The sub-$300 smartphone market is fiercely competitive. The Oppo A53 and Xiaomi Poco X3 NFC represent two distinct approaches: the A53 prioritizes a streamlined experience, while the Poco X3 NFC aims for maximum performance per euro. This comparison dissects their key differences to help you choose the right device.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Xiaomi Poco X3 NFC is the superior choice. Its Snapdragon 732G chipset delivers significantly better performance, especially for gaming, and the 33W fast charging is a game-changer. While the Oppo A53 is adequate for basic tasks, it struggles to keep pace.
| 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 |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2020, August 20. Released 2020, August 25 | 2020, September 07 |
| Status | Discontinued | Available. Released 2020, September 08 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 5), aluminum frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 163.9 x 75.1 x 8.4 mm (6.45 x 2.96 x 0.33 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 | 186 g (6.56 oz) | 215 g (7.58 oz) |
| | - | IP53, dust and splash resistant |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 |
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~270 ppi density) | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~395 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~82.9% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.67 inches, 107.4 cm2 (~84.6% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 90Hz | IPS LCD, 120Hz, HDR10, 450 nits (typ) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x1.8 GHz Kryo 240 & 4x1.6 GHz Kryo 240) | Octa-core (2x2.3 GHz Kryo 470 Gold & 6x1.8 GHz Kryo 470 Silver) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM4250 Snapdragon 460 (11 nm) | Qualcomm SM7150-AC Snapdragon 732G (8 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 610 | Adreno 618 |
| OS | Android 10, upgradable to Android 11 | Android 10, upgradable to Android 12, MIUI 14 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM | 64GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM |
| | UFS 2.1 | UFS 2.1
|
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | Dual-LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Quad | - | 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 |
| Triple | 13 MP, f/2.2, 25mm (wide), 1/3.06", 1.12µm, PDAF
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/120fps, 720p@960fps; gyro-EIS |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR | HDR, panorama |
| Single | 16 MP, f/2.0, (wide), 1/3.06", 1.0µm | 20 MP, f/2.2, (wide), 1/3.4", 0.8µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with stereo speakers | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| | - | 24-bit/192kHz audio |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE, aptX HD | 5.1, A2DP, LE |
| Infrared port | - | Yes |
| NFC | No | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | 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/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 18W wired | 33W wired, 62% in 30 min, 100% in 65 min |
| Type | Li-Po 5000 mAh | Li-Po 5160 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Fairy White, Electric Black, Fancy Blue | Cobalt Blue, Shadow Gray |
| Models | CPH2127, CPH2131 | M2007J20CG, M2007J20CT |
| Price | £ 158.16 / € 169.99 | About 100 EUR |
| SAR | 0.77 W/kg (head) 0.97 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) |
Oppo A53
- Potentially cleaner software experience (based on Oppo's brand reputation)
- More affordable (likely, given the lower-tier chipset)
- Simple and straightforward user interface
- Significantly weaker performance compared to the Poco X3 NFC
- Slower 18W charging
- Less capable camera system (likely)
Xiaomi Poco X3 NFC
- Powerful Snapdragon 732G chipset for gaming and multitasking
- 33W fast charging for quick top-ups
- Excellent battery endurance (125h rating)
- MIUI software can be bloated with pre-installed apps
- Potentially more expensive than the Oppo A53
- Larger size may not appeal to all users
Display Comparison
Both the Oppo A53 and Xiaomi Poco X3 NFC share a nominal contrast ratio of 1299:1, suggesting similar visual pop. However, detailed display specs like peak brightness and panel type are missing for the A53. The Poco X3 NFC’s larger 6.67-inch display is likely to offer a more immersive viewing experience. Without further data on the A53’s panel, it’s difficult to assess color accuracy or viewing angles, but the Poco X3 NFC’s larger size is a clear advantage for media consumption.
Camera Comparison
Both phones feature 'Photo / Video' capabilities, but lack specific details. Without sensor size or aperture information, a direct comparison is difficult. However, the Poco X3 NFC’s price point suggests a more capable camera system. The A53’s camera is likely focused on basic image capture, while the Poco X3 NFC may offer features like night mode or improved dynamic range. The absence of details on both devices makes it hard to assess image quality.
Performance
The performance gap between these devices is substantial. The Poco X3 NFC’s Snapdragon 732G (8nm) is built on a smaller, more efficient process node than the Oppo A53’s Snapdragon 460 (11nm). This translates to better thermal management and sustained performance. The 732G’s Kryo 470 Gold cores, clocked at 2.3 GHz, significantly outperform the A53’s 1.8 GHz Kryo 240 cores. For gamers and power users, the Poco X3 NFC is the clear winner. The A53’s Snapdragon 460 is sufficient for everyday tasks, but will struggle with demanding applications.
Battery Life
The Poco X3 NFC boasts a 125-hour endurance rating, indicating excellent battery life. Crucially, it supports 33W wired charging, achieving 62% charge in 30 minutes and 100% in 65 minutes. The Oppo A53’s 18W charging is considerably slower. While the A53’s battery capacity isn’t specified, the Poco X3 NFC’s faster charging significantly reduces downtime, making it more convenient for users who rely heavily on their phones.
Buying Guide
Buy the Oppo A53 if you need a simple, reliable smartphone for basic communication, social media, and light web browsing, and prioritize a clean software experience. Buy the Xiaomi Poco X3 NFC if you prioritize gaming, multimedia consumption, and fast charging, and don't mind a more feature-rich (and potentially cluttered) software experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Does the Poco X3 NFC's MIUI software significantly impact performance?
MIUI is known for its customization options and features, but it can also be resource-intensive. While the Snapdragon 732G is powerful enough to handle MIUI, users may experience occasional lag or bloatware. However, disabling or uninstalling unnecessary apps can improve performance.
❓ Is the 125-hour endurance rating of the Poco X3 NFC realistic in everyday use?
The 125-hour endurance rating is based on a specific usage profile. Real-world battery life will vary depending on your usage patterns, such as screen brightness, app usage, and network connectivity. However, the Poco X3 NFC consistently delivers excellent battery life, easily lasting a full day of moderate to heavy use.
❓ Will the Oppo A53 struggle with graphically demanding games like PUBG Mobile?
Yes, the Oppo A53’s Snapdragon 460 is not designed for demanding games. While you may be able to run PUBG Mobile at low settings, expect significant frame drops and lag. The Poco X3 NFC, with its Snapdragon 732G, provides a much smoother gaming experience.
❓ Does the Poco X3 NFC support widevine L1 for HD streaming?
Yes, the Poco X3 NFC supports Widevine L1, allowing you to stream HD content from services like Netflix and Amazon Prime Video.
