Remember that kid on the playground who wasn’t the flashiest, but could absolutely dominate any game you threw at them? That’s the POCO X3 Pro in a nutshell. Launched back in March 2021, this smartphone quickly earned a reputation as the undisputed champion of budget gaming phones. It offered flagship-level power without the flagship price tag, making it an instant legend for savvy tech enthusiasts.
Fast forward to 2026. The phone has been discontinued, new models are everywhere, and the tech landscape has shifted dramatically.
So, the big question on everyone’s mind is: can the POCO X3 Pro still hold its own?
Is it a forgotten relic, or does this old dog still have some powerful new tricks up its sleeve? Let’s dive deep and find out why this phone continues to spark conversations and command attention in the secondary market.
Unpacking the Powerhouse: POCO X3 Pro Specifications
Even years later, looking at the POCO X3 Pro specifications feels like peeking at a cheat sheet for performance. POCO didn’t mess around when they built this phone; they stuffed it with hardware designed to crunch numbers and render graphics without breaking a sweat.
Here’s a quick rundown of what made (and still makes) this phone special:
Brain Power (Processor):
At its heart beats the Qualcomm Snapdragon 860 (7nm), paired with the Adreno 640 GPU. This isn’t just any chip; it was a beast for its time, capable of handling demanding games like Genshin Impact at high settings – something many more expensive phones struggled with.
Smooth Visuals (Display):
You get a generous 6.67-inch FHD+ LCD DotDisplay with a buttery-smooth 120Hz refresh rate and a super-responsive 240Hz touch sampling rate. This means your scrolling is fluid, and your gaming reactions are precise. While it’s an LCD (more on that later), that high refresh rate was a game-changer.
Tough as Nails (Protection):
The front is shielded by Corning Gorilla Glass 6, offering excellent protection against drops and scratches. Plus, an IP53 rating means it can handle a splash of water or a bit of dust without fear.
All-Day Energy (Battery):
A massive 5,160mAh high-capacity battery ensures you have enough juice to power through intense gaming sessions or a busy day. And when you do need to top up, 33W fast charging (via USB-C) gets you back in the game quickly.
Speedy Storage (Memory/Storage):
The POCO X3 Pro came in configurations like 6GB RAM with 128GB storage and 8GB RAM with 256GB storage. Critically, it used UFS 3.1 storage, which is incredibly fast for opening apps, loading games, and transferring files. This makes a huge difference in day-to-day snappiness.
More Than Just Snaps (Camera System):
While not its primary focus, the quad-rear camera setup holds its own with a 48MP main sensor, an 8MP ultra-wide, a 2MP macro, and a 2MP depth sensor. A 20MP front camera handles selfies and video calls. It won’t win awards, but it gets the job done for social media.
Understanding these POCO X3 Pro specs helps you see why it was, and in many ways still is, such a compelling device. It was a no-compromise package for performance seekers.
Verdict from the Streets: What Users and Experts Really Think
When the POCO X3 Pro launched, reviewers and users alike were genuinely impressed. It wasn’t perfect, but its strengths were undeniable.
What everyone loved (and still loves):
- Gaming Prowess: This was its killer feature. The Snapdragon 860 meant it could run virtually any demanding title, from Genshin Impact to Call of Duty Mobile, at high settings with impressive frame rates. Many still use it as a dedicated gaming device.
- Booming Audio: The dual stereo speakers were loud and clear, enhancing the gaming and media consumption experience.
- The Headphone Jack: A rare and cherished feature in modern phones, the reliable 3.5mm headphone jack was a huge plus for audiophiles and gamers who prefer wired headsets.
- Battery for Days: That 5,160mAh battery was a true workhorse, easily providing a full day of heavy use.
Where it showed its budget roots (and where newer phones have surpassed it):
- Display Quality: While the 120Hz refresh rate was fantastic, the IPS LCD panel wasn’t as vibrant, bright (around 450 nits), or contrast-rich as the AMOLED screens found on many rivals, especially newer devices.
- Built for Durability, Not Delicacy: The phone’s plastic build and hefty 215g weight made it feel substantial but also a bit bulky compared to sleeker, more premium phones.
- Software Quirks: MIUI, POCO’s custom Android skin, was known for occasional ads and bloatware. While manageable, it wasn’t always the cleanest Android experience.
The Big Question for 2026: Is the POCO X3 Pro Still a Smart Buy?
The POCO X3 Pro is no longer sold new by Xiaomi, but it’s widely available in the secondary and refurbished markets. For budget-conscious buyers, it still presents an intriguing option.
Why you might still consider it:
- Unbeatable Performance for the Price: If raw gaming power and snappy everyday performance are your top priorities, and your budget is tight, a refurbished POCO X3 Pro still offers incredible bang for your buck. You won’t find a new phone at its refurbished price point that can match its pure processing muscle.
- Modding Community: With official software updates having ended, a vibrant community of custom ROM developers keeps the POCO X3 Pro alive and updated. You can flash Android versions like LineageOS or Pixel Experience to enjoy a cleaner, more modern software experience.
- Repairability: Compared to some ultra-slim, glued-together modern phones, the POCO X3 Pro is relatively easier to repair, with parts (like batteries) still available.
Why you might want to look at newer options:
- No 5G Connectivity: This is a major drawback in 2026. The X3 Pro is limited to 4G. If future-proofing and blazing-fast next-gen mobile data are important to you, a newer 5G-enabled device is essential.
- LCD vs. AMOLED: Newer budget phones often come with vibrant AMOLED displays that offer deeper blacks, better contrast, and higher brightness. If media consumption and visual punch are key, the LCD on the POCO X3 Pro might feel a bit dated.
- Software Updates: While custom ROMs exist, official security and feature updates have stopped. This can be a concern for some users.
- The Deadboot Concern: There have been reported hardware failures (often called “deadboot” issues) with the POCO X3 Pro over time, particularly related to motherboard solder joints. While not universal, it’s a risk to consider when buying used.
Final Thoughts: The Enduring Legacy of the POCO X3 Pro
The POCO X3 Pro was, and in many ways still is, a marvel of budget engineering. It shattered expectations by delivering flagship-tier performance in an affordable package.
While newer phones offer modern features like 5G, better cameras, and AMOLED displays, the raw power and dedicated gaming focus of the POCO X3 Pro continue to give it a unique appeal.
While the X3 Pro was a beast in its day, the mobile world is moving fast. If you’re curious about how far technology has come, check out these Xiaomi 18 leaks pointing to a 2nm chip and massive camera upgrades that are set to redefine flagship power.
If you’re a gamer on a shoestring budget, comfortable with the idea of custom ROMs, and prioritize performance above all else, a well-maintained or professionally refurbished POCO X3 Pro could still be a surprisingly good companion in 2026. It’s a testament to its design that even after all these years, this budget beast still manages to punch above its weight class. It reminds us that sometimes, pure power and value never truly go out of style.
