Xiaomi's Poco sub-brand has consistently delivered impressive value, and the M3 and X3 NFC are prime examples. While both aim for the budget-conscious consumer, they take different approaches. The M3 prioritizes endurance and a unique design, while the X3 NFC focuses on performance and faster charging. This comparison dissects their key differences to determine which phone offers the best overall experience.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Poco X3 NFC is the superior choice. Its Snapdragon 732G chipset provides a noticeable performance boost over the M3's Snapdragon 662, and the 33W fast charging significantly reduces downtime. While the M3 boasts slightly better battery endurance, the X3 NFC's advantages outweigh this difference.
| 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, November 24 | 2020, September 07 |
| Status | Available. Released 2020, November 27 | 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 77.3 x 9.6 mm (6.39 x 3.04 x 0.38 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 | 198 g (6.98 oz) | 215 g (7.58 oz) |
| | - | IP53, dust and splash resistant |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2340 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~395 ppi density) | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~395 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.53 inches, 104.7 cm2 (~83.4% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.67 inches, 107.4 cm2 (~84.6% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 400 nits (typ) | IPS LCD, 120Hz, HDR10, 450 nits (typ) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.0 GHz Kryo 260 Gold & 4x1.8 GHz Kryo 260 Silver) | Octa-core (2x2.3 GHz Kryo 470 Gold & 6x1.8 GHz Kryo 470 Silver) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM6115 Snapdragon 662 (11 nm) | Qualcomm SM7150-AC Snapdragon 732G (8 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 610 | Adreno 618 |
| OS | Android 10, MIUI 12 | 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 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM | 64GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM |
| | UFS 2.1 - 64GB
UFS 2.2 - 128GB | UFS 2.1
|
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | Dual-LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Quad | - | 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 |
| Triple | 48 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.0", 0.8µm, PDAF
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/120fps, 720p@960fps; gyro-EIS |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | Panorama | HDR, panorama |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.1, (wide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm | 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, with dual speakers | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| | 24-bit/192kHz audio | 24-bit/192kHz audio |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.1, A2DP, LE |
| Infrared port | Yes | Yes |
| NFC | No | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO | 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 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, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 18W wired
2.5W reverse wired | 33W wired, 62% in 30 min, 100% in 65 min |
| Type | Li-Po 6000 mAh | Li-Po 5160 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Cool Blue, Poco Yellow, Power Black | Cobalt Blue, Shadow Gray |
| Models | M2010J19CG, M2010J19CI | M2007J20CG, M2007J20CT |
| Price | $ 130.00 / ₹ 11,590 | About 100 EUR |
| SAR | 1.09 W/kg (head) 1.00 W/kg (body) | 0.77 W/kg (head) 0.61 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | 0.60 W/kg (head) 0.81 W/kg (body) | 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 154h |
Endurance rating 125h
|
| Camera |
Photo / Video |
Photo / Video |
| Display |
Contrast ratio: 1567:1 (nominal) |
Contrast ratio: 1299:1 (nominal) |
| Loudspeaker |
-26.5 LUFS (Good) |
-25.3 LUFS (Very good)
|
| Performance |
AnTuTu: 177904 (v8)
GeekBench: 1398 (v5.1)
GFXBench: 5.9fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) |
AnTuTu: 283750 (v8)
GeekBench: 1777 (v5.1)
GFXBench: 16fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) |
Xiaomi Poco M3
- Longer battery life (154h endurance)
- Higher peak display brightness (439 nits)
- Unique textured back design
- Less powerful Snapdragon 662 chipset
- Slower 18W charging
Xiaomi Poco X3 NFC
- Faster Snapdragon 732G chipset
- 33W fast charging (65 min to full)
- NFC support for contactless payments
- Shorter battery life (125h endurance)
- Slightly lower peak display brightness
Display Comparison
Both the Poco M3 and X3 NFC feature displays with a nominal contrast ratio around 1300:1, indicating similar color reproduction capabilities. However, the Poco M3 edges out the X3 NFC in peak brightness, reaching 439 nits compared to the X3 NFC's unspecified value (likely lower given the battery focus). This makes the M3 slightly more visible in direct sunlight. Both lack high refresh rates, a common omission in this price bracket, but the M3's higher brightness is a tangible benefit for outdoor use.
Camera Comparison
Both phones are equipped with a photo/video camera setup, but detailed sensor information is lacking. Given the price point, expecting flagship-level camera performance is unrealistic. The X3 NFC’s more powerful processor likely provides better image processing capabilities, potentially leading to improved dynamic range and noise reduction. However, without specific sensor details, it’s difficult to definitively declare a winner. The inclusion of NFC in the X3 NFC also allows for mobile payments, a feature absent in the M3.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Poco X3 NFC’s Snapdragon 732G, built on an 8nm process, is a significant upgrade over the Poco M3’s Snapdragon 662 (11nm). The 732G’s Kryo 470 Gold cores clock higher (2.3 GHz vs 2.0 GHz) and its architecture is more efficient, resulting in faster performance in demanding tasks and smoother multitasking. While both phones offer 6GB RAM options, the X3 NFC’s superior chipset will leverage that RAM more effectively. This translates to a more responsive user experience and better gaming performance.
Battery Life
The Poco M3 boasts an endurance rating of 154 hours, surpassing the X3 NFC’s 125 hours. This suggests the M3 will last longer on a single charge under typical usage. However, the X3 NFC compensates with significantly faster charging: 33W wired charging, capable of reaching 62% in 30 minutes and 100% in 65 minutes, compared to the M3’s slower 18W charging. This faster charging mitigates the difference in overall endurance, making the X3 NFC more convenient for users who frequently need to top up their battery.
Buying Guide
Buy the Xiaomi Poco M3 if you absolutely prioritize maximum battery life and a distinctive textured back, and are willing to compromise on processing power. It's ideal for users who primarily browse, message, and make calls. Buy the Xiaomi Poco X3 NFC if you value a smoother user experience, faster app loading times, and quicker charging, making it better suited for casual gamers and those who demand more from their smartphone.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Does the Snapdragon 732G in the Poco X3 NFC get noticeably warmer during extended gaming sessions?
While the Snapdragon 732G is more powerful, it's also more efficient than the 662. Thermal throttling is possible during prolonged, graphically intensive gaming, but the X3 NFC generally manages heat better than comparable devices in this price range. Expect some warmth, but not overheating that severely impacts performance.
❓ Is the 2MP macro camera on either phone worth using for detailed close-up shots?
Realistically, the 2MP macro cameras on both the Poco M3 and X3 NFC are limited by their low resolution and lack of autofocus. They can produce passable close-up shots in ideal lighting conditions, but don't expect professional-level detail or clarity. They are more of a marketing feature than a genuinely useful camera component.
❓ Can the Poco X3 NFC reliably maintain 60fps in popular games like PUBG Mobile?
The Poco X3 NFC can generally maintain 60fps in PUBG Mobile with medium graphics settings. However, frame rates may dip during intense firefights or with higher graphics settings. The Snapdragon 732G provides enough power for a smooth gaming experience, but it's not a dedicated gaming phone.
❓ How does the reverse wired charging on the Poco M3 compare to using a power bank?
The Poco M3's 2.5W reverse wired charging is a convenient feature for topping up accessories like wireless earbuds or smartwatches, but it's significantly slower than using a dedicated power bank. It's best suited for emergency situations or slowly charging small devices, not for quickly replenishing a phone's battery.
