Realme 7 vs Poco X3 NFC: Which Budget Champion Reigns Supreme?

The Realme 7 and Xiaomi Poco X3 NFC represent a sweet spot in the smartphone market – delivering impressive features without breaking the bank. Both phones target gamers and power users, but they take different approaches. The Realme 7 leverages MediaTek’s Helio G95, while the Poco X3 NFC opts for Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 732G. This comparison dives deep into the nuances of each device to determine which one offers the best overall experience.
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🏆 Quick Verdict

For most users, the Xiaomi Poco X3 NFC emerges as the stronger contender. Its Snapdragon 732G, built on a more efficient 8nm process, provides a noticeable performance edge and better thermal management, crucial for sustained gaming. While the Realme 7’s 30W charging is competitive, the Poco X3 NFC’s slightly faster charging and comparable battery life seal the deal.

PHONES
Phone Names Realme 7 (Global) Xiaomi Poco X3 NFC
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 - SIM 1 & SIM 2GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100
4G bands1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 411, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41
SpeedHSPA, LTE-AHSPA, LTE
TechnologyGSM / HSPA / LTEGSM / HSPA / LTE
Launch
Announced2020, October 072020, September 07
StatusAvailable. Released 2020, October 21Available. Released 2020, September 08
Body
BuildGlass front (Gorilla Glass 3), plastic back, plastic frameGlass front (Gorilla Glass 5), aluminum frame, plastic back
Dimensions162.3 x 75.4 x 9.4 mm (6.39 x 2.97 x 0.37 in)165.3 x 76.8 x 9.4 mm (6.51 x 3.02 x 0.37 in)
SIMDual SIM (Nano-SIM, dual stand-by)Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM
Weight196.5 g (6.95 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 (~83.4% 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 Helio G95 (12 nm)Qualcomm SM7150-AC Snapdragon 732G (8 nm)
GPUMali-G76 MC4Adreno 618
OSAndroid 10, Realme UIAndroid 10, upgradable to Android 12, MIUI 14
Memory
Card slotmicroSDXC (dedicated slot)microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot)
Internal64GB 4GB RAM, 64GB 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
Quad48 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 1/2.0", 0.8µm, PDAF 8 MP, f/2.3, 119˚, 16mm (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm 2 MP, f/2.4, (macro) 2 MP, f/2.4, (depth)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
Video4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60/120fps, gyro-EIS4K@30fps, 1080p@30/120fps, 720p@960fps; gyro-EIS
Selfie camera
FeaturesPanoramaHDR, panorama
Single16 MP, f/2.1, 26mm (wide), 1/3.1", 1.0µm20 MP, f/2.2, (wide), 1/3.4", 0.8µm
Video1080p@30/120fps1080p@30fps
Sound
3.5mm jack YesYes
35mm jack-Yes
Loudspeaker YesYes, with stereo speakers
 -24-bit/192kHz audio
Comms
Bluetooth5.0, A2DP, LE5.1, A2DP, LE
Infrared port-Yes
NFCYesYes
PositioningGPS, GLONASS, BDSGPS, GLONASS, BDS
RadioNoFM 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, 50% in 26 min, 100% in 65 min (advertised)33W wired, 62% in 30 min, 100% in 65 min
TypeLi-Po 5000 mAh, non-removableLi-Po 5160 mAh
Misc
ColorsMist Blue, Mist WhiteCobalt Blue, Shadow Gray
ModelsRMX2155M2007J20CG, M2007J20CT
PriceAbout 250 EURAbout 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 126h Endurance rating 125h
Camera Photo / Video Photo / Video
Display Contrast ratio: 1474:1 (nominal) Contrast ratio: 1299:1 (nominal)
Loudspeaker -25.9 LUFS (Very good) -25.3 LUFS (Very good)
Performance AnTuTu: 292828(v8) GeekBench: 1681 (v5.1) GFXBench: 17fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) AnTuTu: 283750 (v8) GeekBench: 1777 (v5.1) GFXBench: 16fps (ES 3.1 onscreen)

Realme 7 (Global)

  • Slightly higher contrast ratio for potentially richer visuals.
  • Competitive 30W fast charging.
  • Strong endurance rating of 126 hours.

