Although it became independent from Xiaomi in January, Poco continues to aggressively target the budget phone market. That range is expanded today with the global launch of the Poco M3 Pro, a device that packs high-end specs into a phone under $ 200.
The phone is a premium version of the November standard Poco M3, but it’s still lower than the X3 NFC, X3 Pro, and F3 in terms of price. It incorporates the Dimensity 700 processor from MediaTek, a chip comparable to the Snapdragon 720G.
The Dimensity 700 also adds support for 5G, which was not available on the regular M3, and which is still unusual for phones at this price point. Paired with a built-in Mali-G57 GPU and up to 6GB of RAM, daily performance should be solid.
The screen has also been improved. It’s now a 6.5-inch Full HD panel with a 90Hz refresh rate, although the latter can be dynamically adjusted to save battery power.
The slim bezels give the device an impressive 91% screen-to-body ratio, although there is still room for an 8 MP camera. selfie housed in the notch.
Poco also revealed details of the rear cameras. There are three lenses here, although the main 48 MP sensor will be the one you’ll use the most – the 2 MP macro and depth sensors generally provide little value.
The M3 Pro has a dedicated night mode, in addition to the usual camera functions such as video time lapse and burst mode.
It also has a 5000mAh battery. That’s a step back from the regular M3’s 6,000mAh cell, but Poco says it’ll last you two more days of moderate use. Fast charging is limited to 18W, but it’s unclear how quickly the phone will regain its capacity.
Otherwise, there’s also NFC support and a 3.5mm headphone jack, which you won’t find on many phones these days.
The M3 Pro has a familiar design if you’re familiar with the latest Poco phones. This means curved edges and a glossy rear finish, with the company logo stamped under the cameras. The phone is available in yellow, black or blue color options.
As is usually the case with Poco phones, two M3 Pro models are available: 4GB / 64GB or 6GB / 128GB. Make sure you choose a model with enough storage, as it cannot be expanded. via microSD.
The device starts at a price of just 179 dollars, while the increase in RAM and storage costs 199 dollars. Advance offers reduce the price of both models by $ 20, although local prices are generally not a direct conversion.
The Poco M3 Pro can be booked directly through the Poco website, as well as through Amazon, AliExpress and Goboo in some regions. Advance pricing will begin May 20-22, before the phone goes on sale at the end of June.
It remains to be seen whether the Poco M3 Pro will be good enough to make it our table of the best budget phones, which currently overtakes the Poco X3 NFC, or our pick of the best budget 5G phones.
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