Smartphone Comparison: Xiaomi Poco X3 NFC vs. Realme C61
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Xiaomi Poco X3 NFC | Realme C61 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 165.3 × 76.8 × 9.4 mm | 167.3 × 76.7 × 7.8 mm | Poco X3 NFC is thicker; Realme C61 is taller but thinner and lighter. Realme C61 is more pocketable and comfortable for long-term use. |
| Weight | 215g | 188g | Realme C61 is significantly lighter, reducing hand fatigue. |
| Build Quality (Screen Protection) | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | Unknown | Poco X3 NFC likely more resistant to scratches and minor drops. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.67" | 6.74" | Negligible difference in screen size for most users. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 720x1600 | Poco X3 NFC provides a significantly sharper and more detailed picture. Better for media consumption and gaming. |
| PPI | 395 | 260 | Text and images on Poco X3 NFC will appear much clearer. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 90Hz | Poco X3 NFC offers smoother scrolling and animations, especially noticeable in gaming and UI navigation. |
| Technology | IPS LCD | IPS LCD | Similar color reproduction and viewing angles. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Impossible to tell what the brightness is, but the brightness of zero, suggests a data error. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 732G (8 nm) | Unisoc Tiger T612 (12 nm) | Poco X3 NFC offers noticeably faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and better gaming performance. |
| AnTuTu Score | 328,145 | 252,597 | Poco X3 NFC will handle demanding games and applications more smoothly. |
| GPU | Adreno 618 | Mali-G57 MP1 | Poco X3 NFC's GPU offers superior graphics performance for gaming and video editing. |
| RAM | 6GB/8GB | 4GB/6GB/8GB | Both offer similar RAM configurations. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera Resolution | 64MP | 32MP | Poco X3 NFC captures more detailed photos, especially in good lighting. |
| Main Camera Aperture | f/1.89 | f/1.8 | Realme C61's wider aperture allows for slightly better low-light performance. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 13MP (Dedicated) | None | Poco X3 NFC captures wider scenes, suitable for landscapes and group photos. |
| Selfie Camera Resolution | 20MP | 5MP | Poco X3 NFC takes much sharper and detailed selfies. |
| Video Recording | Up to 4K@30fps | Up to 1080p@30fps | Poco X3 NFC records higher quality videos, suitable for content creation. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5160mAh | 5000mAh | Similar battery life for typical usage patterns. |
| Charging Speed | 33W | 45W | Realme C61 charges faster, minimizing downtime. |
| Software | |||
| Operating System | Android 10 (Upgradable to 12) | Android 14 | Realme C61 has a more recent operating system, meaning newer features and potentially better security. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 64GB/128GB | 64GB/128GB/256GB | Realme C61 offers a larger 256GB storage option. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone supports expandable storage |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi MiMO | N/A | Poco X3 has better wifi connectivity. |
| Bluetooth | 5.1 | 5.0 | Poco X3 has a newer bluetooth version. |
| Audio | |||
| Audio Quality | Stereo Speakers, Noise Cancellation Microphone, 2 Microphones | Stereo Speakers | Poco X3 offers better audio quality and call clarity. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Proximity | Accelerometer, Proximity | Poco X3 NFC has more sensors. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Xiaomi Poco X3 NFC Advantages:
- Superior Display: Higher resolution and refresh rate offer a sharper, smoother visual experience.
- Practical Impact: Better for watching videos, playing games, and general use.
- Stronger Performance: More powerful chipset and GPU for smoother multitasking and gaming.
- Practical Impact: Apps load faster, games run smoother, and the phone handles demanding tasks more efficiently.
- Better Camera System: Higher resolution sensors, dedicated wide-angle lens, and 4K video recording.
- Practical Impact: Captures more detailed photos and videos, offering more versatility in different shooting scenarios.
- More Sensors: Has fingerprint, compass, gyroscope and proximity sensors for a better user experience.
- Practical Impact: Adds features to applications.
Realme C61 Advantages:
- Lighter and Thinner Design: More comfortable to hold and carry.
- Practical Impact: Reduces hand fatigue during prolonged use.
- Faster Charging: 45W charging provides quicker battery top-ups.
- Practical Impact: Minimizes downtime and keeps you powered up on the go.
- Newer Android Version: Comes with Android 14 out of the box.
- Practical Impact: Access to the latest features, security updates, and improvements.
- Larger Storage Option: Up to 256GB internal storage available.
- Practical Impact: More space for storing photos, videos, and apps without needing external storage.
Significant Trade-offs:
- Choosing the Poco X3 NFC means sacrificing a slightly lighter design and faster charging for a superior display, performance, and camera.
- Choosing the Realme C61 means accepting a lower-resolution display, weaker performance, and a less versatile camera in exchange for a lighter design, faster charging, and a newer Android version.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Xiaomi Poco X3 NFC Ideal User:
- Gamers: Demanding games will perform better thanks to the more powerful processor.
- Media Consumers: People who frequently watch videos or browse high-resolution images will appreciate the sharper display.
- Photography Enthusiasts: Those who want a versatile camera system with a wide-angle lens and 4K video recording.
- Power Users: Those that will make use of the compass, gyroscope and proximity sensors.
Realme C61 Ideal User:
- Budget-Conscious Users: People looking for an affordable phone with a modern operating system.
- Everyday Users: Those who prioritize a lightweight design, fast charging, and a simple user experience.
- Users Prioritizing Software: Those who want the latest Android version and long-term software support.
Specific Use Cases:
- Poco X3 NFC: Mobile gaming, watching high-definition movies, taking photos and videos in various scenarios, running demanding apps.
- Realme C61: Basic communication, social media browsing, streaming music, casual gaming, and users who want an updated OS.
Price-to-Value Ratio:
- The Poco X3 NFC offers excellent value for users who prioritize performance and camera capabilities. It's an older phone, so it may be available at a lower price point compared to its original launch.
- The Realme C61 is a good value option for users who prioritize affordability, a modern OS, and fast charging.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- How important is display quality and performance for your typical use case? (Gaming, media consumption, multitasking)
- Do you prioritize a lightweight design and fast charging, or a more powerful camera system?
- Is having the latest Android version a critical factor for your needs?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Mobile Gamer: Choose the Poco X3 NFC for its superior performance and smoother display.
- Scenario 2: Budget User: Choose the Realme C61 for its affordability and modern software.
- Scenario 3: Photography Lover: Choose the Poco X3 NFC for its versatile camera system and 4K video recording.
- Scenario 4: Everyday User: Choose the Realme C61 if you value fast charging, a lighter design, and a modern Android version.
My Choice
I would choose the Xiaomi Poco X3 NFC.
While the Realme C61 offers a more modern operating system and faster charging, the superior display, performance, and camera capabilities of the Poco X3 NFC are more important to me. I value a smoother and more detailed display for media consumption, a faster processor for multitasking and gaming, and a more versatile camera for capturing better photos and videos. The slightly heavier design and slower charging are acceptable trade-offs for these benefits.
