Xiaomi Poco M3 Review - Pretty Impressive for the Price Offered
Not an iPhone, Galaxy, or Redmi series which is the hottest offer. The most discussed cellphones lately are Xiaomi Poco M3. The series that comes from Xiaomi has everything needed to become a sell-selling cellphone - a good design, a good screen, durable battery, stereo speakers, and good camera configuration. All of these features are bundled with a cheap price.
The Poco series itself is known as a smartphone that has impressive price-feature ratio. Xiaomi Poco M3 itself is not an exception. With a view outside the habit of the Poco Series, M3 uses plastic that is similar to the skin and unique elements such as large glass marked Poco on the back. The material makes it easier to hold and is not easily dirty.
Our predictions have several specifications or features trimmed to get a sensible price point, but it seems that Xiaomi Poco M3 doesn't do it much. With a small 1080p screen size and notch, a sophisticated chipset, there are all connectivity, the speakers that have been quality stereo and a large battery with a capacity of 6,000 mAh along with Fast Charging charging making M3 become one of the best offers in 2020.
The rear camera configuration may be one of the features that are lowered a little quality to keep the price cheap. Triple camera owned - Although it has been supported by a high-resolution 48MP sensor - it seems to lose Ultrawide capabilities and instead offering macro sensors and depth. There is no 4K video feature, M3 only provides 1080p quality.
Finally, Xiaomi Poco M3 runs on Android 10 with MIUI 12 for Poco. There is not much difference from MIUI 12 which is standard, so this phone is predicted to accept ordinary MIUI updates in the future.
Ultrawide cameras and some basic protectors are the only ones lost from the Xiaomi Poco M3 specification sheet. However, if we talk about affordable smartphones that are full of features and strong in many sectors, definitely some sides that must be compensated. In this case, Poco chose to cut the camera configuration and the protective layer to get the price in the sense.
Design
Xiaomi Poco M3 is not a repetition version of the Xiaomi Redmi cellphone series. It is designed specifically by Poco, so he has its own unique design.
What's better is Xiaomi Poco M3 has a higher display in the price class. This is done by the factory to avoid cheap impressions on its products. Thanks to the choice of intelligent materials and accents, Poco does have a very good design even though it is in the entry level class.
M3 did not try to emulate double glass phones as many other factories did. Instead, Poco focuses on making use of the best plastic body. And the results turned out to be quite proud.
On the front, all of the rooms are used for the sake of the screen. The bezel is quite small with a little NOTCH Waterdrop as an 8MP selfie camera holder. If viewed closer again, the top on the front camera will look very thin on one side. This is a place for the earpiece which is indeed designed so that it does not look visible. Everything is protected by by Gorilla Glass 3 coatings.
The back panel is made of plastic which is rather curved towards the frame. It has an imitation leather texture that looks suitable for all variants of the color, both the black, yellow, and blue version. This plastic is easy to hold and minimal fingerprint stains.
Still on the back, it will be seen a large black glass pieces, as a back camera configuration contention, along with a large Poco logo.
Finally, the thick plastic frame he has made of a matte layer which is also stainless. The longer part has an uneven texture, but rather pointed. This is not an ideal form to be comfortably held when it is used in the landscape position.
The lower bezel size is thicker than the other side - things are quite common for a smartphone, because the screen driver is usually below the section.
The three camera configuration and the LED flash are on the back, share space on a protruding black glass piece. Even though the shaped protrusions, this glass piece won't make the cellphone sway when stored on a flat surface.
Overall, Xiaomi Poco M3 is a solid cellphone with an excellent grip and a very charming design. He is indeed not equipped with a qualified water protector, but we cannot expect much from the entry level cellphone.
The only drawback in terms of design from M3 is the form of this frame, where a taper design makes the owner somewhat difficult when taking a cellphone from the table. But this problem can be immediately overcome by installing a casing that has been included in the sales box.
Screen
Xiaomi Poco M3 relies on the large IPS 6.53 LCD screen with Waterdrop Notch at the top to provide space for selfie cameras. Resolution is up to 1080p - 2340 x 1080 pixels - produces a density of 395ppi. This resolution is classified as very high for the size of a budgeter cellphone, so this factor gives M3 its own advantage compared to its competitors.
