Xiaomi POCO X3 GT Black 256GB

A battery champ with a dim screen and a forgettable camera. Buy it for endurance, not for pretty pictures.

The Dimensity 1100 is a solid mid-range chip, but it sits in the 38th percentile for performance in our database. That means it'll handle daily scrolling and light gaming fine, but don't expect flagship-level frame rates in demanding titles. The 8GB of RAM and UFS 3.1 storage help keep things snappy, but the 450-nit IPS LCD display is a weak spot, especially outdoors. What surprised us is how well the 67W charging pairs with that 5000mAh cell. You can go from dead to mostly full in about 40 minutes, which is genuinely useful.

Against the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra or iPhone 17, the Poco X3 GT gets absolutely smoked in performance, camera, and display. But those phones cost three to four times as much. The more relevant comparison is the OnePlus 15, which offers a much better display and faster chip for a bit more money. The Google Pixel 10 Pro also outclasses it in camera quality and software polish. If you're on a strict budget and battery life is your top priority, the Poco makes a case. Otherwise, save up a little longer.

At $372 USD, this is a tough sell in 2025. The battery and charging are genuinely great, but you're giving up display quality, camera performance, and build materials. If you can find it cheaper on sale, it makes more sense. At full price, there are better-rounded options.

The Poco X3 GT is a budget phone that punches way above its weight in battery life and charging speed, but it's not a 2025 flagship killer. You're getting a 6.6" 120Hz display, a Dimensity 1100 chip, and a massive 5000mAh battery with 67W wired charging. The headline here is endurance and fast top-ups, not raw performance or camera chops.

If you care about camera quality or display brightness, this isn't your phone. Go get a Pixel 8a or a used Galaxy S23 instead. You'll lose some battery endurance but gain a much better overall experience.

The Poco X3 GT is a one-trick pony, but it's a pretty good trick. If you need a phone that lasts all day and charges in under an hour, this delivers. For everyone else, the dim display and mediocre camera make it hard to recommend at full price.