Poco X3 Pro: The True Successor to the Poco F1?
The Poco X3 Pro, a recent release by Xiaomi’s sub-brand Poco, is touted as the true successor to the beloved Poco F1, a device known for its high-performance and value-for-money proposition. But does the X3 Pro live up to the legacy of its predecessor? With a Snapdragon 860 chipset, a 120Hz refresh rate screen, and a 48MP quad-camera setup, the X3 Pro packs a punch. This comprehensive review dives into the details, exploring the merits and drawbacks of the device and ultimately determining whether it truly deserves the title of "successor."
Unboxing and Initial Impressions
The Poco X3 Pro arrives in a straightforward box, featuring the signature Poco branding and a glimpse of the device itself. Upon opening, you’ll find:
- Poco X3 Pro: Sporting a sleek, matte finish in our Steel Blue review unit, the phone feels comfortable and well-built. The large camera module on the back, seemingly echoing the design of the Poco X3, stands out, while the 6.67-inch display dominates the front.
- USB-Type C Cable: The included cable allows for a standard connection between the phone and the charger.
- 33W Charger: The fast charging capabilities are a welcome feature, providing a significant boost in charging speeds.
- Protective Case: A transparent case is provided for added protection from scratches and minor drops.
- Sim Eject Tool
- Documentation: The usual paperwork, including manuals and the warranty card, is also included.
The device comes in two storage variants: 6GB RAM + 128GB storage for INR 18,999, and 8GB RAM + 128GB storage priced at INR 20,999. Three color options are available: Golden Bronze, Graphite Black, and Steel Blue.
Aesthetics and Design
The X3 Pro, at a weight of 213g, feels surprisingly balanced in hand despite its size. The slightly curved edges and comfortable grip make one-handed usage achievable. The back panel, with its unique tri-pane design, features a glossy middle section adorned with a prominent Poco logo, further emphasizing the brand’s identity. The matte finish on the sides offers a pleasant grip, making it less prone to fingerprints.
Display: The Heart of the Experience
The Poco X3 Pro, like its predecessor, boasts a 6.67-inch Full HD+ (1080 x 2400) LCD display with a 20:9 aspect ratio. However, it takes things a step further with a 120Hz refresh rate, promising a smooth and responsive user experience. This high refresh rate is a significant upgrade from the standard 60Hz rate, noticeable in scrolling, animations, and fast-paced mobile gaming.
The display also features a 240Hz touch sampling rate, which enhances touch responsiveness, providing an edge during gaming sessions that require split-second reactions. The protective Corning Gorilla Glass 6 shields the display from everyday wear and tear.
Performance: Powered by Snapdragon 860
Perhaps the most significant upgrade over the Poco X3 is the inclusion of the Qualcomm Snapdragon 860 SoC. This powerful chipset, built on an 8nm process, delivers a significant performance boost across the board. Benchmark scores reveal impressive processing power, easily handling demanding tasks like multitasking, gaming, and video editing. The Adreno 640 GPU ensures smooth visuals and fluid gameplay, particularly benefiting graphics-intensive games.
The X3 Pro excels in multitasking, seamlessly switching between apps without any lag. Gaming enthusiasts will appreciate the device’s ability to handle popular titles like PUBG Mobile and Call of Duty Mobile with exceptional frame rates, providing a smooth and immersive gaming experience.
Camera: Capturing Moments with Detail
The Poco X3 Pro sports a quad-camera setup on the back, featuring:
- 48MP Primary Camera: The main sensor captures detailed images with vibrant colors.
- 8MP Ultra-Wide Angle Camera: Ideal for capturing expansive landscapes and group photos with a 119° field of view.
- 2MP Depth Sensor: Assists in portrait mode, creating a blurred background effect.
- 2MP Macro Camera: Allows for close-up shots with a minimal depth of field.
The camera app offers a variety of features, including AI scene detection, HDR, panorama mode, night mode, and more. Video recording is supported at a maximum resolution of 4K at 30fps, along with slow-motion recording at 960fps.
While the cameras are capable, they might not be the best in the class. Some users report issues with over-processing in certain lighting conditions, impacting image quality. This seems like an area where Poco could improve with firmware updates in the future.
Battery: Reliable Power for All-Day Use
The Poco X3 Pro comes equipped with a massive 5,160mAh battery, capable of lasting through a full day of usage, even with heavy use. This is a significant advantage, especially for users who spend a considerable amount of time on their phones.
The X3 Pro includes support for 33W fast charging, allowing for a substantial charge in under an hour. This is a substantial improvement over the 33W charging capabilities found in the Poco X3.
Software and Features: MIUI 12 with Android 11
The Poco X3 Pro runs on MIUI 12, built on top of Android 11. MIUI is known for its customization options, offering a wide array of themes, widgets, and gesture controls. The user interface is smooth and responsive, with minimal bloatware.
The device offers features like face unlock, a fingerprint sensor embedded in the power button, dual speakers, and an IR blaster for controlling compatible appliances.
Conclusion: The Verdict on the Poco X3 Pro
The Poco X3 Pro is a compelling offering in the mid-range smartphone segment. It boasts a potent combination of features and performance delivered at an attractive price point. Here’s a summary of its strengths and weaknesses:
Pro:
- Powerful Snapdragon 860 Processor: Provides excellent performance across all tasks.
- 120Hz Refresh Rate Display: Delivers a smooth and responsive user experience.
- 5,160mAh Battery: Offers impressive battery life for extended use.
- 33W Fast Charging: Enables quick top-ups for the massive battery.
- Quad Camera Setup: Captures detailed photos and videos, though some might find the image processing overly aggressive.
- Value for Money: The X3 Pro offers a significant set of features at a competitive price, making it a compelling value proposition.
Cons:
- LCD Display: While the high refresh rate is a plus, some users might prefer the richer colors and deeper blacks provided by OLED displays.
- Camera Quality: While the camera setup is competent, it may not be the best in its class, with room for improvement in image processing.
Overall, the Poco X3 Pro is a solid phone that offers impressive performance, a large battery, and a compelling display. Its strengths outweigh its weaknesses, making it a worthy successor to the Poco F1 for users seeking a balanced and powerful Android smartphone. However, users who are seeking the best possible camera performance or prefer OLED displays might want to explore other options in the market.
