POCO X3 Pro

amazon POCO X3 Pro reviews

Introduction

The POCO X3 Pro is a mid-range smartphone that has garnered attention for its impressive performance-to-price ratio. Launched as a successor to the POCO X3, the X3 Pro aims to deliver flagship-level performance at a budget-friendly price point. It stands out in its segment by offering a powerful Snapdragon 860 chipset, a high-refresh-rate display, and a large battery, all while keeping the cost significantly lower than many competitors. This review will dive deep into the various aspects of the POCO X3 Pro, from its design and display to its camera performance, software experience, battery life, and overall value proposition.

Design and Build Quality

The POCO X3 Pro follows a design language similar to its predecessor, the POCO X3, with a few minor tweaks. The device features a large, robust build with a glossy plastic back that houses a unique circular camera module. The back panel also has a dual-tone finish, with a glossy strip running down the center and a matte texture on either side. While the design might not be to everyone’s taste, it certainly helps the device stand out from the crowd.

The build quality is solid, with a reassuring heft that adds to the overall premium feel of the device. However, at 215 grams, the POCO X3 Pro is on the heavier side, which might not appeal to users who prefer lighter devices. The phone also has a thickness of 9.4mm, which is understandable given the large battery inside, but it does make the phone a bit chunky.

The front of the device is dominated by a 6.67-inch display with a small punch-hole cutout at the top center for the selfie camera. The bezels are relatively slim, but there is a noticeable chin at the bottom. The POCO X3 Pro also comes with an IP53 rating, making it splash-resistant, though not fully waterproof.

The device retains the 3.5mm headphone jack, which is becoming increasingly rare in modern smartphones. It also features a side-mounted fingerprint scanner embedded in the power button, which is fast and reliable. The phone’s frame is made of plastic, which is a slight downside in terms of durability compared to metal frames, but it helps keep the cost down.

Display

The POCO X3 Pro is equipped with a 6.67-inch Full HD+ IPS LCD display with a resolution of 2400 x 1080 pixels. One of the standout features of this display is its 120Hz refresh rate, which provides a smooth and responsive user experience, particularly when scrolling through menus or playing games. The display also supports a 240Hz touch sampling rate, which enhances touch responsiveness, making the device feel snappy and responsive.

In terms of color reproduction, the display offers good accuracy with vibrant colors and decent contrast levels. However, it doesn’t quite match the deep blacks and vivid colors of an AMOLED panel, which some competitors offer in this price range. The viewing angles are good, and the display remains usable even in bright outdoor conditions, though the peak brightness could be higher.

The display is protected by Corning Gorilla Glass 6, which adds a layer of durability against scratches and minor drops. The inclusion of a 120Hz refresh rate at this price point is impressive, and it’s one of the key selling points of the POCO X3 Pro. However, the decision to use an IPS LCD panel instead of AMOLED may be a drawback for users who prioritize deep blacks and higher contrast ratios.

Performance

The POCO X3 Pro is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 860 chipset, which is a slightly tweaked version of the Snapdragon 855+ found in older flagship devices. This makes the POCO X3 Pro one of the most powerful devices in its price segment, offering flagship-level performance at a mid-range price.

The Snapdragon 860 is an octa-core processor with a combination of powerful Kryo 485 cores and efficient cores for better power management. It is paired with the Adreno 640 GPU, which ensures excellent gaming performance and smooth graphics rendering. Whether you’re playing demanding games like PUBG Mobile, Call of Duty Mobile, or Genshin Impact, the POCO X3 Pro handles them with ease, delivering high frame rates and smooth gameplay.

The device comes with either 6GB or 8GB of LPDDR4X RAM, depending on the variant, and 128GB or 256GB of UFS 3.1 storage. The UFS 3.1 storage ensures fast read and write speeds, which contributes to the overall snappiness of the device. Multitasking is a breeze, with apps launching quickly and running smoothly in the background.

In benchmark tests, the POCO X3 Pro performs admirably, often surpassing other devices in its price range. In AnTuTu, for example, it scores well over 450,000 points, putting it ahead of many mid-range competitors. The device also handles day-to-day tasks like browsing, streaming, and social media with ease, showing no signs of lag or slowdowns.

The POCO X3 Pro runs on MIUI 12 based on Android 11 out of the box, with an upgrade to MIUI 12.5 available shortly after launch. MIUI 12 brings a host of features, including a new control center, improved privacy controls, and a more refined user interface. While MIUI is feature-rich and highly customizable, it does come with some pre-installed apps (bloatware) and ads, which can be a bit intrusive. However, many of these can be uninstalled or disabled, and the ads can be turned off in the settings.

Compared to X3 NFC, X3 PRO can be seen as an upgrade of X3 NFC to continue inheriting a design that has built success for the POCO brand. Enhancing the internal strength of this phone continues to maintain the achievements X3 NFC has achieved.

