Unleashing Gaming Power: First Look at the Poco F3 GT, a Budget-Friendly Gaming Revolution

The Poco brand has now established itself as an independent entity following the release of the Poco F1 smartphone by Xiaomi in India. This device provided robust specifications at competitive prices, gaining considerable popularity. Since then, Poco has introduced various series targeting multiple price tiers, yet the original Poco F1 never had a direct successor in India—the Poco F3, or Redmi K40 in some markets, was rebranded as the Mi 11X here. Now, almost three years post the F1 debut, Poco has finally expanded its F series with the launch of the Poco F3 GT.

This latest smartphone resembles a rebranded version of the Redmi K40 Game Enhanced Edition, which debuted in China earlier this year. It is equipped with the MediaTek Dimensity 1200 processor, similar to the recently released OnePlus Nord 2, while also featuring magnetic trigger buttons geared towards gamers. So, is the Poco F3 GT merely a specialized device, or could it emerge as a leading value option? I had the opportunity to spend some time with the Poco F3 GT, and here are my initial thoughts.

Poco F3 GT pricing in India

The Poco F3 GT is available in India starting at Rs. 26,999 for the entry-level variant with 6GB of RAM and 128GB of storage. Additionally, there is an 8GB RAM variant with 128GB of storage priced at Rs. 28,999, and an 8GB model with 256GB of storage for Rs. 30,999. The company will offer introductory pricing when the device first launches on July 26, along with discounts from select banks.

The Poco F3 GT is a large device boasting a 6.67-inch AMOLED screen. It has a full-HD+ resolution, a 120Hz refresh rate, and HDR10+ support. The display features slim bezels all around, enhancing its appeal. Corning Gorilla Glass 5 protects both the front and back surfaces. Centrally positioned at the top is the cutout for the 16-megapixel selfie camera. The phone has a tall aspect ratio, making it a challenge to reach the upper part of the display with one hand.

When you hold the Poco F3 GT, you’ll notice its relatively broad design, yet the rounded edges facilitate a comfortable grip. The frame is constructed from metal and features distinct design elements; the sides are curved while the corners are flat, allowing for a better resting position for your fingers during media consumption or gaming. The frame’s top and bottom sections are concave, which also aids grip during gameplay. This model weighs 205g and has a thickness of 8.3mm.

The trigger buttons on the sides pop up when activated

The right side of the frame is quite intricate, featuring the power button centrally located with two sliders flanking it. These sliders can be pushed inward to release the magnetic trigger buttons on the sides, which otherwise sit flush against the device. These buttons offer pleasing tactile feedback. The left side has a microphone and the volume controls. On the upper edge of the Poco F3 GT, you’ll find an IR emitter, a secondary microphone, and a speaker; the bottom edge houses the SIM tray, the primary microphone, a USB Type-C port, and the main speaker.

The Poco F3 GT showcases a glass back that imparts a premium appearance and feel. In the top left corner lies a triple-camera setup composed of a 64-megapixel main camera, an 8-megapixel ultra-wide lens, and a 2-megapixel macro shooter. This camera module is also equipped with RGB lights that activate when Game Boost is on and while charging. The Predator Black variant I have features a matte finish on the back that repels fingerprints. Moreover, Poco has rendered the F3 GT IP53 rated for dust and splash resistance, making it capable of enduring minor water exposure.

The Poco F3 GT is equipped with a triple camera array

Within the Poco F3 GT lies a substantial 5,065 mAh battery. Poco includes a 67W charger in the package, which ranks among the most powerful chargers offered at this price range. I will assess the charging speed during my comprehensive review. Additionally, it comes with a vibrant yellow USB cable featuring a 90-degree USB Type-C connector, simplifying the task of keeping the smartphone charged while gaming—a considerate feature.

Poco has chosen the MediaTek Dimensity 1200 processor for the F3 GT, offering options of 6GB, 8GB, and 12GB RAM. For storage, you can select between 128GB and 256GB, with two Nano-SIM slots available; however, storage expansion is not an option.

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The Poco F3 GT flaunts a large 6.67-inch AMOLED display with a refresh rate of 120Hz

The Poco F3 GT operates on MIUI 12.5 over Android 11, and my unit came with the June Android Security patch. The interface is user-friendly and I didn’t encounter significant issues while navigating. However, it does come preloaded with various apps, with a few sending out unwanted notifications. In addition to Google apps, it includes Facebook, Amazon, Netflix, and Xiaomi apps like Mi Pay, Mi Credit, Themes, and GetApps.

With the F3 GT, it appears that Poco is leveraging specialized hardware to appeal to budget-conscious gamers. The trigger buttons look practical, and the Dimensity 1200 SoC promises the capability to handle demanding titles. So, how do these features perform in actual gaming scenarios? Stay tuned to Gadgets 360 for insights in my upcoming detailed review.