Best Budget Smartphones of 2024: Poco X6 Pro vs. OnePlus Nord CE 3
In the ever-evolving smartphone market, the quest for the best budget-friendly phone seems endless. With so many options out there, it can be quite the task to pinpoint the exact model that gives you the best bang for your buck. However, worry not! This year, two smartphones stand out from the crowd, promising high-quality features without burning a hole in your wallet: the Poco X6 Pro and the OnePlus Nord CE 3.
Design and Display
The Poco X6 Pro boasts a sleek design, with its slim profile and lightweight body making it quite pleasant to hold and use. It has a 6.6-inch FHD+ AMOLED display that offers vibrant colors and excellent brightness levels, making it a joy to stream videos or play games. The 120Hz refresh rate ensures smooth scrolling and an enhanced experience, especially during gameplay.
On the other hand, the OnePlus Nord CE 3 doesn’t lag far behind, with its equally stylish design and a slightly larger 6.7-inch FHD+ Fluid AMOLED display. Its screen also supports a 120Hz refresh rate, promising a fluid viewing experience. Both devices come with fingerprint scanners for added security, but OnePlus has integrated theirs into the display, which some may find more convenient.
Performance
Under the hood, both smartphones pack quite a punch. The Poco X6 Pro is powered by the 6nm manufacturing process-based MediaTek Dimensity 1100, coupled with up to 8GB of RAM. This makes it a solid contender for running most contemporary apps and games without any hiccups. On the storage front, it offers options up to 256GB, ensuring you have ample space for your files and applications.
The OnePlus Nord CE 3, powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 695, slightly edges out its competitor in terms of raw performance. With up to 12GB RAM and 256GB of internal storage, it’s equipped to handle multitasking and high-demand applications more efficiently.
Camera
Photography enthusiasts would be interested to know that both smartphones offer impressive camera setups. The Poco X6 Pro features a triple-camera system with a 64MP main sensor, an 8MP ultra-wide lens, and a 2MP macro sensor. This combo allows for a versatile photography experience, from capturing broad landscapes to intricate details of close-up objects.
The OnePlus Nord CE 3, on its part, doesn’t disappoint either. It also comes with a triple-camera arrangement but opts for a 50MP primary sensor, accompanied by an 8MP ultra-wide camera and a 2MP depth sensor. While the main sensor’s resolution is lower compared to the Poco X6 Pro, it compensates through advanced software optimization, delivering stunning shots that can rival those of more expensive phones.
Battery Life and Charging
Battery life is crucial for many users, and both manufacturers have this covered. The Poco X6 Pro comes with a robust 5,000mAh battery, supporting 67W fast charging, which means you can get back to full power in less than an hour. This should comfortably last you a full day of moderate to heavy usage.
Similarly, the OnePlus Nord CE 3 is equipped with a 4,500mAh battery, but ups the ante with 80W fast charging support. This feature allows your phone to charge even faster, getting you from 0 to 70% in just about 30 minutes.
Software and Updates
Both the Poco X6 Pro and OnePlus Nord CE 3 run Android with their custom overlays on top. Poco employs its MIUI for Poco, which offers various customization options while maintaining a user-friendly interface. OnePlus’s OxygenOS is known for its clean, almost stock-Android experience, with additional features aimed at enhancing usability.
Concerning updates, both brands have committed to providing two years of Android updates and three years of security updates, ensuring your device stays current and secure.
Conclusion
Choosing between the Poco X6 Pro and OnePlus Nord CE 3 ultimately boils down to personal preferences and priorities. If a larger display and slightly better performance are at the top of your list, then the OnePlus Nord CE 3 might be the way to go. However, if you value camera versatility and longer battery life, the Poco X6 Pro will not disappoint.
Both smartphones standout as excellent choices in the budget category for 2024, proving that high-quality features no longer demand a premium price. Whether you’re a casual user, a gaming enthusiast, or a budding photographer, these models are sure to meet your needs without stretching your budget.