We’re thrilled to bring you this in-depth review of the Realme X3, a smartphone that has certainly sparked considerable interest since its launch. While its sibling, the X3 SuperZoom, has already undergone our rigorous analysis, the standard Realme X3 was a fresh prospect for us. We’ve spent ample time putting it through its paces to thoroughly examine what this intriguing device truly offers in everyday use. Considering its similarities, yet notable differences from the SuperZoom model, prepare for a detailed look at what the Realme X3 brings to the table in daily interactions.
Diving into the Realme X3: What to Expect?
The Realme X3 was unveiled in late June 2020, alongside the already officially introduced X3 SuperZoom. While they share a substantial number of characteristics, distinct differences exist, and these are precisely what make this particular model stand out within its price bracket. Where the SuperZoom variant captures attention with its periscope telephoto lens, the standard X3 provides a more modest, yet still highly capable, 2x optical zoom module. This is merely one of the differentiating factors. On the rear, most of the camera hardware remains identical, but we observe a change on the front – instead of the 32MP selfie camera found on the SuperZoom model, this one sports a 16MP unit. Nevertheless, the secondary ultra-wide camera for broader selfies has been retained. Thus, despite some slight downgrades in the camera department, the overall configuration remains quite attractive.
However, what truly impresses about the Realme X3 is the powerhouse at its core. It’s driven by the Snapdragon 855+ chipset, offering performance on par with last year’s flagship models. The front is dominated by a 6.6-inch IPS LCD display boasting a fluid 120Hz refresh rate, while a substantial 4200mAh battery ensures you’ll comfortably get through your entire day. All of this is encased in a design that, while prone to fingerprints, is both elegant and comfortable to hold.
Key Specifications of the Realme X3:
Display: 6.6-inch IPS LCD, 1080 x 2400 pixels resolution, 20:9 aspect ratio, 399 ppi pixel density, 120Hz refresh rate.
Chipset: Qualcomm SM8150 Snapdragon 855+ (7 nm) – Octa-core processor (1×2.96 GHz Kryo 485 & 3×2.42 GHz Kryo 485 & 4×1.78 GHz Kryo 485); Adreno 640 graphics processor (700 MHz).
Memory: Available in 128GB storage configurations with either 8GB or 6GB of RAM; UFS 3.0 technology for swift data transfer.
Rear Camera System:
Main (Wide): 64 MP, f/1.8 aperture, 26mm focal length, 1/1.72″ sensor.
Ultra-Wide: 8 MP, f/2.3 aperture, 119˚ field of view, 16mm focal length, 1/4.0″ sensor.
Telephoto: 12 MP, f/2.5 aperture, 51mm focal length, PDAF, 2x optical zoom.
Macro: 2 MP, f/2.4 aperture.
Features: LED flash, HDR, panorama.
Video Recording: 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60fps, 720p@960fps; gyro-EIS stabilization.
Front Camera System:
Main (Wide): 16 MP, f/2.0 aperture, 26mm focal length.
Ultra-Wide: 8 MP, f/2.2 aperture.
Features: Panorama.
Video Recording: 1080p@30fps, gyro-EIS stabilization.
Battery: 4200mAh capacity, supports 30W fast charging.
Other Features: Side-mounted fingerprint sensor, accelerometer, gyroscope, proximity sensor, compass.
Dimensions & Weight: 163.8 x 75.8 x 8.9 mm, 202 grams.
Build Materials: Front glass (Gorilla Glass 5), rear glass, plastic frame.
Color Options: Glacier Blue, Arctic White.
Operating System: Android 10 with Realme UI.
Included in the box alongside the device is a 30W fast charger. Our experience with the X3 SuperZoom indicated a charging time from 0 to 100% of approximately 58 minutes, and given the identical charging components, we anticipate no different for the standard X3. It’s important to note that the charging system is proprietary, and it’s advisable to use the included cable, although USB-C cables from OnePlus or Oppo devices might also function.
Furthermore, the package contains a clear, slightly tinted silicone case. This case is excellent for protecting against scratches and minor impacts, and it also helps prevent the phone from unnecessarily wobbling or “rocking” when placed on a flat surface. This very tendency to “rock” was one of the first minor details we noticed during our initial experience with this phone. More on that, of course, as we continue.
Design and In-Hand Feel: Appealing, Yet a Bit Slippery
When you first hold the Realme X3, the initial impression is undoubtedly positive. The design is modern and elegant, with subtly rounded edges that allow it to nestle comfortably in your palm. The glass front and back, coupled with a plastic frame, lend the device a premium feel. It’s available in two distinct colors – Glacier Blue and Arctic White – both featuring attractive gradients and a matte finish that partially conceals fingerprints, though it doesn’t entirely eliminate them. This is a common characteristic of glass backs, but the provided case helps mitigate this.
