The Realme 6i and Xiaomi Poco X3 NFC represent compelling options in the sub-$300 smartphone market. While both target budget-conscious consumers, they take different approaches to achieving value. The Realme 6i prioritizes all-day battery life, while the Poco X3 NFC focuses on delivering a smoother, more responsive experience with faster charging capabilities. This comparison dissects their key differences to determine which device best suits your needs.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing longevity and consistent performance, the Realme 6i is the better choice due to its significantly superior battery endurance. However, gamers and those who value rapid charging will find the Poco X3 NFC’s Snapdragon 732G and 33W charging a more compelling package.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 - Global | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 - Global | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | 1, 3, 5, 8, 38, 40, 41 - India | - |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2020, March 17. Released 2020, March 29 | 2020, September 07 |
| Status | Discontinued | Available. Released 2020, September 08 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 5), aluminum frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 164.4 x 75.4 x 9 mm (6.47 x 2.97 x 0.35 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 | 199 g (7.02 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 (~269 ppi density) | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~395 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.5 inches, 102.8 cm2 (~82.9% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.67 inches, 107.4 cm2 (~84.6% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD, 120Hz, HDR10, 450 nits (typ) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (2x2.3 GHz Kryo 470 Gold & 6x1.8 GHz Kryo 470 Silver) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6769V/CU Helio G80 (12 nm) | Qualcomm SM7150-AC Snapdragon 732G (8 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G52 MC2 | Adreno 618 |
| OS | Android 10, Realme UI | Android 10, upgradable to Android 12, MIUI 14 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM | 64GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | UFS 2.1
|
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | Dual-LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Quad | 48 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 1/2.0", 0.8µm, PDAF
8 MP, f/2.3, 119˚ (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm
2 MP (macro)
2 MP B/W, f/2.4 | 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 | 1080p@30fps, gyro-EIS | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/120fps, 720p@960fps; gyro-EIS |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR, panorama | HDR, panorama |
| Single | 16 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (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 | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| | - | 24-bit/192kHz audio |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.1, A2DP, LE |
| Infrared port | - | Yes |
| NFC | Yes (market/region dependent) | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, 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 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 18W wired
5W reverse wired | 33W wired, 62% in 30 min, 100% in 65 min |
| Type | 5000 mAh | Li-Po 5160 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | White Milk, Green Tea, Blue Soda | Cobalt Blue, Shadow Gray |
| Models | RMX2040 | M2007J20CG, M2007J20CT |
| Price | About 400 EUR | About 100 EUR |
| SAR | - | 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 186h
|
Endurance rating 125h
|
| Camera |
Photo / Video |
Photo / Video |
| Display |
Contrast ratio: 1610:1 (nominal) |
Contrast ratio: 1299:1 (nominal) |
| Loudspeaker |
-30.5 LUFS (Below average)
|
-25.3 LUFS (Very good)
|
| Performance |
AnTuTu: 202275 (v8)
GeekBench: 5890 (v4.4), 1349 (v5.1)
GFXBench: 17fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) |
AnTuTu: 283750 (v8)
GeekBench: 1777 (v5.1)
GFXBench: 16fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) |
Realme 6i
- Exceptional battery life (186h endurance)
- Higher peak display brightness for outdoor visibility
- More affordable price point (potentially)
- Less powerful processor for gaming
- Slower charging speed (18W)
Xiaomi Poco X3 NFC
- Faster and more efficient Snapdragon 732G processor
- Significantly faster 33W charging
- Potentially better image processing
- Shorter battery life (125h endurance)
- Lower peak display brightness
Display Comparison
Both the Realme 6i and Poco X3 NFC feature displays with nominal contrast ratios around 1300:1, indicating similar levels of black depth. However, the Realme 6i boasts a measured peak brightness of 528 nits, exceeding the Poco X3 NFC’s unspecified brightness. This translates to better visibility in direct sunlight. While both use LCD panels, the Realme 6i’s higher brightness is a tangible advantage for outdoor use. The difference in contrast ratio is minimal and unlikely to be noticeable in everyday use.
Camera Comparison
Both phones offer a standard photo/video camera setup, but detailed sensor information is lacking. Without specifics, it’s difficult to make a definitive judgment. However, the Poco X3 NFC’s processor benefits from Qualcomm’s image signal processor (ISP), which generally delivers superior image processing capabilities, particularly in low-light conditions. The Realme 6i relies on Mediatek’s ISP, which is generally considered less advanced. The absence of details regarding sensor size and aperture makes a precise comparison impossible, but the Poco X3 NFC likely holds an edge in image quality.
Performance
The Poco X3 NFC’s Qualcomm Snapdragon 732G, fabricated on an 8nm process, represents a significant architectural leap over the Realme 6i’s 12nm Mediatek Helio G80. The Snapdragon 732G’s Kryo 470 Gold cores operate at a higher clock speed (2.3 GHz vs 2.0 GHz), resulting in demonstrably faster CPU performance. More importantly, the Snapdragon 732G’s Adreno 618 GPU provides a substantial boost in graphics performance, making the Poco X3 NFC the clear winner for gaming. The 8nm process also contributes to better thermal efficiency, reducing the likelihood of throttling during extended gaming sessions.
Battery Life
The Realme 6i’s endurance rating of 186 hours significantly surpasses the Poco X3 NFC’s 125 hours. This difference is primarily attributable to the more efficient Helio G80 chipset and the Realme 6i’s software optimizations. While the Poco X3 NFC compensates with 33W fast charging (62% in 30 minutes, 100% in 65 minutes), the Realme 6i’s 18W charging is considerably slower. The Poco X3 NFC prioritizes quick top-ups, while the Realme 6i focuses on maximizing time between charges. The Realme 6i’s longer endurance is a major advantage for users who frequently find themselves away from a power outlet.
Buying Guide
Buy the Realme 6i if you need a phone that will reliably last a full day – or even two – on a single charge, and if you primarily use your phone for everyday tasks like browsing, social media, and light gaming. Buy the Xiaomi Poco X3 NFC if you prioritize a smoother gaming experience, faster app loading times, and the convenience of incredibly quick charging, even if it means sacrificing some battery life.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Does the Poco X3 NFC’s Snapdragon 732G get hot during prolonged gaming sessions?
The Snapdragon 732G’s 8nm process and Qualcomm’s thermal management features help mitigate overheating. While some warmth is expected during intensive gaming, the Poco X3 NFC is less prone to significant throttling compared to phones with less efficient chipsets. However, sustained peak performance will still generate heat.
❓ Is the Realme 6i’s 18W charging speed too slow in 2024?
Compared to the increasingly common 33W or 65W charging standards, 18W is relatively slow. A full charge will take considerably longer than with the Poco X3 NFC. However, the Realme 6i’s exceptional battery life means you may not need to charge it as frequently, lessening the impact of the slower charging speed.
❓ Can the Poco X3 NFC handle demanding games like PUBG Mobile at high settings?
Yes, the Snapdragon 732G is capable of running PUBG Mobile at high graphics settings with smooth frame rates. While it won’t match the performance of flagship chipsets, it provides a very enjoyable gaming experience for the price.
❓ How does the Realme 6i perform with multitasking and app switching?
The Realme 6i’s Helio G80 and available RAM (typically 4GB or 6GB) are sufficient for moderate multitasking. However, users who frequently switch between many apps may experience some slowdowns compared to the Poco X3 NFC with its more powerful processor and potentially 8GB of RAM.
