Choosing a mid-range smartphone often turns into a difficult dilemma, especially when it comes to models from Xiaomi and the sub-brand POCO. Two devices released almost simultaneously have a similar design, but radically different “stuffing”. Users often confuse the names, not understanding where the catch lies and why one device is cheaper than the other, although they are twins.
The main difference lies in performance and target audience. Whereas the POCO X3 NFC was designed as a balanced multimedia combine for everyday tasks, the POCO X3 Pro was originally positioned as a “flagship killer” for mobile gaming. Understanding these differences will help you not overpay for unnecessary features or, conversely, not be disappointed in the weak power.
In this article, we will discuss in detail the specifications, build quality, camera features and autonomy, you will learn why the processor in the Pro version can be both an advantage and a potential problem in the long run, and we will also discuss the topic of software support and the relevance of devices at the moment.
Performance: Battle Snapdragon 732G and 860
The heart of any smartphone is the processor, and here lies the most fundamental difference between models: the POCO X3 NFC has a Snapdragon 732G chip. It's a time-tested 8-nanometer processor that does a great job with social media, navigation and light gaming. It's energy efficient and rarely overheats, ensuring stable, if not record-breaking, interface performance.
The situation changes dramatically when you look at the POCO X3 Pro. Here, engineers installed the Snapdragon 860. In fact, it is the renamed flagship Snapdragon 855 Plus, made on the process technology of 7 nm. The power difference is huge: in the benchmarks AnTuTu version of the Pro scores almost twice as many points, which allows you to run heavy games at high graphics settings, which is not available to the usual X3.
⚠️ Attention: The high performance of the Snapdragon 860 has the flip side: the processor is prone to more intense heat under load, and the cooling system in the thin case does not always cope efficiently, which can lead to trottling (reducing frequencies) during long gaming sessions. RAM also varies. Basic version NFC frequently supplied with 6GB LPDDR4X, Whereas the Pro model was immediately sporting 6 or 8GB of faster memory, for multitasking and heavy applications like video editors or emulators, it's a critical parameter. 📊 What is more important for you in a smartphone?Maximum power in games Stable work and autonomy Quality of photos Low price Display and multimedia: is there a difference? Both smartphones are equipped with IPS-matrices with a diagonal of 6.67 inches and a refresh rate of 120 Hz. At first glance, the screens are identical: FullHD resolution+, support HDR10 The sensor is also very high in frequency (240 Hz), but when you look at it in detail, you find nuances related to the calibration and the panels used. POCO X3 NFC There were many screens from different vendors, leading to a color-rendered lottery, with some users complaining about the yellowish tint or the uneven backlight. factory calibration has become stricter, and contrast and brightness on average higher, which makes the picture juicier when watching video. 📱 Both screens are protected by Corning Gorilla Glass 5, but have different oleophobic processing. 🎨 Support for wide color coverage DCI-P3 It is better implemented in the Pro version. 🔆 Peak brightness of the X3 Pro is slightly higher, making it easier to read in the sun.The sound system is also worth considering. There are stereo speakers in both cases, but in POCO X3 Pro, they're louder and have lower frequencies, and it's a real advantage to watch movies without headphones. 💡Check the screen when you receive it: turn on the white image at maximum brightness and inspect the matrix for lights or greens around the edges. IPS-Cameras: Expectations vs. Reality On paper, the main camera modules look the same: Sony's 64MP main sensor IMX682. However, software image processing (ISP) The Snapdragon 860 in the Pro version has a more powerful signal processing unit, which should theoretically give better results when shooting in difficult conditions. HDR. POCO X3 Pro captures the frame faster and handles dynamic range better, keeping the details in the shadows. Night photography also benefits from more efficient noise reduction. 13 MP is identical in both smartphones, and the macro camera and depth sensor in the 2 The MPs are more of a decorative character. 20 It's built into the screen notch, and here the beautification algorithms are more aggressive in the normal version. NFC, While Pro tries to retain more skin textures, this depends on the firmware version. MIUI Or HyperOS. Characteristics. POCO X3 NFC POCO X3 Pro Main camera 64 MP, f/1.9 64 MP, f/1.9 Snapdragon Processor 732G Snapdragon 860 Video (max) 4K @ 30 fps 4K @ 30 fps Stabilization Electronic (EIS) Electronic (EIS) ⚠️ Warning: Don’t expect these smartphones to be flagship-level photography. Despite 64 MP, there is no optical stabilization (OIS) It makes video shooting on the go jiggles, and night photos can be noisy. Autonomy and charging speed Both devices have an impressive 5,160 mAh battery, which is a great indicator that allows most users to safely experience a full day of active use. However, due to the different energy efficiency of the processors, the operating time may differ. POCO X3 NFC With its less voracious chip, it often performs better on screen time tests. POCO X3 Pro discharges faster under load, especially if you play games or use a game. 5G (though 5G At these frequencies, it's irrelevant, the module itself consumes power when searching for a network. Support for fast charging of 33 watts is present in both cases, allowing you to charge the device in about an hour. It's important to note that the complete power supply is only in old stock, new batches can be sold without a charger, which is something to consider when buying. The cable is of high quality, with a wicker braid and a yellow connector. USB-A. ☑️ Checking the condition of the used smartphone Appearance of connectors (is there oxidation) Charging cycles in the engineering menu Work of the vibromotor Test touch screen for all zones: 0 / 4 Visually, smartphones are almost indistinguishable. The camera block, nicknamed the "robot eye," is located in the center of the back. The materials of the case are plastic, but it is made with a good quality, with a pleasant texture "under metal" or a matte surface that does not collect fingerprints as actively as glossy analogues. 