Tag: Poco

  • Poco F5

    Poco's F-series has always been about flagship-class speed at a lower price, and the Poco F5 continued that tradition when it launched in India in May 2023. It was the first phone with Qualcomm's Snapdragon 7+ Gen 2, a chip derived from the 8+ Gen 1 flagship, and it started at Rs 29,999 for 8 GB and 256 GB.

    In everyday use and gaming the 7+ Gen 2 performs close to the Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1, with good efficiency and thermals. The 6.67-inch flat AMOLED runs at 120 Hz with 12-bit colour and Dolby Vision. Weighing about 181 g, it is unusually light for a 5,000 mAh phone, and it keeps the headphone jack and IR blaster. The 64 MP main camera has OIS and produces decent photos, but camera quality is clearly secondary to speed.

    At launch it went up against the OnePlus Nord 3, the iQOO Neo 7 Pro, the Realme GT Neo 3 and the Samsung Galaxy A54. The Nord 3 had a better main camera and the Galaxy A54 longer updates, but the F5 delivered more performance per rupee than any of them.

    Key specifications

    Launch price (India)Rs 29,999 (base variant)
    India launchMay 2023
    SegmentUpper mid-range
    Display6.67-inch, AMOLED, 120Hz, 1080 x 2400
    ProcessorSnapdragon 7+ Gen 2
    RAM8 GB / 12 GB
    Storage256 GB
    Expandable storageNo
    Rear cameras64 MP main + 8 MP ultrawide + 2 MP macro
    Front camera16 MP
    Battery5000 mAh
    Charging67W wired
    Software at launchAndroid 13, MIUI 14
    5GYes
    Water/dust ratingIP53
    Headphone jackYes
    Weight181 g
    ColoursCarbon Black, Snowstorm White, Electric Blue

    What we like

    • Near-flagship Snapdragon 7+ Gen 2 performance
    • Light 181 g design
    • Headphone jack and IR blaster
    • Good 120 Hz AMOLED

    What could be better

    • Average camera system
    • Plastic frame feels less premium
    • Only IP53

    Who should buy it

    Performance-focused buyers who want flagship-class gaming speed for around Rs 30,000.

    Specifications and price are as at the India launch (May 2023). Prices change after launch – check current prices before buying.

  • Poco F6

    Poco launched the F6 in India in May 2024 at Rs 29,999, and it carried Qualcomm's Snapdragon 8s Gen 3, a slightly trimmed version of the 8 Gen 3 flagship. That made it one of the cheapest ways to get genuinely flagship-tier performance in India at the time, and it shipped with HyperOS on Android 14.

    The 8s Gen 3 handles demanding games at high frame rates, and Poco's cooling keeps sustained performance stable. The 6.67-inch 1.5K AMOLED at 120 Hz is bright and sharp. The camera set is simpler than earlier F phones, with a 50 MP Sony LYT-600 main with OIS and an 8 MP ultrawide, and results are good rather than great. The 5,000 mAh battery charges at 90 W, and the phone is slim and light at about 179 g.

    Rivals included the OnePlus Nord 4, the Realme GT 6T, the iQOO Neo 9 Pro and the Motorola Edge 50 Pro. The GT 6T had a brighter screen, and the Nord 4 a metal unibody, but the Poco F6 had the strongest chip of the group at its price. Its weaker camera is the trade-off.

    Key specifications

    Launch price (India)Rs 29,999 (base variant)
    India launchMay 2024
    SegmentUpper mid-range
    Display6.67-inch, AMOLED, 120Hz, 1220 x 2712
    ProcessorSnapdragon 8s Gen 3
    RAM8 GB / 12 GB
    Storage256 GB / 512 GB
    Expandable storageNo
    Rear cameras50 MP main + 8 MP ultrawide
    Front camera20 MP
    Battery5000 mAh
    Charging90W wired
    Software at launchAndroid 14, HyperOS
    5GYes
    Water/dust ratingIP64
    Headphone jackNo
    Weight179 g
    ColoursBlack, Titanium

    What we like

    • Flagship-tier Snapdragon 8s Gen 3
    • Sharp 1.5K AMOLED
    • 90 W charging
    • Slim and light

    What could be better

    • Camera is only average
    • No headphone jack
    • Promotional apps in HyperOS

    Who should buy it

    Gamers who want the fastest chip available around Rs 30,000.

    Specifications and price are as at the India launch (May 2024). Prices change after launch – check current prices before buying.

