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Xiaomi Poco M3 Smartphone Review: The 150-Euro smartphone

A good deal for a low budget. A smartphone for 150 Euros (~$181), can this work? In the case of the Xiaomi Poco M3, it works quite well. For this amount, you get a 6.53-inch Android 10 smartphone with an IPS display, a triple-camera setup, Snapdragon 662, and stereo sound. As a special bonus, you also get a huge 6000-mAh battery. The purchase price even includes a protective case and screen protector.

"Exceeds your expectations" – this is how Xiaomi summarizes the characteristics of its Poco M3 entry-level smartphone in brief. And in fact, despite its low price, the currently most affordable Poco model does bring hardware that you probably would not have expected to this extent. 

The Poco M3 is officially available starting from 150 Euro (~$181). For this amount, you will get a 6.53-inch smartphone with 4 GB of RAM, 64 GB storage, Android 10, an IPS display with a 2340 x 1080 pixel resolution, and the Snapdragon 662 as the central processing unit. While this does not turn the Poco M3 into a rocket, there should be sufficient performance for everyday usage. And considering the huge battery capacity, you can also easily use it for much longer.

This single equipment characteristic makes the Poco M3 particularly interesting: with its 6000-mAh battery, the Xiaomi smartphone possesses more battery capacity than most other smartphones. Our test will show whether the overall package is right. 

Xiaomi Poco M3 (Poco M Series)
Processor
Qualcomm Snapdragon 662 8 x 1.8 - 2 GHz, Kryo 260
Graphics adapter
Memory
4 GB 
, LPDDR4X
Display
6.53 inch 19.5:9, 2340 x 1080 pixel 395 PPI, capacitive, IPS, Corning Gorilla Glass 3, FHD+, sunlight mode, glossy: yes, 60 Hz
Storage
128 GB UFS 2.2 Flash, 128 GB 
, 107.5 GB free
Connections
1 USB 2.0, USB-C Power Delivery (PD), 1 Infrared, Audio Connections: 3.5 mm audio port, Card Reader: microSD up to 512 GB (FAT, FAT32, exFAT), 1 Fingerprint Reader, Brightness Sensor, Sensors: proximity sensor, accelerometer, electronic compass, vibration motor, DRM Widevine L1, Camera2 API Level 3
Networking
802.11 a/b/g/n/ac (a/b/g/n = Wi-Fi 4/ac = Wi-Fi 5/), Bluetooth 5.0, 2G (bands 2/3/5/8), 3G (bands B1/2/4/5/8), 4G (bands 1/2/3/4/5/7/8/20/28/38/40/41), head SAR 0,597 W/kg, body SAR 0,807 W/kg, Dual SIM, LTE, GPS
Size
height x width x depth (in mm): 9.6 x 162.3 x 77.3 ( = 0.38 x 6.39 x 3.04 in)
Battery
6000 mAh Lithium-Polymer
Charging
fast charging / Quickcharge
Operating System
Android 10
Camera
Primary Camera: 48 MPix (1/2" sensor size, f/1.79, 6P lens, AF, 0.8μm pixel size, 1.6μm 4-in-1 Super Pixel) + 2MP macro camera (1.75μm pixel size, f/2.4, FF) + 2MP depth sensor (1.75μm pixel size, f/2.4), videos up to 1080p@30fps
Secondary Camera: 8 MPix 8MP (1.12μm pixel size, f/2.05)
Additional features
Speakers: dual speakers, Keyboard: virtual, 22.5 Watt charger, USB-C cable, SIM tool, protective case, screen protector, user guide, warranty card, MIUI 12, 24 Months Warranty, fanless
Weight
198 g ( = 6.98 oz / 0.44 pounds), Power Supply: 65 g ( = 2.29 oz / 0.14 pounds)
Price
169 Euro
Note: The manufacturer may use components from different suppliers including display panels, drives or memory sticks with similar specifications.

 

Possible Competitors in Comparison

Rating
Date
Model
Weight
Drive
Size
Resolution
Best Price
78 %
01/2021
Xiaomi Poco M3
SD 662, Adreno 610
198 g128 GB UFS 2.2 Flash6.53"2340x1080
77.9 %
10/2020
Motorola Moto G9 Play
SD 662, Adreno 610
200 g64 GB eMMC Flash6.50"1600x720
79.7 %
11/2020
Realme 7
Helio G95, Mali-G76 MP4
196.5 g128 GB UFS 2.1 Flash6.50"2400x1080
79.7 %
09/2020
Samsung Galaxy M21
Exynos 9611, Mali-G72 MP3
188 g64 GB UFS 2.1 Flash6.40"2340x1080
75.1 %
10/2020
Sony Xperia L4
Helio P22 MT6762, PowerVR GE8320
178 g64 GB eMMC Flash6.20"1680x720
79.9 %
09/2020
Xiaomi Redmi Note 9
Helio G85, Mali-G52 MP2
199 g64 GB eMMC Flash6.53"2340x1080

Case - A simple design and good haptics

You shouldn't expect a slick case design, fancy glass and metal surfaces, or an IP certification in a 150-Euro smartphone. While the Poco M3 is no exception here, it still does a lot of things right, in terms of the case.

At a weight of only 198 grams (~7 oz), Xiaomi's affordable smartphone is comfortably light, even it is one of the rather large smartphones with its 6.53-inch form factor. And although it has to fit an XXL battery underneath the hood, at 9.6 mm (~0.38 in), it is practically just as thin as its competitors.

Due to its matte, slightly rubberized plastic back, which reminds us of leather with its surface structure, the Poco M3 feels comfortable to hold. At the same time, it appears sturdy and robust enough, so that you wouldn't necessarily have to place the smartphone into the included protective case. 

A matte plastic frame connects the back cover with its conspicuous "Poco" lettering and the display, which is protected by a layer of Gorilla Glass 3. The not-so-slim display bezels and the waterdrop notch for the selfie camera are design compromises due to the low price. The fingerprint sensor is integrated in the power button.

Xiaomi offers the Poco M3 in three case colors. Our test unit comes in black ("Power Black"), and additional colors are yellow ("Poco Yellow") and blue ("Cool Blue").

Size Comparison

165.2 mm / 6.5 inch 75.7 mm / 2.98 inch 9.2 mm / 0.3622 inch 200 g0.4409 lbs162.3 mm / 6.39 inch 77.3 mm / 3.04 inch 9.6 mm / 0.378 inch 198 g0.4365 lbs162.3 mm / 6.39 inch 75.4 mm / 2.97 inch 9.4 mm / 0.3701 inch 196.5 g0.4332 lbs162.3 mm / 6.39 inch 77.2 mm / 3.04 inch 8.9 mm / 0.3504 inch 199 g0.4387 lbs159 mm / 6.26 inch 75.1 mm / 2.96 inch 8.9 mm / 0.3504 inch 188 g0.4145 lbs159 mm / 6.26 inch 71 mm / 2.8 inch 8.7 mm / 0.3425 inch 178 g0.3924 lbs148 mm / 5.83 inch 105 mm / 4.13 inch 1 mm / 0.03937 inch 1.5 g0.00331 lbs

Equipment - Real dual-SIM and up to 128 GB of storage in the Poco M3

The Poco M3 offers 4 GB of LPDDR4X-RAM and optionally 64 or 128 GB of storage (150 or 170 Euro respectively; ~$181 or $205). However, since Xiaomi's smartphone is currently hard to find or not at all available in online shops, both those prices can be significantly higher. An interesting detail is the fact that the 64-GB version uses UFS-2.1 storage, while the 128-GB version uses UFS-2.2 storage. In terms of their performance, they are very close, however, so that you should not notice any speed difference between both storage versions.

The internal storage can be expanded via microSD card. In terms of its capacity, up to 512 GB are supported. However, it cannot store any apps but only media files. On the other hand, there is real dual-SIM, since the card tray is able to hold two SIM cards simultaneously in addition to a microSD card.

The OTG compatible USB-C port of the Poco M3 transfers data at USB-2.0 speed. The equipment also includes an IR sender and FM radio. DRM Widevine L1 is also supported, allowing you to reproduce streams in HD quality.

Left: dual-SIM/microSD slot
Left: dual-SIM/microSD slot
Right: volume rocker, power button with fingerprint sensor
Right: volume rocker, power button with fingerprint sensor
Top: IR blaster, speaker, 3.5-mm audio port, microphone
Top: IR blaster, speaker, 3.5-mm audio port, microphone
Bottom: speaker, USB-C, microphone
Bottom: speaker, USB-C, microphone

Software - Android 10 and MIUI 12

The Poco M3 uses Android 10 and Xiaomi's MIUI 12 user interface. At the time of our test, the Android security patches were on the level of November 2020, so not very new anymore. Xiaomi usually provides new security updates for its current smartphones every three months, so that there should be a new update soon.

Of the 128 GB internal storage, almost 108 GB were still available to the user of our test unit in the state of delivery. In addition to the Google and Xiaomi tools, there are only few third-party apps such as Amazon, Facebook, eBay, and TikTok, which can all be uninstalled, though.

Communication and GPS - LTE with good frequency band coverage, and low SAR values

The Poco M3 supports 4G connections and covers a solid amount of frequencies with the LTE bands 1/2/3/4/5/7/8/20/28/38/40 and 41. Its low radiation values are also positive (head SAR 0.597 W/kg, body SAR 0.807 W/kg).

The Xiaomi does not support mobile payments, since it lacks an NFC chip. On the other hand, the communication equipment includes Bluetooth 5.0 and WiFi 5. However, the Poco M3 leaves a mixed impression in the WLAN test with our Netgear Nighthawk AX12 reference router.

At a maximum of 301 Mbit/s while receiving and 284 Mbit/s while sending, the WiFi transfer rates are in the middle of our field of comparison devices, so they are quite acceptable values. However, the transfer rates are not very stable, since the WLAN speed keeps dropping regularly for short periods of time. While those drops are not very dramatic, other competitors such as the Samsung Galaxy M21, whose WLAN speed is practically the same, are able to manage more stabile data transfers.

