The Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro is a mid-range smartphone that punches well above its weight, offering flagship-level performance at a fraction of the price. Designed for power users and gamers who demand high performance without breaking the bank, this device stands out in a crowded market. From its sleek design to its impressive internals, the Poco X3 Pro is a compelling option for anyone seeking a budget-friendly powerhouse.

At first glance, the Poco X3 Pro exudes a premium feel with its glossy plastic back and a large 6.67-inch IPS LCD display. The screen boasts a 120Hz refresh rate, ensuring smooth scrolling and responsive touch inputs, which is a rare find in this price segment. The device also features a side-mounted fingerprint sensor, which is fast and reliable, adding to the overall convenience. While the design may not be as flashy as some of its competitors, it’s practical and functional, with a sturdy build that can withstand daily wear and tear.

Under the hood, the Poco X3 Pro is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 860, a slightly overclocked version of the Snapdragon 855+, which was a flagship chipset in its heyday. This means the phone delivers exceptional performance, handling everything from multitasking to graphically intensive games with ease. Paired with up to 8GB of RAM and 256GB of UFS 3.1 storage, the device ensures quick app launches and seamless performance. Whether you’re gaming, streaming, or switching between apps, the Poco X3 Pro rarely stutters.

The camera setup on the Poco X3 Pro is decent but not groundbreaking. It features a quad-camera array on the back, headlined by a 48MP primary sensor, an 8MP ultra-wide lens, a 2MP macro shooter, and a 2MP depth sensor. While the primary camera captures detailed and vibrant photos in good lighting, the ultra-wide lens suffers from some distortion, and the macro and depth sensors feel more like filler than functional additions. The 20MP front-facing camera does a respectable job for selfies and video calls, though low-light performance is mediocre.

Battery life is where the Poco X3 Pro truly shines. With a massive 5,160mAh battery, the phone easily lasts a full day of heavy use, and even power users will struggle to drain it before bedtime. When it does eventually run low, the included 33W fast charger can top it up quickly, going from 0 to 100% in just over an hour. This combination of long battery life and fast charging makes the device ideal for travelers and those who rely heavily on their phones throughout the day.

Software-wise, the Poco X3 Pro runs MIUI 12 based on Android 11, with an upgrade path to newer versions. While MIUI offers a wealth of customization options and features, it’s also known for its bloatware and occasional ads in system apps. Fortunately, most of these can be disabled, and the overall user experience remains smooth thanks to the powerful hardware. Poco has also promised regular updates, which is a plus for long-term usability.

In terms of connectivity, the Poco X3 Pro covers all the basics, including dual-band Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5.0, NFC, and a 3.5mm headphone jack—a rarity in modern smartphones. It also supports 4G LTE, though the lack of 5G might be a dealbreaker for some, especially as next-gen networks become more widespread. That said, for most users, 4G is more than sufficient for daily tasks, and the absence of 5G helps keep the price down.

Gaming performance is where the Poco X3 Pro truly excels. Thanks to the Snapdragon 860 and Adreno 640 GPU, the phone handles demanding titles like Genshin Impact and Call of Duty: Mobile at high settings without breaking a sweat. The 120Hz display further enhances the experience, providing fluid visuals that make fast-paced games feel more responsive. Combined with the large battery, this makes the Poco X3 Pro one of the best gaming phones in its price range.

To sum up, the Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro is a stellar mid-range smartphone that delivers flagship-level performance at an affordable price. While it has some compromises, such as a plastic build and mediocre low-light camera performance, its strengths—like the Snapdragon 860, 120Hz display, and exceptional battery life—more than make up for them. If you’re looking for a budget-friendly device that doesn’t skimp on power, the Poco X3 Pro is an excellent choice.

Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro - Full Specifications:

Display: 6.67-inch IPS LCD, 1080 x 2400 resolution, 120Hz refresh rate, HDR10

Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 860 (7nm)

GPU: Adreno 640

RAM: 6GB / 8GB LPDDR4X

Storage: 128GB / 256GB UFS 3.1 (expandable via microSD)

Rear Cameras: 48MP (wide), 8MP (ultra-wide), 2MP (macro), 2MP (depth)

Front Camera: 20MP (wide)

Battery: 5,160mAh, 33W fast charging

OS: MIUI 12 (Android 11), upgradable to newer versions

Connectivity: 4G LTE, Wi-Fi 5, Bluetooth 5.0, NFC, 3.5mm headphone jack

Dimensions: 165.3 x 76.8 x 9.4 mm

Weight: 215 grams

Colors: Phantom Black, Frost Blue, Metal Bronze