The build quality feels solid, and there’s a satisfying heft to the phone that suggests good construction. The side-mounted fingerprint sensor is seamlessly integrated into the power button, a placement that we find highly ergonomic and convenient for unlocking the device, whether it’s in your left or right hand. The button itself has a nice clicky feel, confirming your presses.
However, the smooth, glass back, while aesthetically pleasing, can be quite slippery. Without the case, we found ourselves being extra cautious when placing it on inclined surfaces or handling it in precarious situations. This is a common trade-off for sleek, premium designs, and it’s where the included case proves its worth not just for protection but also for grip. The overall dimensions are typical for a phone with a 6.6-inch display, making it a substantial device but not unmanageably large for most users.
Display: Smoothness and Vividness at 120Hz
The 6.6-inch IPS LCD panel on the Realme X3 is undoubtedly one of its strongest selling points, especially for its segment. With a resolution of 1080 x 2400 pixels, it offers a sharp and detailed viewing experience, with a pixel density of around 399 ppi. Text is crisp, images are clear, and colors are vibrant and well-balanced. While it’s an IPS LCD and not an AMOLED panel, Realme has done an commendable job with color calibration, providing deep blacks and good contrast for an LCD.
The star of the show here is the 120Hz refresh rate. This is a feature typically found on much more expensive flagship phones, and its inclusion here significantly enhances the user experience. Scrolling through social media feeds, web pages, or app drawers feels incredibly fluid and responsive. Animations are smoother, and the overall interaction with the phone feels more polished and immediate. Gaming, too, benefits immensely, with smoother frame rates and reduced motion blur in supported titles. The difference between 60Hz and 120Hz is immediately noticeable and hard to go back from once you’ve experienced it.
The display also offers a 20:9 aspect ratio, which is slightly taller than the traditional 18:9, providing more screen real estate for content consumption, though it can sometimes result in black bars in older media formats. Brightness levels are generally good, sufficient for outdoor use under direct sunlight, though perhaps not quite as blazing bright as some top-tier AMOLED displays. The bezels around the screen are reasonably thin, contributing to an immersive viewing experience, although the pill-shaped cutout for the dual front cameras does break up the uniformity slightly. This cutout houses a 16MP main sensor and an 8MP ultra-wide sensor, a configuration that offers versatility for selfies.
Performance: Flagship Power in a Mid-Range Body
This is where the Realme X3 truly shines and differentiates itself from many competitors in its price bracket. The inclusion of the Snapdragon 855+ chipset is a masterstroke. This processor, a flagship chip from 2019, still packs a serious punch in 2020 and beyond. Built on a 7nm process, it’s power-efficient and incredibly capable of handling demanding tasks. Coupled with either 6GB or 8GB of LPDDR4X RAM and fast UFS 3.0 storage, the Realme X3 delivers a flagship-level performance experience.
In everyday use, the phone feels exceptionally snappy. Apps launch quickly, multitasking is seamless, and navigating through the Realme UI is smooth and lag-free, further enhanced by the 120Hz display. We encountered no stutters or slowdowns even when juggling multiple applications.
When it comes to gaming, the Realme X3 is a powerhouse. It can run demanding titles like PUBG Mobile, Call of Duty Mobile, and Genshin Impact at high graphics settings with consistently smooth frame rates. The Adreno 640 GPU is more than capable of handling the graphical load. We did notice some warmth after extended gaming sessions, which is expected for any high-performance device, but it never became uncomfortably hot, and performance didn’t seem to throttle significantly.
The UFS 3.0 storage is a significant advantage, contributing to faster app installations, quicker game loading times, and generally snappier file transfers. With 128GB of internal storage as standard, most users will find ample space for their apps, games, photos, and videos. While there’s no microSD card slot for expansion, the generous base storage should suffice for the target audience.
Realme UI: A Refined and Customizable Experience
The Realme X3 runs on Android 10 out of the box, overlaid with Realme’s custom UI, known as Realme UI. This interface has evolved significantly from earlier ColorOS-based iterations and is now a polished, feature-rich, and highly customizable experience. It strikes a good balance between offering a plethora of options and maintaining a clean, intuitive design.
Realme UI is known for its personalization capabilities. Users can tweak icon styles, customize the notification drawer, change system fonts, and utilize a comprehensive dark mode that is well-implemented across most system apps and many third-party ones. The visual aesthetic is pleasing, with vibrant colors and smooth animations that complement the 120Hz display.
One of the standout features of Realme UI is its Game Space application. This integrated tool allows users to optimize performance for gaming, block notifications, and manage performance settings for individual games. It’s a thoughtful addition for gamers who might pick up the Realme X3 for its powerful internals.
