Xiaomi Poco F3 Specs Pricing Pros & Cons Unveiled

Design and Build Quality

The Xiaomi Poco F3 boasts a sleek and modern design. Its dimensions are 163.7 x 76.4 x 7.8 mm, which makes it relatively thin and comfortable to hold. Weighing in at 196 grams, the device is substantial enough to feel premium without being unwieldy. The front and back are both covered with Gorilla Glass 5, offering a durable and scratch-resistant surface, while the plastic frame keeps the overall weight down. The phone supports dual SIM cards (Nano-SIM, dual stand-by), making it convenient for those who need separate personal and work numbers.

Display

Poco F3 is equipped with a stunning 6.67-inch AMOLED display. The screen supports a resolution of 1080 x 2400 pixels with a 20:9 aspect ratio, offering around 395 ppi density which makes for sharp and vibrant images. The display also supports HDR10+ and a peak brightness of 1300 nits, ensuring excellent visibility even under direct sunlight. The 120Hz refresh rate is a notable feature, providing ultra-smooth motion for gaming and scrolling. Protected by Corning Gorilla Glass 5, the display is designed to resist minor impacts and scratches.

Performance and Software

Under the hood, the Poco F3 is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 870 5G chipset. This octa-core processor (1x3.2 GHz Kryo 585 & 3x2.42 GHz Kryo 585 & 4x1.80 GHz Kryo 585) ensures powerful performance and efficient multitasking. Coupled with the Adreno 650 GPU, it excels in gaming and graphics-intensive applications. There are various configurations available, with options for 6GB or 8GB of RAM paired with either 128GB or 256GB of internal storage. Unfortunately, there is no microSD slot for expanded storage, so users will need to choose their storage option wisely.

Camera

The Poco F3 features a versatile triple-camera setup on the rear. The main wide camera is a 48 MP sensor with an f/1.8 aperture, providing excellent detail in various lighting conditions. The ultrawide camera is 8 MP with a 119° field of view, while the 5 MP macro camera allows for close-up shots with autofocus. The camera system includes features such as LED flash, HDR, and panorama. Video recording capabilities are impressive, with support for 4K at 30fps, and various framerates at 1080p, including slow-motion options. The front-facing camera is 20 MP, enabling high-quality selfies and 1080p video capture.

Audio

The device is equipped with stereo speakers, offering a rich audio experience for media consumption and gaming. Despite the absence of a 3.5mm headphone jack, users can enjoy high-quality audio over Bluetooth 5.1, which supports advanced audio distribution profiles. While the lack of a headphone jack may disappoint some users, the emphasis is clearly on wireless audio solutions.

Connectivity

The Poco F3 covers a wide range of modern connectivity options. It supports Wi-Fi 6 (802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6), offering faster data rates and improved performance in crowded areas. Bluetooth 5.1 ensures robust and energy-efficient connections to peripherals. Location services are comprehensive, with GPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO, and NavIC compatibility. NFC is available but may depend on the region. It also includes an infrared port for remote-control functions. However, the device does not feature an FM radio.

Battery Life and Charging

The device is powered by a 4520 mAh non-removable battery, promising excellent longevity with a 114-hour endurance rating. Fast charging is supported with a 33W wired solution that can bring the phone to full charge in approximately 52 minutes, as advertised. This combination of battery capacity and fast charging ensures that users can stay connected and productive throughout their day.

Sensors and Additional Features

The Poco F3 is equipped with a comprehensive array of sensors, including a side-mounted fingerprint sensor for quick and secure unlocking. Other sensors include an accelerometer, gyro, compass, and color spectrum sensor. These sensors enhance the overall user experience by enabling features like gesture navigation, compass directions, and color-sensitive applications.

Price and Availability

The Poco F3 was announced on March 22, 2021, and released shortly after on March 27, 2021. It is available in several colors, including Arctic White, Night Black, Deep Ocean Blue, and Moonlight Silver. As for pricing, it is affordably positioned at around $223.20 or €149.48, which offers significant value given its feature set and performance capabilities.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Xiaomi Poco F3 is a standout device in its price range, combining a sleek design, powerful performance, and a stunning display. Its robust feature set, including a variety of camera capabilities and excellent connectivity options, make it a versatile choice for both everyday users and tech enthusiasts. While the absence of expandable storage and a headphone jack may be a downside for some, the overall package offered by the Poco F3 makes it a compelling option in the mid-range smartphone market.