Networking
iperf3 transmit AX12
Xiaomi Redmi Note 9
Mali-G52 MP2, Helio G85, 64 GB eMMC Flash
347 (172min - 352max) MBit/s +22%
Realme 7
Mali-G76 MP4, Helio G95, 128 GB UFS 2.1 Flash
343 (209min - 355max) MBit/s +21%
Samsung Galaxy M21
Mali-G72 MP3, Exynos 9611, 64 GB UFS 2.1 Flash
304 (285min - 323max) MBit/s +7%
Xiaomi Poco M3
Adreno 610, SD 662, 128 GB UFS 2.2 Flash
284 (186min - 366max) MBit/s
Motorola Moto G9 Play
Adreno 610, SD 662, 64 GB eMMC Flash
237 (21min - 330max) MBit/s -17%
Sony Xperia L4
PowerVR GE8320, Helio P22 MT6762, 64 GB eMMC Flash
109 (103min - 114max) MBit/s -62%
iperf3 receive AX12
Average of class Smartphone
  (last 2 years)
376 MBit/s +25%
Xiaomi Redmi Note 9
Mali-G52 MP2, Helio G85, 64 GB eMMC Flash
355 (327min - 366max) MBit/s +18%
Samsung Galaxy M21
Mali-G72 MP3, Exynos 9611, 64 GB UFS 2.1 Flash
332 (231min - 352max) MBit/s +10%
Xiaomi Poco M3
Adreno 610, SD 662, 128 GB UFS 2.2 Flash
301 (209min - 341max) MBit/s
Realme 7
Mali-G76 MP4, Helio G95, 128 GB UFS 2.1 Flash
290 (252min - 311max) MBit/s -4%
Motorola Moto G9 Play
Adreno 610, SD 662, 64 GB eMMC Flash
239 (26min - 333max) MBit/s -21%
Sony Xperia L4
PowerVR GE8320, Helio P22 MT6762, 64 GB eMMC Flash
120 (106min - 124max) MBit/s -60%
020406080100120140160180200220240260280300320340360Tooltip
Xiaomi Poco M3; iperf3 receive AX12; iperf 3.1.3: Ø300 (209-341)
Xiaomi Poco M3; iperf3 transmit AX12; iperf 3.1.3: Ø284 (186-366)
GPS reception indoors
GPS reception indoors
GPS reception outdoors
GPS reception outdoors

The Poco M3 locates its current position using the GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, and Galileo satellite navigation systems. In our test, this succeeds with an accuracy of 4 meters indoors, and up to 3 meters outdoors. When moving, the GPS accuracy isn't quite as high, but still sufficient for everyday tasks.

In our about 12-km (~7.5 miles) bike tour, where we also take the Garmin Edge 500 professional navigation device for direct comparison, the Poco M3 ads some small detours here and there and also places us next to the path at times. However, those deviations remain limited overall.

Xiaomi Poco M3: overall route
Xiaomi Poco M3: overall route
Xiaomi Poco M3: lake
Xiaomi Poco M3: lake
Xiaomi Poco M3: turning point
Xiaomi Poco M3: turning point
Garmin Edge 500: overall route
Garmin Edge 500: overall route
Garmin Edge 500: lake
Garmin Edge 500: lake
Garmin Edge 500: turning point
Garmin Edge 500: turning point

Telephone Functions and Voice Quality

The Poco M3 supports 4G connections for two SIM cards simultaneously. VoLTE and WLAN calls are also supported, as long as the network provider also allows this. In the test, the Xiaomi produced a good voice quality, and in speaker-phone mode, the voices are still transferred clearly and easily understandable.

Cameras - A triple-camera system with good image quality in daylight

Picture taken with the main camera
Picture taken with the main camera
Picture taken with the selfie camera
Picture taken with the selfie camera

The Xiaomi smartphone houses a triple-camera system, whose main element is a 48-MP lens (f/1.79) with autofocus. By default, it will combine the 4 neighboring pixels into a single pixel, taking 12 MP pictures. Optionally, you can also change to a "48M" menu in the camera settings, allowing you to use the full resolution. The camera records videos at a maximum of 1080p and 30 FPS. On the other hand, there is no image stabilization, so that you will need a steady hand.

Unfortunately, the additional modules of the camera trio do not include a wide-angle or telephoto lens, but a macro camera and depth sensor, which both have a 2 MP resolution and f/2.4 aperture. They look more like stopgap measures in order to be able to specify that the equipment includes a total of three lenses. However, the depth sensor still allows you to get usable Bokeh effects for portrait pictures. The 8-MP selfie camera is also decent, also providing good services during video calls, but not offering autofocus.

In daylight, you can get some good pictures from the main camera, including many details that appear fairly vibrant. However, with the camera AI activated, some colors appear too intense, such as in our first test picture with the Notebookcheck mascot.

More difficult light conditions as in scene 2 quickly cause some problems for the camera. You can practically not see the brush on the shore next to the water castle anymore in our test picture. You should also stay away from zoom pictures, since those really don't succeed with the Poco M3 (scene 3). While night recordings also don't belong to its strong suits, you can at least still get more light from the scene when using the "Night" image mode.

Despite all the criticism: At a purchase price of about 150 Euros (~$181), the camera does offer some value. If you restrict yourself to standard photos in bright surroundings, you will almost always get some decent pictures.

Image Comparison

Choose a scene and navigate within the first image. One click changes the position on touchscreens. One click on the zoomed-in image opens the original in a new window. The first image shows the scaled photograph of the test device.

Tageslicht-Szene 1Tageslicht-Szene 25-facher ZoomLowlight
click to load images

Under lab conditions, you can see that in simulated daylight, the Poco M3 camera comes fairly close to the reference colors and is also able to reproduce the test chart fairly sharply. However, in weak light condition (top color card), the color deviations are very large, and you cannot recognize the test chart at all anymore.

ColorChecker
5.6 ∆E
4.6 ∆E
5.7 ∆E
8.9 ∆E
5.1 ∆E
4.6 ∆E
4.8 ∆E
4.7 ∆E
4.9 ∆E
7.1 ∆E
4.7 ∆E
8.9 ∆E
4.2 ∆E
7.2 ∆E
6.2 ∆E
3.8 ∆E
3.8 ∆E
5.5 ∆E
6.3 ∆E
2.4 ∆E
4.5 ∆E
5.9 ∆E
8 ∆E
6.9 ∆E
ColorChecker Xiaomi Poco M3: 5.6 ∆E min: 2.37 - max: 8.92 ∆E
ColorChecker
30.2 ∆E
55.4 ∆E
39.8 ∆E
36.5 ∆E
45.1 ∆E
63.6 ∆E
55 ∆E
34.9 ∆E
44 ∆E
28.1 ∆E
67.1 ∆E
65.8 ∆E
30.6 ∆E
49.2 ∆E
38.3 ∆E
78.6 ∆E
43.9 ∆E
43.8 ∆E
94.5 ∆E
71.9 ∆E
53 ∆E
37.6 ∆E
24.5 ∆E
14.1 ∆E
ColorChecker Xiaomi Poco M3: 47.74 ∆E min: 14.11 - max: 94.47 ∆E

Accessories and Warranty - Protective cover and display protector included

The included 22.5-Watt charger
The included 22.5-Watt charger

Xiaomi includes a 22.5-Watt charger, a USB cable (Type-A to Type-C), a SIM tool, a quick-start manual, and a warranty booklet in the box of the Poco M3. A transparent protective case, and a display protector are also included.

Xiaomi offers 24 months of warranty for the Poco M3.

Input Devices and Operation - A bit of patience is necessary

While the performance of the Snapdragon 662 is sufficient for everyday tasks, the operation is sluggish in some parts. Navigating through the menus is smooth, but starting apps is almost always accompanied by a second to think things over. The same goes for taking pictures or changing between apps, and even closing apps.

Finally, everything works as it should, but for impatient users or those who are used to the smooth operation of 90-Hz displays and/or midrange smartphones, the Poco M3 is a tad too slow. Only unlocking via face recognition or the fingerprint sensor works smoothly without any delay. It succeeds just as fast and reliably as we are used to from the more expensive Xiaomi smartphones.

Keyboard portrait
Keyboard portrait
Keyboard landscape
Keyboard landscape

Display - A good IPS display, but few brightness reserves

Subpixel grid
Subpixel grid

Xiaomi has equipped the Poco M3 with an IPS display with a resolution of 2340 x 1080 pixels (FHD+). This results in a form factor of 19.5:9 and pixel density of 395 PPI. The IPS display is protected by Gorilla Glass 3 and offers a refresh rate of 60 Hz.

With a pure white background, the budget smartphone has an average brightness of 428 cd/m², which doesn't make it particularly bright even in the price range below 200 Euros (~$242). When we repeat the measurement with evenly distributed bright and dark image areas (APL50), the maximum is 437 cd/m². Without the brightness sensor, the Xiaomi achieves up to 411 cd/m².

While the Poco M3 still uses PWM for brightness control, it is only used when the display brightness is adjusted to 3% or less, which hardly ever happens in practical usage. In addition, the PWM flickering has a very high frequency at 892.2 Hz, so it should not bother even sensitive users.

