Xiaomi Poco X3 NFC

Xiaomi Poco X3 NFC Review

The Xiaomi Poco X3 NFC, released on September 8, 2020, is a mid-range smartphone focusing on delivering a high refresh rate display and strong performance at a competitive price point.

Key Features

• Display: 6.67-inch IPS LCD with a 120Hz refresh rate, HDR10, and 2400 x 1080 resolution (395 ppi).
• Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 732G (8nm) Octa-core CPU and Adreno 618 GPU.
• RAM/Storage: Configurable options including 6GB or 8GB LPDDR4X RAM and 64GB or 128GB of UFS 2.1 storage.
• Cameras: Quad rear camera setup featuring a 64MP main lens, 13MP ultrawide, 2MP macro, and 2MP depth sensor. 20MP front-facing selfie camera.
• Battery: 5160mAh battery with 33W fast charging.
• Operating System: Android 10 at launch, upgradable to Android 12.
• Connectivity: NFC, dual SIM support, USB Type-C 2.0 with OTG, and Wi-Fi 802.11a/b/g/n/ac.
• Other: Side-mounted fingerprint sensor, stereo speakers, Corning Gorilla Glass 5 protection.

Pros & Cons

Pros:

• Smooth Display: The 120Hz refresh rate provides a fluid and responsive user interface and enhanced gaming experience.
• Solid Performance: The Snapdragon 732G chipset handles everyday tasks and moderate gaming well.
• Large Battery: The 5160mAh battery provides ample power for all-day use, supported by 33W fast charging for quick replenishment.
• Versatile Camera System: The quad-camera array offers flexibility in shooting scenarios, including wide-angle and macro photography.
• NFC Enabled: Supports contactless payments and other NFC-based functionalities.
• Stereo Speakers: Provides immersive audio experience.
• Competitive Price: Offers excellent value for its feature set within the medium price range.

Cons:

• Bulky and Heavy: Weighing 215g and with a 9.4mm depth, it can feel quite heavy and thick in the hand.
• LCD Display: While the refresh rate is excellent, the IPS LCD panel lacks the deep blacks and vibrancy of OLED displays.
• No SD Card Slot: Storage expansion is not possible, limiting users to the onboard storage.
• Plastic Build: The construction uses plastic materials, which may not feel as premium as devices with metal or glass.
• No Wireless Charging: Lacks the convenience of wireless charging.

User Experience

The Poco X3 NFC provides a generally positive user experience. The 120Hz display makes scrolling and animations feel smooth and responsive. The Snapdragon 732G handles most daily tasks with ease, and gaming is quite enjoyable for a mid-range device. The MIUI interface, while feature-rich, may take some time to adapt to. The battery life is exceptional, easily lasting a full day with moderate to heavy usage. The stereo speakers enhance multimedia consumption. However, the weight and thickness of the phone may be bothersome for some users. The camera performs adequately in good lighting conditions, producing detailed and colorful photos. Low-light performance is acceptable but not exceptional.

Hardware & Design

The Poco X3 NFC features a plastic build and a distinctive design with a large circular camera module on the back. The phone is relatively large and heavy with dimensions of 165.3mm x 76.8mm x 9.4mm. The side-mounted fingerprint scanner is responsive and convenient. The device is available in Cobalt Blue and Shadow Gray. The display is protected by Corning Gorilla Glass 5, offering scratch resistance. The device uses a USB Type-C port and includes a 3.5mm headphone jack. It also features a cooling system.

Conclusion

The Xiaomi Poco X3 NFC is a strong mid-range contender that delivers a smooth 120Hz display, solid performance, excellent battery life, and a versatile camera system at a competitive price. While its bulky design, plastic build, and lack of storage expansion might deter some users, it represents a great value proposition for those prioritizing performance and display refresh rate within this price segment. The inclusion of NFC is a welcome feature for contactless payments. Overall, it is a well-rounded phone that offers a compelling balance of features and performance.