Xiaomi Poco X3 vs Poco X3 Pro: what is different and which model to choose?

Xiaomi Poco X3

Poco X3 Pro

significant technical differences

If you're faced with a choice between these two, it's important to understand what you pay more for with the Pro, and maybe the standard model will be enough for your needs, or maybe the X3 Pro will be the smartphone that will last you longer without compromise. In this article, we'll look at all the key differences, from the processor and screen to the features of the software and the nuances of operation.

Don't jump to conclusions based on price or appearance. Let's dig deeper!

1.CPU: Snapdragon 732G vs Snapdragon 860 - 40% performance difference

The biggest difference between the Poco X3 and the X3 Pro is the chipsets. The standard model features a Qualcomm Snapdragon 732G, while the Pro version has a Snapdragon 860. On paper, the name difference is small, but in practice it means a performance gap of up to 40% in favor of the Pro model, especially in heavy tasks.

The Snapdragon 732G is a slightly overclocked version of the Snapdragon 730G, which is itself a mid-range budget solution that does a great job of everyday tasks — social media, instant messengers, watching Full HD video — but begins to “gasp” in modern games at high settings or when multitasking with a dozen open applications.

But the Snapdragon 860 is essentially a redesigned flagship Snapdragon 855+ 2019, which at one time stood in the top smartphones like OnePlus 7T or Asus ROG Phone II. Yes, it is not the latest chipset, but it is still one of the most powerful in the budget segment, the difference is especially noticeable:

• 🎮 Games: Genshin Impact on maximum settings X3 giveaway ~25 FPS slow-motion X3 Pro - stable 40-45 FPS.
• 📱 Multitasking: On X3 Pro can be easily kept in the background 15+ applications, while X3 They begin to be closed down after 8-10.
• 🔥 Heating: Snapdragon 732G It's less hot, but it's less power. The Snapdragon 860 can heat up to 45.°C in games, but does not lose productivity.

⚠️ Warning: If you plan to use your smartphone to stream games via Xbox Cloud Gaming or GeForce NOW, Just take it. X3 Pro. Snapdragon 732G It will not physically stream video into 1080p60 artifactless.

2. Screen: the same at first glance, but with a catch

Both models have 6.67-inch IPS-resolution-screen 2400×1080 (Full HD+) and frequency of renewal 120 Hz. That's where the similarities end. The thing is, Xiaomi used different panels for the two smartphones, and the difference is visible to the naked eye:

• 🌈 Color rendering: Screen X3 Pro supports HDR10 It has a wider color range (96% DCI-P3 84 percent versus X3). The picture looks more juicy, especially in dark scenes.
• ☀️ Brightness: The Pro version has a maximum brightness of 450 nits, the standard version has 380 nits.
• 🔄 Adaptive frequency: Only X3 Pro can automatically switch between 60 Hz, 90 Hz and 120 Hz depending on the content, saving battery power.

Another nuance is the touch response: the X3 Pro has a 240Hz sensor survey rate (versus 180Hz for the X3), which makes game control and scrolling more responsive, and the difference is felt mostly by gamers, but there it is.

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If you watch videos on YouTube or Netflix frequently, turn on Auto Brightness and Adaptive Update (only available on the X3 Pro) in your screen settings, which will extend battery life by 10-15%.

3.Cameras: megapixels vs real quality

On paper, the cameras of both models are identical:

• Basic module: 48 MP (Sony IMX582, f/1.79)
• Ultra-wide: 8 MP (119°, f/2.2)
• Macro: 2 MP (f/2.4)
• Depths: 2 MP (f/2.4)

But in practice, the X3 Pro takes more detailed and contrast shots thanks to a better image processing processor (Spectra 380 ISP in the Snapdragon 860 vs. Spectra 350 in the 732G).

The main differences are:

• 📸 HDR: Nana X3 Pro algorithm HDR It works faster and more accurately without over-lighting the sky or shading the face.
• 🌃 Night Mode 2.0 Pro version better copes with noise and saves more detail in the shadows.
• 🎥 Video: Only X3 Pro can shoot video in the 4K@30fps stabilizing. X3 limited 1080p@30fps.

