Realme GT Explorer Master vs. Xiaomi Poco F3: A Clash of Flagship Killers

The Realme GT Explorer Master and Xiaomi Poco F3 both aim to deliver flagship-level performance without the flagship price tag. Both pack the Snapdragon 870 chipset, but differences in charging speed, display brightness, and design set them apart. Let's dive into a detailed comparison to see which phone reigns supreme.
Phones Images

🏆 Quick Verdict

The Realme GT Explorer Master edges out the Poco F3 thanks to its significantly faster 65W charging and brighter display. While both offer excellent performance and battery life, Realme's charging advantage makes it a more compelling choice for many users. However, the Poco F3 remains a strong contender, especially for those prioritizing value.

PHONES
Phone Names Realme GT Explorer Master Xiaomi Poco F3
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100
4G bands1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 18, 19, 26, 34, 38, 39, 40, 411, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66
5G bands1, 3, 5, 8, 28, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA
SpeedHSPA, LTE, 5GHSPA, LTE, 5G
TechnologyGSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE / 5GGSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G
 CDMA2000 1xEV-DO -
Launch
Announced2021, July 212021, March 22
StatusAvailable. Released 2021, July 27Available. Released 2021, March 27
Body
BuildGlass front (Gorilla Glass 5), plastic back, aluminum frameGlass front (Gorilla Glass 5), glass back (Gorilla Glass 5), plastic frame
Dimensions159.9 mm x 72.5 mm x 8.0/8.8 mm (depending on color)163.7 x 76.4 x 7.8 mm (6.44 x 3.01 x 0.31 in)
SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIM
Weight183.5/185 g (depending on color) (6.49 oz)196 g (6.91 oz)
 -IP53, dust and splash resistant
Display
ProtectionCorning Gorilla Glass 5Corning Gorilla Glass 5
Resolution1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~402 ppi density)1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~395 ppi density)
Size6.55 inches, 103.6 cm2 (~89.3% screen-to-body ratio)6.67 inches, 107.4 cm2 (~85.9% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeSuper AMOLED, 120Hz, HDR10+, 1100 nits (peak)AMOLED, 120Hz, HDR10+, 1300 nits (peak)
Platform
CPUOcta-core (1x3.2 GHz Kryo 585 & 3x2.42 GHz Kryo 585 & 4x1.80 GHz Kryo 585)Octa-core (1x3.2 GHz Kryo 585 & 3x2.42 GHz Kryo 585 & 4x1.80 GHz Kryo 585)
ChipsetQualcomm SM8250-AC Snapdragon 870 5G (7 nm)Qualcomm SM8250-AC Snapdragon 870 5G (7 nm)
GPUAdreno 650Adreno 650
OSAndroid 11, Realme UI 2.0Android 11, upgradable to Android 13, HyperOS
Memory
Card slotNoNo
Internal128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM
 UFSUFS 3.1
Main Camera
FeaturesDual-LED flash, HDR, panoramaColor spectrum sensor, LED flash, HDR, panorama
Single32 MP, f/2.5, 26mm (wide), 1/2.74", 0.8µm20 MP, f/2.5, (wide), 1/3.4", 0.8µm
Triple50 MP, f/1.9, 24mm (wide), 1/1.56", 1.0µm, multi-directional PDAF, OIS 16 MP, f/2.2, 14mm, 123˚ (ultrawide), 1/3.09", 1.0µm 2 MP (macro)48 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 1/2.0", 0.8µm, PDAF 8 MP, f/2.2, 119˚ (ultrawide) 5 MP, f/2.4, 50mm (macro), AF
Video4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60fps, gyro-EIS4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60/120/240/960fps, gyro-EIS
Selfie camera
FeaturesPanorama, HDRHDR
Single32 MP, f/2.5, 26mm (wide), 1/2.74", 0.8µm20 MP, f/2.5, (wide), 1/3.4", 0.8µm
Video1080p@30fps1080p@30/60fps, 720p@120fps
Sound
3.5mm jack NoNo
35mm jackNoNo
Loudspeaker Yes, with stereo speakersYes, with stereo speakers
 24-bit/192kHz audio24-bit/192kHz audio
Comms
Bluetooth5.2, A2DP, LE5.1, A2DP, LE
Infrared port-Yes
NFCYesYes (market/region dependent)
PositioningGPS (L1+L5), GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO, QZSSGPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (G1), BDS (B1I+B2a), GALILEO (E1+E5a), NavIC
RadioNoNo
USBUSB Type-C 2.0, OTGUSB Type-C 2.0, OTG
WLANWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, dual-band, Wi-Fi DirectWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct
Features
SensorsFingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compassFingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, compass
 -Virtual proximity sensing
Battery
Charging65W wired, 50% in 13 min, 100% in 33 min33W wired, PD3.0, QC3, 100% in 52 min
Type4500 mAhLi-Po 4520 mAh
Misc
ColorsGray, White, Aurora, ApricotArctic White, Night Black, Deep Ocean Blue, Moonlight Silver
ModelsRMX3366M2012K11AG
PriceAbout 380 EUR€ 162.15
SAR-1.06 W/kg (head)     0.72 W/kg (body)
SAR EU-0.60 W/kg (head)     0.84 W/kg (body)
Tests
Battery life Endurance rating 117h Endurance rating 114h
Camera Photo / Video Photo / Video
Display Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal) Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal)
Loudspeaker -25.6 LUFS (Very good) -24.5 LUFS (Very good)
Performance AnTuTu: 717879 (v9) GeekBench: 3050 (v5.1) GFXBench: 50fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) AnTuTu: 631850 (v8), 697216 (v9) GeekBench: 3206 (v5.1) GFXBench: 48fps (ES 3.1 onscreen)

