Question:
Can I upgrade my Launch X431 PRO3S Plus V5 to Pro3s Elite? What is the difference between them?
Here is the clue:
X431 PRO3S+ ELITE is the upgraded version of X431 Pro3s+ V5.0. It’s equipped with Smartlink C 2.0 VCI and supports CAN FD\DOIP\J2534 protocol. You cannot update Pro3S+ V5.0 to Pro3S+ Elite directly.
Check the detailed comparison table below.
| ITEMS | Launch X431 PRO3S+ V5.0 | Launch X431 PRO3S+ ELITE | |
| Image |  |
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| Connector | DBSCar VII | SmartLink C | |
| Hardware Configurations | CPU | 4-Core 2.0GHz | 4-Core 2.0GHz |
| Operating system | Android 10.0 | Android 10.0 | |
| RAM | 4GB | 4GB | |
| ROM | 64GB | 64GB | |
| Screen Size | 10.1 inch | 10.1 inch | |
| Screen Resolution | 1280×800 | 1280×800 | |
| Front Camera | – | – | |
| Rear Camera | 8.0 MP | 8.0 MP | |
| Working Temperature | 0～50℃ | 0～50℃ | |
| Communication | Bluetooth/USB | Bluetooth/USB | |
| Dimension | 273.6x190x39(mm) | 274*190.5*40.5(mm) | |
| Battery Capacity | 47.88Wh (7.6V,6300mAH) (200.85g) | 47.88Wh (7.6V,6300mAH) (200.85g) | |
| Main Features | Full-System Diagnostic | Yes | Yes |
| Auto VIN | Yes | Yes | |
| Service Functions | 40+ | 40+ | |
| Active Test | Yes | Yes | |
| Guided Function |
Yes | Yes | |
| ECU Coding | Yes | Yes | |
| ECU Programming | – | – | |
| Repair Data | Yes | Yes | |
| Remote Diagnosis | Yes | Yes | |
| FCA SGW (extra purchase） |
Yes | Yes | |
| J2534 | – | Yes | |
| D-PDU/RP1210 | – | Yes | |
| DoIP | Yes (Need to buy DoIP cable separately) | Yes | |
| CAN FD | Yes | Yes | |
| Passenger car 12V | Yes | Yes | |
| Commercial Car 24V | Paid | Paid | |
| Diagnostic Topology Display | Yes | Yes | |
| Pin Detection | Yes | Yes | |
| Inspection plan | Yes | Yes | |
| Mall | Yes | Yes | |
| ADAS Calibration | Yes with ADAS license and equipment | Yes with ADAS license and equipment | |
| TPMS | Yes with i-TPMS | Yes with i-TPMS | |
| IMMO Programming | Yes with IMMO software package | Yes with IMMO software package | |
| Key Programming | Yes with X-prog3 | Yes with X-prog3 | |
| Oscilloscope | Yes with O2-2 Oscilloscope | Yes with O2-2 Oscilloscope | |
| Sensor | Yes with S2-2 sensorbox | Yes with S2-2 sensorbox | |
| Endoscope | Yes with the extra module | Yes with the extra module | |
| Battery Tester | Yes with BST360 | Yes with BST360 | |
| Multi-meter | Yes with EM101N EV | Yes with EM101N EV | |
| Insulation Tester | Yes with the extra module | Yes with the extra module | |
| Current Clamp | Yes with EG100 EV clamp | Yes with EG100 EV clamp | |
| Printer | Yes | Yes | |
| Car brands | 200+ | 200+ | |
| Language | 24 | 25 | |
| OBDI connector for older vehicles | Yes | Yes | |
In Summary:
- VCI Differences:
- The PRO3S+ V5.0 uses the DBScar VII Bluetooth VCI.
- The PRO3S+ Elite comes with the more advanced SmartLink VCI, which has built-in DoIP protocol—no need for an additional DoIP adapter.
- Remote Diagnostics:
- The SmartLink VCI (included with the Elite) supports Super Remote Diagnosis (requires license activation and tokens).
- Heavy-Duty Vehicle Support:
- The PRO3S+ V5.0 requires the addition of the SmartLink HD module to support truck diagnostics.
- The PRO3S+ Elite already includes SmartLink VCI—just purchase the HD software and adapter kit to activate heavy-duty functions.
- Tablet Design:
- X-431 PRO3S+ V5.0: Red frame
- X-431 PRO3S+ Elite: Black frame
Other tablet specs (screen size, RAM, ROM, battery) are largely identical.
- Functionality:
- Both models offer the same core diagnostic capabilities and include extra OBD adapters for older vehicles.