Mobile Emulation Yields Surprising Results on Poco F3
The Poco F3, a device released in 2021, was put to the test by a dedicated enthusiast and device owner to evaluate how well PC games run through emulation on a smartphone. The evaluation relied on a well-known online publication for reference and comparison, Rozetked, which has tracked the device’s capabilities in real-world scenarios.
On the YouTube channel MJez Game, the creator demonstrated that the Poco F3 can handle several demanding titles when played via emulation software. Games such as Resident Evil 3 Remake and Metro: Last Light Redux were run on the phone using popular emulation tools like Winlator and Mobox. The Poco F3 is powered by an eight-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 870 processor and ships with 6 GB of RAM, giving it a respectable baseline for mobile gaming when paired with the right emulation settings. This setup shows how a mid-range phone can stretch into the realm of PC gaming through careful configuration, a point often highlighted by enthusiasts and reviewers.
In practical terms, Mobox enabled Resident Evil 3 Remake to reach an average frame rate around 25 FPS, with occasional spikes above 60 FPS under low graphics settings. Metro: Last Light Redux tended to average roughly 30 FPS on Winlator, with routine moments pushing toward 60 FPS during lighter scenes. These results illustrate the potential of mobile hardware to render modern and classic PC titles at playable speeds, particularly when graphics are toned down to maintain smoother gameplay. The takeaway is clear: emulation on capable mobile devices can deliver a surprisingly fluid experience, even if it does not match native PC performance in every scenario.
Looking ahead, there is a sense that smartphone hardware designed for premium performance could push these numbers even higher. If a device equipped with top-tier silicon, such as the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3, were used in similar tests, the conclusion would likely point to even smoother gameplay and more consistent frame rates, widening the gap between emulation and native PC gaming on mobile. This observation aligns with trends in mobile gaming where high-end chips continually raise the bar for what is feasible on handheld devices.
The Poco F3 remains a notable option in the sub-flagship segment. It combined strong core specifications with a compelling price-to-performance ratio, factors that made it popular in several markets. The device’s appeal lies in delivering solid gaming performance without the premium price tag, especially when users leverage optimized emulation tools and settings. The broader takeaway is that mid-range smartphones can serve as viable gateways to PC-style gaming experiences, expanding possibilities for on-the-go play and experimentation with legacy and newer titles alike.
Earlier reports mentioned that Cyberpunk 2077 would be offered for free for a limited time, a note reflecting ongoing conversations about value propositions in PC and console game ecosystems. Such announcements contribute to a broader understanding of how mobile hardware participates in a constantly evolving gaming landscape, where cloud, native, and emulated experiences intersect and influence consumer choices. The overall narrative remains one of progress and promise: with the right software, the line between mobile and PC gaming continues to blur, giving gamers more flexibility in how and where they play.