  • Poco M6 Pro 5G

    Poco launched the M6 Pro 5G in August 2023, shortly after the Redmi 12 5G, with which it shares most of its hardware. Its job was simple: undercut almost everyone on the price of a usable 5G phone. The base 4 GB and 64 GB model started at Rs 10,999, and the glass-backed design with a two-tone camera panel helped it stand out on store shelves.

    The 6.79-inch full HD+ LCD refreshes at 90 Hz, large enough for comfortable video watching. The Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 is efficient and handles everyday tasks, with light gaming possible. A 50 MP main camera is supported by a 2 MP depth sensor, producing passable daylight shots. The 5,000 mAh battery lasts well, but charging at 18 W is slow.

    Competitors included the Samsung Galaxy M14 5G, the Lava Blaze 5G, the Realme Narzo 60x and its own sibling, the Redmi 12 5G. The Galaxy M14 offered a larger battery, while the Poco M6 Pro 5G undercut the Redmi on price for nearly identical hardware. The Redmi does offer more colour choices.

    Key specifications

    Launch price (India)Rs 10,999 (base variant)
    India launchAugust 2023
    SegmentBudget
    Display6.79-inch, IPS LCD, 90Hz, 1080 x 2460
    ProcessorSnapdragon 4 Gen 2
    RAM4 GB / 6 GB
    Storage64 GB / 128 GB
    Expandable storageYes
    Rear cameras50 MP main + 2 MP depth
    Front camera8 MP
    Battery5000 mAh
    Charging18W wired
    Software at launchAndroid 13, MIUI 14
    5GYes
    Headphone jackYes
    ColoursPower Black, Forest Green

    What we like

    • Very affordable 5G
    • Large full HD+ display
    • Glass back design
    • Expandable storage

    What could be better

    • Slow 18 W charging
    • LCD only
    • Base model has just 64 GB storage

    Who should buy it

    Price-sensitive buyers who want 5G connectivity and a big screen without spending much.

    Specifications and price are as at the India launch (August 2023). Prices change after launch – check current prices before buying.

  • Poco C65

    Poco launched the C65 in India in December 2023 as a rebadged sibling of the Redmi 13C, aimed at buyers who shop mainly online. The base model offered 4 GB of RAM and 128 GB of storage, which was generous for a phone at this price, and it came with a clean flat-edged design.

    Its 6.74-inch HD+ LCD runs at 90 Hz, helping basic navigation feel smooth. The MediaTek Helio G85 is an older 4G chip that handles messaging, calls, social media and streaming, but struggles with heavier multitasking and games. A 50 MP main camera handles daylight photos adequately. The 5,000 mAh battery easily lasts a day, recharged at 18 W.

    In this bracket it competed with the Redmi 13C, the Realme C53, the Samsung Galaxy A05 and the Itel P55. The Galaxy A05 offered more years of updates, while the Poco C65 matched the Redmi 13C on hardware at a slightly lower effective price. For a basic 4G phone with plenty of storage, it ticks the boxes.

    Key specifications

    Launch price (India)Rs 7,499 (base variant)
    India launchDecember 2023
    SegmentBudget
    Display6.74-inch, IPS LCD, 90Hz, 720 x 1600
    ProcessorMediaTek Helio G85
    RAM4 GB / 6 GB / 8 GB
    Storage128 GB / 256 GB
    Expandable storageYes
    Rear cameras50 MP main + 2 MP macro + auxiliary lens
    Front camera8 MP
    Battery5000 mAh
    Charging18W wired
    Software at launchAndroid 13, MIUI 14
    5GNo
    Headphone jackYes
    ColoursMatte Black, Pastel Blue

    What we like

    • 128 GB storage in the base model
    • Low price
    • Long battery life
    • 90 Hz display

    What could be better

    • 4G only
    • HD+ resolution
    • Older, slower chip

    Who should buy it

    Online shoppers who want a cheap 4G phone with plenty of storage for photos and apps.

    Specifications and price are as at the India launch (December 2023). Prices change after launch – check current prices before buying.

  • Poco X5 Pro

    Poco launched the X5 Pro in India in February 2023 as a performance-focused mid-ranger at Rs 22,999. It is closely related to the Redmi Note 12 Pro Speed edition sold in China, and its biggest selling point was the Snapdragon 778G, a proven chip that was faster than the Dimensity 1080 in the pricier Redmi Note 12 Pro+.