414
cd/m²
451
cd/m²
412
cd/m²
418
cd/m²
465
cd/m²
415
cd/m²
421
cd/m²
443
cd/m²
413
cd/m²
Distribution of brightness
tested with X-Rite i1Pro 2
Maximum: 465 cd/m² (Nits) Average: 428 cd/m² Minimum: 2.35 cd/m²
Brightness Distribution: 89 %
Center on Battery: 465 cd/m²
Contrast: 2214:1 (Black: 0.21 cd/m²)
ΔE Color 1.7 | 0.5-29.43 Ø5
ΔE Greyscale 2.4 | 0.57-98 Ø5.3
96.5% sRGB (Calman 2D)
Gamma: 2.16
Xiaomi Poco M3
IPS, 2340x1080, 6.53
Motorola Moto G9 Play
IPS, 1600x720, 6.50
Realme 7
IPS, 2400x1080, 6.50
Samsung Galaxy M21
Super AMOLED, 2340x1080, 6.40
Sony Xperia L4
IPS, 1680x720, 6.20
Xiaomi Redmi Note 9
IPS LCD, 2340x1080, 6.53
Screen
-82%
-65%
9%
-87%
-9%
Brightness middle
465
450
-3%
525
13%
617
33%
429
-8%
553
19%
Brightness
428
428
0%
512
20%
614
43%
404
-6%
527
23%
Brightness Distribution
89
88
-1%
90
1%
95
7%
92
3%
89
0%
Black Level *
0.21
0.23
-10%
0.55
-162%
0.26
-24%
0.12
43%
Contrast
2214
1957
-12%
955
-57%
1650
-25%
4608
108%
Colorchecker dE 2000 *
1.7
5.49
-223%
4.4
-159%
2.11
-24%
6.14
-261%
3.8
-124%
Colorchecker dE 2000 max. *
3.5
10.19
-191%
6.75
-93%
3.41
3%
10.51
-200%
8.7
-149%
Greyscale dE 2000 *
2.4
7.5
-213%
4.3
-79%
2.6
-8%
6.6
-175%
2.2
8%
Gamma
2.16 102%
2.495 88%
2.3 96%
2.073 106%
2.23 99%
2.3 96%
CCT
6664 98%
8711 75%
7472 87%
6921 94%
8346 78%
6727 97%

* ... smaller is better

Screen Flickering / PWM (Pulse-Width Modulation)

To dim the screen, some notebooks will simply cycle the backlight on and off in rapid succession - a method called Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) . This cycling frequency should ideally be undetectable to the human eye. If said frequency is too low, users with sensitive eyes may experience strain or headaches or even notice the flickering altogether.
Screen flickering / PWM detected 893 Hz ≤ 3 % brightness setting

The display backlight flickers at 893 Hz (worst case, e.g., utilizing PWM) Flickering detected at a brightness setting of 3 % and below. There should be no flickering or PWM above this brightness setting.

The frequency of 893 Hz is quite high, so most users sensitive to PWM should not notice any flickering.

In comparison: 53 % of all tested devices do not use PWM to dim the display. If PWM was detected, an average of 18110 (minimum: 5 - maximum: 3846000) Hz was measured.

The Xiaomi smartphone offers the best color reproduction, if you change from the default "Automatic" color scheme to the "Standard" scheme. At a maximum Delta-E of 3.5, not only are the colors and grayscale values fairly accurate, but the color temperature and gamma value as well.

Color accuracy ("Automatic" color scheme, sRGB target color space)
Color accuracy ("Automatic" color scheme, sRGB target color space)
Color accuracy ("Standard" color scheme, sRGB target color space)
Color accuracy ("Standard" color scheme, sRGB target color space)
Color space ("Automatic" color scheme, sRGB target color space)
Color space ("Automatic" color scheme, sRGB target color space)
Color space ("Standard" color scheme, sRGB target color space)
Color space ("Standard" color scheme, sRGB target color space)
Grayscale ("Automatic" color scheme, sRGB target color space)
Grayscale ("Automatic" color scheme, sRGB target color space)
Grayscale ("Standard" color scheme, sRGB target color space)
Grayscale ("Standard" color scheme, sRGB target color space)
Saturation ("Automatic" color scheme, sRGB target color space)
Saturation ("Automatic" color scheme, sRGB target color space)
Saturation ("Standard" color scheme, sRGB target color space)
Saturation ("Standard" color scheme, sRGB target color space)

Display Response Times

Display response times show how fast the screen is able to change from one color to the next. Slow response times can lead to afterimages and can cause moving objects to appear blurry (ghosting). Gamers of fast-paced 3D titles should pay special attention to fast response times.
       Response Time Black to White
28 ms ... rise ↗ and fall ↘ combined↗ 13.2 ms rise
↘ 14.8 ms fall
The screen shows relatively slow response rates in our tests and may be too slow for gamers.
In comparison, all tested devices range from 0.1 (minimum) to 240 (maximum) ms. » 67 % of all devices are better.
This means that the measured response time is worse than the average of all tested devices (21.6 ms).
       Response Time 50% Grey to 80% Grey
44 ms ... rise ↗ and fall ↘ combined↗ 20.4 ms rise
↘ 23.6 ms fall
The screen shows slow response rates in our tests and will be unsatisfactory for gamers.
In comparison, all tested devices range from 0.2 (minimum) to 636 (maximum) ms. » 69 % of all devices are better.
This means that the measured response time is worse than the average of all tested devices (33.9 ms).

Outdoors, the Poco M3 is only able to convince to a limited extent. Due to its brightness reserve not being very high, it can be difficult to recognize the contents easily at times. However, the Xiaomi was confronted with a very demanding outdoor scenario in the test: a combination of direct sun, snow cover, and the resulting light reflections.

Outdoor use in direct sun, maximum display brightness
Outdoor use in direct sun, maximum display brightness
Outdoor use in the shade, maximum display brightness
Outdoor use in the shade, maximum display brightness

The viewing angle stability of the IPS display does not come close to that of the more expensive smartphones. Image content already appears noticeably darker, when you look at the screen slightly from the side. While this effect is not very clear in the test screens, in practice it is very noticeable. On the other hand, the color reproduction remains neutral even from very steep viewing angles.

Viewing angles
Viewing angles

Performance - Sufficient for everyday usage

With the Snapdragon 662 octa-core SoC and its Adreno 610 graphics chip, the performance of the Poco M3 settles in the lower midrange. It isn't quite as fast as the Exynos 9611 used in the Samsung Galaxy M21 or the Mediatek Helio G95 of the Realme 7. However, the performance is sufficient for everyday tasks, even if some things don't go that fast, such as loading apps. Nonetheless, the SoC is still suited for some gaming, as our benchmarks show.

Due to its UFS-2.2 storage, the Poco M3 delivers good read and write rates, but overall it isn't much faster than those using UFS-2.1 storage, such as the Samsung Galaxy M21, for example. The microSD performance is also suitable.

