Introducing the POCO X3 NFC
The POCO X3 NFC is a standout smartphone in the mid-range segment, offering an exceptional balance of performance, features, and value. This device, released by POCO, a sub-brand of Xiaomi, has quickly garnered attention for its robust specifications and affordable price point. It is designed to cater to the needs of tech enthusiasts and everyday users alike, making it a versatile choice in a competitive market.
Design and Build Quality
The design of the POCO X3 NFC is both functional and aesthetically pleasing. It features a sleek, modern look with a plastic back and a metal frame, ensuring durability without compromising on style. The device is available in a variety of colors, allowing users to choose one that best suits their personal taste. The POCO branding is prominently displayed on the back, giving it a distinct identity.
The front of the phone is dominated by a 6.67-inch display, which we will discuss in detail later. The placement of buttons and ports is ergonomic, with the volume rocker and power button, which doubles as a fingerprint sensor, located on the right side. The left side houses the SIM tray, while the bottom edge includes the USB-C port, speaker grille, and a 3.5mm headphone jack, a feature that is becoming increasingly rare in modern smartphones.
Display Quality
One of the key highlights of the POCO X3 NFC is its display. The device sports a 6.67-inch Full HD+ LCD panel with a resolution of 2400 x 1080 pixels. What sets this display apart is its 120Hz refresh rate, a feature typically reserved for higher-end smartphones. This high refresh rate ensures smooth scrolling and an enhanced gaming experience, making it a delight for gamers and multimedia consumers.
The display also supports HDR10, which enhances the viewing experience by providing richer colors and better contrast. The brightness levels are sufficient for outdoor use, and the viewing angles are impressive for an LCD panel. Overall, the display on the POCO X3 NFC is one of its strongest selling points, offering a high-quality visual experience at a mid-range price.
Performance and Hardware
Under the hood, the POCO X3 NFC is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 732G processor, coupled with 6GB of RAM. This combination ensures smooth and efficient performance, capable of handling everyday tasks with ease. Whether you're browsing the web, streaming videos, or playing games, the POCO X3 NFC delivers a seamless experience.
The Adreno 618 GPU ensures that gaming performance is also commendable. Popular games like PUBG Mobile, Call of Duty Mobile, and Asphalt 9 run smoothly with high graphics settings. The device also features LiquidCool Technology 1.0 Plus, which includes a copper heat pipe and multiple layers of graphite to keep the temperature under control during extended gaming sessions.
Battery Life
Battery life is another area where the POCO X3 NFC excels. It is equipped with a massive 5160mAh battery, which provides excellent endurance. With moderate to heavy usage, the device easily lasts a full day on a single charge. This includes activities such as social media browsing, video streaming, gaming, and more.
The phone supports 33W fast charging, which is a significant advantage. The included charger can juice up the battery from 0 to 100% in about an hour, minimizing downtime and ensuring that you're always ready to go. This combination of a large battery and fast charging makes the POCO X3 NFC a reliable companion for users who are always on the move.
Camera Capabilities
The POCO X3 NFC features a versatile quad-camera setup on the rear, consisting of a 64MP primary sensor, a 13MP ultra-wide-angle lens, a 2MP macro camera, and a 2MP depth sensor. This configuration allows users to capture a wide range of shots, from expansive landscapes to detailed close-ups.
The 64MP primary sensor, with an f/1.89 aperture, captures detailed and vibrant images in good lighting conditions. The ultra-wide-angle lens offers a 119-degree field of view, perfect for group photos and scenic shots. The macro camera, although limited to 2MP, is capable of capturing intricate details at close range. The depth sensor helps in creating pleasing bokeh effects for portrait shots.
On the front, the device boasts a 20MP selfie camera with an f/2.2 aperture. The front camera performs well in various lighting conditions, producing sharp and well-exposed selfies. It also supports features like AI Beautify and AI Portrait mode, enhancing the quality of self-portraits.
Software Experience
The POCO X3 NFC runs on MIUI 12 for POCO, based on Android 10. MIUI 12 brings a host of new features and improvements, including an enhanced dark mode, improved privacy controls, and dynamic animations. The user interface is smooth and responsive, offering a customizable experience with numerous themes and wallpapers available through the MIUI theme store.
One of the standout features of MIUI 12 is the control center, which provides quick access to essential settings and notifications. The device also comes with a suite of pre-installed apps, many of which can be uninstalled if not needed. Regular software updates from Xiaomi ensure that the device remains up-to-date with the latest security patches and features.
Connectivity and Additional Features
The POCO X3 NFC, as its name suggests, includes NFC (Near Field Communication) support, enabling features like contactless payments via Google Pay. The device also supports dual SIM functionality, allowing users to manage two phone numbers simultaneously. Other connectivity options include Wi-Fi 5, Bluetooth 5.1, and GPS.
One of the unique features of the POCO X3 NFC is the inclusion of an IR blaster, which allows the device to be used as a universal remote for controlling TVs, air conditioners, and other home appliances. This feature adds an extra layer of convenience for users who prefer a single device to manage multiple gadgets.
Audio and Multimedia
Audio quality on the POCO X3 NFC is impressive, thanks to its stereo speaker setup. The dual speakers provide a balanced and immersive sound experience, making it ideal for watching videos and playing games. The device also supports Hi-Res Audio certification, ensuring high-quality sound output through wired headphones.
The 3.5mm headphone jack is a welcome addition, allowing users to connect their favorite wired headphones without the need for adapters. The device also includes an FM radio, providing access to local radio stations for users who enjoy listening to music and news on the go.
Storage and Expandability
The POCO X3 NFC is available in two storage variants: 64GB and 128GB. Both versions include UFS 2.1 storage, which ensures faster read and write speeds compared to traditional eMMC storage. For users who require additional storage, the device supports microSD cards up to 256GB, allowing for ample space to store photos, videos, and apps.
Conclusion
The POCO X3 NFC is a remarkable mid-range smartphone that offers a comprehensive package of features, performance, and value. Its standout display, robust performance, long battery life, and versatile camera system make it an attractive option for a wide range of users. The inclusion of features like a high refresh rate display, NFC support, and fast charging further enhances its appeal.
With the POCO X3 NFC, POCO has managed to deliver a device that competes with higher-end smartphones at a fraction of the price. Whether you're a gamer, a photography enthusiast, or someone who simply wants a reliable and feature-rich smartphone, the POCO X3 NFC is worth considering. It stands as a testament to POCO's commitment to providing high-quality technology at accessible prices, making it a true game-changer in the mid-range smartphone market.
