In its latest iteration of the X series, Poco beefs up battery and video shooting features
Anand Parthasarathy
Bangalore, October 16 2020: Coming just six months after the India launch of Poco X2, one is tempted to ask what has changed in this short span. The answer in the main is—processor.
Qualcomm has launched a new octa-core Snapdragon chip so Poco too graduates from the 730 to the 732G, while adding an Adreno 618 for graphical muscle.We are told that the ‘G’ in 732G stands for gaming, so the  makers ensure that hard core mobile gamers are able to optimally use the platform:  fast refresh rates of 120Hz;  good heat dissipation  and a built-in linear motor that gives an almost-games-console-like haptic feel and a Game Turbo  mode that ensures uninterrupted gaming over  a steady 802.11 ac network.
The rear camera combo of 4 lenses is almost the same as the Poco X2, except that the wide angle lens is 13 MB instead of 8 MP. The main lens (64 MP) is one of the best in this class and remains unchanged as does the 2MP macro and the 2 MP depth sensor. You can shoot video at full 4K at 30 fps or at slomo ranging from 960 to 120 fps, though the slowest speed requires you to choose the lower 720p quality.
I am a bit surprised that Poco has reverted from a dual camera to a single selfie camera of 20 MP for this upgrade. On the other hand, many users who are into making their ow vlogs these days will appreciate the vlog mode selector which makes adding backgrounds or music a cinch.
The Android OS has an overlay of the MiUi 12 user interface which I found to be unobtrusive  only adding a few buttons like MiPay
I also like the fact that Poco has kept in mind Indian users by making both SIMS 4G VoLTE capable – after Jio most service providers in India offer the VoLTE mode which a makes data the primary mode and voice a a free add-on, a pasia vasool proposition that Indians appreciate.
Heavy battery
The Poco X3 comes with a really heavy duty 6000 mAh battery – almost 1000 mAh bigger than the international model – so you can use it all day even under demanding video watching conditions. The product weight at 225 grams is no feather weight, but when the screen is 6.67 inches, you need two hands any way for many operations, so no complaints on that score.
Poco X3 in India is available  in two variants: 6 GB RAM + 64 GB storage or 6GB  +128 GB  and  prices at Flipkart are currently Rs 16,999 and 18,499 respectively which you will find are almost the same as the X2, so essentially you get a faster processor for the same asking price.
In summary, I would think, Poco has once more delivered a compelling value proposition, with a helpful  nod or two at gamers and vlog  creators.