Realme 6 vs Xiaomi Poco X3 NFC: A Deep Dive into Budget Gaming Champions

The Realme 6 and Xiaomi Poco X3 NFC represent a sweet spot in the smartphone market – delivering impressive performance and features without breaking the bank. Both phones target gamers and power users, but they achieve this with different approaches to chipset design and battery optimization. This comparison dissects their key differences to determine which device reigns supreme.
Phones Images

🏆 Quick Verdict

For most users, the Xiaomi Poco X3 NFC emerges as the better choice. Its Snapdragon 732G, built on a more efficient 8nm process, offers a smoother gaming experience and better thermal management than the Realme 6’s Helio G90T. While the Realme 6 charges slightly faster, the Poco X3 NFC’s superior battery endurance and overall refinement make it the winner.

PHONES
Phone Names Realme 6 Xiaomi Poco X3 NFC
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 - GlobalHSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100
4G bands1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 - Global1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41
SpeedHSPA 42.2/11.5 Mbps, LTE (2CA) Cat6 300/75 MbpsHSPA, LTE
TechnologyGSM / HSPA / LTEGSM / HSPA / LTE
 1, 3, 5, 8, 38, 40, 41 - India-
Launch
Announced2020, March 05. Released 2020, March 112020, September 07
StatusDiscontinuedAvailable. Released 2020, September 08
Body
BuildGlass front (Gorilla Glass 3), plastic back, plastic frameGlass front (Gorilla Glass 5), aluminum frame, plastic back
Dimensions162.1 x 74.8 x 8.9 mm (6.38 x 2.94 x 0.35 in)165.3 x 76.8 x 9.4 mm (6.51 x 3.02 x 0.37 in)
SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIM
Weight191 g (6.74 oz)215 g (7.58 oz)
 -IP53, dust and splash resistant
Display
ProtectionCorning Gorilla Glass 3Corning Gorilla Glass 5
Resolution1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~405 ppi density)1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~395 ppi density)
Size6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~84.1% screen-to-body ratio)6.67 inches, 107.4 cm2 (~84.6% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeIPS LCD, 90Hz, 480 nits (typ)IPS LCD, 120Hz, HDR10, 450 nits (typ)
Platform
CPUOcta-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)
ChipsetMediatek MT6785 Helio G90T (12 nm)Qualcomm SM7150-AC Snapdragon 732G (8 nm)
GPUMali-G76 MC4Adreno 618
OSAndroid 10, upgradable to Android 11, Realme UI 2.0Android 10, upgradable to Android 12, MIUI 14
Memory
Card slotmicroSDXC (dedicated slot)microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot)
Internal64GB 4GB RAM, 64GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM64GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM
 UFS 2.1UFS 2.1
Main Camera
FeaturesLED flash, HDR, panoramaDual-LED flash, HDR, panorama
Quad64 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 1/1.72", 0.8µm, PDAF 8 MP, f/2.3, 13mm (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm 2 MP (macro) Auxiliary lens64 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
Video4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60/120fps, gyro-EIS4K@30fps, 1080p@30/120fps, 720p@960fps; gyro-EIS
Selfie camera
FeaturesHDR, panoramaHDR, panorama
Single16 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide), 1/3.06", 1.0µm20 MP, f/2.2, (wide), 1/3.4", 0.8µm
Video1080p@30fps1080p@30fps
Sound
3.5mm jack YesYes
35mm jackYesYes
Loudspeaker YesYes, with stereo speakers
 -24-bit/192kHz audio
Comms
Bluetooth5.0, A2DP, LE5.1, A2DP, LE
Infrared port-Yes
NFCYes (market/region dependent)Yes
PositioningGPS, GLONASS, BDSGPS, GLONASS, BDS
RadioFM radioFM radio, recording
USBUSB Type-C 2.0, OTGUSB Type-C 2.0, OTG
WLANWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi DirectWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct
Features
SensorsFingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compassFingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass
Battery
Charging30W wired, 100% in 55 min33W wired, 62% in 30 min, 100% in 65 min
Type4300 mAhLi-Po 5160 mAh
Misc
ColorsComet Blue, Comet WhiteCobalt Blue, Shadow Gray
ModelsRMX2001M2007J20CG, M2007J20CT
PriceAbout 190 EURAbout 100 EUR
SAR1.14 W/kg (head)     0.59 W/kg (body)0.77 W/kg (head)     0.61 W/kg (body)
SAR EU0.71 W/kg (head)     0.57 W/kg (body)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 106h Endurance rating 125h
Camera Photo / Video Photo / Video
Display Contrast ratio: 1315:1 (nominal) Contrast ratio: 1299:1 (nominal)
Loudspeaker -28.7 LUFS (Average) -25.3 LUFS (Very good)
Performance AnTuTu: 288931 (v8) GeekBench: 7815 (v4.4), 1726 (v5.1) GFXBench: 16fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) AnTuTu: 283750 (v8) GeekBench: 1777 (v5.1) GFXBench: 16fps (ES 3.1 onscreen)

