Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro

Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro Review: Still a Performance King on a Budget? My In-Depth Take

I’ve spent the better part of a month putting the Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro through its paces, and after extensive daily use and dedicated testing, I’ve got a solid grip on what this phone brings to the table in today’s market. At its current price point, it’s clearly aimed at the budget-conscious user who still craves respectable performance. My initial impression was one of sheer size, but beneath that lies a familiar and, in some ways, surprisingly potent device.

The Poco X3 Pro exists in an interesting space. Xiaomi, or Poco acting as its own entity, has a knack for disrupting the market, and this phone was a prime example upon its release. Right now, it's a testament to how quickly technology evolves, sitting in a bracket where newer contenders vie for attention. From my perspective, Xiaomi’s strategy here seems to be about offering raw power at an unbeatable price, even if it means making compromises elsewhere. Whether those compromises are acceptable really boils down to individual priorities, and that’s what I aimed to uncover during my time with it.

Design & Hardware: Built Like a Workhorse

Picking up the Poco X3 Pro, the first thing that strikes you is its substantial presence. It’s a large phone, no doubt about it. The 6.67-inch display makes it a handful, and the 215-gram weight is definitely noticeable. This isn't a phone that will disappear in your pocket. However, this heft also lends a feeling of solidity. While the back panel is plastic, it feels reasonably robust, and the overall construction doesn’t feel cheap.

In hand, the phone has a comfortable, if not entirely premium, feel. The curved edges help with grip, but the sheer size can make one-handed operation a stretch for some. I appreciate the inclusion of a side-mounted fingerprint sensor integrated into the power button. It’s fast and reliable, a personal preference over in-display solutions that I often find less consistent. Durability-wise, the Corning Gorilla Glass 6 on the front offers a degree of scratch resistance, which is reassuring for everyday use. However, it's worth noting the IP53 rating offers only splash resistance, so avoiding submersion is key. From a practical standpoint, the design prioritizes function over outright aesthetics, which aligns with its performance-focused nature.

Display: Big, Smooth, and Ready for Action

The 6.67-inch IPS LCD on the Poco X3 Pro is undoubtedly one of its standout features. My experience with the brightness has been positive; it’s sufficiently bright for indoor use and remains legible even under direct sunlight, although it can get a little washed out in very bright conditions. For media consumption, this display shines. The colours are vibrant, and the HDR10 support adds an extra layer of dynamism to compatible content. I thoroughly enjoyed watching videos and browsing through photos; the size really makes a difference.

Gaming on this display is also a treat, thanks to the silky smooth 120Hz refresh rate. Scrolling through social media feeds and navigating the interface feels incredibly fluid. In games that support high refresh rates, the difference is palpable, offering a more responsive and immersive experience. From my daily use observations, the display strikes a good balance between vibrancy and colour accuracy, making it suitable for a variety of tasks, from casual browsing to more demanding visual experiences. While it’s not an OLED panel with perfect blacks, for its price range, the quality is impressive.

Performance: The Heart of the Matter

This is where the Poco X3 Pro truly flexes its muscles. Under the hood, the Qualcomm Snapdragon 860 chipset is the star of the show. In my real-world testing, this phone has handled everything I’ve thrown at it with remarkable ease. Navigating through apps, switching between them, and general multitasking is consistently smooth and lag-free.

Gaming is where this phone truly excels. I've spent considerable time playing graphically intensive titles, and the Adreno 640 GPU has delivered impressive performance. Frame rates remain high and stable, even with demanding settings cranked up. During extended gaming sessions, I did observe some warmth on the back of the device, but it never became uncomfortably hot. The cooling system appears to do a decent job of managing thermals. I have to point out that the performance on offer here rivals devices at significantly higher price points, making it a compelling option for budget-conscious gamers. From my experience, any notable quirks are minimal and don't detract significantly from the overall smooth operation.