  • Less efficient 12nm Helio G95 chipset.
  • Potential for thermal throttling during prolonged gaming.
  • Limited RAM options compared to the Poco X3 NFC.

Xiaomi Poco X3 NFC

  • More efficient 8nm Snapdragon 732G chipset.
  • Faster 33W charging.
  • Available with up to 8GB of RAM for improved multitasking.

  • Slightly lower contrast ratio (1299:1).
  • Comparable battery life to the Realme 7.
  • Image processing may be a matter of personal preference.

Display Comparison

Both the Realme 7 and Poco X3 NFC feature displays with a nominal contrast ratio of around 1300:1, indicating similar levels of black depth and color vibrancy. However, the Realme 7’s 1474:1 contrast ratio suggests a marginally better ability to differentiate between shades. Neither manufacturer specifies panel technology (IPS vs VA), but both are likely IPS LCDs given the price point. Bezels are comparable, and without detailed luminance measurements, it’s difficult to definitively say which display is brighter. The real difference lies in the chipset’s ability to drive the display smoothly during demanding tasks.

Camera Comparison

Both phones offer a standard photo/video experience for their price range. Without detailed camera samples and analysis, it’s difficult to declare a clear winner. However, the focus should be on the main sensors and image processing. The lack of specific sensor details in the provided data makes a direct comparison challenging. It’s likely both phones rely on similar sensor sizes and apertures. The 2MP macro cameras on both devices are largely marketing filler and offer limited practical value. Image processing algorithms will be the key differentiator, and user preference will play a significant role.

Performance

The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Poco X3 NFC’s Snapdragon 732G (8nm) boasts a more efficient manufacturing process than the Realme 7’s Helio G95 (12nm). This translates to better thermal performance under sustained load, preventing the Poco X3 NFC from throttling as aggressively during extended gaming sessions. While the Helio G95’s Cortex-A76 cores clock slightly higher (2.05 GHz vs 2.3 GHz on the Kryo 470 Gold), the Snapdragon 732G’s architecture and efficiency provide a more consistent experience. The Poco X3 NFC’s availability with 8GB of RAM further enhances multitasking capabilities.

Battery Life

Both devices achieve remarkably similar endurance ratings – 126 hours for the Realme 7 and 125 hours for the Poco X3 NFC. This suggests comparable real-world battery life. However, the Poco X3 NFC’s 33W charging offers a slight advantage, reaching 62% charge in 30 minutes compared to the Realme 7’s 50%. Both phones reach 100% charge in approximately 65 minutes. The Snapdragon 732G’s efficiency also contributes to slightly lower power consumption during typical usage, potentially extending the Poco X3 NFC’s battery life marginally.

Buying Guide

Buy the Realme 7 (Global) if you prioritize a slightly higher contrast ratio in display visuals and are heavily invested in the Realme ecosystem. Buy the Xiaomi Poco X3 NFC if you value sustained gaming performance, a more efficient chipset, and a potentially lower price point, especially considering the available RAM configurations (6GB/8GB) and storage options.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Does the Snapdragon 732G in the Poco X3 NFC get hot during extended gaming sessions like PUBG or Call of Duty?
The Snapdragon 732G’s 8nm process is significantly more efficient than the Helio G95’s 12nm process. While some heat is inevitable during prolonged gaming, the Poco X3 NFC is designed with improved thermal management, minimizing throttling and maintaining a more consistent frame rate compared to the Realme 7.
❓ Is the 64GB storage option on the Poco X3 NFC sufficient, or should I opt for the 128GB version?
64GB is becoming increasingly restrictive, especially if you plan to install numerous games or record a lot of video. We strongly recommend opting for the 128GB version of the Poco X3 NFC, as it provides significantly more breathing room and future-proofs your device. The Poco X3 NFC also supports microSD card expansion, but internal storage is always faster.
❓ How does the Realme 7's charging speed compare to other phones in this price range?
The Realme 7's 30W charging is competitive within the budget segment, but the Poco X3 NFC's 33W charging offers a slight edge, reaching a higher charge percentage in the same timeframe. While both phones fully charge in around 65 minutes, the Poco X3 NFC's faster initial charging speed can be beneficial for quick top-ups.