Realme 6

  • Faster wired charging (55 minutes to 100%)
  • Slightly brighter display (451 nits)
  • Competitive price point

  • Less efficient chipset (12nm Helio G90T)
  • Lower battery endurance (106 hours)
  • Potential for thermal throttling during gaming

Xiaomi Poco X3 NFC

  • More efficient chipset (8nm Snapdragon 732G)
  • Longer battery life (125 hours)
  • Better sustained performance

  • Slightly slower charging (65 minutes to 100%)
  • Display brightness not specified
  • Similar camera performance to Realme 6

Display Comparison

Both the Realme 6 and Poco X3 NFC feature displays with a nominal contrast ratio of around 1300:1, indicating similar levels of black depth. However, the Realme 6 achieves a measured peak brightness of 451 nits, while the Poco X3 NFC’s brightness isn’t specified, suggesting a potentially dimmer viewing experience in direct sunlight. While both are adequate, the Realme 6’s higher brightness gives it a slight edge for outdoor visibility. Neither manufacturer details refresh rates, implying standard 60Hz panels, a common omission in this price bracket.

Camera Comparison

Both phones feature a 'Photo / Video' camera setup, but detailed sensor information is lacking. Without specifics on sensor size or aperture, a direct comparison is difficult. However, the market positioning of both devices suggests a focus on versatility rather than flagship-level image quality. The absence of details regarding optical image stabilization (OIS) suggests neither phone features it, relying instead on software stabilization. The inclusion of a 2MP macro camera on both is largely a marketing gimmick, offering limited practical benefit.

Performance

The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Poco X3 NFC’s Qualcomm Snapdragon 732G (8nm) boasts a more modern architecture and fabrication process compared to the Realme 6’s MediaTek Helio G90T (12nm). The Snapdragon 732G’s Kryo 470 Gold cores, clocked at 2.3 GHz, offer a performance advantage over the Helio G90T’s Cortex-A76 cores at 2.05 GHz. The 8nm process also translates to improved thermal efficiency, meaning the Poco X3 NFC is less likely to throttle under sustained load, crucial for gaming. While both phones offer 6GB/8GB RAM options, the Snapdragon 732G’s superior memory controller likely contributes to smoother multitasking.

Battery Life

The Poco X3 NFC’s 125-hour endurance rating surpasses the Realme 6’s 106-hour rating, indicating superior battery life. While the Realme 6 supports 30W wired charging, achieving a full charge in 55 minutes, the Poco X3 NFC’s 33W charging is only marginally slower, reaching 100% in 65 minutes and a substantial 62% in just 30 minutes. The Poco X3 NFC’s larger battery capacity, combined with the more efficient Snapdragon 732G, results in a more practical and long-lasting battery experience.

Buying Guide

Buy the Realme 6 if you prioritize the absolute fastest charging speeds and are willing to accept potentially more thermal throttling during extended gaming sessions. Buy the Xiaomi Poco X3 NFC if you value sustained performance, longer battery life, and a more efficient chipset, making it ideal for marathon gaming and everyday use.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Does the Snapdragon 732G in the Poco X3 NFC get hot during prolonged gaming sessions?
The Snapdragon 732G’s 8nm process is significantly more efficient than the Helio G90T’s 12nm process. This results in lower heat generation and reduced thermal throttling, allowing for more sustained gaming performance without significant slowdowns. While it will still warm up, it’s less prone to overheating than the Realme 6.
❓ Is the 33W charging on the Poco X3 NFC a significant improvement over the Realme 6’s 30W charging?
While the wattage difference is small, the Poco X3 NFC’s charging is more efficient. It reaches 62% charge in 30 minutes, demonstrating a faster initial charging rate. The overall time to 100% is only slightly longer (65 minutes vs 55 minutes), but the faster initial charge is more noticeable for quick top-ups.
❓ How does the Helio G90T handle graphically demanding games like PUBG Mobile?
The Helio G90T can run PUBG Mobile, but you may need to lower graphics settings to maintain a stable frame rate, especially during intense firefights. The 12nm process and potential for thermal throttling can lead to frame drops over extended gaming sessions. The Poco X3 NFC’s Snapdragon 732G offers a smoother and more consistent experience at higher settings.