Camera System: A Solid Performer in Good Light

The camera system on the Poco X3 Pro presents a somewhat nuanced experience. The 48MP main sensor, in my testing, captures good detail and vibrant colours, particularly in well-lit conditions. I’ve taken some pleasing shots outdoors and in bright indoor environments. However, as light diminishes, noise becomes more apparent, and detail can soften.

The 8MP ultrawide lens is useful for capturing wider scenes, but as is often the case with ultrawide lenses in this price bracket, it lacks the sharpness and dynamic range of the main sensor. The 2MP macro lens is a bit of a hit-or-miss affair; getting a truly sharp and detailed macro shot requires patience and ideal lighting. I didn’t find myself using it extensively. The 20MP front-facing camera, on the other hand, performs admirably, producing clear and detailed selfies. Video recording capabilities go up to 4K at 30fps, and the electronic image stabilization (EIS) does a decent job of smoothing out minor shakes. Comparing it to market alternatives, the camera system is competent for the price, but it won’t rival the image quality of higher-end devices. In real-world usage, it’s a capable shooter for everyday moments, but don't expect flagship-level performance.

Battery & Charging: Endurance for the Long Haul

Battery life is another strong suit of the Poco X3 Pro. The large 5160mAh battery consistently got me through a full day of moderate to heavy use. In my observed battery performance, even with several hours of gaming or video streaming, the phone comfortably lasted until bedtime. For lighter usage, I could even stretch it into a second day.

Charging speed is also commendable. The 33W fast charging adapter included in the box can top up the battery from empty to a significant percentage in a relatively short amount of time. In my charging speed testing, I found it could reach around 60% in about 30 minutes, which is a lifesaver when you’re in a hurry. The power management seems efficient, and I didn’t notice any significant battery drain issues during idle periods. Real-world endurance is impressive, making it a reliable companion for those who are often on the go.

Software: Functional but Showing Its Age

The Poco X3 Pro launched with MIUI 12 based on Android 11, and while it has received updates since, including an upgrade to Android 12 and MIUI 13, the software experience is a key area where the phone shows its age. Daily usage is generally smooth, but MIUI, while feature-rich, can feel a bit cluttered and comes with a fair amount of pre-installed apps. While many of these can be uninstalled, it’s a step that some users might find tedious.

The interface is customizable, and there are plenty of features on offer, but the sheer volume can sometimes feel overwhelming. My thoughts on the update policy are that while the phone has received a major Android update, its long-term software support might be a consideration for some. While functional and offering a lot of customization, the software isn't the cleanest or most streamlined experience available.

Value Analysis: Still a Strong Contender?

Analyzing the value proposition of the Poco X3 Pro in today's market requires careful consideration. At its current, often discounted, price, it offers a compelling price-to-feature ratio, particularly when it comes to performance. For users prioritizing raw power for gaming and demanding tasks on a limited budget, this phone remains a strong contender.

I believe this phone is particularly well-suited for students, budget-conscious gamers, or anyone who needs a reliable workhorse without breaking the bank. However, those who prioritize a more premium design, a top-tier camera system, or the latest software features might want to look elsewhere. The competitive context is crucial here. While newer budget phones offer incremental improvements in certain areas, the raw processing power of the Snapdragon 860 still holds its own. From my personal take, if performance is your primary concern and you're willing to accept some compromises in other areas, the Poco X3 Pro offers excellent value.

Conclusion: A Powerful Budget Performer

My time with the Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro has been a reminder that raw performance doesn't always require a flagship price tag. This phone delivers impressive processing power and a smooth display experience, making it a joy for gaming and media consumption. While the camera system and software experience have their limitations, the core performance and battery life make it a compelling option for a specific type of user.

Ultimately, my recommendation is that the Poco X3 Pro is still worth considering, especially if you can find it at a good discount. Its value lies in its ability to handle demanding tasks without stuttering, offering a level of performance that belies its price. If you're someone who prioritizes horsepower over all the bells and whistles, and you're comfortable with a slightly older software experience, the Poco X3 Pro remains a solid buy.