Geekbench 5.5
Single-Core (sort by value)
Xiaomi Poco M3
Qualcomm Snapdragon 662, Adreno 610, 4096
316 Points
Motorola Moto G9 Play
Qualcomm Snapdragon 662, Adreno 610, 4096
314 Points -1%
Realme 7
Mediatek Helio G95, Mali-G76 MP4, 8192
506 Points +60%
Samsung Galaxy M21
Samsung Exynos 9611, Mali-G72 MP3, 4096
349 Points +10%
Sony Xperia L4
Mediatek Helio P22 MT6762, PowerVR GE8320, 3072
150 Points -53%
Xiaomi Redmi Note 9
Mediatek Helio G85, Mali-G52 MP2, 3072
356 Points +13%
Average Qualcomm Snapdragon 662
  (275 - 316, n=13)
308 Points -3%
Average of class Smartphone
  (119 - 2138, n=211, last 2 years)
900 Points +185%
Multi-Core (sort by value)
Xiaomi Poco M3
Qualcomm Snapdragon 662, Adreno 610, 4096
1275 Points
Motorola Moto G9 Play
Qualcomm Snapdragon 662, Adreno 610, 4096
1397 Points +10%
Realme 7
Mediatek Helio G95, Mali-G76 MP4, 8192
1622 Points +27%
Samsung Galaxy M21
Samsung Exynos 9611, Mali-G72 MP3, 4096
1322 Points +4%
Sony Xperia L4
Mediatek Helio P22 MT6762, PowerVR GE8320, 3072
883 Points -31%
Xiaomi Redmi Note 9
Mediatek Helio G85, Mali-G52 MP2, 3072
1259 Points -1%
Average Qualcomm Snapdragon 662
  (763 - 1453, n=13)
1299 Points +2%
Average of class Smartphone
  (473 - 6681, n=211, last 2 years)
2944 Points +131%
Vulkan Score (sort by value)
Realme 7
Mediatek Helio G95, Mali-G76 MP4, 8192
2121 Points
Samsung Galaxy M21
Samsung Exynos 9611, Mali-G72 MP3, 4096
1208 Points
Xiaomi Redmi Note 9
Mediatek Helio G85, Mali-G52 MP2, 3072
1179 Points
Average Qualcomm Snapdragon 662
  (442 - 498, n=5)
466 Points
Average of class Smartphone
  (79 - 9992, n=89, last 2 years)
4117 Points
OpenCL Score (sort by value)
Realme 7
Mediatek Helio G95, Mali-G76 MP4, 8192
2257 Points
Samsung Galaxy M21
Samsung Exynos 9611, Mali-G72 MP3, 4096
1565 Points
Xiaomi Redmi Note 9
Mediatek Helio G85, Mali-G52 MP2, 3072
1198 Points
Average Qualcomm Snapdragon 662
  (345 - 376, n=8)
367 Points
Average of class Smartphone
  (434 - 10711, n=81, last 2 years)
3917 Points
PCMark for Android
Work performance score (sort by value)
Xiaomi Poco M3
Qualcomm Snapdragon 662, Adreno 610, 4096
7247 Points
Motorola Moto G9 Play
Qualcomm Snapdragon 662, Adreno 610, 4096
8610 Points +19%
Realme 7
Mediatek Helio G95, Mali-G76 MP4, 8192
14164 Points +95%
Samsung Galaxy M21
Samsung Exynos 9611, Mali-G72 MP3, 4096
6043 Points -17%
Sony Xperia L4
Mediatek Helio P22 MT6762, PowerVR GE8320, 3072
6909 Points -5%
Xiaomi Redmi Note 9
Mediatek Helio G85, Mali-G52 MP2, 3072
11421 Points +58%
Average Qualcomm Snapdragon 662
  (7247 - 8714, n=8)
7986 Points +10%
Average of class Smartphone
  (10884 - 19297, n=2, last 2 years)
15091 Points +108%
Work 2.0 performance score (sort by value)
Xiaomi Poco M3
Qualcomm Snapdragon 662, Adreno 610, 4096
6042 Points
Motorola Moto G9 Play
Qualcomm Snapdragon 662, Adreno 610, 4096
6296 Points +4%
Realme 7
Mediatek Helio G95, Mali-G76 MP4, 8192
9797 Points +62%
Samsung Galaxy M21
Samsung Exynos 9611, Mali-G72 MP3, 4096
5892 Points -2%
Sony Xperia L4
Mediatek Helio P22 MT6762, PowerVR GE8320, 3072
5251 Points -13%
Xiaomi Redmi Note 9
Mediatek Helio G85, Mali-G52 MP2, 3072
8698 Points +44%
Average Qualcomm Snapdragon 662
  (5866 - 7184, n=9)
6258 Points +4%
Average of class Smartphone
  (9101 - 12871, n=4, last 2 years)
10872 Points +80%
3DMark
1280x720 offscreen Ice Storm Unlimited Score (sort by value)
Xiaomi Poco M3
Qualcomm Snapdragon 662, Adreno 610, 4096
22329 Points
Motorola Moto G9 Play
Qualcomm Snapdragon 662, Adreno 610, 4096
22131 Points -1%
Realme 7
Mediatek Helio G95, Mali-G76 MP4, 8192
29819 Points +34%
Samsung Galaxy M21
Samsung Exynos 9611, Mali-G72 MP3, 4096
23670 Points +6%
Sony Xperia L4
Mediatek Helio P22 MT6762, PowerVR GE8320, 3072
12161 Points -46%
Average Qualcomm Snapdragon 662
  (22131 - 22897, n=4)
22483 Points +1%
1280x720 offscreen Ice Storm Unlimited Graphics Score (sort by value)
Xiaomi Poco M3
Qualcomm Snapdragon 662, Adreno 610, 4096
23495 Points
Motorola Moto G9 Play
Qualcomm Snapdragon 662, Adreno 610, 4096
23379 Points 0%
Realme 7
Mediatek Helio G95, Mali-G76 MP4, 8192
36546 Points +56%
Samsung Galaxy M21
Samsung Exynos 9611, Mali-G72 MP3, 4096
25024 Points +7%
Sony Xperia L4
Mediatek Helio P22 MT6762, PowerVR GE8320, 3072
11549 Points -51%
Average Qualcomm Snapdragon 662
  (23379 - 24043, n=4)
23648 Points +1%
1280x720 offscreen Ice Storm Unlimited Physics (sort by value)
Xiaomi Poco M3
Qualcomm Snapdragon 662, Adreno 610, 4096
19025 Points
Motorola Moto G9 Play
Qualcomm Snapdragon 662, Adreno 610, 4096
18647 Points -2%
Realme 7
Mediatek Helio G95, Mali-G76 MP4, 8192
18136 Points -5%
Samsung Galaxy M21
Samsung Exynos 9611, Mali-G72 MP3, 4096
19902 Points +5%
Sony Xperia L4
Mediatek Helio P22 MT6762, PowerVR GE8320, 3072
14930 Points -22%
Average Qualcomm Snapdragon 662
  (18647 - 19804, n=4)
19225 Points +1%
2560x1440 Sling Shot OpenGL ES 3.0 (sort by value)
Xiaomi Poco M3
Qualcomm Snapdragon 662, Adreno 610, 4096
1797 Points
Motorola Moto G9 Play
Qualcomm Snapdragon 662, Adreno 610, 4096
1862 Points +4%
Realme 7
Mediatek Helio G95, Mali-G76 MP4, 8192
3252 Points +81%
Samsung Galaxy M21
Samsung Exynos 9611, Mali-G72 MP3, 4096
2110 Points +17%
Sony Xperia L4
Mediatek Helio P22 MT6762, PowerVR GE8320, 3072
741 Points -59%
Average Qualcomm Snapdragon 662
  (1797 - 1889, n=9)
1842 Points +3%
Average of class Smartphone
  (712 - 7285, n=52, last 2 years)
3548 Points +97%
2560x1440 Sling Shot OpenGL ES 3.0 Graphics (sort by value)
Xiaomi Poco M3
Qualcomm Snapdragon 662, Adreno 610, 4096
1715 Points
Motorola Moto G9 Play
Qualcomm Snapdragon 662, Adreno 610, 4096
1743 Points +2%
Realme 7
Mediatek Helio G95, Mali-G76 MP4, 8192
3254 Points +90%
Samsung Galaxy M21
Samsung Exynos 9611, Mali-G72 MP3, 4096
2092 Points +22%
Sony Xperia L4
Mediatek Helio P22 MT6762, PowerVR GE8320, 3072
680 Points -60%
Average Qualcomm Snapdragon 662
  (1681 - 1765, n=9)
1728 Points +1%
Average of class Smartphone
  (618 - 9451, n=52, last 2 years)
3905 Points +128%
2560x1440 Sling Shot OpenGL ES 3.0 Physics (sort by value)
Xiaomi Poco M3
Qualcomm Snapdragon 662, Adreno 610, 4096
2161 Points
Motorola Moto G9 Play
Qualcomm Snapdragon 662, Adreno 610, 4096
2444 Points +13%
Realme 7
Mediatek Helio G95, Mali-G76 MP4, 8192
3247 Points +50%
Samsung Galaxy M21
Samsung Exynos 9611, Mali-G72 MP3, 4096
2176 Points +1%
Sony Xperia L4
Mediatek Helio P22 MT6762, PowerVR GE8320, 3072
1084 Points -50%
Average Qualcomm Snapdragon 662
  (2161 - 2543, n=9)
2407 Points +11%
Average of class Smartphone
  (1093 - 4525, n=52, last 2 years)
3005 Points +39%
2560x1440 Sling Shot OpenGL ES 3.0 Unlimited (sort by value)
Xiaomi Poco M3
Qualcomm Snapdragon 662, Adreno 610, 4096
1861 Points
Motorola Moto G9 Play
Qualcomm Snapdragon 662, Adreno 610, 4096
1891 Points +2%
Realme 7
Mediatek Helio G95, Mali-G76 MP4, 8192
3170 Points +70%
Samsung Galaxy M21
Samsung Exynos 9611, Mali-G72 MP3, 4096
1662 Points -11%
Sony Xperia L4
Mediatek Helio P22 MT6762, PowerVR GE8320, 3072
836 Points -55%
Average Qualcomm Snapdragon 662
  (1819 - 1914, n=9)
1876 Points +1%
Average of class Smartphone
  (704 - 23024, n=115, last 2 years)
9038 Points +386%
2560x1440 Sling Shot OpenGL ES 3.0 Unlimited Graphics (sort by value)
Xiaomi Poco M3
Qualcomm Snapdragon 662, Adreno 610, 4096
1779 Points
Motorola Moto G9 Play
Qualcomm Snapdragon 662, Adreno 610, 4096
1786 Points 0%
Realme 7
Mediatek Helio G95, Mali-G76 MP4, 8192
3148 Points +77%
Samsung Galaxy M21
Samsung Exynos 9611, Mali-G72 MP3, 4096
1601 Points -10%
Sony Xperia L4
Mediatek Helio P22 MT6762, PowerVR GE8320, 3072
782 Points -56%
Average Qualcomm Snapdragon 662
  (1737 - 1794, n=9)
1775 Points 0%
Average of class Smartphone
  (607 - 45492, n=114, last 2 years)
15757 Points +786%
2560x1440 Sling Shot OpenGL ES 3.0 Unlimited Physics (sort by value)
Xiaomi Poco M3
Qualcomm Snapdragon 662, Adreno 610, 4096
2221 Points
Motorola Moto G9 Play
Qualcomm Snapdragon 662, Adreno 610, 4096
2384 Points +7%
Realme 7
Mediatek Helio G95, Mali-G76 MP4, 8192
3249 Points +46%
Samsung Galaxy M21
Samsung Exynos 9611, Mali-G72 MP3, 4096
1917 Points -14%
Sony Xperia L4
Mediatek Helio P22 MT6762, PowerVR GE8320, 3072
1106 Points -50%
Average Qualcomm Snapdragon 662
  (2146 - 2502, n=9)
2330 Points +5%
Average of class Smartphone
  (1075 - 8749, n=114, last 2 years)
4335 Points +95%
2560x1440 Sling Shot Extreme (ES 3.1) (sort by value)
Xiaomi Poco M3
Qualcomm Snapdragon 662, Adreno 610, 4096
1173 Points
Motorola Moto G9 Play
Qualcomm Snapdragon 662, Adreno 610, 4096
1177 Points 0%
Realme 7
Mediatek Helio G95, Mali-G76 MP4, 8192
2722 Points +132%
Samsung Galaxy M21
Samsung Exynos 9611, Mali-G72 MP3, 4096