While Realme UI is generally smooth and responsive, it does come with some pre-installed applications, often referred to as bloatware. Some of these can be uninstalled, while others can be disabled. This is a common practice among smartphone manufacturers, and while not ideal, it’s a minor inconvenience compared to the overall quality of the software experience. The company has also been proactive with software updates, promising regular security patches and feature enhancements, which adds to the long-term value of the device.
Camera Capabilities: Versatile and Capable, with a Few Caveats
The camera system on the Realme X3 is quite versatile, featuring a quad-lens setup on the rear. As mentioned, it shares many similarities with the SuperZoom model, but with a few key differences.
The 64MP main sensor is the workhorse. In good lighting conditions, it captures detailed and vibrant photos with excellent dynamic range. Realme’s pixel-binning technology combines four pixels into one, producing 16MP images by default, which are sharp and clear. The f/1.8 aperture allows for good light gathering, and the sensor size contributes to decent bokeh in portrait shots.
The 8MP ultra-wide lens offers a 119-degree field of view, which is great for capturing landscapes, architectural shots, or group photos. While not as detailed as the main sensor, it’s a valuable addition for expanding creative possibilities. Color reproduction is generally consistent with the main camera.
The 12MP telephoto lens provides 2x optical zoom. This is a practical zoom level that allows you to get closer to your subject without losing significant detail. It’s useful for portraits and for capturing distant objects where digital zoom would degrade quality too much. The f/2.5 aperture means it relies on ample light for best results.
The 2MP macro lens is present, though its usefulness is debatable. While it allows for extreme close-up shots, the low resolution and the need for very specific lighting conditions mean it’s often more of a novelty than a primary photography tool. Often, the main sensor at a closer focusing distance can yield better results.
In terms of video recording, the Realme X3 supports up to 4K resolution at 60fps, which is impressive. The gyro-EIS stabilization helps to smooth out handheld footage, making videos more watchable.
Low-Light Performance and Night Mode
Low-light photography is a mixed bag. The main 64MP sensor performs reasonably well, but as expected, noise can creep in, and details can become softer. Realme’s dedicated Night Mode significantly improves low-light performance. It works by taking multiple exposures over a few seconds and combining them to produce brighter images with reduced noise and enhanced detail. The results are often striking, revealing details that would otherwise be lost in the darkness. However, it requires a steady hand or a tripod for optimal results, and the processing time can be noticeable.
Selfie Camera Versatility
The front-facing camera setup on the Realme X3 includes a 16MP main selfie camera and an 8MP ultra-wide secondary camera. This dual-lens approach is quite practical. The 16MP sensor captures sharp and detailed selfies, with good skin tones and natural-looking background blur in portrait mode. The f/2.0 aperture is standard for good low-light selfie performance.
The real advantage here is the 8MP ultra-wide selfie camera. This is incredibly useful for group selfies where you need to fit more people into the frame, or for when you want to capture more of the background environment. The ultra-wide lens offers a wider field of view, preventing you from having to stretch your arm to its limit. Both selfie cameras benefit from EIS stabilization for smoother video calls and selfie videos.
Battery Life and Charging: All-Day Power and Rapid Refills
The 4200mAh battery in the Realme X3 provides robust all-day performance for most users. With moderate to heavy usage, including browsing, social media, some gaming, and media consumption, we consistently ended the day with a comfortable amount of charge remaining. The Snapdragon 855+ is a relatively power-efficient chip, and the software optimizations from Realme UI further contribute to battery longevity.
For power users who might push the device harder with prolonged gaming sessions or continuous video streaming, it’s still very likely to last a full day. However, if you find yourself running low, the included 30W Dart Charge technology comes to the rescue. This fast-charging capability is a significant convenience. As mentioned, from our experience with the SuperZoom model, a full charge from 0% can be achieved in just under an hour, and a significant portion of charge can be gained in just 15-30 minutes, which is perfect for those moments when you need a quick top-up before heading out.
One crucial point regarding charging is the use of proprietary technology. While USB-C is a universal standard, the speed of the 30W charging is achieved through Realme’s specific implementation. Therefore, using the official charger and cable is highly recommended to ensure optimal charging speeds and prevent any potential compatibility issues.
Connectivity and Other Features: Well-Equipped for Everyday Needs
The Realme X3 comes equipped with a comprehensive suite of connectivity options, ensuring you’re well-connected in most scenarios. It supports dual-band Wi-Fi (2.4GHz and 5GHz), Bluetooth 5.0 with support for high-quality audio codecs like aptX HD, and GPS for accurate location services. NFC is also included, enabling contactless payments and quick pairing with other devices.
