In the ever-competitive world of budget smartphones, POCO, a Xiaomi sub-brand, has made a notable mark with its affordable yet feature-rich devices. One such device is the POCO M3, a smartphone that gained significant popularity for offering excellent value for money. A major factor in its appeal is the software and ROM experience that it delivers, which combines the strengths of Xiaomi’s MIUI with the hardware capabilities of the device.
This review will delve deeply into the POCO M3’s ROM (Read-Only Memory), exploring its user interface, performance, customization features, software optimizations, and more. We’ll discuss how the ROM influences the overall user experience, battery life, gaming performance, and camera functionalities, providing a comprehensive overview of what users can expect from the POCO M3.
Overview of the POCO M3
Before diving into the ROM, let’s take a quick look at the POCO M3’s hardware specifications, as this sets the stage for understanding the software’s performance. The POCO M3 is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 662 chipset, paired with 4GB of RAM and either 64GB or 128GB of internal storage. It features a 6.53-inch FHD+ display with a resolution of 1080 x 2340 pixels. The device also boasts a large 6000mAh battery, making it one of the most enduring smartphones in its price segment.
The POCO M3 runs on MIUI, Xiaomi’s custom ROM, but in this case, it’s branded as POCO’s UI, which is largely the same with a few modifications that cater to POCO users. The device initially launched with Android 10, running MIUI 12, but has since received updates to newer versions of Android and MIUI.
POCO M3 ROM: MIUI Overview
The ROM on the POCO M3 is based on Xiaomi’s MIUI, which has been fine-tuned to offer a smooth experience on lower-powered devices. MIUI is one of the most feature-rich Android skins on the market, offering a plethora of customization options, tools, and optimizations that are rare in other budget smartphones.
User Interface (UI) and Design
The POCO M3’s ROM offers an attractive user interface, heavily influenced by Xiaomi’s MIUI design philosophy. The UI is bright, colorful, and customizable, with numerous options to tweak the look and feel according to the user’s preferences. For instance, users can change the home screen layout, opt for an app drawer or a more traditional flat layout, and choose from hundreds of themes available in the MIUI Theme Store.
Theming and Personalization: MIUI’s Theme Store is one of the most powerful aspects of the POCO M3’s ROM. Users can select from a wide variety of themes that change not only wallpapers and icons but also system fonts, notification styles, and even the lock screen interface. This high level of customization is a significant selling point for users who enjoy personalizing their smartphones.
App Drawer: Unlike Xiaomi’s older MIUI versions, which traditionally used a flat home screen without an app drawer, POCO’s UI includes an app drawer by default. This brings a more stock Android-like experience, making it easier to organize apps and maintain a cleaner home screen. Users can also categorize apps automatically into folders like Entertainment, Communication, Photography, and Tools, or they can manually sort them.
Icons and Fonts: The icons on the POCO M3’s ROM are large and well-spaced, ensuring easy readability even on a budget device. Additionally, the ROM allows for custom icon packs, further enhancing the customization aspect. Font size and style can be adjusted, which is useful for users who need larger text for better accessibility.
Performance and Optimization
Given that the POCO M3 runs on the Snapdragon 662, the ROM has been optimized to ensure smooth performance even on mid-range hardware. Xiaomi’s software team has made significant strides in optimizing MIUI for budget devices, and this is evident in the POCO M3’s day-to-day performance.
Smooth Multitasking: Thanks to MIUI’s memory management and optimization features, the POCO M3 handles multitasking efficiently. The 4GB of RAM may seem limited compared to flagship models, but the software makes good use of the available resources. Apps are generally quick to open, and switching between them feels smooth, though it may occasionally experience stutters with more demanding applications.
Animations and Transitions: One of the hallmark features of MIUI is its polished animations. On the POCO M3, these animations are fluid, from the opening and closing of apps to transitions between home screens. MIUI gives users the option to reduce animation speeds if they prefer a snappier experience, which can be beneficial on a device with more modest hardware.
Bloatware: A common critique of MIUI is the presence of bloatware – pre-installed apps that many users might not need. The POCO M3 comes with a few pre-installed apps that some may find unnecessary, such as Xiaomi’s own suite of services like Mi Browser, Mi Video, and Mi Music. However, many of these apps can be uninstalled or disabled, and Xiaomi has made strides in reducing the amount of bloatware on its devices with recent updates.
Battery Life Optimization
One of the standout features of the POCO M3 is its massive 6000mAh battery, and the ROM plays a crucial role in maximizing this battery’s potential. Xiaomi has integrated a number of battery-saving features into MIUI, allowing users to extend battery life significantly.
Battery Saver Mode: The POCO M3’s ROM includes a robust battery saver mode that limits background processes, reduces the performance of the processor, and dims the display to conserve power. There’s also an ultra-battery saver mode, which can extend battery life for several additional hours by restricting most functions except for basic calls and text messaging.
