When buying Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro in the secondary market or from unverified sellers, the risk of running into a fake is up to 30%, according to Counterpoint Research’s data for 2023. Clone devices not only perform worse, but also pose a security threat: from data leaks to the fire of poor-quality batteries. In this article, we will analyze 5 reliable ways to verify the originality that will help avoid deception even when buying from hand.
The Poco X3 Pro is popular with gamers and enthusiasts with its Snapdragon 860 processor and 120-hertz screen, which are the characteristics most often forged, passing off as the flagship of a device based on the MediaTek Helio G95 or even an old Snapdragon 720G. We will show how to detect fraud before payment, using both software methods (via IMEI and MIUI), and physical inspection of the case and packaging.
Important: some fakes are indistinguishable from the original -- up to 80 percent of the details can match, including logos and even serial numbers on stickers -- so a comprehensive check on all counts is mandatory, and if one test is not passed, you'd better give up.
1. IMEI verification: the main authentication identifier
IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity) is a unique 15-digit code that is assigned to each original smartphone. The Poco X3 Pro has it in three places: on the box, under the battery (on the sticker), and in the system. If the codes do not match or are missing, you have 100% fake.
How to check the IMEI program:
- 📱 Enter the code *#06# in the phone application and it will appear on the screen. IMEI (or two codes if the smartphone supports two SIM-map).
- 🔍 Compare it to the code on the box and under the battery. Even one mismatched number is a sign of a fake.
- 🌐 Go to the official IMEI.info website and enter the code.Original Poco X3 The Pro should be displayed as a model M2102J20SG (global version) or M2102J20SI (Indian).
⚠️ Warning: Fraudsters sometimes clone IMEI If the code matches, but the smartphone behaves suspiciously (for example, does not update via the MIUI), Demand additional checks.
Inspection of packaging and configuration: 7 signs of counterfeiting
The original Poco X3 Pro box is matte, with clear embossing of the POCO and Xiaomi logos, often with glossy paper, blurry fonts or no holographic sticker on the end.
- 📦 Serial number on the box - must match the number in the settings (Settings) → The phone. → General information).
- 🔖 Hologram on the end of the box - when changing the angle of view should be shimmered with rainbow colors.
- 🔌 Charger - the original comes with a power supply MDY-12-EQ (33 watts of white, fakes often come with cheap 10 to 18 watts of black charging.
- 🎧 Headphones, they're not in the original set, and if the seller says otherwise, that's a reason to doubt it.
⚠️ In 2023, there were fakes with almost perfect packaging, but with the missing pints for the first time. SIM-The original Poco card. X3 The Pro always comes with a metal pint in a separate bag.
| Sign. | Original | Fake. |
|---|---|---|
| Box material | Tight matte-coated cardboard | Thin cardboard, glossy |
| Font on the box | Clear, no blurring. | Uneven letters, shifted lines |
| Charger | White 33 watt block (MDY-12-EQ) | Black block 10-18 watts without marking |
| Tweezers for SIM | Metal, in a bag. | Missing or plastic |
3. Check through MIUI and hidden menus
The original MIUI firmware on the Poco X3 Pro has unique markings that cannot be forged without root access.
- Go to Settings → About Phone → MIUI version. Tap 7 times on the line with the version – this will open the hidden developer menu.
- Go back to the main settings and open additionally. → For developers, check out the device model. poco_x3_pro or vayu (code name of the platform).
- Launch the ##4636## command, and the testing menu will open. The phone information tab should show the Qualcomm Snapdragon 860 (not MediaTek!).
⚠️ Note: Fakes often mimic the interface MIUI, But they can't play the animation of the download. X3 Pro when turned on shows the logo POCO smooth-moving MIUI. Copies have a static logo or flickering.
Model of the device in the settings — poco_x3_pro|Processor in the test menu - Snapdragon 860|Download animation is smooth, without flickering|Version. MIUI conforms to official updates-->
4. Physical inspection of the hull: what are the fakes hiding
The original Poco X3 Pro has a metal frame with plastic inserts for antennas, and the back panel is made of matte plastic with microtexture.
- 🔍 Camera: the original camera module has a 2.5 mm projection, copies often have less (1.8-2 mm) or more (3 mm)+ mm).
- 🎨 The original is in Phantom Black, Frost Blue and Metal Bronze, and fakes offer "exclusive" colors like gold or pink.
- 🔊 Speakers: The original has two speakers (top and bottom) with Dolby Atmos support.
- 🔋 Battery: original capacity - 5160 mAh. Counterfeit can have a battery of 4000-4500 mAh (checked through AccuBattery).
How to check the capacity of the battery without disassembly?
⚠️ Some fakes even copy serial numbers to the SIM-The original tray has a laser engraving of the number, which can only be read at an angle, and the copies have a number in paint and can be seen in any light.
5. Check through official Xiaomi services
Xiaomi provides two official authentication tools:
- SN Verification Site: Go to https://new.c.mi.com/global/verify. Enter S/N (serial number) from the box or from settings (Settings → About Phone → General Information). If the device is original, the site will show the model, activation date and warranty status.
- Mi Verify app (Android only): Download Mi Verify from Google Play. QR-box code or enter S/N The app will show if the device matches the declared model.
🔹 Important: If a website or app gives an error "Device not found", it means that the serial number is fake or the device has not passed Xiaomi certification.
💡
If the seller refuses to provide a serial number for verification, arguing that it is “confidential”, this is a sure sign of fraud. S/N.
6 Performance Test: How Counterfeiting Is Giving Out
Even if the smartphone looks like a Poco X3 Pro, its “stuffing” may be completely different.
- 📊 AnTuTu Benchmark: Original Snapdragon 860 hits 450,000-490,000 points G95 It shows 300,000 to 350,000, and on Snapdragon. 720G — up to 280,000.
- 🎮 3DMark Wild Life: original scores 2,500 to 3,000. Copies rarely exceed 1,500.
- 🔋 Charging test: Original 33W unit charges smartphone up to 100% in 58-65 minutes.Fakes charge 2+ hour.
⚠️ Warning: Some fakes artificially inflate benchmarks through firmware. To test this, run the test twice in a row - the original device will show stable results, and the fake will "sink" by 20-40% in the second test.
💡
If the smartphone warms to 50°C+ with minimal load (like on the menu), it’s a sure sign of a fake.The original Poco X3 Pro, even in games, rarely exceeds 45°C.