The screen is protected with Gorilla Glass 3, but Poco itself has included M3 with a screen protector in the sales box if the owner chose to use it.
Xiaomi Poco M3 has a contrast ratio of 1500: 1 on the screen and the maximum brightness of 400 nits. As for the black level, it is fairly deep, at 0.25. The screen becomes brighter when using Sunlight Mode.
Xiaomi Poco M3 offers three different contrast settings. With automatic contrast, the screen output seems to be set for accuracy in the color space of SRGB, and GSMarena.com measures the average deltae of 4.8 and a maximum deviation of 9. Only in this mode we can choose color saturation (default, warm, cool) and us Measuring Deltae 4.8 with default preset on. Choosing a warm preset will remove the blue hue that usually appears in the default mode.
Standard contrast settings have extraordinary accuracy in SRGB color space, and GSMarena.com records the average deltae 2.0.
Performance
Xiaomi Poco M3 is powered by the Snapdragon 662 2020 chipset with a 11 Nm manufacturing process. SOC uses the OCTA-core CPU which consists of 4x Kryo 260 Gold Core which has a 2.0GHz clock and 4x Kryo 260 Silver Core running at 1.8GHz. The Gold Core is based on the Cortex-A73 design, while the Silver Core refers to the core of the Cortex-A53 which is energy efficient. GPUs that are caught in Snapdragon 662 are Adreno 610 types.
SOC has 4GB RAM and 64GB UFC 2.0 internal storage. There is also a version with 4GB RAM and 128GB UFS 2.1 storage. Both of these models have offered microSD expansion if needed.
The performance of the multi-core processor is equivalent to other Budgeter class smartphones, so there is nothing special there. Unfortunately, the performance of the single-core CPU is quite slow. It can be felt when using the Android OS for ordinary tasks such as shifting the main screen or switching between applications - there is a clear delay there.
High screen resolution does sound like a luxury feature in its class, but even this feature has a negative impact on the gaming performance. In fact, if the owner cannot reduce the resolution of the game up to 720p, it is impossible he will get a smooth experience. It could be that this phone is used for gaming activity, but the owner needs to do a little setting so that the game can run smoothly.
Xiaomi Poco M3 is not the fastest cellphone. However, he is not the worst for game assignments, provided the owner can adjust the graphics settings as faster performance compensation.
The good news is, even though this cellphone has a performance that is not too fast, it will not be hot when used for demanding work. The overall performance is always stable. This is indeed not a smooth experience for middle class cellphones, but Xiaomi Poco M3 is indeed not a middle class cellphone, right?
Camera
Xiaomi Poco M3 has three cameras on the back. There is a 48MP main camera accompanied by a 2MP macro sensor and 2MP depth sensor. The single LED flash is installed.
Xiaomi Poco M3 packed the main camera with a 48MP quad-bayer sensor with f / 1.8, 0.8 nm pixel and PDAF lenses. There is also a night mode on this camera for minimal light conditions.
The macro camera is 2MP with aperture f / 2.4, 1.75 nm pixels, but unfortunately not equipped with an automatic focus. The last configuration is a 2MP depth sensor.
For selfies, Xiaomi Poco M3 relies on 8MP quality cameras behind the F / 2.1 lens. The focus of this sensor has been fixed, so the owner must adjust to the focus distance of this selfie camera.
There is also Pro mode for its main camera. 48MP manual images are also an option that the owner can take. It can use shutter speeds of up to 30s and ISO up to 4000.
Xiaomi Poco M3 features a 8MP selfie camera with F / 2.1 lens with a fixed focus. Details on mediocre photos, while the contrast and color are okay. Images still contain obvious noise and dynamic ranges only score the average value. Sometimes when shooting in the room, the camera has difficulty with the exposure level, so the owner might just get a ghost face.
Portrait mode is also available for selfies and the same competence with a single fixed focus camera. Xiaomi Poco M3 record video up to 1080 @ 30fps with its main lens. There is no 4K mode, 60fps shooting is also not available on this phone.