X3 PRO is said to be just an upgraded version of the internal configuration because the X3 PRO retains the same design that appeared on the X3 NFC. Such as the POCO brand logo located on an iridescent cross-cutting strip along with two rough-coated borders make the design of the X3 series in general and the X3 PRO itself, particularly, become fancier and stand out in the crowd. The machine also has a fairly heavyweight, but it is very compact and firm in return for the feeling of holding.

POCO X3 PRO is also equipped with a side-mounted fingerprint sensor, fast recognition speed, and is very responsive. At the same time, the body frame is covered with glossy metallic paint that also contributes to the aesthetic appeal of this phone.

The focus on the back is still a rather large camera cluster, with the layout of X-shaped sensors inspired by the name of this product line: X-series.

Regarding the camera, we will still have a 48MP main sensor, an 8MB ultra-wide original sensor, a 2MP macro sensor, and finally, a 2MP depth sensor. The camera on the POCO X3 PRO supports video recording up to 4K@30fps or 1080p@60Hz.

POCO X3 PRO is also equipped with some useful photography and video recording features, especially for tiktokers who want interesting short clips.

On the front, POCO X3 PRO has a 6.67-inch AMOLED screen with Full-HD + resolution with a 120Hz refresh rate. In addition, the device is also equipped with Qualcomm Snapdragon 860 processor along with 6GB RAM, 128GB storage, and of course, it will also support storage expansion via a Micro-SD memory card.

where can you get a POCO X3 Pro online

Poco X3 Pro | 128GB 6GB RAM | Factory Unlocked (GSM ONLY | Not Compatible with Verizon/Sprint/Boost) | International Version (Phantom Black): Buy it now

Poco X3 Pro | 128GB 6GB RAM | Factory Unlocked (GSM ONLY | Not Compatible with Verizon/Sprint/Boost) | International Version (Frost Blue): Buy it now

Poco X3 Pro | 128GB 6GB RAM | Factory Unlocked (GSM ONLY | Not Compatible with Verizon/Sprint/Boost) | International Version (Metal Bronze): Buy it now

Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro 128GB Phantom Black Dual SIM: Buy it now

Battery Life

One of the standout features of the POCO X3 Pro is its massive 5,160mAh battery, which provides excellent battery life. The combination of the large battery and the efficient Snapdragon 860 chipset means that the device can easily last through a full day of heavy usage with battery life to spare.

In real-world usage, the POCO X3 Pro can comfortably last a day and a half with a mix of activities, including web browsing, social media, video streaming, and gaming. Even with more intensive use, such as prolonged gaming sessions or using the camera extensively, the phone still manages to last a full day.

The POCO X3 Pro supports 33W fast charging, which is a welcome addition at this price point. With the included 33W charger, the phone can be charged from 0% to 100% in just over an hour, and a quick 30-minute charge can get you back to around 60-65% battery. This fast charging capability is particularly useful for users who are always on the go and need to top up their battery quickly.

The phone does not support wireless charging, which is understandable given its price point. However, the excellent battery life and fast wired charging make up for this omission.

Software

The POCO X3 Pro runs on MIUI 12, which is based on Android 11. MIUI is Xiaomi’s custom skin that offers a wide range of features, customization options, and optimizations.

MIUI 12 brings several features to the table, including a revamped control center, improved privacy controls, and a host of visual enhancements. The control center is reminiscent of iOS, with quick toggles for settings like Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and brightness, while notifications are separated into their own panel. This design choice might appeal to some users but may feel a bit too close to iOS for others who prefer the traditional Android experience.

One of the notable features of MIUI is its level of customization. Users can tweak almost every aspect of the user interface, from the icons and fonts to the overall theme. The Theme Store offers a wide variety of themes, wallpapers, and ringtones that can be downloaded and applied with ease. This flexibility is one of the reasons why MIUI has a dedicated fan base.

However, MIUI is not without its drawbacks. One of the most commonly cited issues is the presence of bloatware and ads. Out of the box, the POCO X3 Pro comes with several pre-installed apps that many users might find unnecessary. Additionally, ads are integrated into various system apps, including the file manager, app installer, and more. While the ads can be disabled in the settings, it requires some digging, and their presence may be off-putting to some users.

Another aspect of MIUI that may not appeal to everyone is the lack of an app drawer by default, though this can be enabled in the settings. Instead, MIUI organizes apps on the home screen, similar to iOS. This can lead to a cluttered home screen if not managed carefully.

On the positive side, MIUI 12 brings a host of useful features, such as a built-in screen recorder, floating windows for multitasking, and an always-on display for notifications (though this feature is more relevant to devices with AMOLED screens). The software also includes Game Turbo, which optimizes the phone’s performance for gaming and provides in-game tools like screen recording, quick replies, and more.