1563 Points +33%
Sony Xperia L4
Mediatek Helio P22 MT6762, PowerVR GE8320, 3072
470 Points -60%
Average Qualcomm Snapdragon 662
  (1106 - 1905, n=12)
1220 Points +4%
Average of class Smartphone
  (286 - 7890, n=102, last 2 years)
2685 Points +129%
2560x1440 Sling Shot Extreme (ES 3.1) Graphics (sort by value)
Xiaomi Poco M3
Qualcomm Snapdragon 662, Adreno 610, 4096
1022 Points
Motorola Moto G9 Play
Qualcomm Snapdragon 662, Adreno 610, 4096
1022 Points 0%
Realme 7
Mediatek Helio G95, Mali-G76 MP4, 8192
2599 Points +154%
Samsung Galaxy M21
Samsung Exynos 9611, Mali-G72 MP3, 4096
1445 Points +41%
Sony Xperia L4
Mediatek Helio P22 MT6762, PowerVR GE8320, 3072
405 Points -60%
Average Qualcomm Snapdragon 662
  (974 - 1074, n=12)
1017 Points 0%
Average of class Smartphone
  (240 - 9814, n=102, last 2 years)
2675 Points +162%
2560x1440 Sling Shot Extreme (ES 3.1) Physics (sort by value)
Xiaomi Poco M3
Qualcomm Snapdragon 662, Adreno 610, 4096
2424 Points
Motorola Moto G9 Play
Qualcomm Snapdragon 662, Adreno 610, 4096
2499 Points +3%
Realme 7
Mediatek Helio G95, Mali-G76 MP4, 8192
3261 Points +35%
Samsung Galaxy M21
Samsung Exynos 9611, Mali-G72 MP3, 4096
2186 Points -10%
Sony Xperia L4
Mediatek Helio P22 MT6762, PowerVR GE8320, 3072
1078 Points -56%
Average Qualcomm Snapdragon 662
  (2108 - 2513, n=12)
2368 Points -2%
Average of class Smartphone
  (858 - 4679, n=102, last 2 years)
3127 Points +29%
2560x1440 Sling Shot Extreme (ES 3.1) Unlimited (sort by value)
Xiaomi Poco M3
Qualcomm Snapdragon 662, Adreno 610, 4096
1176 Points
Motorola Moto G9 Play
Qualcomm Snapdragon 662, Adreno 610, 4096
1184 Points +1%
Realme 7
Mediatek Helio G95, Mali-G76 MP4, 8192
2784 Points +137%
Samsung Galaxy M21
Samsung Exynos 9611, Mali-G72 MP3, 4096
1650 Points +40%
Sony Xperia L4
Mediatek Helio P22 MT6762, PowerVR GE8320, 3072
536 Points -54%
Average Qualcomm Snapdragon 662
  (740 - 1197, n=12)
1135 Points -3%
Average of class Smartphone
  (317 - 20131, n=174, last 2 years)
6545 Points +457%
2560x1440 Sling Shot Extreme (ES 3.1) Unlimited Graphics (sort by value)
Xiaomi Poco M3
Qualcomm Snapdragon 662, Adreno 610, 4096
1032 Points
Motorola Moto G9 Play
Qualcomm Snapdragon 662, Adreno 610, 4096
1034 Points 0%
Realme 7
Mediatek Helio G95, Mali-G76 MP4, 8192
2682 Points +160%
Samsung Galaxy M21
Samsung Exynos 9611, Mali-G72 MP3, 4096
1532 Points +48%
Sony Xperia L4
Mediatek Helio P22 MT6762, PowerVR GE8320, 3072
467 Points -55%
Average Qualcomm Snapdragon 662
  (642 - 1081, n=12)
999 Points -3%
Average of class Smartphone
  (267 - 33376, n=173, last 2 years)
9330 Points +804%
2560x1440 Sling Shot Extreme (ES 3.1) Unlimited Physics (sort by value)
Xiaomi Poco M3
Qualcomm Snapdragon 662, Adreno 610, 4096
2298 Points
Motorola Moto G9 Play
Qualcomm Snapdragon 662, Adreno 610, 4096
2399 Points +4%
Realme 7
Mediatek Helio G95, Mali-G76 MP4, 8192
3213 Points +40%
Samsung Galaxy M21
Samsung Exynos 9611, Mali-G72 MP3, 4096
2260 Points -2%
Sony Xperia L4
Mediatek Helio P22 MT6762, PowerVR GE8320, 3072
1102 Points -52%
Average Qualcomm Snapdragon 662
  (1588 - 2534, n=12)
2240 Points -3%
Average of class Smartphone
  (938 - 8480, n=173, last 2 years)
4158 Points +81%
2560x1440 Sling Shot Extreme (Vulkan) Unlimited (sort by value)
Xiaomi Poco M3
Qualcomm Snapdragon 662, Adreno 610, 4096
1096 Points
Motorola Moto G9 Play
Qualcomm Snapdragon 662, Adreno 610, 4096
1114 Points +2%
Realme 7
Mediatek Helio G95, Mali-G76 MP4, 8192
2794 Points +155%
Samsung Galaxy M21
Samsung Exynos 9611, Mali-G72 MP3, 4096
1550 Points +41%
Average Qualcomm Snapdragon 662
  (1089 - 1167, n=12)
1115 Points +2%
Average of class Smartphone
  (365 - 6439, n=96, last 2 years)
2611 Points +138%
2560x1440 Sling Shot Extreme (Vulkan) Unlimited Graphics (sort by value)
Xiaomi Poco M3
Qualcomm Snapdragon 662, Adreno 610, 4096
963 Points
Motorola Moto G9 Play
Qualcomm Snapdragon 662, Adreno 610, 4096
974 Points +1%
Realme 7
Mediatek Helio G95, Mali-G76 MP4, 8192
2788 Points +190%
Samsung Galaxy M21
Samsung Exynos 9611, Mali-G72 MP3, 4096
1439 Points +49%
Average Qualcomm Snapdragon 662
  (946 - 1005, n=12)
973 Points +1%
Average of class Smartphone
  (298 - 8601, n=96, last 2 years)
2775 Points +188%
2560x1440 Sling Shot Extreme (Vulkan) Unlimited Physics (sort by value)
Xiaomi Poco M3
Qualcomm Snapdragon 662, Adreno 610, 4096
2124 Points
Motorola Moto G9 Play
Qualcomm Snapdragon 662, Adreno 610, 4096
2250 Points +6%
Realme 7
Mediatek Helio G95, Mali-G76 MP4, 8192
2813 Points +32%
Samsung Galaxy M21
Samsung Exynos 9611, Mali-G72 MP3, 4096
2125 Points 0%
Average Qualcomm Snapdragon 662
  (2124 - 2499, n=12)
2292 Points +8%
Average of class Smartphone
  (1667 - 3525, n=96, last 2 years)
2671 Points +26%
Wild Life Score (sort by value)
Xiaomi Poco M3
Qualcomm Snapdragon 662, Adreno 610, 4096
369 Points
Average Qualcomm Snapdragon 662
  (369 - 391, n=11)
378 Points +2%
Average of class Smartphone
  (395 - 9839, n=130, last 2 years)
2548 Points +591%
Wild Life Unlimited Score (sort by value)
Xiaomi Poco M3
Qualcomm Snapdragon 662, Adreno 610, 4096
369 Points
Average Qualcomm Snapdragon 662
  (366 - 382, n=8)
370 Points 0%
Average of class Smartphone
  (394 - 20068, n=193, last 2 years)
6048 Points +1539%
GFXBench (DX / GLBenchmark) 2.7
T-Rex Onscreen (sort by value)
Xiaomi Poco M3
Qualcomm Snapdragon 662, Adreno 610, 4096
32 fps
Motorola Moto G9 Play
Qualcomm Snapdragon 662, Adreno 610, 4096
29 fps -9%
Realme 7
Mediatek Helio G95, Mali-G76 MP4, 8192
45 fps +41%
Samsung Galaxy M21
Samsung Exynos 9611, Mali-G72 MP3, 4096
31 fps -3%
Average Qualcomm Snapdragon 662
  (29 - 51, n=10)
39 fps +22%
Average of class Smartphone
  (22 - 165, n=177, last 2 years)
83.6 fps +161%
1920x1080 T-Rex Offscreen (sort by value)
Xiaomi Poco M3
Qualcomm Snapdragon 662, Adreno 610, 4096
35 fps
Motorola Moto G9 Play
Qualcomm Snapdragon 662, Adreno 610, 4096
35 fps 0%
Realme 7
Mediatek Helio G95, Mali-G76 MP4, 8192
81 fps +131%
Samsung Galaxy M21
Samsung Exynos 9611, Mali-G72 MP3, 4096
35 fps 0%
Average Qualcomm Snapdragon 662
  (34 - 36, n=10)
35.1 fps 0%
Average of class Smartphone
  (19 - 791, n=177, last 2 years)
243 fps +594%
GFXBench 3.0
on screen Manhattan Onscreen OGL (sort by value)
Xiaomi Poco M3
Qualcomm Snapdragon 662, Adreno 610, 4096
17 fps
Motorola Moto G9 Play
Qualcomm Snapdragon 662, Adreno 610, 4096
33 fps +94%
Realme 7
Mediatek Helio G95, Mali-G76 MP4, 8192
42 fps +147%
Samsung Galaxy M21
Samsung Exynos 9611, Mali-G72 MP3, 4096
19 fps +12%
Average Qualcomm Snapdragon 662
  (16 - 34, n=10)
25.4 fps +49%
Average of class Smartphone
  (6.8 - 165, n=178, last 2 years)
71.3 fps +319%
1920x1080 1080p Manhattan Offscreen (sort by value)
Xiaomi Poco M3
Qualcomm Snapdragon 662, Adreno 610, 4096
19 fps
Motorola Moto G9 Play
Qualcomm Snapdragon 662, Adreno 610, 4096
19 fps 0%
Realme 7
Mediatek Helio G95, Mali-G76 MP4, 8192
52 fps +174%
Samsung Galaxy M21
Samsung Exynos 9611, Mali-G72 MP3, 4096
18 fps -5%
Average Qualcomm Snapdragon 662
  (19 - 21, n=10)
19.3 fps +2%
Average of class Smartphone
  (9.2 - 363, n=178, last 2 years)
137.9 fps +626%
GFXBench 3.1
on screen Manhattan ES 3.1 Onscreen (sort by value)
Xiaomi Poco M3
Qualcomm Snapdragon 662, Adreno 610, 4096
12 fps
Motorola Moto G9 Play
Qualcomm Snapdragon 662, Adreno 610, 4096
25 fps +108%
Realme 7
Mediatek Helio G95, Mali-G76 MP4, 8192
29 fps +142%
Samsung Galaxy M21
Samsung Exynos 9611, Mali-G72 MP3, 4096
14 fps +17%
Average Qualcomm Snapdragon 662
  (11 - 26, n=10)
18.8 fps +57%
Average of class Smartphone
  (3.7 - 158, n=178, last 2 years)
60.2 fps +402%
1920x1080 Manhattan ES 3.1 Offscreen (sort by value)
Xiaomi Poco M3
Qualcomm Snapdragon 662, Adreno 610, 4096
13 fps
Motorola Moto G9 Play
Qualcomm Snapdragon 662, Adreno 610, 4096
13 fps 0%
Realme 7
Mediatek Helio G95, Mali-G76 MP4, 8192
33 fps +154%
Samsung Galaxy M21
Samsung Exynos 9611, Mali-G72 MP3, 4096
16 fps +23%
Average Qualcomm Snapdragon 662
  (13 - 14, n=10)
13.1 fps +1%
Average of class Smartphone
  (6.2 - 279, n=178, last 2 years)
97 fps +646%
GFXBench
on screen Car Chase Onscreen (sort by value)
Xiaomi Poco M3
Qualcomm Snapdragon 662, Adreno 610, 4096
6.4 fps
Motorola Moto G9 Play
Qualcomm Snapdragon 662, Adreno 610, 4096
13 fps +103%
Realme 7
Mediatek Helio G95, Mali-G76 MP4, 8192
17 fps +166%
Samsung Galaxy M21
Samsung Exynos 9611, Mali-G72 MP3, 4096
8.9 fps +39%
Average Qualcomm Snapdragon 662
  (6 - 14, n=10)
9.88 fps +54%
Average of class Smartphone
  (5 - 117, n=178, last 2 years)
42.9 fps +570%
1920x1080 Car Chase Offscreen (sort by value)
Xiaomi Poco M3
Qualcomm Snapdragon 662, Adreno 610, 4096
7.1 fps
Motorola Moto G9 Play
