When the Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro came out: release date, specifications and comparison with the Poco X3 NFC

Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro became one of the most talked-about gadgets of 2021 thanks to a combination of powerful stuffing and affordable price. Many users are still wondering when exactly its official release took place, what changes have occurred compared to its predecessor Poco X3 NFC, and whether to buy this model today. In this article, we will examine in detail the release date of the Poco X3 Pro, its key features, as well as answer popular questions about compatibility, updates and alternatives.

If you are planning to purchase this smartphone or just want to learn more about its history, you will find here the latest information: from the exact date of the announcement to the nuances of the firmware and support for MIUI. We will also compare the Poco X3 Pro with other models of the Poco lineup and give recommendations for choosing in 2026.

Official release date of Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro

Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro was officially presented on March 22, 2021 at the global online event together with the Poco F3 model. This was a long-awaited release, since the previous model – Poco X3 NFC – was released in September 2020 and managed to gain popularity among gamers and fans of powerful smartphones at an affordable price.

Sales of Poco X3 Pro started almost immediately after the announcement: in some regions (for example, in India and Europe) the smartphone appeared in stores on March 24-25, 2021. In Russia, official deliveries began a little later - in early April 2021, which was due to logistical nuances and certification.

Yeah, I'm always up to date.

Sometimes, if the model is interesting

No, I buy it when I need it.

I prefer other brands.-->

Interestingly, the Poco X3 Pro was originally marketed as an “improved version” of the Poco X3 NFC, but it actually got a fundamentally different processor and a number of other changes, making it one of the most powerful budget smartphones of its time.

Key technical characteristics of Poco X3 Pro

The main difference between the Poco X3 Pro and its predecessor is the processor. Instead of the Qualcomm Snapdragon 732G (as in the Poco X3 NFC), the Qualcomm Snapdragon 860 is installed here, a modified version of the flagship Snapdragon 855+ chip with clock speeds up to 2.96 GHz, which provided a 30-40 percent increase in performance in games and heavy applications.

Other important characteristics:

• 📱 Display: 6,67" IPS LCD, permit 2400×1080 (Full HD+), refresh rate 120 Hz, support. HDR10
• 🔋 Battery: 5160 mAh with support for fast charging of 33 W (charging included)
• 📸 Cameras: basic 48 MP (Sony) IMX582) + 8 MP (ultra-wide) + 2 MP (macro) + 2 MP (deep sensor); frontal 20 MP
• 💾 Memory: 6/8 GB RAM, 128/256 GB ROM (slot for microSD up to 1 TB)
• 📡 Network: 4G (no support 5G), Wi-Fi 5, Bluetooth 5.0, NFC (depending on the region)
• 🎮 Additional: stereo speakers, 3.5 mm audio jack, IR port, spray protection IP53

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If you’re planning to use the Poco X3 Pro for gaming, look out for the 8GB version of RAM – it’s better at multitasking and modern projects like Genshin Impact or Call of Duty: Mobile.

Despite the powerful processor, the smartphone does not support 5G networks, one of the main compromises that developers have made to reduce the cost of the model, and in some regions (for example, in India) sold a version without the NFC module, which is worth checking when buying.

Poco X3 Pro vs. Poco X3 NFC: What’s Changed?

Many users are wondering: should you overpay for the Poco X3 Pro if you have a cheaper Poco X3 NFC?

As you can see from the table, the main advantage of the Poco X3 Pro is the processor. Snapdragon 860 provides better performance in games and applications, but it warms up more than the Snapdragon 732G. If you are not a gamer and do not use resource-intensive programs, the difference may not be noticeable.

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Poco X3 Pro is suitable for gamers and users who need maximum performance on a budget. For everyday tasks (social networks, video, photos) and Poco X3 NFC.

Update support: current version of MIUI and Android

At the time of the release, the Poco X3 Pro was running on MIUI 12 based on Android 11. Xiaomi promised 2 major Android updates for this model, and this promise was fulfilled:

• 📅 Android 12 + MIUI 13 - Released in Q1 2022 (Stable version)
• 📅 Android 13 + MIUI 14 - Released in Q2 2023 (last major update)

In 2026, Poco X3 The Pro won't get Android 14 -- official update support is complete. However, the smartphone continues to receive monthly security patches (as of June 2026). X5 Pro or Poco F5.

⚠️ Attention: After updating to MIUI 14 Some users complain about increased power consumption. If you notice a fast battery drain, try resetting to factory settings (Settings) → Additionally. → Recovery and discharge).

Poco X3 Pro Prices in 2026: Should You Buy?

At the time of its release in 2021, the Poco X3 Pro cost:

• 💰 6/128 GB: ~250–280$ (19 000–21 000 ₽)
• 💰 8/128 GB: ~290–320$ (22 000–24 000 ₽)
• 💰 8/256 GB: ~330–360$ (25 000–27 000 ₽)

In 2026, the prices of used and new (remainders) devices fell significantly:

• 📉 B/y (good condition): 12 000–16 000 ₽ (6/128 GB)
• 📉 New (residues): 18 000–22 000 ₽ (8/128 GB)

Should you buy a Poco X3 Pro today? The answer depends on your goals.

• ✅ Yes, if: you need a powerful smartphone for gaming at a budget price, you don’t require 5G or ultramodern camera.
• ❌ Not if: You are interested in the latest updates, 5G, You plan to use your phone for longer than 2-3 years (no support for new Android versions is available).

Battery condition (capacity not lower than 85%)

Performance of all cameras and speakers

No yellow pixels on the screen (check against a black background)

Original charging (33 W)

Reset to factory settings before use-->

Frequent Problems and How to Solve Them

Despite its reliability, the Poco X3 Pro has a few typical issues to be aware of:

1. Overheating in games. With the powerful Snapdragon 860 processor, your smartphone can heat up to 45 to 50°C in resource-intensive games. Solution: Use a heat sink case or cooling stand. Limit FPS to game settings (e.g., PUBG Mobile, set 60 FPS instead of 90 FPS). Close background apps before playing.
2. Fast battery drain, most commonly associated with application background activity or outdated firmware. Solution: Upgrade to the latest version of MIUI. Enable power saving mode (Settings → Battery → Power Saving Mode). Turn off constant data synchronization for unnecessary applications.

NFC problems.

• Reinstall the Google Pay or Mi Pay app.
• Check the firmware region – sometimes it helps to flash to the global version.

⚠️ Note: If after updating to MIUI 14 you have lost sound in the speakers, try resetting the sound settings: go to Settings → Sound. → Additionally. → Resetting the audio settings. This often solves the problem without completely resetting the phone.

Poco X3 Pro alternatives in 2026

If the Poco X3 Pro isn’t right for you (for example, due to a lack of 5G or outdated support), consider these alternatives:

If the budget is tight but you need a 5G smartphone, look for the Redmi Note 11 Pro+ 5G – it’s cheaper than the Poco X5 Pro, but offers balanced specs.

FAQ: Answers to popular questions