MIUI 12.5, which is available as an update for the POCO X3 Pro, further refines the experience by offering better system optimization, reduced memory usage, and enhanced privacy controls. It also addresses some of the issues with ads and bloatware, making the overall experience smoother and more enjoyable.

Connectivity and Audio

The POCO X3 Pro offers a comprehensive set of connectivity options, which is to be expected from a modern smartphone. It supports dual-SIM functionality with 4G LTE, though it lacks 5G connectivity, which might be a downside for those looking to future-proof their device. However, considering the price point, the lack of 5G is understandable.

In addition to the usual connectivity options like Wi-Fi 5 (dual-band), Bluetooth 5.0, and GPS, the POCO X3 Pro also features an IR blaster, which allows the phone to be used as a remote control for various appliances. This is a handy feature that is increasingly rare in smartphones today.

The phone also includes NFC support, which can be used for contactless payments and other NFC-based applications. This is a welcome addition, especially in a mid-range device, as it adds convenience for users who frequently use mobile payments.

When it comes to audio, the POCO X3 Pro delivers a solid performance thanks to its stereo speaker setup. The speakers are loud and clear, making them suitable for media consumption, gaming, and hands-free calls. The sound quality is good for a device in this price range, with a decent amount of bass and clarity. However, the audio can get a bit distorted at maximum volume, so it’s best to keep it at a moderate level for optimal sound quality.

The presence of a 3.5mm headphone jack is a major plus for users who still prefer wired headphones. The phone also supports Hi-Res Audio, ensuring good sound quality through wired headphones. The overall audio experience is further enhanced by the inclusion of a built-in equalizer and support for various audio codecs, including aptX and AAC.

Gaming Performance

Gaming is one of the POCO X3 Pro’s strong suits, thanks to its powerful Snapdragon 860 processor and Adreno 640 GPU. These components, paired with the 120Hz display and 240Hz touch sampling rate, make for an excellent gaming experience.

Popular titles like PUBG Mobile, Call of Duty Mobile, and Asphalt 9 run smoothly on high settings, with little to no noticeable frame drops or stuttering. The high refresh rate display also adds to the fluidity of gameplay, making fast-paced games more enjoyable. The large display size and stereo speakers further enhance the gaming experience, providing an immersive environment for mobile gamers.

The Game Turbo mode in MIUI allows for further optimization of the gaming experience. It enhances performance by allocating resources more efficiently and provides tools like floating windows, screen recording, and quick replies, which are particularly useful for uninterrupted gaming sessions.

Heat management is another area where the POCO X3 Pro performs well. The phone does get warm during extended gaming sessions, but it never reaches uncomfortable levels. The liquid cooling technology integrated into the device helps keep the temperatures in check, ensuring that performance remains consistent even during prolonged use.

Battery life during gaming is impressive as well. The large 5,160mAh battery ensures that you can enjoy long gaming sessions without worrying about running out of power. Even with heavy gaming, the battery can last a full day, which is a significant advantage for mobile gamers.

Value Proposition

The POCO X3 Pro is a device that punches well above its weight in terms of performance and features. At its price point, it offers a level of performance that is usually reserved for more expensive devices, making it one of the best value-for-money smartphones in the market.

The Snapdragon 860 chipset, 120Hz display, large battery, and fast charging capabilities make the POCO X3 Pro an attractive option for users who want a powerful device without breaking the bank. The inclusion of features like a headphone jack, stereo speakers, and an IR blaster further adds to its appeal, especially for users who value these features.

However, the device is not without its compromises. The camera performance, while decent, is not on par with some of the best in its class, particularly in low-light conditions. The design, though unique, may not be to everyone’s taste, and the presence of ads and bloatware in MIUI can be a downside for some users.

Conclusion

The POCO X3 Pro is a standout performer in the mid-range segment, offering flagship-level performance at a fraction of the cost. Its powerful Snapdragon 860 processor, high-refresh-rate display, and excellent battery life make it an ideal choice for gamers and power users on a budget. The device’s solid build quality, comprehensive connectivity options, and decent audio performance further enhance its appeal.

However, potential buyers should be aware of the compromises, particularly in terms of camera performance and the software experience. If you can look past these shortcomings, the POCO X3 Pro offers exceptional value for money and is a strong contender in the crowded mid-range smartphone market.

In conclusion, the POCO X3 Pro is a device that excels where it matters most—performance, battery life, and display quality—while offering a few compromises in areas like camera quality and software bloat. For users who prioritize performance and value, the POCO X3 Pro is an excellent choice that delivers more than what you would typically expect at its price point. Whether you’re a gamer, a power user, or someone who simply wants a capable smartphone without spending a fortune, the POCO X3 Pro is a device worth considering.