Qualcomm Snapdragon 662, Adreno 610, 4096
7 fps -1%
Realme 7
Mediatek Helio G95, Mali-G76 MP4, 8192
19 fps +168%
Samsung Galaxy M21
Samsung Exynos 9611, Mali-G72 MP3, 4096
10 fps +41%
Average Qualcomm Snapdragon 662
  (7 - 7.3, n=10)
7.16 fps +1%
Average of class Smartphone
  (2.9 - 166, n=178, last 2 years)
58.6 fps +725%
on screen Aztec Ruins Normal Tier Onscreen (sort by value)
Xiaomi Poco M3
Qualcomm Snapdragon 662, Adreno 610, 4096
7.5 fps
Motorola Moto G9 Play
Qualcomm Snapdragon 662, Adreno 610, 4096
15 fps +100%
Realme 7
Mediatek Helio G95, Mali-G76 MP4, 8192
19 fps +153%
Samsung Galaxy M21
Samsung Exynos 9611, Mali-G72 MP3, 4096
9.2 fps +23%
Sony Xperia L4
Mediatek Helio P22 MT6762, PowerVR GE8320, 3072
6.4 fps -15%
Average Qualcomm Snapdragon 662
  (4.8 - 15, n=13)
10.5 fps +40%
Average of class Smartphone
  (3.6 - 123, n=218, last 2 years)
43.3 fps +477%
1920x1080 Aztec Ruins Normal Tier Offscreen (sort by value)
Xiaomi Poco M3
Qualcomm Snapdragon 662, Adreno 610, 4096
8.3 fps
Motorola Moto G9 Play
Qualcomm Snapdragon 662, Adreno 610, 4096
8.3 fps 0%
Realme 7
Mediatek Helio G95, Mali-G76 MP4, 8192
21 fps +153%
Samsung Galaxy M21
Samsung Exynos 9611, Mali-G72 MP3, 4096
10 fps +20%
Sony Xperia L4
Mediatek Helio P22 MT6762, PowerVR GE8320, 3072
3.8 fps -54%
Average Qualcomm Snapdragon 662
  (7.4 - 8.6, n=13)
8.27 fps 0%
Average of class Smartphone
  (2.3 - 229, n=218, last 2 years)
62.9 fps +658%
on screen Aztec Ruins High Tier Onscreen (sort by value)
Xiaomi Poco M3
Qualcomm Snapdragon 662, Adreno 610, 4096
4.4 fps
Motorola Moto G9 Play
Qualcomm Snapdragon 662, Adreno 610, 4096
9 fps +105%
Realme 7
Mediatek Helio G95, Mali-G76 MP4, 8192
12 fps +173%
Samsung Galaxy M21
Samsung Exynos 9611, Mali-G72 MP3, 4096
5.6 fps +27%
Sony Xperia L4
Mediatek Helio P22 MT6762, PowerVR GE8320, 3072
4.1 fps -7%
Average Qualcomm Snapdragon 662
  (2.9 - 9.6, n=13)
6.43 fps +46%
Average of class Smartphone
  (2.8 - 105, n=218, last 2 years)
32.2 fps +632%
2560x1440 Aztec Ruins High Tier Offscreen (sort by value)
Xiaomi Poco M3
Qualcomm Snapdragon 662, Adreno 610, 4096
2.8 fps
Motorola Moto G9 Play
Qualcomm Snapdragon 662, Adreno 610, 4096
2.8 fps 0%
Realme 7
Mediatek Helio G95, Mali-G76 MP4, 8192
7.7 fps +175%
Samsung Galaxy M21
Samsung Exynos 9611, Mali-G72 MP3, 4096
3.5 fps +25%
Sony Xperia L4
Mediatek Helio P22 MT6762, PowerVR GE8320, 3072
1.4 fps -50%
Average Qualcomm Snapdragon 662
  (2.5 - 2.9, n=13)
2.78 fps -1%
Average of class Smartphone
  (0.85 - 94, n=218, last 2 years)
25 fps +793%
AnTuTu v8 - Total Score (sort by value)
Xiaomi Poco M3
Qualcomm Snapdragon 662, Adreno 610, 4096
183808 Points
Motorola Moto G9 Play
Qualcomm Snapdragon 662, Adreno 610, 4096
177145 Points -4%
Realme 7
Mediatek Helio G95, Mali-G76 MP4, 8192
295778 Points +61%
Samsung Galaxy M21
Samsung Exynos 9611, Mali-G72 MP3, 4096
180019 Points -2%
Average Qualcomm Snapdragon 662
  (167471 - 185542, n=9)
177411 Points -3%
Average of class Smartphone
  (last 2 years)
101336 Points -45%
AImark - Score v2.x (sort by value)
Xiaomi Poco M3
Qualcomm Snapdragon 662, Adreno 610, 4096
4660 Points
Realme 7
Mediatek Helio G95, Mali-G76 MP4, 8192
12399 Points +166%
Average Qualcomm Snapdragon 662
  (4660 - 15832, n=7)
9448 Points +103%
Average of class Smartphone
  (1043 - 139804, n=54, last 2 years)
20600 Points +342%
BaseMark OS II
Overall (sort by value)
Xiaomi Poco M3
Qualcomm Snapdragon 662, Adreno 610, 4096
2412 Points
Motorola Moto G9 Play
Qualcomm Snapdragon 662, Adreno 610, 4096
2406 Points 0%
Realme 7
Mediatek Helio G95, Mali-G76 MP4, 8192
3182 Points +32%
Samsung Galaxy M21
Samsung Exynos 9611, Mali-G72 MP3, 4096
2133 Points -12%
Xiaomi Redmi Note 9
Mediatek Helio G85, Mali-G52 MP2, 3072
2285 Points -5%
Average Qualcomm Snapdragon 662
  (2243 - 2432, n=11)
2337 Points -3%
Average of class Smartphone
  (411 - 11438, n=158, last 2 years)
5704 Points +136%
System (sort by value)
Xiaomi Poco M3
Qualcomm Snapdragon 662, Adreno 610, 4096
4834 Points
Motorola Moto G9 Play
Qualcomm Snapdragon 662, Adreno 610, 4096
4911 Points +2%
Realme 7
Mediatek Helio G95, Mali-G76 MP4, 8192
5564 Points +15%
Samsung Galaxy M21
Samsung Exynos 9611, Mali-G72 MP3, 4096
4586 Points -5%
Xiaomi Redmi Note 9
Mediatek Helio G85, Mali-G52 MP2, 3072
5010 Points +4%
Average Qualcomm Snapdragon 662
  (4275 - 5001, n=11)
4862 Points +1%
Average of class Smartphone
  (2376 - 16475, n=158, last 2 years)
9621 Points +99%
Memory (sort by value)
Xiaomi Poco M3
Qualcomm Snapdragon 662, Adreno 610, 4096
3454 Points
Motorola Moto G9 Play
Qualcomm Snapdragon 662, Adreno 610, 4096
3175 Points -8%
Realme 7
Mediatek Helio G95, Mali-G76 MP4, 8192
3758 Points +9%
Samsung Galaxy M21
Samsung Exynos 9611, Mali-G72 MP3, 4096
1759 Points -49%
Xiaomi Redmi Note 9
Mediatek Helio G85, Mali-G52 MP2, 3072
2536 Points -27%
Average Qualcomm Snapdragon 662
  (2618 - 3454, n=11)
3039 Points -12%
Average of class Smartphone
  (670 - 12306, n=158, last 2 years)
6230 Points +80%
Graphics (sort by value)
Xiaomi Poco M3
Qualcomm Snapdragon 662, Adreno 610, 4096
1847 Points
Motorola Moto G9 Play
Qualcomm Snapdragon 662, Adreno 610, 4096
1806 Points -2%
Realme 7
Mediatek Helio G95, Mali-G76 MP4, 8192
3807 Points +106%
Samsung Galaxy M21
Samsung Exynos 9611, Mali-G72 MP3, 4096
2138 Points +16%
Xiaomi Redmi Note 9
Mediatek Helio G85, Mali-G52 MP2, 3072
1845 Points 0%
Average Qualcomm Snapdragon 662
  (1773 - 1887, n=11)
1839 Points 0%
Average of class Smartphone
  (697 - 58651, n=158, last 2 years)
13900 Points +653%
Web (sort by value)
Xiaomi Poco M3
Qualcomm Snapdragon 662, Adreno 610, 4096
1098 Points
Motorola Moto G9 Play
Qualcomm Snapdragon 662, Adreno 610, 4096
1191 Points +8%
Realme 7
Mediatek Helio G95, Mali-G76 MP4, 8192
1288 Points +17%
Samsung Galaxy M21
Samsung Exynos 9611, Mali-G72 MP3, 4096
1200 Points +9%
Xiaomi Redmi Note 9
Mediatek Helio G85, Mali-G52 MP2, 3072
1198 Points +9%
Average Qualcomm Snapdragon 662
  (1023 - 1228, n=11)
1116 Points +2%
Average of class Smartphone
  (10 - 2145, n=158, last 2 years)
1487 Points +35%
Jetstream 2 - Total Score
Average of class Smartphone (13.8 - 351, n=167, last 2 years)
104 Points +225%
Realme 7 (Chrome 86)
36.93 Points +15%
Motorola Moto G9 Play (Chrome 85)
32.43 Points +1%
Xiaomi Poco M3 (Chrome 87.0.4280.101)
32.04 Points
Average Qualcomm Snapdragon 662 (30.4 - 32.4, n=10)
31.5 Points -2%
Samsung Galaxy M21 (Chrome 85)
30.64 Points -4%
Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 (Chrome 85)
29.95 Points -7%
JetStream 1.1 - Total Score
Average of class Smartphone (66.1 - 104.3, n=2, last 2 years)
85.2 Points +72%
Realme 7 (Chrome 86)
70.8 Points +43%
Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 (Chrome 85)
53.9 Points +9%
Average Qualcomm Snapdragon 662 (47.8 - 53.7, n=9)
49.9 Points +1%
Samsung Galaxy M21 (Chrome 85)
49.5 Points 0%
Xiaomi Poco M3 (Chrome 87.0.4280.101)
49.46 Points
Speedometer 2.0 - Result
Average of class Smartphone (14.9 - 445, n=151, last 2 years)
104.7 runs/min +259%
Realme 7 (Chome 86)
34.2 runs/min +17%
Motorola Moto G9 Play (Chome 85)
29.2 runs/min 0%
Xiaomi Poco M3 (Chrome 87.0.4280.101)
29.2 runs/min
Average Qualcomm Snapdragon 662 (26.5 - 29.3, n=9)
28.4 runs/min -3%
Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 (Chrome 85)
27 runs/min -8%
Samsung Galaxy M21 (Chome 85)
26.6 runs/min -9%
WebXPRT 3 - Overall
Average of class Smartphone (37 - 304, n=118, last 2 years)
130.7 Points +147%
Samsung Galaxy M21 (Chrome 85)
55 Points +4%
Realme 7 (Chrome 86)
55 Points +4%
Average Qualcomm Snapdragon 662 (51 - 59, n=11)
53.2 Points 0%
Xiaomi Poco M3 (Chrome 87.0.4280.101)
53 Points
Motorola Moto G9 Play (Chrome 85)
52 Points -2%
Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 (Chrome 85)
45 Points -15%
Octane V2 - Total Score
Average of class Smartphone (4633 - 89112, n=202, last 2 years)
33355 Points +266%
Realme 7 (Chrome 86)
15814 Points +73%
Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 (Chrome 85)
10299 Points +13%
Samsung Galaxy M21 (Chrome 85)
9810 Points +8%
Average Qualcomm Snapdragon 662 (8893 - 10247, n=14)
9495 Points +4%
Motorola Moto G9 Play (Chrome 85)
9264 Points +2%
Xiaomi Poco M3 (Chrome 87.0.4280.101)
9125 Points
Mozilla Kraken 1.1 - Total
Samsung Galaxy M21 (Chrome 85)
4664 ms * -3%
Xiaomi Poco M3 (Chrome 87.0.4280.101)
4537 ms *
Motorola Moto G9 Play (Chrome 85)
4444 ms * +2%
Average Qualcomm Snapdragon 662 (3779 - 4650, n=11)
4379 ms * +3%
Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 (Chrome 85)
3901 ms * +14%
Realme 7 (Chrome 86)
3381 ms * +25%
Average of class Smartphone (388 - 9999, n=165, last 2 years)
1658 ms * +63%

