How to distinguish the original Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro from a fake: the complete guide

Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro remains one of the most popular devices in the POCO lineup thanks to the combination of a powerful Snapdragon 860 processor, a 120-hertz screen and an affordable price. However, the high demand for the model attracts fraudsters who pass off low-quality copies or cross-stitched devices of other brands. According to Counterpoint Research, up to 12% of Xiaomi smartphones in the secondary market are fakes or โ€œgrayโ€ devices with a dubious history.

Poco authentication X3 Pro requires attention to detail, from external features to hidden software tags. In this article, we will discuss 7 reliable ways to distinguish the original from the copy, including packaging analysis, hardware tests and verification through official Xiaomi services. We will pay special attention to the unique method of verification of IMEI through a hidden menu of engineering mode, which works even on devices with modified firmware.

Verification of packaging and configuration

The first step is to inspect the box. The original Poco X3 Pro packaging has several key features:

  • ๐Ÿ“ฆ Box material: dense, matte-coated cardboard, no burrs and uneven cuts. Counterfeiters often use thin, glossy cardboard.
  • ๐Ÿ” Barcodes and stickers: at the bottom of the box should be QR-A code with a serial number matching the sticker on the phone itself. POCO โ€” It changes color when it tilts.
  • ๐Ÿ“„ Documentation: the complete set must be present warranty card with the stamp of the official dealer (for Russia - LLC "Ksiaomi Retail Rus").

Compare the contents of the box with the official configuration:

ElementOriginalFake.
Charger33 watts, MDY-12-ED model, with POCO logoUnmarked or marked "5V/2A"
USB cableType-C, 1 m long, with a swipe and logo XiaomiShort (0.5 m), thin, without sloshing
Paperclip for the SIM trayMetal, with a plastic tipneedle or paperclip without tip
CoverTransparent silicone with the POCO logo on the insideHard plastic or without logo

โš ๏ธ Warning: Fraudsters often fake holograms, but the original sticker has microtext "POCO PHONE" You can also check the font on the box, Xiaomi uses the Mi Sans brand, and fakes use the standard Arial.

๐Ÿ“Š Where did you buy your Poco? X3 Pro?
Official Xiaomi Store
Marketplace (Wildberries, Ozon)
Hands on (Avito, Yula)
Abroad (AliExpress, Gearbest)

External examination of the telephone

The original Poco X3 Pro has some unique external features that are hard to fake:

  • ๐Ÿ“ฑ Logo. POCO: The back should be clearly printed (not a sticker!) with uniform lighting when turned on. For fakes, the logo is often crooked or glows unevenly.
  • ๐ŸŽจ Color options: the original was available in only 3 colors - Phantom Black, Frost Blue and Metal Bronze. Any other shades (for example, "gold" or "pink") - 100% fake.

Pay special attention to the camera:

  • The original module has four lenses arranged in a square shape with a round glare in the middle.
  • Fakes often save on cameras: instead of 48 MP main sensor put 13 MP or even 8 MP (checked in the camera settings).

๐Ÿ’ก

Hold the phone to a bright light at an angle of 45.ยฐ. On the original Poco screen X3 Pro should not be rainbow divorces - this is a sign of cheap OLED-fake-panel.

IMEI and serial number check

The most reliable way is to check through official Xiaomi services.

  1. Find the IMEI on the box or in the phone settings (Settings โ†’ About Phone โ†’ General Information โ†’ IMEI).
  2. Go to mi.com/global/verify and enter the data.
  3. The system should show the M2102J20SG (global version) or the M2102J20SI (Indian version).

Check the IMEI through the Engineering Menu:

#4636## โ†’ Phone information

The IMEI section should show the same combination as the box, and if the numbers don't match, you're looking at a re-enhanced device or a fake.

โš ๏ธ Note: Some scammers are forging stickers with IMEI Always check the data against the ones displayed in the phone settings and on the Xiaomi website. If the site does not identify the model, it is a guaranteed fake.

Find IMEI on the box and in the phone settings |Contrast the numbers - they must match |Contrast the IMEI at mi.com/verify |Confirm that the M2102J20SG or M2102J20SI-->

4. Software tests: MIUI and hidden functions

The original Poco X3 Pro runs on MIUI for POCO with unique features.

  • ๐Ÿ“ฑ Version. MIUI: Go to Settings. โ†’ The phone. โ†’ Version. MIUI. The original has a version. MIUI 12.5+ for POCO (for example, V12.5.3.0.RJUMIXM). Fakes often use outdated or modified firmware.
  • ๐Ÿ”ง Hidden Test Menu: Enter the dial number: ##6484## In the original menu will open MTK Engineer Mode (for MediaTek version) or Qualcomm Service Menu (for Snapdragon 860) is either missing or has Chinese characters in the forgeries.
  • ๐ŸŽฎ Gamer Mode: The Original Poco X3 Pro has a proprietary Game Turbo with 120Hz support. Launch any game and check out FPS-The counter should show a stable 60.+ staff.

Also pay attention to the built-in applications:

  • The original features GetApps, Mi Community, Mi Video and POCO Launcher preinstalled.
  • Fakes often contain unnecessary Chinese applications (e.g. Baidu, Weibo) or a blank set of programs.
How to verify authenticity through ADB?
If you have access to a computer, connect your phone to a USB debugging enabled (Settings โ†’ Developer โ†’ Debugging by USB) and execute the command: adb shell getprop ro.product.model Original will return POCO X3 Pro or M2102J20SG. Counterfeit may give another name (for example, Redmi Note 9 Pro).