Battery Usage Stats: MIUI offers detailed battery usage stats, allowing users to monitor which apps are consuming the most power. This level of granularity helps users identify and limit power-hungry apps that might be running in the background, further optimizing battery life.
Charging and Battery Health: The ROM also includes features to protect the battery’s longevity, such as slow charging notifications and battery health information. Fast charging support (18W) ensures that the device charges relatively quickly, even though it takes over two hours to fully charge the massive battery.
Camera Software and Optimization
The POCO M3 comes equipped with a triple-camera setup on the back, featuring a 48MP main sensor, a 2MP macro lens, and a 2MP depth sensor. While the hardware is impressive for the price, the camera software and ROM optimizations are just as important in determining the final image quality.
Camera Interface: The MIUI camera app is user-friendly, with intuitive controls that are easy to navigate. Users can quickly switch between different modes, such as Portrait, Night Mode, Pro Mode, and Panorama. The software also provides a plethora of customization options, including manual settings for ISO, shutter speed, and white balance in Pro Mode, which is rare in budget smartphones.
AI Scene Detection: The POCO M3’s ROM includes AI scene detection, which automatically adjusts camera settings depending on the subject and lighting conditions. While the AI is not as advanced as on higher-end Xiaomi devices, it does a decent job of optimizing photos for everyday scenarios, such as landscapes and portraits.
Night Mode: Although the POCO M3 is a budget device, the inclusion of a Night Mode in the camera software is commendable. The Night Mode attempts to brighten low-light shots by extending the exposure and improving image clarity. While it’s not as effective as on more expensive devices, it works reasonably well for a phone in this price bracket.
Macro Mode and Portrait Mode: The 2MP macro and depth sensors are useful additions, but their performance is somewhat limited by the small resolution. The macro mode is fun to use, but the quality of the images is often subpar, with a noticeable lack of detail. On the other hand, Portrait Mode delivers decent results, with the ROM’s edge detection algorithm doing a good job of separating the subject from the background.
MIUI 12 Features
MIUI 12, the version the POCO M3 shipped with, introduced several new features that enhance the overall user experience. Let’s take a look at some of the key features of MIUI 12 on the POCO M3:
Control Center: MIUI 12 introduces a redesigned control center, reminiscent of iOS, which separates quick settings from notifications. This new design is cleaner and more intuitive, allowing users to access frequently used settings, such as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and brightness, with ease.
Floating Windows: Floating windows are another standout feature of MIUI 12, allowing users to minimize apps into small windows that can be dragged around the screen. This is particularly useful for multitasking, as users can continue watching videos or chatting while using other apps.
Dark Mode: Dark Mode is available system-wide in MIUI 12, and it is implemented very well on the POCO M3. It reduces eye strain and helps conserve battery life on the device’s LCD screen, especially when used in combination with the battery saver features.
Privacy Features: MIUI 12 focuses on enhancing privacy and security. The ROM includes features such as permission controls, notifications when apps access sensitive information, and the ability to grant temporary permissions to apps. This added layer of security is a welcome feature for users who prioritize privacy.
Gaming Performance and Optimization
The POCO M3, while not a gaming phone, performs decently for casual gaming thanks to the optimizations present in the MIUI ROM. The device handles lightweight games with ease, while more graphically intensive games like PUBG Mobile and Call of Duty: Mobile can be played with lower graphics settings for a decent experience. However, the Snapdragon 662 chipset and 4GB of RAM can struggle with more demanding titles if they’re set to high graphics settings. The ROM’s optimization plays a crucial role in keeping games running smoothly by intelligently managing resources.
Game Turbo Mode
One of the features that enhances gaming on the POCO M3 is Game Turbo Mode. Integrated within the MIUI system, Game Turbo optimizes gaming performance by allocating more CPU and GPU power to the game in the foreground while limiting background processes. This reduces lag and stutter, particularly in less demanding games, and enhances the overall gaming experience.
Features of Game Turbo:
- Focus Mode: Disables incoming notifications and calls to avoid interruptions during gameplay.
- Enhanced Controls: Allows users to customize touch sensitivity and response times, which is especially useful in games that require fast reactions.
- Screen Recording: Game Turbo also provides a quick screen recording option, letting users capture gameplay moments without needing third-party apps.
Overall, while the POCO M3 may not be a gaming powerhouse, MIUI’s gaming optimizations make it capable of handling casual games well and provide a tolerable experience in more demanding titles.
Updates and Long-Term Software Support
One of the significant concerns with budget smartphones, including the POCO M3, is long-term software support. Xiaomi has a decent track record for delivering updates to its devices, though budget models often receive updates later than flagship devices. As of now, the POCO M3 initially launched with Android 10 and MIUI 12, and it has since been updated to MIUI 12.5 and Android 11.
