The Realme X3 and Xiaomi Poco F2 Pro represent a fascinating intersection of performance and price. Released in a similar timeframe, both phones aimed to deliver flagship-level processing power without the flagship price tag. The X3 leverages the Snapdragon 855+, a refined version of a proven performer, while the F2 Pro jumps to the newer Snapdragon 865, offering 5G connectivity and architectural improvements. This comparison dives deep into the nuances of each device to determine which one offers the best overall experience.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing raw performance and future-proofing, the Xiaomi Poco F2 Pro is the better choice. The Snapdragon 865 provides a noticeable performance uplift, and while charging takes slightly longer, the identical 120-hour endurance rating suggests comparable real-world battery life. However, the Realme X3 remains a compelling option for budget-conscious buyers.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 - International |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 8, 38, 39, 40, 41 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 - International |
| 5G bands | - | 77, 78 Sub6 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2020, June 25. Released 2020, June 30 | 2020, May 12 |
| Status | Discontinued | Available. Released 2020, May 19 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 5), glass back, plastic frame | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 5), glass back (Gorilla Glass 5), aluminum frame |
| Dimensions | 163.8 x 75.8 x 8.9 mm (6.45 x 2.98 x 0.35 in) | 163.3 x 75.4 x 8.9 mm (6.43 x 2.97 x 0.35 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 202 g (7.13 oz) | 219 g (7.72 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~399 ppi density) | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~395 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.6 inches, 105.2 cm2 (~84.7% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.67 inches, 107.4 cm2 (~87.2% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 120Hz | Super AMOLED, HDR10+, 500 nits (typ) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (1x2.96 GHz Kryo 485 & 3x2.42 GHz Kryo 485 & 4x1.78 GHz Kryo 485) | Octa-core (1x2.84 GHz Cortex-A77 & 3x2.42 GHz Cortex-A77 & 4x1.80 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM8150 Snapdragon 855+ (7 nm) | Qualcomm SM8250 Snapdragon 865 5G (7 nm+) |
| GPU | Adreno 640 (700 MHz) | Adreno 650 |
| OS | Android 10, upgradable to Android 11, Realme UI 2.0 | Android 10, upgradable to Android 12, MIUI 14 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | No | No |
| Internal | 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM | 64GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM |
| | UFS 3.0 | UFS 3.1
6GB RAM (LPDDR4X)
8GB RAM (LPDDR5) |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | Dual-LED dual-tone flash, HDR, panorama |
| Quad | 64 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 1/1.72", 0.8µm, PDAF
12 MP, f/2.5, 51mm (telephoto), PDAF, 2x optical zoom
8 MP, f/2.3, 119˚, 16mm (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm
2 MP (macro) | 64 MP, f/1.9, 26mm (wide), 1/1.72", 0.8µm, PDAF
5 MP, f/2.2, 50mm (telephoto macro), AF
13 MP, f/2.4, 123˚ (ultrawide), 1.12µm
Auxiliary lens |
| Video | 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60fps, 720p@960fps; gyro-EIS | 8K@24/30fps, 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/120/240fps, 1080p@960fps; gyro-EIS |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Dual | 16 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide), 1/3.06", 1.0µm
8 MP, f/2.2, 105˚ (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm | - |
| Features | Panorama | HDR |
| Single | - | Motorized pop-up 20 MP, f/2.2, (wide), 1/3.4", 0.8µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps, gyro-EIS | 1080p@30fps, 720p@120fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | No | Yes |
| 35mm jack | No | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| | 24-bit/192kHz audio | 24-bit/192kHz audio
|
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.1, A2DP, LE, aptX HD, aptX Adaptive |
| Infrared port | - | Yes |
| NFC | No | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO, QZSS | GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (G1), BDS (B1), GALILEO (E1+E5a), QZSS (L1+L5) |
| Radio | No | No |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0 | 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/6, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 30W wired, 100% in 55 min | 30W wired, PD3.0, QC4, 100% in 63 min |
| Type | 4200 mAh | Li-Po 4700 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Glacier Blue, Arctic White | Neon Blue, Phantom White, Electric Purple, Cyber Gray |
| Models | RMX2142, RMX2081, RMX2085, RMX2083 | M2004J11G |
| Price | About 290 EUR | About 150 EUR |
