The Realme 7 and Xiaomi Poco X3 NFC represent compelling options in the sub-$300 smartphone market. Both devices target gamers and power users, but they achieve this with different approaches to chipset selection and fast charging. This comparison dives deep into the specifics to determine which phone delivers the best overall experience.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Xiaomi Poco X3 NFC emerges as the stronger choice. Its Snapdragon 732G, built on a more efficient 8nm process, provides a noticeable performance edge and better thermal management compared to the Realme 7’s Helio G95. While battery life is comparable, the Poco X3 NFC’s slightly faster charging and competitive pricing seal the deal.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 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, October 07. Released 2020, October 21 | 2020, September 07 |
| Status | Discontinued | Available. Released 2020, September 08 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 3), plastic back, plastic frame | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 5), aluminum frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 162.3 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) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 196.5 g (6.95 oz) | 215 g (7.58 oz) |
| | - | IP53, dust and splash resistant |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~405 ppi density) | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~395 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~83.4% 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 MT6785V/CD Helio G95 (12 nm) | Qualcomm SM7150-AC Snapdragon 732G (8 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G76 MC4 | 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 4GB RAM, 64GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM | 64GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM |
| | - | 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˚, 16mm (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens | 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@30/60/120fps, gyro-EIS | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/120fps, 720p@960fps; gyro-EIS |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | Panorama | HDR, panorama |
| Single | 16 MP, f/2.1, 26mm (wide), 1/3.1", 1.0µm | 20 MP, f/2.2, (wide), 1/3.4", 0.8µm |
| Video | 1080p@30/120fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | - | 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 | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, BDS |
| Radio | No | 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 (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 30W wired, 50% in 26 min, 100% in 65 min | 33W wired, 62% in 30 min, 100% in 65 min |
| Type | 5000 mAh | Li-Po 5160 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Mist Blue, Mist White | Cobalt Blue, Shadow Gray |
| Models | RMX2155 | M2007J20CG, M2007J20CT |
| Price | About 250 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 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) |
Realme 7
- Slightly higher contrast ratio for potentially deeper blacks.
- Proven reliability from the Realme brand.
- Competitive pricing within the budget segment.
- Less efficient 12nm chipset leads to potential throttling.
- Slower initial charging speed compared to the Poco X3 NFC.
- CPU clock speeds are lower than the Poco X3 NFC.
Xiaomi Poco X3 NFC
- More efficient 8nm Snapdragon 732G chipset.
- Faster initial charging speed (62% in 30 minutes).
- Competitive pricing, with options for 64GB/6GB and 128GB/6GB/8GB configurations.
- Contrast ratio is slightly lower than the Realme 7.
- Software experience can be heavily customized with MIUI.
- May not be as widely available in all regions.
Display Comparison
Both the Realme 7 and Poco X3 NFC feature displays with a nominal contrast ratio around 1300:1, indicating similar levels of black depth and color vibrancy. However, the Realme 7’s 1474:1 contrast ratio offers a marginal improvement. Neither manufacturer specifies panel technology (IPS vs. AMOLED), but both are likely IPS LCDs given the price bracket. Bezels are comparable, and without detailed color accuracy measurements, it’s difficult to declare a clear winner. The difference in contrast ratio is 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 knowing sensor sizes or aperture values, a direct comparison is difficult. The focus should be on image processing, which is brand-specific. It’s safe to assume that neither phone will compete with flagship camera performance, and the usefulness of any included 2MP macro lenses is questionable. Real-world image samples would be needed to determine which phone produces more pleasing results in various lighting conditions.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Poco X3 NFC’s Qualcomm Snapdragon 732G (8nm) boasts a more efficient manufacturing process than the Realme 7’s MediaTek Helio G95 (12nm). This translates to better thermal performance under sustained load, reducing the likelihood of performance throttling during extended gaming sessions. The Snapdragon 732G’s CPU, with 2x2.3 GHz Kryo 470 Gold cores, also offers a clock speed advantage over the Realme 7’s 2x2.05 GHz Cortex-A76 cores. While both phones have 6GB or 8GB RAM options, the Snapdragon 732G’s superior architecture will likely result in smoother multitasking and faster app loading times.
Battery Life
Both the Realme 7 and Poco X3 NFC achieve an endurance rating of approximately 125-126 hours, suggesting comparable battery life. However, charging speeds differ. The Poco X3 NFC’s 33W wired charging is slightly faster, reaching 62% charge in 30 minutes and 100% in 65 minutes, matching the Realme 7’s 100% charge time. The faster initial charging speed of the Poco X3 NFC is beneficial for users who need a quick power boost.
Buying Guide
Buy the Realme 7 if you prioritize a slightly higher contrast ratio in your display and are looking for a phone with a proven track record. Buy the Xiaomi Poco X3 NFC if you value raw gaming performance, efficient power usage, and faster charging speeds, all at a competitive price point. The Poco X3 NFC is the better option for users who frequently engage in demanding mobile games.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Poco X3 NFC’s Snapdragon 732G handle demanding games like PUBG Mobile at high settings?
Yes, the Snapdragon 732G is well-equipped to handle PUBG Mobile at high settings. Its Adreno 618 GPU provides sufficient graphical power, and the 8nm process helps prevent overheating and throttling during extended gaming sessions. Expect smooth frame rates and a playable experience.
❓ Does the Realme 7 support VoLTE on all major carriers?
VoLTE support varies by region and carrier. It's crucial to check compatibility with your specific carrier before purchasing the Realme 7. Consult Realme's official website or your carrier's support documentation for the most accurate information.
❓ How does MIUI on the Poco X3 NFC compare to Realme UI on the Realme 7 in terms of bloatware?
MIUI is known for including a significant amount of pre-installed apps (bloatware). While some can be uninstalled, it's a common complaint. Realme UI generally offers a cleaner software experience with less bloatware, but both interfaces are heavily customized and differ significantly from stock Android.
❓ Is the 64GB storage option on the Poco X3 NFC sufficient for most users?
64GB of storage can be limiting, especially if you plan to install many apps, games, or store a lot of photos and videos. We recommend opting for the 128GB version if your budget allows, as it provides more headroom and future-proofs the device.
