In the sea of affordable smartphones from 2020, the Poco X3 NFC stood out as one of the most intriguing choices in the mid-range segment. With a combination of impressive technical specifications, reliable build quality, and a generous battery capacity at around €230, it quickly became one of the best-selling models in the region.
Introduction
When Poco launched the Pocophone F1 in 2018, many were surprised: flagship performance in a mid-range price category. Two years later, Poco introduced the Poco X3 NFC, a model that finally dispelled the stigma of rebranding existing Xiaomi devices. It features an original design, tailored components, and features designed to offer the most for the least amount of money.
In the following review, we present an in-depth analysis and practical testing of this phone, based on long-term use, laboratory measurements, and experiences from real users in Croatia and beyond.
Specifications and Packaging
Unboxing and Packaging
The Poco X3 NFC comes with a notably thick 33W adaptive charger, a USB-C cable (3A), a transparent antimicrobial protective cover, and a plethora of Poco stickers for personalization. Unlike some competitors, there are no earphones included, but everything else is enough to minimize the first contact with additional equipment.
Key Specifications
– Dimensions: 165.3 × 76.8 × 9.4 mm; weight: 215g
– Display: 6.67″ IPS LCD, 1080×2400px, 120Hz, HDR10; typical brightness 450 nits
– Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 732G (8nm, 2×2.3GHz + 6×1.8GHz); GPU: Adreno 618
– Memory: 6GB RAM + 64/128GB storage (UFS 2.1) + microSD up to 512GB
– Rear Camera: 64MP f/1.9 main + 13MP f/2.2 ultrawide (119°) + 2MP macro + 2MP depth
– Front Camera: 20MP f/2.2
– Battery: 5,160mAh, 33W fast charging (62% in 30min, 100% in 65min)
– Software: Android 10 + MIUI 12 + Poco Launcher
– Other: fingerprint reader, IR blaster, FM radio, 3.5mm jack, IP53 splash-proof, NFC
Design and Build Quality
Dimensions and Ergonomics
Despite its dimensions fitting most 6.5-inch devices, the Poco X3 NFC looks bulky due to its thickness (9.4mm) and substantial weight. At 215g, it feels sturdy in the hand but can become tiring to hold for extended periods with one hand. However, ergonomic edges and slightly rounded plastic corners help with grip.
Materials and Durability
The front Gorilla Glass 5 effectively resists scratches, while the textured plastic back with a glossy strip around the camera module is both stylish and resistant to fingerprints. The IP53 certification guarantees protection against splashes and light dust, a rarity in this price segment.
Display and Audio Performance
IPS LCD with 120Hz Refresh Rate
The 6.67″ display offers excellent fluidity thanks to the Poco X3 NFC’s adaptive 120Hz refresh rate, noticeable during scrolling and gaming. The contrast is decent for an LCD, and the visibility in bright sunlight – around 550 nits in practice – is satisfactory even in strong light. HDR10 support enhances colors in compatible video content.
Stereo Speakers
Poco has bolstered the audio experience with dual speakers: a main one below the frame and a secondary one from the earpiece. In STEM tests (multi-tone signal), the volume reaches 88dB without significant distortion at high levels. For occasional YouTube, Netflix, or casual gaming, this combination deserves praise.
Performance and Software
Hardware Benchmarks
The Snapdragon 732G with 6GB of RAM handles most games well: PUBG Mobile in medium settings maintains 40–45fps, while Genshin Impact stays stable around 30fps with medium details. AnTuTu scores around 280,000 points place the Poco X3 NFC among the best-equipped models under €250. The multi-threaded CPU in Geekbench 5 achieves 1,000/2,800 points (single/multi), more than enough for multitasking and benchmarking that mirrors everyday use.
MIUI 12 and Android
The MIUI 12 upgrade to Android 10 brings a mix of smooth animations, additional security features, and themes. The Poco Launcher simplifies separating apps into maps and widgets, while Dark Mode automatically activates based on the schedule. Although ads occasionally pop up in the bloatware interface, the overall user experience remains in the upper mid-range.
Camera and Multimedia
Primary 64MP Camera
The main camera uses a Sony IMX682 sensor of 64MP with an f/1.9 aperture. In daylight, it delivers excellent dynamic range, vibrant colors, and fine detail. The 16MP pixel-binning mode (4-in-1) ensures noise-free shots in bright and contrasty conditions. Statistically, the average MTF50 sharpness is around 80lp/mm in the center of the frame.
Ultrawide, Macro, and Portraits
– Ultrawide (13MP, 119°): Software corrects distortion, but some distortion remains at the edges.
– Macro (2MP): Captures close-up shots with good detail but struggles with depth of field.
– Depth (2MP): Provides decent bokeh effects, but the lack of a dedicated depth sensor limits its effectiveness.
Battery Life and Charging
Battery Capacity and Efficiency
With a 5,160mAh battery, the Poco X3 NFC offers impressive battery life. In real-world use, it easily lasts a full day with moderate use, including gaming and video streaming. The battery health remains above 90% even after extensive use.
Fast Charging
The 33W fast charging supports charges up to 62% in 30 minutes and a full charge in 65 minutes. This is a significant advantage over many competitors, ensuring quick top-ups when needed.
Connectivity and Additional Features
Connectivity Options
The Poco X3 NFC supports 5G, 4G LTE, Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.1, and GPS. The inclusion of NFC allows for convenient contactless payments and file sharing. The IR blaster enables remote control functionality for compatible devices.
Additional Features
– FM Radio: A nostalgic feature that allows tuning into local radio stations.
– 3.5mm Jack: Ensures compatibility with wired headphones.
– IP53 Rating: Provides basic protection against splashes and light dust.
Conclusion
The Poco X3 NFC is a standout mid-range smartphone that offers excellent value for money. Its impressive specifications, reliable build quality, and generous battery life make it a strong contender in the competitive smartphone market. Whether you’re a casual user, a gamer, or a multimedia enthusiast, the Poco X3 NFC delivers on all fronts.
FAQ
Q: Is the Poco X3 NFC worth buying in 2023?
A: Yes, the Poco X3 NFC remains a worthy purchase in 2023. Its specifications and features are still competitive, and it offers excellent value for money.
Q: Does the Poco X3 NFC support 5G?
A: Yes, the Poco X3 NFC supports 5G connectivity, ensuring fast and reliable internet speeds.
Q: Can the Poco X3 NFC be used for gaming?
A: Absolutely, the Poco X3 NFC is well-suited for gaming. Its Snapdragon 732G processor and 6GB of RAM handle most games smoothly.
Q: How is the camera performance on the Poco X3 NFC?
A: The camera performance is impressive, with a 64MP main sensor delivering excellent photos in daylight. The ultrawide and macro cameras also perform well, though the depth sensor has some limitations.
Q: Does the Poco X3 NFC have good battery life?
A: Yes, the Poco X3 NFC offers excellent battery life, easily lasting a full day with moderate use. The 33W fast charging ensures quick top-ups when needed.
Q: Is the Poco X3 NFC water-resistant?
A: The Poco X3 NFC has an IP53 rating, which provides basic protection against splashes and light dust, but it is not fully waterproof.
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