215 Holding them with one hand is uncomfortable, and falling from a height can be painful due to the mass. The dimensions are also impressive, making it difficult to use in small boats, but the presence of a full 3.5 mm connector and an IR port (for control equipment) is pleasing. IP53. This means protection from splashes at a slight angle, but immersion in water or heavy rain can be fatal. In the Pro version, the tightness sometimes limps due to the denser layout of the internal elements. The secrets of the camera block The camera block is strongly protruding and has sharp edges. If you carry a phone without a cover in your jeans pocket, you may be at risk of scratching the lens glass or the body around it, and it is recommended to use a protective ring or case with raised sides. Problems, reliability and black bar It is impossible to talk about these models without mentioning the known problem. POCO X3 Pro. Massive complaints from users have been about the sudden failure of the motherboard, with classic symptoms: the phone hanging on the logo, rebooting in a loop, or turning into a brick. The reason lies in the separation of the contacts of the processor and memory from the board due to overheating and poor-quality solder (a problem similar to the “dump” of chips in Xbox 360 consoles). While Xiaomi has been running free repair service promotions, the risk of facing this remains high, especially on devices that have been exposed to heat stress. 🔥 POCO X3 NFC It is not a critical issue and is considered to be much more reliable. 🛠 The repair of the board is possible through warming up (rebolling), but this is a temporary solution. 📉 The secondary price of the Pro fell precisely because of the reputation of the “disposable” device. ⚠️ Note: If you are buying POCO X3 Pro B/U, be sure to check the history of repairs. If the phone has already been opened and the board has been heated, the probability of a second breakage in the coming months is close to 100%. From a software point of view, both smartphones received updates to Android 12/13 and shells MIUI 14. But support for new versions of Android is already complete or nearing the end, meaning that new security and interface features may be delayed or not coming at all. 💡POCO X3 NFC — Choose a pragmatist who wants a reliable phone for every day. POCO X3 Pro is a lottery for a budget gamer willing to take risks for power. The final comparison and recommendations, to summarize, the two smartphones represent different philosophies. POCO X3 Pro offers flagship performance 2020 It's a year's worth of public service, but the price is questionable reliability. X3 NFC Boring, slower, but predictable and lasting. If your priority is games like this PUBG Or Genshin Impact (medium settings), and you're ready to monitor the temperature of the device, the Pro version will give you the power you need. But if you need a phone for work, messengers, YouTube and navigation, overpaying or risking for excess power makes no sense. 2026 In the year, both devices are considered to be age-old devices. It is almost impossible to buy them new in the store, the main market is the used segment. 15-20 Minutes of active use. 2026 Purchase of these models is justified only at a very low budget (conditionally up to the current budget). 10-12 For this money, there are few alternatives with such a screen and charging. But if the budget allows, it’s better to look at the newer models of the POCO X5 or Redmi Note series, which are devoid of fatal design. FAQ: Can I unlock the bootloader on the POCO X3 Pro? Yes, unlocking the bootloader is possible by standard method through the Mi Unlock app on the PC. However, it’s worth remembering that after unlocking the warranty (if it’s still valid) it burns, and some banking applications can stop working without additional manipulation (Magisk, hiding the root). Why does the POCO X3 Pro warm up even in simple tasks? Snapagon processor has a worse sense in the battery, if you notice that the battery is in the battery settings, if you have a “start in the battery” if you have a high temperature, or if you can change the battery, if you have a video mode of the battery, if you can see it in the battery, if you can see it in the battery. Yeah, if the phone's already on. 2-3 The battery capacity could have dropped by a year. 70-80%. Replacing the battery will return autonomy, but given the age of the device and the risks of the Pro motherboard, the economic feasibility of replacing it depends on the current market value of the smartphone. POCO X3 NFC technology NFC Yes, both models support the payment. NFC. However, due to sanctions restrictions, payment via Google Pay with cards of Russian banks does not work. QR-The use of virtual cards of foreign payment systems, if any. Which version of Android is the latest for these smartphones? Officially the devices are updated to Android 12 (MIUI 13/14). No further major updates to the OS version are expected from the manufacturer, only security patches. To get a fresher Android will require the installation of custom firmware (LineageOS, Pixel Experience), which requires unlocking the bootloader.