You know how some phones just won’t quit, even when the world has moved on to shinier toys with fancier features and price tags that’ll make you rethink your life choices? Yeah, the Poco X3 Pro is that kind of phone. It’s been around for a couple of years now, yet it refuses to fade from the chatter, especially among gamers and budget seekers in India. Every time someone asks, “What’s a solid gaming phone under ₹20,000?” — somehow the Poco X3 Pro still shows up like it’s got unfinished business.
So, what’s the secret sauce behind this not-so-new but still wildly popular phone? Let’s break it down.
Unmatched Performance: Snapdragon 860 Is a Game-Changer
Here’s the deal — most phones in the Poco X3 Pro’s price bracket are busy juggling sluggish processors or trying hard to pretend they’re fast. But this one? It packs the Snapdragon 860. No fluff, no gimmicks — just raw, solid performance.
To be clear, the Snapdragon 860 isn’t some flashy, bleeding-edge chip adorned with AI features. It’s like that reliable friend you can always count on during a group project, quietly getting all the work done brilliantly. Gaming? Smooth as butter. Multitasking? A breeze. Even with a screen full of background apps and notifications from a dozen shopping platforms you forgot to delete, the X3 Pro doesn’t flinch.
That’s why even in 2025, people still swear by it — especially gamers seeking steady frame rates in Call of Duty: Mobile or PUBG without shelling out flagship prices.
Display: It’s Not AMOLED, But That 120Hz Refresh Rate Hits Hard
Now, before anyone groans about the absence of an AMOLED screen — hold up. Sure, the X3 Pro’s rocking a 6.67-inch IPS LCD, but let’s not dismiss it too quickly. This display boasts a 120Hz refresh rate and a 240Hz touch sampling rate — which, to those not already fluent in tech-talk, translates into super snappy visuals and smooth animations. Perfect for competitive gaming.
You swipe. It reacts. You aim. It registers, instantly. Gamers know the difference between looking good and playing well — and the X3 Pro excels at delivering a great gaming experience.
Battery Life: Long-Lasting and Reliable
If there’s one phrase mobile gamers in India are tired of hearing, it’s: “Low battery, please plug in your charger.” Thankfully, the Poco X3 Pro rarely triggers that annoying pop-up. With a 5160mAh battery (some sources say 6000mAh, but either way, it’s substantial), this phone easily lasts a full day — even with heavy use.
And when it does run low? The 33W fast charger comes to the rescue. Grab some chai and a sandwich, come back, and boom — your phone’s charged enough to handle another round of BGMI.
Camera System: Decent, but Don’t Expect Much
Not every phone can be everything, and that’s okay. The Poco X3 Pro’s camera setup — a 48MP quad rear ensemble and a 20MP selfie snapper — is decent when the lighting’s good. Outdoors? Pretty sharp. Indoors with acceptable lighting? Usable. But in low light or tricky situations? That’s where the cracks begin to show.
There’s no Optical Image Stabilization (OIS), and night photos sometimes look a bit lackluster. If your main reason for buying a phone is to capture Instagram-worthy shots in dim light, this might not be your best option.
However, if you’re more of a content consumer than content creator — or that friend who always disables the camera during video calls — the X3 Pro is more than adequate.
Connectivity: 4G, Not 5G — A Bit of a Letdown?
Let’s face it: we’re surrounded by 5G ads, 5G logos on buses, and 5G banners at chai stalls. However, the Poco X3 Pro still runs on 4G. For some, this is a dealbreaker.
For others, especially in areas where 5G still feels more like a rumor, it’s not that big a loss. Gaming, YouTube streaming, or music playback? 4G handles all that comfortably in most urban centers.
Still, as time progresses and 5G coverage expands across India, this missing feature is starting to stand out more. Your judgment should reflect based on your locality and actual usage.