Bitrate video is 20Mbps, while audio recorded in stereo on a rather low bitrate 96kbps. There is no electronic stabilization support on Xiaomi Poco M3. Records from the average main camera in terms of image details and have a fairly low dynamic range. However, the contrast is quite good, so is the quality of the color.
Battery
Xiaomi Poco M3 is fitted with a very large capacity of 6,000 mAh batteries. This phone supports 18W quick charging, and this is a positive thing, considering that this large capacity will take a long time in filling its power if you use an ordinary adapter.
Xiaomi Poco M3 Prints very good results in terms of battery testing by GSMarena.com, with a durability rating of 154 hours. It does a very good job on all testing scenarios - video playback, calls, web searches, and shows a durable standby performance.
Xiaomi Poco M3 not only has a large 6,000 mAh battery, but also comes with a fast charging 22.5W fast charger. Unfortunately, the charger is classified as overqualified, considering that M3 only supports charging up to 18W.
By using this charger, the owner can recharge the 25% battery in 30 minutes, 46% in one hour, while full charging takes about 3 hours.
Xiaomi Poco M3 Specifications
- Type: Smartphone, Phablet, Notch Phone, Camera Phone, Bezel-less Phone
- Screen size: 6.53 inches
- OS version: Android 10, MIUI 12
- CPU: Qualcomm SM6115 Snapdragon 662 (11 nm), Octa-core Kryo 260
- CPU speed: 4x2.0 GHz Kryo 260 Gold & 4x1.8 GHz Kryo 260 Silver
- Internal memory: 64GB, 128GB
- RAM: 4GB, 6GB
- External memory: microSDXC (dedicated slot)
- Battery: Li-Po 6.000 mAh, non-removable, Fast charging 18W
- Screen resolution: FHD+ 1080 x 2340 pixels
- Network: 2G, 3G, 4G (LTE)
- Camera: Back 48MP + 2MP + 2MP, Front 8MP
- Dimensions size: 162.3 x 77.2 x 9.6 mm (6.39 x 3.04 x 0.38 in)
- Weight: 198 g (6.98 oz)
- Other features: Wi-Fi, Hotspot/Tethering, GPS, Bluetooth, Flash, Face Unlock, Fingerprint Scanner, Triple Cameras, 3.5mm Headphone Jack
- Price: $ 127.41 (Prices depend on the place of purchase)
Conclusion
Xiaomi Poco M3 is not a perfect cellphone, not at a price of $ 148.23 (Prices depend on the place of purchase). Although it does not have NFC, Ultrawide cameras, and its UI occasionally stagnant, Xiaomi Poco M3 is quite impressive with a high-resolution screen, old battery life, extraordinary stereo speakers, and the main camera does not disappoint. Profile that is quite impressive for the price he offers.
Xiaomi Poco M3 can still be used to play games, even though the owner must reduce the resolution of the game and graphics quality. Yes, playing modern games that demand like pubg can be done smoothly, as long as the settings are adjusted first.
Broadly speaking, Xiaomi Poco M3 is a versatile cellphone which is great but at a very affordable price. Competition between RealMe and Xiaomi has changed the color of the entry level smartphone market. As a result, there are currently many great cellphones at very affordable prices. And Xiaomi Poco M3 took a decent place in the group.
Advantages and Disadvantages
Advantages :
- The screen is quite wide, which is 6.53 inches with 1080p resolution
- Extraordinary battery life, because it is supported by jumbo battery capacity
- Stereo quality speakers, so the audio output sounds loud
- The photo quality is pretty good, with portraits that are quite reasonable
- MIUI 12 interface is very easy to use
- Can work with gaming purposes, although settings must be at 720p resolution and low graphics quality
- Equipped with a variety of connectivity such as port 3.5 mm audio, Standalone MicroSD, IR port and FM radio
Deficiency :
- There is no NFC feature, even though this feature is increasingly important in the future
- No ultrawide camera on the rear camera configuration
- The performance of the macro camera looks mediocre
- Selfie cameras look strange, maybe due to the focus that is fixed
- Video recording performance doesn't look special