Xiaomi Mi 10T vs OnePlus Nord vs POCO F2 Pro – What Can You Get Under P25k?

There’s little over two months left before we exit the dreadful year that is 2020. That said, manufacturers are on their last leg to release new smartphones that may well be on your holiday present list. Though Apple iPhone 12 Series usually holds the spotlight in September, the pandemic saw its announcement date push back to October. But despite the circumstances, Xiaomi still managed to steal some of the thunder by releasing the Mi 10T Series. Starting with the most affordable yet, the Mi 10T, how does it stack up against the likes of OnePlus Nord and POCO F2 Pro? What exactly do you get under Php25,000?

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What Are the similarities?

This may be the first time we’re comparing three devices that don’t look like each other. Most phones today nearly have the same camera placement that it’s hard to distinguish which is which. In this case, however, the only similarities that you can’t see until you have the devices in your hand are the build quality, non-expandable storage, and 5G. All three pack back-to-back Gorilla Glass 5 for that premium feel that you’ve probably gotten used to hearing. Though OnePlus Nord is the lightest and thinnest phone amongst them, at 184g only, do take note that it uses a plastic frame instead. Together with the POCO F2 Pro, they pack quad-cameras on the back and an in-display fingerprint scanner. All three come equipped with the latest trendy features, such as a high refresh screen and massive batteries with fast charging. However, choosing one between the three is a bit tricky as they each have their advantages and disadvantages. 

Why Choose OnePlus Nord?

OnePlus Nord is a perfect choice if you want an intuitive and fluid software with reliable and versatile cameras in a small package. Despite having the least capable chipset that is Snapdragon 765G, having it paired with 8GB RAM and arguably the fastest Android skin at the moment, the Nord won’t disappoint you in day-to-day tasks. Though you can play some of the triple-A title games, you have to tweak a few things in the settings to keep the experience enjoyable and playable. 

If you take a ton of selfie, the 32MP MP front camera is backed by 8MP ultrawide. And for your TikTok videos, the Nord is the only device capable of recording up to 4K selfie videos for a highly-detailed output. On the other side, again, the 48MP main sensor is the only camera, amongst the three, with OIS for stabilizing video effectively. And yes, it also packs an 8MP ultrawide, 5MP depth, and 2MP macro lenses. 

At 90Hz, the 6.44″ display isn’t the fastest. But don’t be fooled, it may not be the fastest, but you’re looking at an AMOLED panel. Compared to IPS LCD, the screen quality is just more colorful, more accurate, and more pleasing to use. And, 90Hz is enough for some users to see the difference between it and 60Hz, without draining the battery life too much.

Why Choose POCO F2 Pro?

If you play a lot of games, including the newly-released Genshin Impact that can easily put phones to stress test, POCO F2 Pro provides that extra 00mph that you’re looking for. From Snapdragon 765G to Snapdragon 865, you’re looking at a massive difference in raw performance. It’s the type of chipset that can last at least three years without feeling the need to upgrade to a new one. However, you may want to be cautious about the RAM capacity as the base model comes with 6GB only. You have to shed a bit more if you want the 8GB/256GB model. But regardless, POCO F2 Pro is one of the fastest phones out right now despite the lack of a fast screen. Speaking of, the display is larger than the Nord, at 6.67″ diagonal, but outputs nearly the same quality due to the Super AMOLED panel. It’s also a great screen for media consumption as the selfie camera is tucked inside for a notch-less and holeless viewing experience. 

POCO F2 Pro is one of the few devices with a pop-up selfie camera, featuring a 20MP sensor. Though it’s an unexpected head-turner and conversation starter, the rear cameras are the main highlight here. The back features a large 64MP sensor alongside 13MP ultrawide, 2MP depth, and 5MP telephoto/macro lenses. Thanks to the combo of the sensor and the chipset, the F2 Pro is capable of recording 4K@60fps and up to a staggering 8K resolution. If you do plan on recording at the highest resolution for the best video quality, 128GB storage may not be enough, especially since there’s no option to expand here.

One thing that we have to mention is the fact that the F2 Pro is the only phone in this comparison with an audio jack. As per usual, you get the same Xiaomi connectivity package, which is NFC and an infrared port for controlling compatible appliances. The F2 Pro also has a large 4700mAh battery and charges 30W, with support for USB PD 3.0 and Quick Charge 4+ for faster top-ups.

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Why Choose Xiaomi Mi 10T?

If we have to describe the Mi 10T in this comparison, that will be a tweaked version of F2 Pro. For the most part, you’re looking at the same innards, except for the triple-camera setup because of the omission of a depth lens. The 20MP selfie camera doesn’t tuck away, so you’re going to deal with a pinhole cutout on the top-left corner. Additionally, there’s no headphone jack here. But, the battery is slightly bigger, at 5000mAh, with slightly faster 33W charging. So if they’re the same in a few aspects, what’s the main difference?

Well, aside from the design, it’s the display. The size is the same at 6.67″ but, the panel quality prioritizes speed over color quality. Not that it’s not good, but IPS LCD is generally less attractive to the eyes versus AMOLED. Where this kind of screen really shines, however, is the use of up to 144Hz variable screen refresh rate. It’s easily one of the fastest smartphone screens right now, sitting alongside the likes of ASUS ROG 3. If you want to actually feel the speed on a brand new phone, you have to get the Mi 10T. Does it affect games as well? Not all. Some games only support 90Hz and 120Hz, with very little selections for 144Hz. But if you don’t mind the fact, that panel still works its wonders so long there’s animation present. Even videos get tend to playback smoother due to the included technology, as well as you’re into that.

Which is the Best Phone Under Php25,000?

OnePlus Nord comes in two variants — 8GB/128GB and 12GB/256GB — for Php21,990 and php25,990, respectively. Under Php25,000, we only have the base model to compare with others. POCO F2 Pro retails for Php26,990 for the 6GB/128GB; however, the company slashes the price so often that you’ll typically see the device go on sale for Php19,990 or lower. But with the emergence of Xiaomi Mi 10T at only Php19,990 for the same 6GB/128GB model, the POCO F2 Pro is down to Php18,990 only. At the moment, Mi 10T is the modern flagship-killer killer. We can even go as far as telling you that it’s almost entering the value category of the highly-praised POCO F1 from two years ago. Xiaomi was also generous enough to go on a flash sale on October 16th to offer a Php2000 discount. If that’s any indication, we might see the device go on sale in time with the holidays.

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