Both the Infinix Zero 8i and the Xiaomi Poco X3 NFC target the competitive budget smartphone market, aiming to deliver strong performance without breaking the bank. The Poco X3 NFC, with its Snapdragon 732G, has been a long-standing favorite, but the Zero 8i’s Helio G90T and faster charging present a compelling alternative. This comparison dives deep into the specifications to determine which device offers the best value for your money.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing sustained performance and efficiency, the Xiaomi Poco X3 NFC is the better choice. Its Snapdragon 732G, built on an 8nm process, offers superior thermal management and consistent frame rates during extended gaming sessions. However, the Infinix Zero 8i’s 33W charging is significantly faster, making it ideal for users who need to top up quickly.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 8, 38, 40, 41 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | India | - |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2020, December 03. Released 2020, December 09 | 2020, September 07 |
| Status | Discontinued | Available. Released 2020, September 08 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 5), aluminum frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 168.7 x 76.1 x 9.1 mm (6.64 x 3.00 x 0.36 in) | 165.3 x 76.8 x 9.4 mm (6.51 x 3.02 x 0.37 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 210.5 g (7.44 oz) | 215 g (7.58 oz) |
| | - | IP53, dust and splash resistant |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2460 pixels (~392 ppi density) | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~395 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.85 inches, 111.4 cm2 (~86.8% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.67 inches, 107.4 cm2 (~84.6% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 90Hz, 480 nits (typ) | IPS LCD, 120Hz, HDR10, 450 nits (typ) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.05 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (2x2.3 GHz Kryo 470 Gold & 6x1.8 GHz Kryo 470 Silver) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6785 Helio G90T (12 nm) | Qualcomm SM7150-AC Snapdragon 732G (8 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G76 MC4 | Adreno 618 |
| OS | Android 10 | Android 10, upgradable to Android 12, MIUI 14 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) |
| Internal | 128GB 8GB RAM | 64GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM |
| | UFS 2.1 | UFS 2.1
|
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | Quad-LED flash, HDR, panorama | Dual-LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Quad | 48 MP, f/1.8, (wide), PDAF
8 MP, 119˚ (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm
Auxiliary lenses | 64 MP, f/1.9, (wide), 1/1.73", 0.8µm, PDAF
13 MP, f/2.2, 119˚ (ultrawide), 1.0µm
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens |
| Video | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60fps, gyro-EIS | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/120fps, 720p@960fps; gyro-EIS |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Dual | 16 MP, f/2.0, (wide)
8 MP, f/2.2, 105˚ (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm | - |
| Features | Dual-LED flash, HDR | HDR, panorama |
| Single | - | 20 MP, f/2.2, (wide), 1/3.4", 0.8µm |
| Video | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| | - | 24-bit/192kHz audio |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.1, A2DP, LE |
| Infrared port | - | Yes |
| NFC | No | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS, GLONASS, BDS |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio, recording |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 33W wired | 33W wired, 62% in 30 min, 100% in 65 min |
| Type | 4500 mAh | Li-Po 5160 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Silver Diamond, Black Diamond | Cobalt Blue, Shadow Gray |
| Models | X687B | M2007J20CG, M2007J20CT |
| Price | About 170 EUR | About 100 EUR |
| SAR | 0.40 W/kg (head) 0.95 W/kg (body) | 0.77 W/kg (head) 0.61 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | - | 0.56 W/kg (head) 0.99 W/kg (body) |
| Pricing |
|---|
| 128GB 6GB RAM | - | € 259.00 |
| 128GB 8GB RAM | - | Rp 2,800,000 |
| 64GB 6GB RAM | - | € 229.00 |
| RENEWED | - | £ 119.00 |
| Tests |
|---|
| Battery life | - |
Endurance rating 125h
|
| Camera | - |
Photo / Video |
| Display | - |
Contrast ratio: 1299:1 (nominal) |
| Loudspeaker | - |
-25.3 LUFS (Very good)
|
| Performance | - |
AnTuTu: 283750 (v8)
GeekBench: 1777 (v5.1)
GFXBench: 16fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) |
Infinix Zero 8i
- Faster 33W charging for quick top-ups
- Potentially higher peak CPU performance (clock speed)
- Competitive price point
- Less efficient 12nm chipset prone to throttling
- Missing detailed display specifications
- Uncertain camera performance
Xiaomi Poco X3 NFC
- More efficient 8nm Snapdragon 732G chipset
- Proven battery endurance (125h rating)
- Established community and software support
- Slower charging speed compared to the Zero 8i
- Display is adequate but not exceptional
- Camera details are lacking
Display Comparison
Both devices share a nominal contrast ratio of 1299:1, suggesting similar visual pop. However, detailed display specs like peak brightness, color gamut coverage, and panel type are missing for the Zero 8i. The Poco X3 NFC’s display, while not exceptional, is known for its adequate brightness and color reproduction for everyday use. Without further data on the Zero 8i’s panel, the Poco X3 NFC holds a slight edge due to its established performance characteristics.
