Poco’s budget M3 Pro is one of the cheapest 5G phones yet
Despite becoming independent from Xiaomi in January, Poco continues to aggressively target the budget phone market. That lineup is expanded today with the global launch of the Poco M3 Pro, a device which packs high-end specs into a sub-€200 handset.
The phone is a premium version of November’s standardPoco M3, but still undercuts theX3 NFC, X3 ProandF3on price. It’s powered by MediaTek’s Dimensity 700 processor, a chip that’s roughly comparable to the Snapdragon 720G.
The Dimensity 700 also adds 5G support, something that wasn’t available on the regular M3, and remains unusual in phones this affordable. Alongside a Mali-G57 integrated GPU and up to 6GB of RAM, everyday performance should be solid.
The display has also been upgraded. It’s now a 6.5in Full HD panel with 90Hz refresh rate, although the latter can dynamically adjust to conserve battery life. Slim bezels give the device an impressive 91% screen-to-body ratio, although there’s still room for a teardrop notch-housed 8Mpselfie camera.
Poco has also revealed details of the rear cameras. There are three lenses here, although the 48Mp main sensor is the one you’ll use most – 2Mp macro and 2Mp depth sensors typically add little value. The M3 Pro has a dedicated Night Mode, alongside common camera features like time-lapse video and burst mode.
There’s also a 5000mAh battery. That’s a step down from the 6000mAh cell in the regular M3, but Poco says it will still last you two days of moderate usage. Fast charging is limited to 18W, but it’s not clear how fast the phone will regain capacity.
Elsewhere, there’s also NFC support and a 3.5mm headphone jack, something you won’t find on many phones these days.
The M3 Pro has a familiar design if you’re familiar with recent Poco phones. That means curved edges and a glossy rear finish, complete with the company logo emblazoned below the cameras. The phone is available in yellow, black or blue colour options.
As is typical for Poco handsets, there are two M3 Pro models available – 4GB/64GB or 6GB/128GB. Make sure you choose a model with enough storage, though, as it can’t be expanded via microSD.
The device starts at just €179 (approx £155/US$218), while stepping up to more RAM and storage costs €199 (approx. £172/US$243). Early bird offers drop a further €20 off the price of both models, although local pricing is rarely a direct conversion.
The Poco M3 Pro will be available to pre-order direct from thePoco website, as well as viaAmazon,AliExpressandGobooin some regions. Early bird pricing will start around 20-22 May, ahead of the phone going on sale in late June.
It remains to be seen whether the Poco M3 Pro will be good enough to make it into ourbest budget phone chart, which thePoco X3 NFCcurrently tops, or our pick of thebest cheap 5G phones.
Author: Anyron Copeman, Mobile Editor, Tech Advisor
Anyron is Mobile Editor at Tech Advisor, where he’s been a mainstay of the editorial team since 2019. In his current role, Anyron is responsible for all smartphone, tablet and mobile network coverage on the site. A BA Journalism graduate, he has experience with a wide range of consumer tech products and services, including smartphones, tablets, foldables, wearables and more.