| SAR | - | 1.09 W/kg (head) 0.51 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | - | 0.79 W/kg (head) 1.03 W/kg (body) |
| Tests |
|---|
| Battery life | - |
Endurance rating 120h
|
| Camera | - |
Photo / Video |
| Display | - |
Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal) |
| Loudspeaker | - |
-25.6 LUFS (Very good)
|
| Performance | - |
AnTuTu: 538221 (v8)
GeekBench: 3332 (v5.1)
GFXBench: 40fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) |
Realme X3
- Faster charging speed (55 minutes to 100%)
- Potentially lower price point
- Capable performance for everyday tasks
- Older Snapdragon 855+ chipset
- Lacks 5G connectivity
- Display brightness likely lower than F2 Pro
Xiaomi Poco F2 Pro
- More powerful Snapdragon 865 chipset
- Integrated 5G modem
- Brighter display for better outdoor visibility
- Slightly slower charging speed (63 minutes to 100%)
- Potentially higher price point
- Identical endurance rating to X3 despite newer chipset
Display Comparison
The Poco F2 Pro boasts a significantly brighter display, reaching a measured peak of 854 nits, compared to an unspecified brightness for the Realme X3. This higher brightness translates to better visibility outdoors under direct sunlight. While both displays have an 'infinite' contrast ratio (typical for OLED/AMOLED panels), the F2 Pro’s brightness advantage is a clear win. Details regarding panel technology (e.g., LTPO) are missing for both, but the F2 Pro’s brightness suggests a higher-quality panel overall.
Camera Comparison
Both phones are listed as having 'Photo / Video' capabilities, lacking specific details. Without sensor size, aperture, or OIS information, a direct comparison is difficult. However, given the F2 Pro’s positioning as a slightly more premium device, it’s reasonable to assume a more sophisticated camera system. The absence of details suggests neither phone prioritizes camera performance as a key selling point, and users should temper expectations. We can assume both will perform adequately in good lighting conditions.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Poco F2 Pro’s Snapdragon 865 (7nm+) represents a generational leap over the Realme X3’s Snapdragon 855+ (7nm). The 865 features the newer Cortex-A77 cores in its prime configuration, offering improved IPC (Instructions Per Clock) compared to the Kryo 485 cores in the 855+. While both are octa-core CPUs, the 865’s architecture delivers superior sustained performance and efficiency. The 865 also includes an integrated 5G modem, a feature absent in the X3. The F2 Pro’s GPU will also provide a more substantial gaming experience.
Battery Life
Interestingly, both the Realme X3 and Xiaomi Poco F2 Pro share an endurance rating of 120 hours. This suggests similar real-world battery life despite potentially different battery capacities (not specified for either device). However, charging speeds differ slightly. The Realme X3 charges to 100% in 55 minutes with its 30W wired charging, while the Poco F2 Pro takes 63 minutes with its 30W wired charging, supporting PD3.0 and QC4 standards. The F2 Pro’s support for faster charging protocols offers greater compatibility with a wider range of chargers.
Buying Guide
Buy the Realme X3 if you need a capable all-rounder at the lowest possible price, and are comfortable with a slightly older chipset. It's ideal for everyday tasks, moderate gaming, and users who don't require 5G connectivity. Buy the Xiaomi Poco F2 Pro if you prioritize future-proofing, demanding gaming, and the benefits of the Snapdragon 865's improved architecture, even if it means a slightly higher initial investment.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Does the Snapdragon 865 in the Poco F2 Pro get noticeably hotter than the 855+ in the Realme X3 during extended gaming sessions?
While the Snapdragon 865 is more powerful, its 7nm+ process is more efficient. However, sustained performance depends heavily on thermal management. Without specific thermal testing data, it's difficult to say definitively. The F2 Pro *could* experience more thermal throttling under extreme load, but its improved architecture should mitigate this to some extent.
❓ Is the lack of detailed camera specs on both phones a sign of poor camera performance?
Not necessarily, but it suggests the cameras aren't a primary selling point. Both phones likely offer adequate camera performance for casual use, but don't expect flagship-level image quality. The absence of features like OIS or large sensors indicates they won't excel in low-light conditions.
❓ Does the Poco F2 Pro's support for PD3.0 and QC4 charging standards mean I can use any fast charger with it?
Yes, the support for PD3.0 and QC4 allows for compatibility with a wider range of fast chargers. However, to achieve the maximum 30W charging speed, it's best to use a charger specifically supporting these protocols. Using a standard charger will still work, but at a slower rate.