Build Quality: Sturdy and Hefty
Let’s talk about build quality. The X3 Pro isn’t designed to be flashy. It’s built like a tank, and honestly, it feels like one too — weighing in around 215 grams. That’s quite hefty, but there’s a reason for the weight: a massive battery and solid internal cooling systems that help it manage heat during extended gaming sessions.
It’s wrapped in polycarbonate with Gorilla Glass 6 on the front. It feels sturdy and comfortable in hand (if you don’t mind the weight) while handling drops better than fancier glass models.
Some users report screen scratching over time if used without a protector. For peace of mind, it’s advisable to slap on a good tempered glass screen protector.
Software Experience: MIUI for Poco Has Its Flaws
Now, let’s get real about the software experience. MIUI 13 (on top of Android 12) on the Poco X3 Pro is snappy, feature-rich, and highly customizable. But it does come with some baggage — pre-installed apps, and yes, those ads that tend to sneak into places where they shouldn’t be.
Thankfully, most of these nuisances can be disabled. Once you tidy it up a bit, the system starts to feel leaner and quicker. Still, it’s something potential buyers should be aware of. The upside? Loads of custom ROM support are available in communities like XDA and Telegram — the X3 Pro is a favorite among those who enjoy modifying their devices.
Real-Life Usage: More Than Just a Gamer’s Toy
While gamers are the obvious fanbase, don’t underestimate how effective this phone can be as a daily workhorse. Whether you’re scrolling through Instagram, watching Netflix, switching apps, or hosting Zoom calls — it handles it all like a champ.
The storage options (usually 128GB or 256GB with UFS 3.1) and up to 8GB of RAM ensure that apps load quickly, data transfers are seamless, and you don’t feel like you’re using a ‘slow midrange phone’. The X3 Pro genuinely lives up to its “Pro” name in everyday use too.
Should You Still Buy the Poco X3 Pro in 2025?
That’s the million-rupee question (more like ₹16,000-ish these days). The answer ultimately depends on what you’re after.
If you want:
- A smooth gaming experience without heating issues
- Long battery life and fast charging
- A high refresh rate display
- Stable performance during multitasking
And if you’re okay with:
- No 5G support
- Average cameras
- The occasional MIUI quirk
Then yes — the Poco X3 Pro in 2025 still deserves your attention.
Many phones today sacrifice performance for “design” or stretch specs too thin just to add 5G. The X3 Pro doesn’t pretend. It shines where it’s strongest — raw power, display speed, and overall value.
Top FAQs About Poco X3 Pro – Answered
Q: Is the Poco X3 Pro worth it in 2025?
Yes, especially for those prioritizing gaming and battery life. Despite its lack of 5G, it still exceeds expectations in its price range.
Q: Can I use it for heavy gaming?
Absolutely. The combination of Snapdragon 860 and the 120Hz screen makes it one of the best budget gaming phones even now.
Q: How is the camera performance?
Decent in daylight conditions. Night and indoor shots can be less impressive. Not the best choice for photography enthusiasts.
Q: Does it support 5G?
No, this phone supports only 4G LTE.
Q: How about battery performance?
Excellent. It easily lasts more than a day, even with heavy usage. The 33W fast charging feature adds to the convenience.
Q: Are there any software-related issues?
MIUI has its quirks — mostly concerning bloatware and ads. However, performance remains robust, and most annoyances are manageable.
Final Thoughts: Not Perfect, But Perfectly Reasonable
The Poco X3 Pro isn’t just surviving in a world filled with faster, fancier, and more 5G-equipped options. It’s proof that with the right choices — a powerful processor, strong battery life, and practical features — a phone can stay relevant longer than expected.
Sure, it may not turn heads in 2025. However, when it boots up faster than phones priced ₹10K more and allows you to dominate opponents in BGMI without lag? You’ll remember what truly matters.
Sometimes, being flashy is overrated. Being reliable? That’s a whole different league.
So, if you’re looking for a budget-friendly powerhouse that can cater to your gaming needs and daily tasks, the Poco X3 Pro could very well be your next best choice!
