Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro

Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro Review

Key Features

• Display: 6.67-inch IPS LCD with 120Hz refresh rate, HDR10, and 1080 x 2400 resolution (395 ppi)
• Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 860 (7nm)
• RAM: 6GB or 8GB LPDDR4X
• Storage: 128GB or 256GB UFS 3.1
• Main Camera: 48MP (f/1.79) + 8MP ultrawide (f/2.2) + 2MP macro (f/2.4) + 2MP depth (f/2.4)
• Selfie Camera: 20MP (f/2.2)
• Battery: 5160 mAh with 33W fast charging
• Operating System: Android 11 (upgradable to Android 12)
• Connectivity: 4G LTE, Wi-Fi 5, Bluetooth 5.0, NFC
• Other: Side-mounted fingerprint sensor, stereo speakers, Corning Gorilla Glass 6

Pros & Cons

Pros:

• Powerful Performance: The Snapdragon 860 chipset delivers flagship-level performance, making it excellent for gaming and demanding apps in the medium price range.
• Smooth Display: The 120Hz refresh rate provides a fluid and responsive user experience. HDR10 support enhances visual content with good colors and contrast.
• Large Battery: The 5160 mAh battery offers excellent all-day battery life with moderate usage, and fast charging allows a rapid recharge.
• Stereo Speakers: The inclusion of stereo speakers improves the audio experience for media consumption and gaming.
• Value for Money: The Poco X3 Pro provides a high level of performance at a competitive price point, especially for its hardware.
• 4K Recording: Capable of 4K recording at 30fps with electronic image stabilization (EIS) for steady shots.

Cons:

• LCD Display: While smooth, the IPS LCD screen isn't as vibrant as AMOLED displays found in some competing phones.
• Camera Performance: The camera system is adequate for its price range but not a top performer when compared to higher-end devices, particularly in low-light situations. Macro and depth sensors are not very useful.
• Design: The phone is relatively thick (9.4mm) and heavy (215g), which might not be comfortable for all users and lacks a premium build.
• Software: MIUI, while feature-rich, can be divisive with some users reporting bloatware and occasional bugs.
• No microSD Slot: Lack of expandable storage may limit some users with heavy storage needs.
• No Wireless Charging: Although it has fast charging the lack of wireless charging is a downside.

User Experience

The Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro provides a snappy and smooth user experience, largely due to the Snapdragon 860 chipset and the 120Hz display. Navigation is fluid, apps load quickly, and demanding games run with good frame rates. The large battery easily lasts through a full day of typical usage. The stereo speakers enhance media consumption and gaming experiences. The side-mounted fingerprint scanner is responsive and convenient.

However, the MIUI software can be a mixed bag. While it has plenty of features, it also has pre-installed apps and may come with occasional interface issues, though these are usually addressed with updates. Camera performance is average overall, suitable for social media and casual photography, but lacks the sharpness and dynamic range of premium camera phones. The phone's weight and thickness may feel cumbersome for some users.

Hardware & Design

The Poco X3 Pro features a plastic build with a noticeable camera bump on the rear. The design is not the most premium, with a bulky form factor. The phone includes a side-mounted fingerprint sensor integrated into the power button. It utilizes a USB Type-C 2.0 port with OTG support. The 6.67" IPS LCD display has a punch-hole cutout for the selfie camera and is protected by Corning Gorilla Glass 6.

Internally, the device is powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 860 processor, paired with 6 or 8GB of LPDDR4X RAM and 128 or 256GB of UFS 3.1 storage. The absence of microSD slot may limit storage options for users with a lot of files. It also includes a cooling system to prevent overheating during intensive tasks.

Conclusion

The Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro offers flagship-level performance at a mid-range price. It excels in areas like processing power, display smoothness, and battery life. While the design is functional but not premium and the camera system is adequate, it offers tremendous value for users prioritizing performance on a budget. The phone's strengths make it a compelling option for gamers and power users looking for a capable device without breaking the bank, but those seeking a more polished camera experience might need to look elsewhere.