5. Testing of hardware components

Fakes often save on hardware.

  • ๐Ÿ”‹ Battery: Original has a 5160 mAh battery (type) DM-41). Check in Settings โ†’ Battery โ†’ Battery condition: If the capacity is less than 5,000 mAh, it's fake.
  • ๐Ÿ“ก Network and Communication: The Original Poco X3 Pro supports 5G (Snapdragon modem X51). Run the speed test in the Speedtest app. 5G speed exceeding 200 Mbit/s.
  • ๐ŸŽต Speakers: The original has stereo speakers with Dolby Atmos support. Check the sound: fakes often lack bass, or speakers are asymmetrically positioned.

For a deep check, use the AIDA64 app (available on Google Play):

  • The CPU section must specify Qualcomm Snapdragon 860 (8 cores, Kryo 485).
  • In the Display section, check the resolution of 2400ร—1080 and the frequency of 120Hz.
  • The Sensors section must have at least 12 sensors (including a gyroscope, compass, and barometer).

๐Ÿ’ก

If the AIDA64 specifies the Helio G95 or Snapdragon 720G processor, you are faced with a relabeled fake (often cheaper models like the Redmi Note 10 are issued as Poco X3 Pro).

6. Check through Xiaomi service centers

If you still doubt, contact the official service center Xiaomi, specialists will conduct diagnostics on several parameters:

  • ๐Ÿ”ง Verification of serial number through internal database Xiaomi.
  • ๐Ÿ” Analysis of firmware for the presence of modifications.
  • ๐Ÿ“ก Testing of the module NFC (POCO X3 Pro has a chip NXP PN80T).
  • ๐Ÿ› ๏ธ External inspection for replaced parts (e.g. camera or battery).

The cost of diagnosis in official centers usually does not exceed 500โ€“1000 But she gives you a rouble. 100% The addresses of the service centers can be found on the website mi.com/ru/service.

โš ๏ธ Note: Some โ€œunofficialโ€ service centers may be involved in the sale of counterfeits. Always check for a certificate of an authorized Xiaomi partner at the booth.

7. Hand-held check-up: checklist

If you are buying Poco X3 Pro on the secondary market (Avito, Yula), use this checklist:

Check it out. IMEI Xiaomi|Check the serial number on the box and on the phone|Launch. AIDA64 check the processor|Check the battery capacity in the settings|Make sure the camera has 4 lenses|Test 120Hz in games|Ask for a check from the official store (if any)|Check availability NFC (Google Pay appendix)-->

Also ask the seller:

  • ๐Ÿ“ฑ Show the history of updates in Settings โ†’ The phone. โ†’ System Update: The original must have at least 3-4 installed updates.
  • ๐Ÿ”’ Reset your phone to factory settings (Settings) โ†’ Additionally. โ†’ Reset settings) and show the download process. Counterfeiting often hangs on the logo.
  • ๐Ÿ’ณ Check the work of Google Pay (original supports contactless payments via Google Pay) NFC).

๐Ÿ’ก

Before you buy, ask the seller to make a video showing all the features (120 Hz, NFC, cameras) that will help you avoid cheating on the โ€œdefaultโ€ components.

FAQ: Frequent questions about the authenticity of the Poco X3 Pro

โ“ Can I verify the authenticity of MAC-wifi address?
Yeah, but it's less reliable than checking for IMEI. MAC-Address can be viewed in Settings โ†’ Wi-Fi โ†’ Additionally. โ†’ MAC-address AIDA64. The original devices have MAC, starting 78:6C:1C, B4:5D:50 or DC:A6:32 (Xiaomi prefixes, but fraudsters can also forge this parameter.
โ“ What to do if IMEI The box and the phone don't match?
It's 100% a sign of a fake or a re-stitched device, and don't buy one, even if the seller claims to have "just changed the box," at best it's a gray machine with a questionable history, at worst it's a full-fledged copy.
โ“ How to Distinguish Pocoโ€™s Global Version X3 Pro from Indian?
Global version (M2102J20SG) supports more ranges 4G/5G It's certified for Russia (M2102J20SI) may not work with some Russian operators (e.g. Television)2 bandwidth 20). You can check the version through the settings. โ†’ The phone. โ†’ Model.
โ“ Why fakes are 30 to 50 times cheaper than the original%?
Counterfeit saves everything: Processor: instead of Snapdragon 860 put Helio G85 (2-3 times weaker). Screen: cheap 60 Hz panels instead of 120 Hz Cameras: sensors 5-8 MP instead of 48 MP Battery: capacity 3000-4000 mAh instead of 5160 mAh. Such devices quickly break down and do not receive updates.
โ“ Can I cheat the check through the Xiaomi website?
Theoretically, yes, but it's very difficult. Fraudsters can: Forge an IMEI sticker on the box (but they can't forge the data on the phone); use an IMEI from another original device (but then the serial number won't match); refashion the phone to pretend to be a Poco X3 Pro (but it will show up in the AIDA64 or engineering menu); so always check at least 3-4 parameters (IMEI, serial number, firmware, hardware tests).