The Poco F3 GT marks a long-awaited return to the F series, a line known for its gaming prowess and exceptional value for money. With the Poco F1’s legacy as a budget gaming champion, the F3 GT aims to recapture this spirit, offering powerful specs and features specifically designed for gaming enthusiasts. But in a crowded market, does the F3 GT stand out as the go-to option for budget-conscious gamers? We put it through a rigorous test to find out if it lives up to the expectations set by its predecessor.
Poco F3 GT Price in India
The Poco F3 GT comes in three variants, with prices starting at Rs. 26,999 for the base 6GB RAM + 128GB storage model. The 8GB RAM + 128GB storage option is priced at Rs. 28,999, while the top-tier 8GB RAM + 256GB storage variant is available for Rs. 30,999.
Poco F3 GT Design
The Poco F3 GT isn’t shy about its size, sporting a large 6.67-inch display with minimal bezels on the sides. This bold design choice is further emphasized by the presence of two physical “maglev” trigger buttons on the right side of the metal frame. These can be activated by pressing inwards for a satisfying clicky feedback, designed to enhance the immersive gaming experience.
The top of the phone features a speaker grille, a secondary microphone, and an IR emitter, a common feature on Xiaomi devices. The bottom houses the USB Type-C port, bottom-firing speaker, primary microphone, and a SIM tray with dual Nano-SIM slots.
The back panel is protected by Corning Gorilla Glass 5, a feature that extends to the front as well, offering protection against daily wear and tear. The triple camera setup is accompanied by a lightning bolt-shaped LED flash and RGB lighting. This camera module protrudes slightly but features a metal trim to safeguard the lenses from scratches. A protective case is included in the box.
With a weight of 205g, the Poco F3 GT is heavier than some competitors. Nevertheless, it holds an IP53 rating, denoting splash resistance for a degree of protection against accidental spills.
Poco F3 GT Specifications
The Poco F3 GT is powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 1200 SoC, making it a force to be reckoned with in the performance department. The device comes in 6GB and 8GB RAM options, both paired with 128GB of storage. A top-tier 8GB RAM, 256GB storage variant caters to those needing ample space.
The 6.67-inch AMOLED display, with its full-HD+ resolution and 120Hz refresh rate, provides a smooth and visually immersive experience. The addition of HDR10+ support elevates the viewing quality further, while the 240Hz touch sampling rate (boosted to 480Hz in game mode) ensures rapid responsiveness.
Connectivity options include 5G and 4G VoLTE, Bluetooth 5.1, and dual-band Wi-Fi. The phone also supports five satellite navigation systems.
The Poco F3 GT boasts a massive 5,065mAh battery and a generous 67W fast charger included in the box. This charger, larger than the average, features a bright yellow L-shaped Type-C connector, allowing for uninterrupted gaming or entertainment even while charging.
Poco F3 GT Performance
Powered by the Dimensity 1200 SoC, the Poco F3 GT excels in performance. It breezes through multitasking and demanding applications without any noticeable lag. During our review with the 8GB RAM model, we experienced zero slowdowns, making it a multitasking powerhouse. The elevated 120Hz refresh rate contributes to the fluid scrolling experience on the AMOLED display, further amplifying the overall smoothness.
DC dimming, a key feature for reducing eye strain, is present but only works when the refresh rate is set to 60Hz.
The side-mounted fingerprint sensor offers quick and reliable unlocking with a single tap. Face recognition is equally rapid, providing a convenient option in addition to fingerprint authentication. The AMOLED display excels with its wide viewing angles and decent outdoor visibility. The addition of stereo speakers enhances the video-watching experience, providing a well-rounded multimedia experience.
The RGB lighting, positioned around the camera module, adds a touch of flair when charging or in game mode. It pulses with pending notifications and incoming calls, adding a layer of personality to the device.
In benchmarks, the Poco F3 GT demonstrated its sheer processing power:
- AnTuTu: 6,11,051 points
- Geekbench 5, single-core: 855 points
- Geekbench 5, multi-core: 2,709 points
- GFXBench, Car Chase: 38fps
- GFXBench, T-Rex: 117fps
These scores surpass the OnePlus Nord 2, a similarly priced competitor, highlighting the Poco F3 GT’s exceptional performance in the mid-range gaming segment.
