The comparison between organic–inorganic CH3NH3PbBr3 quantum dots and all inorganic halide perovskite CsPbBr3 quantum dots allows to understand the structural difference and corresponding optical properties. Using Z-scan measurements, it is revealed that colloidal CH3NH3PbBr3 exhibits enhanced two-photon absorption properties compared to those of CsPbBr3 quantum dots due to their structural difference.