Introduction: Why Comparing These Smartphones Is Relevant in 2026
Choosing between the Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 Pro and the POCO X3 Pro remains one of the hottest topics among budget smartphone buyers even years after their release. Both models are in the Xiaomi lineup, but are positioned differently: the first as a universal flagship of the middle class, the second as a gaming device with a focus on performance. In 2026, when prices for these devices fell to 15-20 thousand rubles, they became even more attractive for those looking for a balanced balance of price and opportunity.
The main paradox is that the POCO X3 Pro with the more powerful Snapdragon 860 processor is often cheaper than the Redmi Note 10 Pro with its Snapdragon 732G. But does this mean that POCO is definitely better? In practice, everything is more complicated: the screen, camera, software optimization and even small things like the presence of stereo speakers or support for fast charging. In this article, we will discuss 12 key parameters that will help determine the choice of your tasks, whether it is games, photography or long autonomy.
1.CPU and performance: Snapdragon 860 vs 732G
At the heart of the POCO X3 Pro is the Qualcomm Snapdragon 860, the relabeled 2019 Snapdragon 855+ flagship chip that still performs well in gaming and multitasking. In comparison, the Redmi Note 10 Pro features a Snapdragon 732G that is mid-range and optimized for energy efficiency rather than record performance.
In synthetic tests, the difference is obvious:
- 📊 AnTuTu 9: POCO X3 Pro dialing ~450,000 points, and Redmi Note 10 Pro — ~300 000.
- 🎮 3DMark Wild Life: 860th processor ahead of the curve 732G 40-50% in graphics tests.
- 🔋 Energy efficiency: Here the leader 732G — It warms less and consumes battery power more economically.
In real-world scenarios, however, the gap is not that big: in Genshin Impact, for example, both smartphones hold 30-40 FPS at medium settings, but POCO keeps the frame rate stable longer in long sessions, and in everyday tasks (social networks, videos, instant messengers), there is almost no difference — both work smoothly.
⚠️ Attention: POCO X3 The Pro suffers from trottling (processor frequency reset) under prolonged loads due to a weak cooling system. If you plan to play for 2-3 hours in a row, consider a cooling case.
2.Screen: AMOLED vs IPS - which is best for the eyes and multimedia
Here's the Redmi Note. 10 The Pro is definitely getting ahead of itself thanks to 6,67-super-inch AMOLED-resolution-screen 2400×1080 support 120 Hz. AMOLED provide:
- 🌑 Deep black (pixels are just turned off).
- 🎨 Wide color gamut (100% DCI-P3 against 96% sRGB y POCO).
- ☀️ Best readability in the sun (brightness up to 1200 nits).
U POCO X3 Pro installed 6,67-inch IPS-screen 120 Hz, but with permission. 2400×1080 and maximum brightness 450 In everyday use, the difference is not always noticeable, but:
- 📺 When watching black videos (for example, in movies) AMOLED looks better.
- 🎮 In games. IPS It may appear more soapy due to the lower contrast.
- 🔋 AMOLED It costs more money to display dark themes (for example, in the case of a battery). VK Telegram with a dark mode).
| Parameter | Redmi Note 10 Pro | POCO X3 Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Screen type | Super AMOLED | IPS LCD |
| Frequency of update | 120 Hz | 120 Hz |
| Max. brightness. | 1,200 nits | 450 nits |
| Support for HDR | HDR10+ | HDR10 |
| Protection | Gorilla Glass 5 | Gorilla Glass 6 |
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If you watch videos, play or appreciate rich colors, take the Redmi Note 10 Pro. For everyday tasks, the difference between the screens is not critical.
3. Camera: 108 MP vs 48 MP - marketing or a real advantage?
On paper, the Redmi Note 10 Pro looks like the winner thanks to the main module 108 MP (Samsung HM2) with an aperture of f/1.9. However, the real quality of photos depends not only on megapixels. POCO X3 Pro is equipped with a 48-MP sensor (Sony IMX582) with the same aperture, but with better processing in low light conditions.
Let's compare the key scenarios:
- 🌞 Daylight: Both smartphones take detailed shots, but Redmi loses in dynamic range - the sky often overglows.
- 🌃 Nchoi: POCO X3 Pro is better at handling noise thanks to Night Mode 2.0 algorithms.
- 🎥 Video: Both are filming 4K@30fps, But Redmi has gyroscopic stabilization that reduces hand shaking.
- 👥 Selfie: 20-MP frontal POCO 16-MP Redmi - the difference is minimal.
The Redmi Note 10 Pro’s main drawback is software optimization. The camera often recycles images, adding excessive sharpness and saturation. The POCO X3 Pro features a more natural, but less Instagram-like image.
How to turn off aggressive photo processing in Redmi Note 10 Pro?
4. Battery and charging: who lives longer without an outlet?
Both smartphones are equipped with 5,160 mAh batteries, but battery life differs due to optimization and screen:
- 🔋 Redmi Note 10 Pro lasts 10-15% longer on average AMOLED-screen and a more energy efficient processor.