MIUI 12.5: This update brought several performance enhancements, making the UI feel smoother and more responsive. It also optimized memory usage, reduced battery drain caused by background apps, and improved the security and privacy features introduced in MIUI 12. Additionally, MIUI 12.5 is lighter and consumes fewer system resources, which is crucial for devices like the POCO M3 with limited RAM and processing power.
Future Updates: As the POCO M3 is a relatively new model, it is expected to receive at least one more major Android update (Android 12) and several MIUI updates. However, users should be aware that POCO and Xiaomi’s update schedules for budget devices can sometimes lag behind, with security patches and new features arriving later compared to higher-end models.
Security Features and Customizations
Xiaomi’s MIUI offers robust security options, and the POCO M3’s ROM includes various features to protect user data and enhance device privacy. These include App Lock, Second Space, and Hidden Apps, which add layers of privacy and security to the device.
App Lock: Users can lock specific apps with a fingerprint or PIN, ensuring that even if someone accesses your phone, they won’t be able to open sensitive apps like WhatsApp, banking apps, or photo galleries without permission.
Second Space: This feature creates a completely separate user profile on the same phone, which can be used for work-related apps or personal content that users might want to keep private. Each space has its own apps, photos, and settings, offering a distinct environment that can be password-protected.
Hidden Apps: Users can hide apps from the home screen or app drawer, ensuring that prying eyes can’t easily find them. These hidden apps can only be accessed by entering a specific password or using a gesture, adding another layer of security.
ROM Stability and Bugs
While the POCO M3’s ROM is generally well-optimized, it isn’t without its flaws. Users have reported occasional bugs and stability issues, though Xiaomi has worked to address many of these with updates.
Common Issues:
- Notification Delays: One common complaint in MIUI, particularly on budget devices, is delayed notifications. This is often a result of aggressive memory management that kills background processes to conserve battery. While users can whitelist apps to prevent them from being closed, the issue still persists in some cases.
- Occasional Stuttering: Though MIUI is optimized for smooth performance, the POCO M3’s hardware limitations mean that users may experience occasional stutters when switching between apps or performing tasks that demand more resources.
- Bloatware and Ads: As mentioned earlier, MIUI’s inclusion of bloatware and ads can detract from the overall experience. While Xiaomi has made efforts to reduce these, some pre-installed apps and ads in certain system apps remain a common grievance among users.
That said, Xiaomi’s development team has been responsive in releasing bug fixes and performance patches, making the POCO M3’s ROM more stable over time.
Custom ROM Support and Bootloader Unlocking
For users who want more control over their POCO M3, Xiaomi provides an option to unlock the bootloader, allowing users to install custom ROMs. Custom ROM communities like LineageOS, Pixel Experience, and Paranoid Android have extended support to Xiaomi devices, including the POCO M3.
Advantages of Custom ROMs:
- Stock Android Experience: Many custom ROMs aim to provide a near-stock Android experience, which can reduce bloatware and improve performance by stripping away some of the heavier MIUI features.
- Better Performance: Custom ROMs tend to be more lightweight, offering better performance and less strain on the system’s limited resources.
- More Frequent Updates: Unlike MIUI, which may take time to roll out updates, custom ROMs can offer quicker security patches and feature updates, keeping your device more up-to-date.
However, installing custom ROMs requires some technical know-how, and doing so voids the manufacturer’s warranty. Additionally, unlocking the bootloader and flashing custom ROMs can sometimes introduce bugs or instability, especially if the ROM isn’t well-optimized for the device.
Conclusion: Is the POCO M3’s ROM Worth It?
The POCO M3’s ROM is a solid offering in the budget smartphone segment, thanks to the optimizations provided by MIUI, customization features, and battery-saving technologies. Despite some bloatware and occasional performance hiccups, the overall experience remains impressive for a device in this price range. The ROM makes excellent use of the hardware, delivering a smooth and feature-rich experience that can easily meet the needs of most casual users.
If you’re a fan of customization, the extensive theme options, control over app management, and privacy settings will make the POCO M3’s ROM a joy to use. Moreover, the large battery combined with MIUI’s battery optimization features ensures that the POCO M3 is a reliable companion for long usage periods without frequent charging.
For users looking for something even more lightweight or with fewer pre-installed apps, unlocking the bootloader and installing a custom ROM is a viable option. However, this comes with risks and is best left to more technically inclined users.
Ultimately, for the price range it competes in, the POCO M3’s ROM delivers a balanced mix of performance, functionality, and customization that makes it an excellent choice for budget-conscious users. MIUI’s constant updates also promise to keep improving the overall experience, ensuring that the POCO M3 remains a competitive option in its class.