But there's a downside to this: macro and depth sensors at 2 MP are almost useless in both models. They only add marketing megapixels, not quality. If the camera is critical to you, consider alternatives like the Redmi Note 10 Pro with 108 MP core module.

4. Battery and charging: same battery, different experiences

Both models have a 5160 mAh battery with 33W fast charging. On paper, complete equality. But in practice, the X3 Pro runs 15-20% faster because of its more voracious processor, while charging a little faster thanks to the optimization of the power controller.

Real working hours:

• 📱 Poco X3: 1.5 day with moderate use (social networks, messengers, 2-3 hourly).

Key nuances:

• ⚡ Fast charging: Both models support 33W, but X3 Pro heats up more when charging. It's better to use the original power supply.

⚠️ Note: If you plan to use wireless charging, none of the models support it. You'll have to buy an adapter with a Qi receiver separately, but this will reduce the charging speed to 10W.

Turn off adaptive brightness in screen settings

Set an FPS limit of 90 Hz for gaming

Enable Battery Saver mode at 20% charge

Close background applications manually after use-->

5.Memory and Storage: UFS 2.1 vs UFS 3.1 - Why it matters

Both models are available in 6/64GB, 6/128GB and 8/128GB configurations, but there is a hidden nuance here - the type of memory. Poco X3 uses UFS 2.1, and X3 Pro - UFS 3.1. The difference in read/write speed is almost twofold:

• 📥 Reading speed: UFS 3.1 - up to 1700 MB/s, UFS 2.1 - up to 850 MB/s.
• 📤 Recording speed: UFS 3.1 - up to 700 MB/s, UFS 2.1 - up to 250 MB/s.
• 🎮 Download games: Genshin Impact on X3 Pro boots in 20 seconds, on X3 — 40.

In practice, this means: Apps open faster (especially heavy ones like Lightroom or PubG); fewer lags when multitasking; files are copied faster (for example, 4K video is transferred 2 times faster).

If you work with large files often or install a lot of games, UFS 3.1 in the X3 Pro will be a noticeable plus.

6.Design and ergonomics: plastic vs plastic, but not quite

Both models have a matte-coated plastic case, but there are several key differences:

• 🎨 Colors: X3 It is available in Shadow Gray and Cobalt Blue. X3 Pro – in Phantom Black, Frost Blue and Metal Bronze (the latter looks the most premium).
• 👆 Location of buttons: B X3 The Pro button has a red accent and is located slightly higher, which is more convenient for the thumb.
• 🔊 Both models have stereo speakers, but in X3 Pro they are 10% louder due to better equalizer setting.

The main disadvantages of both smartphones are weight (215 g for the X3 and 213 g for the X3 Pro) and thickness (9.4 mm). These are some of the heaviest and bulkiest devices in their class. If you want a compact smartphone, consider the Poco X3 NFC (197 g) or Redmi Note 10 (178 g).

Another nuance is water protection, and none of the models are officially certified. IP, but X3 The Pro has an extra pad around it. SIM-squashing, which slightly increases resistance to splashes.

7.Software and Updates: MIUI 12 vs MIUI 13

At the time of release, both models were running MIUI 12 based on Android 10. However, Xiaomi updated the X3 Pro to MIUI 13 (Android 11) six months earlier than the X3.

• 🤖 Poco X3: The latest major update — MIUI 14 (Android 12) Support ended late 2023.

That means the X3 Pro will be getting security updates at least until the end of 2026, while the X3 has already gone without them. If you care about the relevance of the software, that’s a good argument for the Pro version.

Another plus of the X3 Pro is less advertising in MIUI. In the standard model, some system applications (such as Mi Video or Mi Browser) show banners, whereas in the Pro version, they can be disabled through settings.

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The Poco X3 Pro will last longer in terms of software support, but unless you’re upgraded in principle, the difference is not critical.

FAQ: Frequent questions about Poco X3 and X3 Pro