5 One hour longer thanks to more energy efficient AMOLED-screen-optimization MIUI for Snapdragon 870. With active use (social networks, instant messengers, video) both smartphones require charging by the end of the day, but POCO F3 do a little better.
The charging speed of the devices is different:
Xiaomi Mi 10T: 33W (full charge in ~60 minutes)
POCO F3: 33 W (full charge in ~55 minutes)
Both support fast charging, but the POCO F3 comes with a more powerful adapter (33W vs. 20W in some regional versions of the Mi 10T). The POCO F3 also has support for 30W wireless charging (an option available when you buy a separate charger), which the Mi 10T does not.
☑️ How to extend the life of a battery
6. Software and updates
Both smartphones are powered by MIUI, but with different shells:
Mi 10T uses standard MIUI with Xiaomi branded chips (for example, Game Turbo for gamers).
POCO F3 has POCO Launcher – a cleaner version of MIUI without unnecessary apps and advertising.
As of 2026, both devices have received an update to Android 13 (MIUI 14), but further support is unlikely. If you care about the latest versions of Android, it's worth considering newer models. MIUI:
Second space (to separate work and personal life)
Reading mode (reduces the load on the eyes).
- Improved gesture control.
⚠️ Note: In some regions (e.g. Europe) POCO F3 It was sold under the name Redmi. K40 or Mi 11X. This is the same smartphone with minor differences in firmware. Before buying, check the model in the settings: → The phone. → Model.
7.Price and availability in 2026
In the secondary market (and in some official stores), prices for these models vary greatly:
Xiaomi Mi 10T (8/128 GB) can be found for 15,000-20 000 rubles.
- POCO F3 (6/128 GB) costs about 18 000-22 000 rubles, and the version with 8/256 GB - up to 25 000 rubles.
Costs vary by condition (new/b/y), region and trim. If the budget is tight, the Mi 10T offers the best price/quality ratio with the camera and premium design. If you care about performance and smooth screen, overpaying for the POCO F3 makes sense.
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In 2026, both smartphones are inferior in relevance to new models (for example, the POCO F5 or Xiaomi 12T), but remain a great choice for those looking for a powerful device at an affordable price.