POCO X3 NFC Review: A Robust Mid-Range Contender

The POCO X3 NFC marks the brand’s first device in Nepal to feature an original design since its spin-off from Xiaomi. This phone aims to deliver a powerful mid-range experience with a focus on gaming and endurance, though its bulky form factor may deter those who prefer slim, lightweight devices.

Design and Build The phone sports a plastic rear panel with an aluminum frame and a Gorilla Glass 5 front. Despite the metal frame that enhances durability, the device feels heavy at 215 grams and measures over 9.4mm thick, making it uncomfortable for prolonged use. The rear features prominent POCO branding and a camera module that some may find visually unappealing. On the front, a built-in screen protector and IP53 dust/water resistance add practical benefits.

Display The 6.67-inch FHD+ IPS LCD panel boasts a smooth 120Hz refresh rate, a punch-hole cutout instead of a notch, and a 240Hz touch sampling rate. Colors and brightness are decent for an LCD, with good outdoor visibility and HDR10 support. However, scrolling through feeds or multitasking can reveal stuttering, suggesting room for software optimization.

Performance Powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 732G processor, the phone handles everyday tasks smoothly and delivers respectable gaming performance. In titles like PUBG Mobile and Call of Duty Mobile, frame rates are decent, though most games aren’t optimized for 120fps on mid-range chipsets. The Adreno 618 GPU contributes to this, but users shouldn’t expect flagship-level smoothness.

Software The device runs MIUI 12 for POCO on Android 10. While the interface is familiar to Xiaomi users, default apps still contain occasional ads. At the time of review, the phone carried September security patches, and heating was minimal during normal use, though heavy gaming caused some warmth.

Cameras A quad-camera setup includes a 64MP Sony IMX682 main sensor, a 13MP ultra-wide lens, and two 2MP depth and macro sensors. The primary and ultra-wide lenses produce detailed images with natural colors, outperforming rivals like the Realme 7 Pro in detail and dynamic range. Night mode enhances low-light photos, though it’s unavailable for the ultra-wide lens. Selfies from the 20MP front camera are strong, though bright conditions can introduce red tints and exposure issues. Video recording benefits from gyro-EIS, but 4K footage shows lag during panning.

Battery and Audio The massive 5160mAh battery easily lasts a full day, even with heavy use, and supports 33W fast charging, reaching 100% in about 95 minutes. Stereo speakers deliver loud, clear audio with decent bass, though mid-range tones are slightly subdued.

Verdict The POCO X3 NFC is a compelling choice for users who need a durable, battery-friendly phone with solid gaming capabilities. Its 120Hz display, improved camera hardware, and fast charging are significant pluses. However, the heavy design and occasional stuttering on the high-refresh-rate screen are drawbacks. At Rs. 31,999, it represents excellent value in the Nepali market, especially for gamers seeking performance without a premium price tag.