Watch: Can this PHP 6K phone run Genshin Impact 1.4? POCO M3 Gaming Sample

In this video, we try running Genshin Impact ver. 1.4 on the POCO M3. This is to see if one of the best 2020 budget phones can still perform in 2021.

POCO M3 gaming performance test

Watch: Can this PHP 6K phone run Genshin Impact 1.4? POCO M3 Gaming Sample

As a recap, the POCO M3 features a 6.53-inch LTPS screen with 2340 x 1080 FHD+ resolution and Gorilla Glass 3 protection. Inside, it features specs headlined by the 11nm 2.0GHz Snapdragon 662 octa-core processor, Adreno 610 GPU, 4GB LPDDR4X RAM, up to 128GB expandable storage, and a 6,000mAh battery with 18W fast charging.

POCO M3 features the SD662 processor

For cameras, it has a a triple-camera setup with 48MP f/1.79 w/ AF + 2MP f/2.4 macro sensor + 2MP f/2.4 depth sensor with LED flash. It also has a dedicated Night Mode, Movie frame, Time-lapse, and 120fps slow-motion video. For selfies, it has an 8MP f/2.05 sensor.

It also has WiFi, 4G LTE, Bluetooth 5.0, FM Radio, GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, BeiDou, Galileo, fingerprint sensor, face unlock, IR blaster, splash-proof nano-coating, Hi-Res audio via headphones, stereo speakers, and dual-mic.

With Genshin Impact, we downloaded and played version 1.4. After the 9GB download of the extra files, we checked the settings. The graphics quality is set to low but not the lowest. Render resolution is on Low. This is a mix of Low and Medium settings at 30FPS mode with Crown Density at High and Anti-Aliasing at TAA.

Even in these settings, the game stutters quite a bit during fights. However, walking around and taking in the scenery, there are no stutters. We went one step lower in the settings and the game ran a tad smoother. The fights had fewer stutters but there are still some.

For COD: Mobile, we played a few rounds of Search and Destroy and other modes. The game runs smoothly with little to no stutters. The touch controls are responsive and it gave me an advantage during Free-for-All mode that nets me around 20 kills.

POCO M3 Specs

Display: 6.53-inch 2.5D curved Gorilla Glass 3 protected LCD (LTPS) screen w/ FHD+ 2340 x 1080 resolution at 395 ppi

CPU: 2.0GHz 11nm Snapdragon 662 octa-core processor

GPU: Adreno 610

RAM: 4GB LPDDR4X

ROM: 64GB UFS 2.1/128GB UFS 2.2 expandable via microSD card slot up to 512GB (dedicated)

Back Camera: 48MP f/1.79 w/ AF + 2MP f/2.4 macro + 2MP f/2.4 depth + LED flash

Selfie Camera: 8MP f/2.05

Battery: 6,000mAh w/ 18W fast charging

OS: Android 10 w/ MIUI 12

Connectivity: WiFi, 4G LTE, Bluetooth 5.0, FM Radio, GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, BeiDou, Galileo, dual SIM

Sensors: Accelerometer, light, orientation, proximity, gyroscope, sound, magnetic, pressure

Others: Fingerprint sensor, face unlock, IR Blaster, Splash-proof nano-coating, Hi-Res audio, stereo speakers, dual-mic, USB-C, Colors: Cool Blue, POCO Yellow, Power Black

Dimensions: 162.3 x 77.3 x 9.6 mm

Weight: 198 g

Price: PHP 5,990 (4GB/64GB), PHP 6,990 (4GB/128GB)

Quick thoughts

For a budget device, the POCO M3 is a decent gaming device. Playing heavy games like Genshin Impact is doable but can be stuttery at bigger and more intense fights. Esports titles like MOBA games and COD: Mobile ran better and smoother. For the price, POCO M3 is still a great buy but we recommend you to buy it during sales to make the most out of your budget.

What do you guys think?