Poco F3 GT Gaming Experience
The Poco F3 GT is specifically designed for an optimal gaming experience, and it delivers. In our testing with Battlegrounds Mobile India (BGMI), the device automatically defaulted to HD graphics and high frame rate settings, which it handled flawlessly without lag or stutter.
The physical trigger buttons contribute immensely to the gaming experience, providing a satisfying tactile feedback and allowing for precise control. The stereo speakers enhance the immersive audio experience, drawing you deeper into the action.
During a 20-minute gaming session, we observed a mere 3 percent battery drop, a testament to the efficiency of the 5,065mAh battery. While the device did become slightly warm to the touch, the heat dissipation remained within acceptable levels.
Poco F3 GT Battery Life
The Poco F3 GT packs a huge 5,065mAh battery that comfortably lasts for a day and a half with moderate usage. In our HD video loop test, the device achieved an impressive 17 hours and 36 minutes of continuous playback.
When the battery dips low, the included 67W fast charger takes only 30 minutes to power up the phone to 72 percent, and a full charge is achievable in approximately 47 minutes.
Poco F3 GT Cameras
The Poco F3 GT boasts a triple camera setup on the rear:
- 64-megapixel primary camera
- 8-megapixel ultra-wide angle camera
- 2-megapixel macro camera
For selfies, it features a 16-megapixel front-facing camera.
The camera app is user-friendly with a simple interface. The AI scene detection and HDR features are accessible via a quick toggle switch. Switching between shooting modes is effortless, and the option to apply filters pre-shot adds a level of customization.
Daylight shots captured on the Poco F3 GT exhibit decent detail, although the device tends to over-sharpen images, resulting in an artificial look. While the dynamic range is acceptable, it doesn’t reach the heights of top-tier devices.
The ultra-wide angle camera allows for capturing wider perspectives but at the cost of image quality. It doesn’t match the sharpness of the primary camera and is best reserved for specific scenarios.
Close-up shots demonstrate good detail, and the device applies a subtle depth effect, blurring the background to create a sense of depth. Similarly, in portrait mode, the edge detection performs well, accurately differentiating the subject from the background. Users can even adjust the intensity of the background blur before capturing the photo.
While the macro camera offers the ability to get incredibly close to subjects, it’s essential to be mindful of light blockage, as the device can hinder light access if positioned too close to the subject. The output, however, is limited to 2 megapixels, which is a point to keep in mind.
Low-light camera performance on the Poco F3 GT is average. While the AI quickly recognizes low-light conditions and adjusts settings accordingly, it tends to boost brightness artificially, making reflections appear unnatural. Night mode produces more natural-looking photos.
Selfies captured with the Poco F3 GT are sharp but slightly sharpened, similar to the photos taken with the primary camera. Selfie portraits benefit from good edge detection, and the device reliably detects faces even with masks on.
The video recording capabilities of the Poco F3 GT peak at 4K 30fps for the primary camera. Footage shot in daylight exhibits stabilization at both 4K and 1080p resolutions. However, video recording in low-light conditions results in visible shimmer in the output.
Verdict
After a long hiatus, the Poco F3 GT marks a welcome return to the Poco F series. While the camera performance could be better, the device delivers impressive performance at an attractive price point. The combination of the powerful battery, effortless fast charging, and gaming-focused capabilities makes the Poco F3 GT a compelling option for budget-conscious gamers.
Comparing it to the OnePlus Nord 2, while the Poco F3 GT lacks a slight edge in camera quality, it outperforms the Nord 2 in gaming. If you prioritize a powerful gaming experience, the Poco F3 GT is an excellent choice. However, if you seek a more versatile device, the OnePlus Nord 2 might be a better fit, offering a more well-rounded experience.
The Poco F3 GT is a testament to Poco’s commitment to delivering high performance at an affordable price. It’s not perfect, but for gamers seeking a powerful and immersive experience without breaking the bank, the Poco F3 GT is a strong contender.