* ... smaller is better

Xiaomi Poco M3Motorola Moto G9 PlayRealme 7Samsung Galaxy M21Sony Xperia L4Xiaomi Redmi Note 9Average 128 GB UFS 2.2 FlashAverage of class Smartphone
AndroBench 3-5
-23%
-3%
-13%
-38%
-19%
27%
157%
Sequential Read 256KB
509
315.2
-38%
529
4%
487.8
-4%
293.4
-42%
306.6
-40%
708 ?(303 - 1038, n=59)
39%
1468 ?(215 - 4512, n=210, last 2 years)
188%
Sequential Write 256KB
269.2
187.2
-30%
200
-26%
192.7
-28%
165
-39%
248.1
-8%
517 ?(105.3 - 903, n=59)
92%
1078 ?(57.5 - 3678, n=210, last 2 years)
300%
Random Read 4KB
147
98.4
-33%
153.3
4%
126
-14%
61.2
-58%
65.1
-56%
187.1 ?(89.3 - 297, n=59)
27%
242 ?(22.2 - 543, n=210, last 2 years)
65%
Random Write 4KB
154.1
96.1
-38%
151.3
-2%
124.2
-19%
22.5
-85%
146.9
-5%
181 ?(68.8 - 419, n=59)
17%
266 ?(13 - 709, n=210, last 2 years)
73%
Sequential Read 256KB SDCard
85.9 ?(Toshiba Exceria Pro M501)
85.4 ?(Toshiba Exceria Pro M501)
-1%
84.6 ?(Toshiba Exceria Pro M501)
-2%
77.9 ?(Toshiba Exceria Pro M501)
-9%
83.5 ?(Toshiba Exceria Pro M501)
-3%
84.4 ?(Toshiba Exceria Pro M501)
-2%
82.3 ?(77.2 - 85.9, n=3)
-4%
Sequential Write 256KB SDCard
64.2 ?(Toshiba Exceria Pro M501)
65.3 ?(Toshiba Exceria Pro M501)
2%
66.3 ?(Toshiba Exceria Pro M501)
3%
62.2 ?(Toshiba Exceria Pro M501)
-3%
62.5 ?(Toshiba Exceria Pro M501)
-3%
63.5 ?(Toshiba Exceria Pro M501)
-1%
59.1 ?(49.6 - 64.2, n=3)
-8%

Games - Also fun on a 150-Euro smartphone

Even a 150-Euro smartphone such as the Poco M3 can be quite suitable for gaming. In the Xiaomi, there are also the stereo speakers placed on the two short sides, so they offer a good sound image in landscape format. Of course the performance reserves are limited due to the Snapdragon 662, but they are still sufficient for playing graphically simpler games such as "Armajet," for example.

At times, you have to lower the graphics details in more hardware-intensive games to keep the gaming fun going. "PUBG Mobile" does this by itself: in the popular shooter, the maximum available graphics detail is "Balanced," which is the second lowest setting. Even then, "PUBG Mobile" still won't run completely smoothly, but it still remains easily playable at an average of 25 frames per second. We measure the FPS values with the Gamebench tool.

Armajet
Armajet
PUBG Mobile
PUBG Mobile
051015202530354045505560Tooltip
Xiaomi Poco M3; Armajet; 1.56.8: Ø49.7 (28-60)
Xiaomi Poco M3; PUBG Mobile; 1.1.0: Ø24.8 (21-26)

Emissions - Stereo speakers onboard

Temperature

At an average of 32.4 °C (90 °F), the Xiaomi Poco M3 only gets hand warm even under load, so it never feels too hot in the hand. Internally, the smartphone also manages things well in terms of the temperatures.

As the benchmarks show, the Snapdragon 662 is always able to use its maximum performance fully, and there is no throttling due to heat problems. This is shown by the battery test scenarios of GFXBench, for example, where the Poco M3 renders the test scenes 30 times in a row each, without the frame rates dropping. In the Wild Life stress test of 3DMark, the stability score is practically perfect at 99.5%.

GFXBench T-Rex battery test
GFXBench T-Rex battery test
GFXBench Manhattan battery test
GFXBench Manhattan battery test
3DMark - Wild Life Stress Test Stability
Xiaomi Poco M3
Adreno 610, SD 662, 128 GB UFS 2.2 Flash
99.5 %
Max. Load
 34 °C
93 F
33.7 °C
93 F
34.8 °C
95 F
 
 33.3 °C
92 F
33.1 °C
92 F
37.5 °C
100 F
 
 33.2 °C
92 F
31.3 °C
88 F
33.3 °C
92 F
 
Maximum: 37.5 °C = 100 F
Average: 33.8 °C = 93 F
29.7 °C
85 F
30.9 °C
88 F
32.9 °C
91 F
30 °C
86 F
31.3 °C
88 F
32.8 °C
91 F
30 °C
86 F
30.1 °C
86 F
30.9 °C
88 F
Maximum: 32.9 °C = 91 F
Average: 31 °C = 88 F
Power Supply (max.)  27.9 °C = 82 F | Room Temperature 21.8 °C = 71 F | Fluke t3000FC (calibrated) & Voltcraft IR-260
(±) The average temperature for the upper side under maximal load is 33.8 °C / 93 F, compared to the average of 32.7 °C / 91 F for the devices in the class Smartphone.
(+) The maximum temperature on the upper side is 37.5 °C / 100 F, compared to the average of 35 °C / 95 F, ranging from 21.9 to 56 °C for the class Smartphone.
(+) The bottom heats up to a maximum of 32.9 °C / 91 F, compared to the average of 33.8 °C / 93 F
(+) In idle usage, the average temperature for the upper side is 27 °C / 81 F, compared to the device average of 32.7 °C / 91 F.

