Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro is one of the most talked-about smartphones of 2021, and has become a hit with gamers and users looking for a powerful device at an affordable price. This model continues the tradition of the POCO line, combining top-end performance with democratic value. But when exactly did this smartphone come to the market, and why was its release such a landmark event?
In this article, we will take a closer look at the exact release date of the Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro in different regions, analyze what technologies made it unique, and compare it with other models in the series, and find out whether this model is relevant in 2026 and whether it is worth buying today.
Official release date Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro: the chronology of events
Xiaomi Poco Smartphone X3 Pro was announced on March 22, 2021 at a global online event dedicated to the lineup POCO X3. This event was a logical continuation of the success of the previous model – Poco. X3 NFC, It was released in September 2020. X3 The Pro was positioned as a more advanced version with a focus on performance and gaming capabilities.
Interestingly, the release date varied by region:
- 🌍 Global announcement: March 22, 2021 (online presentation).
- 🇮🇳 India: sales started on March 30, 2021 – a week after the announcement.
- 🇪🇺 Europe: the first batches arrived in stores in early April 2021.
- 🇷🇺 Russia: official sales began on April 12, 2021 through Xiaomi partners.
It is important to note that the Poco X3 Pro did not receive a separate presentation in China – the model was focused exclusively on the international market, which became part of the strategy of the POCO brand to exit from the wing of Xiaomi as an independent sub-brand.
Poco X3 Pro: Why is it a hit?
The Poco X3 Pro’s main trump card was the Qualcomm Snapdragon 860 processor, a modified version of the flagship Snapdragon 855+ chip with clock speeds up to 2.96 GHz. This solution allowed the device to compete with the top smartphones of 2020, while remaining in the budget segment. But what else did this model remember?
Here are the key features that users and experts have highlighted:
- 🔋 5160 mAh battery with fast charging support 33W — rareness of such devices.
- 🎮 120 Hz IPS-Adaptive refresh rate and support HDR10.
- 📸 Quadrilateral Camera: 48 MP Basic Module (Sony) IMX582), ultra-wide-angle 8 MP, macro 2 MP and depth sensor 2 MP.
- 🧊 Liquid cooling to prevent trottling during games.
- 🔊 Stereo speakers with support for Dolby Atmos – an infrequent solution for public sector employees.
Especially worth noting is RAM: the model was offered in versions with 6/128 GB and 8/256 GB, and the version with 8 GB of RAM was rare in this price segment, which made the Poco X3 Pro an ideal choice for multitasking and demanding games like Genshin Impact or Call of Duty: Mobile.
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If you’re looking for a smartphone to play, look out for the Game Turbo mode in the Poco X3 Pro – it optimizes performance and blocks notifications during gameplay.
Poco X3 NFC Comparison: What Has Changed?
Many users have wondered whether to overpay for the Poco X3 Pro, if you already have the Poco X3 NFC?
| Parameter | Poco X3 NFC (2020) | Poco X3 Pro (2021) |
|---|---|---|
| Processor | Qualcomm Snapdragon 732G | Qualcomm Snapdragon 860 |
| Max. RAM. | 6GB | 8GB |
| Screen. | 120 Hz, IPS LCD, without HDR | 120 Hz, IPS LCD, HDR10 |
| Main camera. | 64 MP (Sony IMX682) | 48 MP (Sony IMX582) |
| Price at launch | from ~15 000 ₽ | from ~20 000 ₽ |
As you can see from the comparison, Poco X3 The Pro offered a more powerful processor and more RAM, but lost in the resolution of the main camera, a decision Xiaomi explained by optimization for games and multimedia, where performance is more important than megapixels. X3 Pro received an improved cooling system and a more premium design of the rear panel.
Why is the Poco X3 Pro worse than the Poco X3 NFC?
Updates and Support: Is the Poco X3 Pro up to date in 2026?
At the time of the release, the Poco X3 Pro was running on MIUI 12 for POCO (based on Android 11), and since then, the smartphone has received several major updates:
- 📱 MIUI 12.5 (Autumn 2021) – Performance optimization and new features.
- 🤖 Android 12 (Spring 2022) – Security and Interface Update.
- 🛡️ MIUI 13 (winter 2022) - Improved privacy and widgets.
- 🚫 Last update: MIUI 14 (Android 13) in 2023.
But in 2026, official update support for the Poco X3 Pro is complete, meaning that new versions of Android (like Android 15) and MIUI will not be released, and the device is still supported by custom firmware like LineageOS or Pixel Experience.
⚠️ Note: After the end of official support, Xiaomi recommends avoiding installing third-party firmware if you use banking applications or sensitive data. L1, This will result in the loss of support for Netflix and Disney.+ into HD-quality.
In terms of performance, the Snapdragon 860 is still relevant for most applications, including modern games in mid-settings, but the lack of 5G and the outdated front-facing camera (20 MP) may be limiting factors for some users.
Where to buy Poco X3 Pro in 2026: new vs b/w?
At the time of writing (2026), the Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro is no longer officially sold in most countries.
- 🛒 Used market: Avito, Yula, Facebook Marketplace (price: 8000-12,000) ₽ conditionally).
- 🌐 Foreign stores: AliExpress, Banggood (new devices at a price) ~15 000–18 000 ₽).
- 🔄 Refurbished: Refurbished devices from official partners (e.g. Back Market).
When buying a used Poco X3 Pro, be sure to check:
☑️ What to check before buying a used Poco X3 Pro
⚠️ Attention: AliExpress and similar sites often sell "new" Poco X3 Pro at suspiciously low prices, it can be devices with fake firmware (for example, the Chinese version under the guise of global) or restored after repair. Always demand a photo of the box with the serial number and check the box. IMEI IMEI.info.
If you are looking for an alternative, consider newer models:
- 🆕 Poco X5 Pro 5G (2023 - with support 5G and AMOLED-screen.
- 🎯 Poco F5 (2023) – with a Snapdragon 7 processor+ Gen 2.
- 💰 Redmi Note 12 Pro+ — If the balance of price and camera is important.
Frequent Problems and How to Solve Them: Owners Experience
Despite its reliability, the Poco X3 Pro has several typical issues reported by users:
- Overheating when charging: Due to the powerful processor and fast charging 33W, the case can heat up.The solution is to use the original power supply and avoid playing while charging.
- Yellow Spots on the Screen: A Defect IPS-Xiaomi has acknowledged the problem and in some cases replaced screens under warranty.
- Weak vibrator: Many users complain of a lack of vibration, and this can only be corrected by replacing the motor at the service center.
- GPS problems: In some regions, there are difficulties with navigation accuracy, such as updating firmware or using external antennas.
To diagnose the device, you can use the engineering menu:
##4636##Check it out.
- Battery information (Battery Information)
- Processor temperature (Usage statistics)
- Network type and strength (Network type and strength)
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If your Poco X3 Pro is running out quickly, try calibrating the battery: fully discharge the device before turning it off, then charge to 100% without interruption. Repeat the procedure 2-3 times.