Realme GT Explorer Master

  • Faster 65W Charging
  • Brighter Display (805 nits)
  • Excellent Performance (Snapdragon 870)
  • Good Battery Life

  • Camera performance could be better
  • Design may not appeal to everyone

Xiaomi Poco F3

  • Excellent Value for Money
  • Good Performance (Snapdragon 870)
  • Good Battery Life
  • Potentially more versatile camera system (based on general Poco F3 knowledge)

  • Slower 33W Charging
  • Less Bright Display
  • Camera quality may not match higher-end phones

Display Comparison

Both phones feature AMOLED displays with a 120Hz refresh rate, offering smooth scrolling and vibrant colors. However, the Realme GT Explorer Master boasts a measured peak brightness of 805 nits, significantly brighter than the Poco F3. This makes the Realme a better choice for outdoor use. Both have 'Infinite' contrast ratios, a nominal term indicating excellent contrast.

Camera Comparison

Camera performance is a complex area. While both are listed as 'Photo / Video', detailed camera specs are missing. Generally, the Poco F3 is known to have a slightly more versatile camera system, often including a dedicated macro lens. The Realme GT Explorer Master's camera is generally considered good, but not exceptional. Further testing would be needed for a definitive comparison.

Performance

Performance is virtually identical. Both devices are powered by the Snapdragon 870 chipset, ensuring smooth multitasking, demanding games, and overall snappy performance. The 7nm process ensures efficiency, and the octa-core CPU handles tasks with ease. No noticeable performance difference is expected in real-world usage.

Battery Life

Battery life is impressive on both devices, with endurance ratings of 117h and 114h respectively. The Realme GT Explorer Master takes a commanding lead in charging speed, offering 65W wired charging (50% in 13 min, 100% in 33 min) compared to the Poco F3's 33W charging (100% in 52 min). This is a significant advantage for Realme users.

Buying Guide

The Realme GT Explorer Master is ideal for users who prioritize fast charging and a brighter display for outdoor visibility. The Xiaomi Poco F3 is a great choice for those seeking a well-rounded phone with excellent performance and a competitive price, particularly if charging speed isn't a top concern.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Which phone has better battery life?
Both offer excellent battery life with similar endurance ratings. However, the Realme GT Explorer Master charges significantly faster.
❓ Is the Snapdragon 870 chipset still good in 2024?
Yes, the Snapdragon 870 remains a very capable chipset, providing smooth performance for most tasks and games.