Speakers

Stereo speakers are something special in the price class below 200 Euros (~$242), and the Xiaomi Poco M3 is able to score with just that. The speakers are placed on both short sides of the smartphone and produce a surprisingly good sound whose only weakness is the bass range. You can also connect a headset to the smartphone via the 3.5-mm audio port or Bluetooth 5.0.

Pink Noise test - audio port
Pink Noise test - audio port
Signal-to-noise ratio - audio port (95.25 dB)
Signal-to-noise ratio - audio port (95.25 dB)
dB(A) 0102030405060708090Deep BassMiddle BassHigh BassLower RangeMidsHigher MidsLower HighsMid HighsUpper HighsSuper Highs203839.72528.933.73123.8214025.323.35039336323.429.68019.317.610016.123.412510.53016015.346.420015452509.652.931512.45740010.164.450011.466.96301168.480014.570.9100010.968.5125013.572.8160010.873.3200011.475.825001275.4315012.575.340001375.3500013.173630013.668.6800013.471.21000013.572.71250013.967.81600014.755SPL24.885.1N0.662.4median 13median 68.5Delta1.6938.941.436.838.333.135.132.935.235.337.328.728.119.121.820.421.620.519.317.227.314.237.314.545.814.550.812.85413.456.813.661.718.966.218.672.621.273.714.975.214.174.414.672.614.769.415.566.616.263.11766.81875.518.876.619.663.220.549.562.158.42983.814.110.61.154.2median 16.2median 63.1median 15.1median 693.113.41414.8hearing rangehide median Pink NoiseXiaomi Poco M3Samsung Galaxy M21
Frequency diagram (checkboxes can be checked and unchecked to compare devices)
Xiaomi Poco M3 audio analysis

(+) | speakers can play relatively loud (85.1 dB)
Bass 100 - 315 Hz
(-) | nearly no bass - on average 26.1% lower than median
(±) | linearity of bass is average (12.6% delta to prev. frequency)
Mids 400 - 2000 Hz
(+) | balanced mids - only 3% away from median
(+) | mids are linear (5.3% delta to prev. frequency)
Highs 2 - 16 kHz
(+) | balanced highs - only 4.5% away from median
(+) | highs are linear (2.9% delta to prev. frequency)
Overall 100 - 16.000 Hz
(±) | linearity of overall sound is average (18% difference to median)
Compared to same class
» 11% of all tested devices in this class were better, 7% similar, 82% worse
» The best had a delta of 12%, average was 38%, worst was 134%
Compared to all devices tested
» 32% of all tested devices were better, 8% similar, 60% worse
» The best had a delta of 4%, average was 25%, worst was 134%

Samsung Galaxy M21 audio analysis

(+) | speakers can play relatively loud (83.8 dB)
Bass 100 - 315 Hz
(-) | nearly no bass - on average 69% lower than median
(+) | bass is linear (0% delta to prev. frequency)
Mids 400 - 2000 Hz
(-) | nearly no mids - on average 69% lower than median
(+) | mids are linear (0% delta to prev. frequency)
Highs 2 - 16 kHz
(-) | nearly no highs - on average 69% lower than median
(+) | highs are linear (0% delta to prev. frequency)
Overall 100 - 16.000 Hz
(-) | overall sound is not linear (119.9% difference to median)
Compared to same class
» 86% of all tested devices in this class were better, 10% similar, 3% worse
» The best had a delta of 12%, average was 38%, worst was 134%
Compared to all devices tested
» 96% of all tested devices were better, 3% similar, 1% worse
» The best had a delta of 4%, average was 25%, worst was 134%

Battery Life - The 6000-mAh battery also works as a power bank

Power Consumption

Although the Poco M3 supports charging at up to 18 watts, the box includes even a 22.5-Watt charger. This is able to completely recharge the Xiaomi within 2:40 hours in our test, which is a fairly good value considering the large 6000-mAh battery.

While the smartphone does not support wireless charging, it supports reverse wired charging. This means that you can also use the smartphone as a power bank to charge other devices. However, the corresponding cable for this is not included.

Power Consumption
Off / Standbydarklight 0.01 / 0.08 Watt
Idledarkmidlight 0.5 / 1.84 / 1.87 Watt
Load midlight 3.99 / 6.01 Watt
 color bar
Key: min: dark, med: mid, max: light        Metrahit Energy
Currently we use the Metrahit Energy, a professional single phase power quality and energy measurement digital multimeter, for our measurements. Find out more about it here. All of our test methods can be found here.
Xiaomi Poco M3
6000 mAh
Samsung Galaxy M21
6000 mAh
Xiaomi Redmi Note 9
5020 mAh
Average Qualcomm Snapdragon 662
 
Average of class Smartphone
 
Power Consumption
-47%
-18%
-39%
-24%
Idle Minimum *
0.5
1.2
-140%
0.74
-48%
0.846 ?(0.49 - 1.38, n=10)
-69%
0.894 ?(0.42 - 2.37, n=157, last 2 years)
-79%
Idle Average *
1.84
1.8
2%
2.17
-18%
2.51 ?(1.5 - 4.92, n=10)
-36%
1.452 ?(0.69 - 4.26, n=157, last 2 years)
21%
Idle Maximum *
1.87
2.1
-12%
2.2
-18%
2.72 ?(1.63 - 4.95, n=10)
-45%
1.632 ?(0.79 - 4.45, n=157, last 2 years)
13%
Load Average *
3.99
6.2
-55%
4.17
-5%
4.99 ?(3 - 7.21, n=10)
-25%
5.55 ?(2.4 - 16.5, n=157, last 2 years)
-39%
Load Maximum *
6.01
7.9
-31%
6.11
-2%
7.16 ?(5.2 - 9.32, n=10)
-19%
8.23 ?(4.32 - 20.8, n=157, last 2 years)
-37%

* ... smaller is better

Battery Life

With its combination of a low power consumption and XXL battery, the Xiaomi Poco M3 achieves an excellent battery life. In the simulated web surfing, it lasts for almost 21 hours and when playing a video, still for almost 19.5 hours. With regular usage, the Xiaomi Poco M3 should at least be able to last for two, if not three, days without needing a recharge. Among our comparison devices, only the Samsung Galaxy M21 is able to keep up with it, since that also has a 6000-mAh battery.

Battery Runtime
Idle (without WLAN, min brightness)
45h 56min
WiFi Websurfing
20h 49min
Big Buck Bunny H.264 1080p
19h 24min
Load (maximum brightness)
6h 44min
Xiaomi Poco M3
6000 mAh
Motorola Moto G9 Play
5000 mAh
Realme 7
5000 mAh
Samsung Galaxy M21
6000 mAh
Sony Xperia L4
3580 mAh
Xiaomi Redmi Note 9
5020 mAh
Battery Runtime
-23%
-19%
-6%
-37%
-19%
Reader / Idle
2756
2297
-17%
2294
-17%
H.264
1164
1352
16%
1116
-4%
WiFi v1.3
1249
962
-23%
1006
-19%
1298
4%
783
-37%
867
-31%
Load
404
289
-28%
314
-22%

Pros

+ light and sturdy case
+ dual-SIM + microSD
+ LTE, Bluetooth 5.0, WiFi 5
+ protective case and screen protector
+ acceptable camera for daylight
+ fast fingerprint sensor
+ sufficient performance for everyday tasks
+ stereo speakers
+ very long battery life

Cons

- no NFC
- sluggish operation in parts
- IPS display is not very bright
- games only run with some limitations

Verdict - A lot of smartphone for 150 Euros

Testing the Xiaomi Poco M3. Test unit provided by Xiaomi Germany.
Testing the Xiaomi Poco M3. Test unit provided by Xiaomi Germany.

At a purchase price of 150 Euros (~$181) for the 64-GB version, the Xiaomi Poco M3 is very affordable. Even the 128-GB version is still affordable at 170 Euros (~$205). However, with 4 GB of RAM and the Snapdragon 662, the budget smartphone is not a performance champion and can respond sluggishly at times. But the performance is still sufficient for everyday tasks, and even allows you to play one or the other game sometimes. On the other hand, we would have liked a slightly brighter IPS screen, since the display, which is otherwise good, quickly hits its limits outdoors.

The Xiaomi Poco M3 offers a solid performance and scores with equipment highlights such as stereo speakers and a large 6000-mAh battery.

The rest of the equipment of the Poco M3 is surprisingly extensive. There is a triple-camera system that is able to take acceptable pictures in daylight, real dual-SIM capability, and even stereo speakers, which is a really rare feature in this price class. But the clear equipment highlight is the large 6000-mAh battery that provides the Xiaomi with a very long battery life. The battery can be full recharged in less than 3 hours.

Overall, the Poco M3 delivers a good performance, but it isn't the champion among the budget smartphones. The Samsung Galaxy M21, for example, which also remains below the 200-Euro (~$242) limit, does an even better job. The Samsung also offers a 6000-mAh battery, but it has the clearly better display with its AMOLED screen and in addition also offers NFC, but not stereo speakers.

Price and Availability

You can purchase the 64-GB version of the Poco M3 in Xiaomi's (German) online shop for 150 Euros (~$181) and the 128-GB version for 170 Euro (~$205). At Amazon (Germany), the prices are currently slightly higher. (In the US, the two versions of the Poco M3 are available from global vendors for $149/$169.)

Xiaomi Poco M3 - 01/15/2021 v7
Manuel Masiero

Chassis
81%
Keyboard
67 / 75 → 89%
Pointing Device
88%
Connectivity
46 / 70 → 66%
Weight
88%
Battery
92%
Display
88%
Games Performance
13 / 64 → 20%
Application Performance
60 / 86 → 70%
Temperature
93%
Noise
100%
Audio
81 / 90 → 90%
Camera
51%
Average
73%
78%
Smartphone - Weighted Average

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> Expert Reviews and News on Laptops, Smartphones and Tech Innovations > Reviews > Xiaomi Poco M3 Smartphone Review: The 150-Euro smartphone
Manuel Masiero, 2021-01-17 (Update: 2021-01-17)