For audio, the phone features stereo speakers, which deliver a surprisingly good audio experience for a device in this price range. They are loud and offer decent clarity, making media consumption and gaming more immersive. While it lacks a 3.5mm headphone jack, which is becoming increasingly common, the inclusion of Bluetooth 5.0 ensures high-quality wireless audio.
The side-mounted fingerprint sensor is another highlight. It’s fast, accurate, and conveniently located, providing a seamless unlocking experience. Face unlock is also available, utilizing the front cameras, and it works reasonably well in good lighting conditions.
One notable omission for some users might be the lack of 5G connectivity. The Snapdragon 855+ chipset itself doesn’t natively support 5G, and as this phone was released in 2020, 5G wasn’t as ubiquitous as it is today. However, for regions where 4G LTE is still the dominant network, the Realme X3 offers excellent and stable connectivity.
Software Updates and Longevity
Realme has generally been good with software support for its devices. While the Realme X3 launched with Android 10, it has received updates to newer Android versions. This commitment to providing timely updates and security patches is crucial for the longevity and security of any smartphone, and it’s a positive aspect to consider for the Realme X3.
Pros and Cons: A Balanced Perspective
To summarize our findings, let’s break down the advantages and disadvantages of the Realme X3.
Pros:
Exceptional Performance: The Snapdragon 855+ chipset provides flagship-level speed and responsiveness for all tasks, including demanding games.
120Hz Display: The smooth, fluid 120Hz refresh rate significantly enhances the user experience, making scrolling and animations incredibly fluid.
Versatile Camera System: The quad-camera setup, including a capable 64MP main sensor, an ultra-wide, and a 2x telephoto lens, offers good flexibility for photography.
Fast Charging: The 30W Dart Charge provides rapid charging, minimizing downtime.
Stereo Speakers: The inclusion of stereo speakers enhances multimedia consumption.
Good Battery Life: The 4200mAh battery easily lasts a full day for most users.
Premium Build and Design: The glass sandwich design and elegant finishes give it a high-end feel.
Dual Front Cameras: The 16MP main and 8MP ultra-wide front cameras offer great selfie versatility.
Cons:
No 5G Connectivity: Lacks support for the latest 5G networks.
Prone to Fingerprints and Slippery: The glass back is a magnet for smudges and can be slippery without a case.
No MicroSD Card Slot: Storage expansion is not possible beyond the built-in 128GB.
Macro Camera Quality: The 2MP macro lens is of limited practical utility.
No 3.5mm Headphone Jack: Requires wireless headphones or a USB-C adapter.
IPS LCD vs. AMOLED: While good, the display doesn’t offer the absolute blacks and contrast of an AMOLED panel.
Conclusion: A Smart Choice for Performance Enthusiasts
The Realme X3 stands out as a compelling option, particularly for users who prioritize raw performance and a smooth, fluid display without breaking the bank. Its Snapdragon 855+ chipset, coupled with the 120Hz IPS LCD screen, delivers an experience that rivals much more expensive devices. The camera system is versatile and capable, offering good results in various conditions, and the battery life, combined with incredibly fast charging, ensures you’re always ready to go.
While it does have a few compromises, such as the lack of 5G and a less-than-stellar macro lens, these are often trade-offs made to achieve its impressive performance-to-price ratio. If you’re a gamer, a power user, or simply someone who appreciates a snappy and responsive smartphone, the Realme X3 is an excellent choice that offers tremendous value for your money. It truly provides an experience that feels worth every penny.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Does the Realme X3 support 5G?
A1: No, the Realme X3 does not support 5G connectivity. It is equipped with 4G LTE capabilities.
Q2: What is the refresh rate of the Realme X3 display?
A2: The Realme X3 features a 120Hz refresh rate for a smoother visual experience.
Q3: How good is the camera on the Realme X3?
A3: The Realme X3 has a capable quad-camera setup. The 64MP main sensor performs well in good lighting, and the ultra-wide and 2x telephoto lenses add versatility. Low-light performance is decent, especially with Night Mode.
Q4: Can I expand the storage on the Realme X3?
A4: No, the Realme X3 does not have a microSD card slot for storage expansion. It comes with 128GB of internal storage.
Q5: Does the Realme X3 have a 3.5mm headphone jack?
A5: No, the Realme X3 does not include a 3.5mm headphone jack. You will need to use a USB-C to 3.5mm adapter or Bluetooth headphones.
Q6: What is the battery capacity and charging speed of the Realme X3?
A6: The Realme X3 has a 4200mAh battery and supports 30W fast charging (Dart Charge).
Q7: Is the Realme X3 good for gaming?
A7: Absolutely. The Snapdragon 855+ chipset and 120Hz display make the Realme X3 an excellent choice for mobile gaming, capable of running demanding titles smoothly.
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