- ⚡ POCO X3 Pro supports fast charging of 33 watts (versus 30 watts in Redmi), but the complete power supply is 33 watts, while Redmi – only 22.5 watts.
In tests:
- 📺 Video playback (YouTube, 50% brightness): Redmi - 18 hours, POCO — 15 hours.
- 🎮 Games (PUBG Mobile, 60 FPS): Redmi - 6.5 hours, POCO — 5 hours (due to overheating and trottling).
- 📞 Standby regime (4G, Wi-Fi, notifications: Both last for about 2 days.
⚠️ Attention: B POCO X3 Pro has a background discharge bug because of MIUI for POCO. After updating to MIUI 14 Some users complain of 10-15% loss of charge overnight Solution: disable Auto Sync and Device Search in Xiaomi account settings.
5. Design and Ergonomics: Plastic vs Glass
Redmi Note 10 Pro is made in a glass case with an aluminum frame, which gives it a premium look, but makes it more fragile. POCO X3 Pro, on the contrary, is completely plastic, but weighs 10 grams less (215 g vs. 205 g) and less slippery.
Key differences:
- 🎨 Colors: Redmi offers gradients (Onyx Gray, Glacier Blue), POCO — The stains of Phantom Black and Frost Blue).
- 🔊 Dynamics: Y POCO stereo sound (two speakers), Redmi - mono.
- 🔒 Fingerprint scanner: B POCO It is sideways (in the power button), in Redmi - subscreen (optical).
- 💧 Defense: Both have IP53 (protection from splashes, but cannot withstand immersion in water.
The subjective feeling is that the POCO X3 Pro is more comfortable in the hand thanks to the flat back, while the Redmi slides and requires a case. On the other hand, the Redmi glass back better collects fingerprints.
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If you drop your phone frequently, choose the POCO X3 Pro – its plastic body is better at cushioning the impacts, and replacing the back cover is cheaper than glass.
6.Software: MIUI for Redmi vs MIUI for POCO
Both smartphones run on MIUI, but with different shells:
- 📱 Redmi Note 10 Pro gets more updates and has a cleaner version MIUI no-nonsense POCO.
- 🎮 POCO X3 Pro's coming in MIUI for POCO, Added game chips like Game Turbo and X-Axis Linear Motor (vibration when shooting in games).
MIUI problems relevant to both models:
- 🗑️ Advertising in system applications (disabled in Settings) → The phone. → Version. MIUI → thrice).
- 🔄 Slowdowns after a year of use (solved by resetting to factory settings).
- 🔒 Restrictions for European firmware (there are no functions, there are in the global firmware).
An important nuance: POCO X3 Pro doesn’t officially support Android 13 (it stopped on Android 12), while Redmi Note 10 Pro got an update. If you care about the relevance of the software, this can be a decisive factor.
7. Additional chips: what smartphones can do besides the main one
Despite the similar characteristics, each device has unique features:
| Function | Redmi Note 10 Pro | POCO X3 Pro |
|---|---|---|
| IR port | ✅ There is. | ✅ There is. |
| 3.5mm audio jack | ✅ There is. | ✅ There is. |
| NFC | ✅ Available (in the global version) | ❌ No (except the Indian version) |
| Light sensor. | ✅ There is. | ❌ No (auto-brightness works worse) |
| vibratory motor | Normal. | Linear (X-Axis) |
Critical moments:
- 💳 NFC: If you need Google Pay or contactless payments, take the Redmi Note 10 Pro (in the case of the Redmi Note). POCO NFC It is not available in most regions).
- 🎵 Sound: Stereodynamics POCO They sound louder and clearer, but they don't have enough bass.
- 📡 5G: None of the smartphones support fifth generation networks.
Check it out. IMEI originality|Battery test via #4636##|Screen check for broken pixels|Test of speakers and microphones-->
8.Price and relevance in 2026: Is it worth buying?
At the beginning of 2026, the prices for new devices in Russia look like this:
- 💰 Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 Pro (4/64 GB) — ~18 000 ₽.
- 💰 POCO X3 Pro (6/128 GB) — ~16 000 ₽.
Should you overpay for Redmi? Depends on your priorities:
- 📸 Photo and screen: Yes, if you are interested AMOLED 108 MP camera (albeit with software jambs).
- 🎮 Games: No, POCO X3 Pro is faster and cheaper, but warms up more.
- 🔋 Redmi wins 10-15%, but the difference is not critical.
- 💼 Budget: If there is little money, take it. POCO, If you are willing to pay for the premium, Redmi.
Alternatives in 2026:
- 🆕 Redmi Note 12 Pro+ (AMOLED 120 Hz, 200 MP camera – from 25 000 ₽.
- 🆕 POCO X5 Pro (Snapdragon 778G, 67W charging) - from 22,000 ₽.
- 💎 B/u flagships: Xiaomi 11T or POCO F4 You can find it for 20 to 25 thousand.
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If your budget is up to 17,000 ₽ — POCO X3 If you're willing to spend $18,000 to $20,000 and appreciate the screen/camera, take the Redmi Note 10 Pro.