POCO M3 Pro 5G First Impressions: Budget 5G Contender?

Unboxing POCO's First 5G M-Series Phone

The POCO M3 Pro 5G enters the competitive budget 5G arena as POCO's first MediaTek-powered device in its M-series. After analyzing this hands-on unboxing, I believe it targets users seeking affordable 5G without sacrificing core features. The retail package includes essentials: 22.5W charger (though phone supports 18W), USB-C cable, transparent case, SIM tool, and documentation. Our Power Black variant (also available in Yellow/Blue) houses a 6.5" FHD+ display and 5,000mAh battery—key factors in its 190g weight. While not heavy enough to cause discomfort, the glossy plastic back attracts noticeable fingerprints, making the included case practical.

Key Specifications Overview

• Chipset: MediaTek Dimensity 700 (7nm, octa-core up to 2.2GHz)
• Memory: 6GB RAM + 128GB UFS 2.2 storage (expandable via hybrid slot)
• Display: 6.5" FHD+ LCD Dot display with 90Hz refresh rate
• Cameras: 48MP main + 2MP macro + 2MP depth | 8MP front
• Battery: 5,000mAh with 18W fast charging
• OS: MIUI 12 based on Android 11

Design and Build Quality Analysis

The M3 Pro 5G features a subtle design with minimal branding. Its plastic back requires the bundled case to mitigate smudges—a common issue with glossy finishes. Notably, the SIM tray includes rubber gaskets, hinting at basic splash resistance. The side-mounted fingerprint sensor doubles as a power button, while the 3.5mm jack and IR blaster add practicality missing in pricier phones. Corning Gorilla Glass 3 protects the display, a significant upgrade at this price point. Though the camera housing creates a "large module" illusion, it's compact. For shoppers choosing colors, yellow or blue masks fingerprints better than black.

Display and Performance Insights

POCO's 90Hz LCD display impresses with vibrant colors and deep blacks—initially mistaken for AMOLED in testing. The 90Hz mode requires manual activation in settings, where dynamic refresh rate switching balances fluidity and battery life. MediaTek’s Dimensity 700, paired with UFS 2.2 storage, delivers smooth app switching and social media performance. Benchmark tests in our full review will verify POCO’s "flagship-level efficiency" claims, but early multitasking shows no lag. This chipset isn’t new—brands like Realme use it—but its 7nm architecture and 5G support make it a strategic choice for POCO’s budget segment debut.

Camera Capabilities Explored

The triple-camera setup includes:

• 48MP primary sensor (defaults to pixel-binning)
• 2MP macro lens
• 2MP depth sensor

Camera modes span Night (rear only), Pro, Portrait (adjustable bokeh), and 1080p/30fps video. The 48MP mode and macro functionality will undergo rigorous testing—historically, budget 2MP macros disappoint. Early samples show adequate daylight shots, but low-light performance remains untested. Front camera video is capped at 1080p/30fps, aligning with competitors like Redmi Note 10 5G.

Value Proposition and Early Verdict

Priced competitively against Redmi and Realme, the M3 Pro 5G’s strengths are clear:

• Only sub-₱12K phone with 90Hz display and 5G
• UFS 2.2 storage accelerates app launches
• 5,000mAh battery promises all-day use

Compromises include the LCD panel (vs. AMOLED in Realme 8 5G) and average charging speed. After hands-on evaluation, it’s ideal for budget-focused users prioritizing future-proof 5G over premium materials. MediaTek’s proven Dimensity 700 ensures reliable performance, though gaming capabilities need further testing.

Actionable Buyer’s Checklist

1. Prioritize yellow/blue models to minimize visible fingerprints
2. Enable 90Hz in settings immediately after setup
3. Use UFS 2.2 advantage for heavy app/game installations
4. Test macro shots in-store if camera versatility is critical
5. Compare with Realme 8 5G if AMOLED is non-negotiable

Ready to experience POCO’s 5G entry? Share which feature matters most to you—battery life, 90Hz display, or 5G readiness—in the comments below!