Camera Comparison
Both phones are listed as having Photo/Video capabilities, but specific details are absent. Given the market positioning, it’s likely both feature multi-camera setups. However, without sensor size, aperture, or image processing details, a meaningful comparison is impossible. We can assume the Poco X3 NFC, benefiting from Qualcomm’s image signal processor, may offer slightly better image quality and video stabilization, but this is speculative.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Poco X3 NFC’s Qualcomm Snapdragon 732G (8nm) boasts a more efficient architecture than the Infinix Zero 8i’s MediaTek Helio G90T (12nm). While the G90T’s Cortex-A76 cores offer a higher clock speed (2.05 GHz vs 2.3 GHz on the Kryo 470 Gold), the Snapdragon 732G’s superior process node and optimized Kryo cores deliver better sustained performance and thermal management. This translates to less throttling during demanding tasks like gaming. The Poco X3 NFC’s CPU configuration (2x2.3 GHz Kryo 470 Gold & 6x1.8 GHz Kryo 470 Silver) is designed for a balance of power and efficiency, while the G90T prioritizes raw clock speed at the expense of power consumption.
Battery Life
The Poco X3 NFC has an endurance rating of 125 hours, indicating solid battery life. The Infinix Zero 8i’s battery capacity is not specified, but its 33W charging significantly outperforms the Poco X3 NFC’s charging speed (62% in 30 minutes, 100% in 65 minutes). This means the Zero 8i can recover a substantial amount of charge in a shorter timeframe, a crucial advantage for users who are constantly on the go. While the Poco X3 NFC offers good endurance, the Zero 8i’s faster charging provides a different kind of convenience.
Buying Guide
Buy the Infinix Zero 8i if you prioritize rapid charging and frequently find yourself needing to quickly replenish battery life. This phone suits users who play in shorter bursts and value convenience. Buy the Xiaomi Poco X3 NFC if you’re a dedicated mobile gamer who values consistent performance over extended periods, and appreciate a more efficient chipset that minimizes throttling. It’s also the better choice for those seeking a phone with a proven track record and strong community support.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Helio G90T in the Infinix Zero 8i overheat during prolonged gaming sessions like PUBG or Call of Duty?
The Helio G90T is known to generate more heat than the Snapdragon 732G due to its 12nm process. While it can handle gaming, expect potential throttling after extended play, leading to frame rate drops. The Poco X3 NFC’s 8nm Snapdragon 732G will maintain more consistent performance over longer periods.
❓ How much faster is the 33W charging on the Infinix Zero 8i compared to the Poco X3 NFC in real-world usage?
The Infinix Zero 8i can charge to 100% in approximately 65 minutes, while the Poco X3 NFC takes longer. This means you can gain a significant charge during a short break, making the Zero 8i ideal for users who need to quickly top up their battery throughout the day.
❓ Does the Poco X3 NFC support high refresh rate gaming, and will I see a noticeable difference in smoothness?
The Poco X3 NFC features a 120Hz display, which can significantly improve the smoothness of compatible games. However, not all games support high refresh rates. When a game does support it, you'll experience reduced motion blur and a more responsive gaming experience.
❓ Is the lack of detailed camera specs on the Infinix Zero 8i a major concern?
Yes, it is. Without knowing the sensor size, aperture, or image processing capabilities, it's difficult to assess the Zero 8i's camera performance. The Poco X3 NFC, while also lacking detailed specs in our data, benefits from Qualcomm's established image processing pipeline.