    The 6.67-inch flat AMOLED display runs at 120 Hz, with good brightness and Dolby Vision support. At 181 g and under 8 mm thick, the phone is notably light. The 778G handles gaming well, sustaining stable frame rates in popular titles. The 108 MP main camera takes sharp daylight shots but lacks OIS, so low-light results suffer. A 5,000 mAh battery with 67 W charging delivers solid endurance and quick top-ups.

    Rivals included the iQOO Z7, the Realme 10 Pro+, the Samsung Galaxy M54 and the Redmi Note 12 Pro. The iQOO Z7 offered OIS for less, while the Poco X5 Pro won on performance and display. It remains a strong value pick for gamers on a budget. Buyers who care more about photos than games should look elsewhere.

    Key specifications

    Launch price (India)Rs 22,999 (base variant)
    India launchFebruary 2023
    SegmentMid-range
    Display6.67-inch, AMOLED, 120Hz, 1080 x 2400
    ProcessorSnapdragon 778G
    RAM6 GB / 8 GB
    Storage128 GB / 256 GB
    Expandable storageNo
    Rear cameras108 MP main + 8 MP ultrawide + 2 MP macro
    Front camera16 MP
    Battery5000 mAh
    Charging67W wired
    Software at launchAndroid 12, MIUI 14 for Poco
    5GYes
    Water/dust ratingIP53
    Headphone jackYes
    Weight181 g
    ColoursAstral Black, Horizon Blue, Poco Yellow

    What we like

    • Snapdragon 778G is strong for gaming
    • Slim and light at 181 g
    • 120 Hz AMOLED with Dolby Vision
    • 67 W charging

    What could be better

    • No OIS on the main camera
    • Shipped with Android 12
    • Bloatware in MIUI

    Who should buy it

    Budget-conscious gamers who want a light phone with a proven Snapdragon chip and a good screen.

    Specifications and price are as at the India launch (February 2023). Prices change after launch – check current prices before buying.

  • Poco X6

    The Poco X6 launched in India in January 2024 alongside the X6 Pro, offering much of the Redmi Note 13 Pro's hardware for less money. Its base model started at Rs 19,999 with a generous 8 GB of RAM and 256 GB of storage, which made it one of the best-specified phones under Rs 20,000 at the time.

    The 6.67-inch AMOLED panel runs at 1.5K resolution and 120 Hz, with Dolby Vision and high brightness. Inside, the Snapdragon 7s Gen 2 handles daily use smoothly and moderate gaming well, though it is not built for maximum settings. Instead of the Note 13 Pro's 200 MP sensor, the X6 uses a 64 MP main camera with OIS, delivering reliable photos. The 5,100 mAh battery supports 67 W charging.

    Its rivals included the Redmi Note 13 5G, the Realme 12 5G, the iQOO Z9 and the Samsung Galaxy M34. The iQOO Z9 offered a Sony sensor with OIS, while the Poco X6 won on screen sharpness and storage. For under Rs 20,000, it was a well-balanced package. Gamers, though, were better served by the X6 Pro.

    Key specifications

    Launch price (India)Rs 19,999 (base variant)
    India launchJanuary 2024
    SegmentMid-range
    Display6.67-inch, AMOLED, 120Hz, 1220 x 2712
    ProcessorSnapdragon 7s Gen 2
    RAM8 GB / 12 GB
    Storage256 GB / 512 GB
    Expandable storageNo
    Rear cameras64 MP main + 8 MP ultrawide + 2 MP macro
    Front camera16 MP
    Battery5100 mAh
    Charging67W wired
    Software at launchAndroid 13, MIUI 14
    5GYes
    Water/dust ratingIP54
    Headphone jackYes
    ColoursMirror Black, Snowstorm White

    What we like

    • Sharp 1.5K AMOLED display
    • 256 GB storage as standard
    • OIS main camera
    • 67 W charging

    What could be better

    • Not ideal for heavy gaming
    • Weak ultrawide and macro
    • Shipped with Android 13 and MIUI

    Who should buy it

    Buyers under Rs 20,000 who want a premium-grade display and plenty of storage.

    Specifications and price are as at the India launch (January 2024). Prices change after launch – check current prices before buying.

  • Poco X6 Pro

    Poco launched the X6 Pro in January 2024 at Rs 23,999 for 8 GB and 256 GB, and it quickly became the performance benchmark for its price. It was the first phone in India with the Dimensity 8300 Ultra and among the first to ship with Xiaomi's HyperOS instead of MIUI. The design mixes a flat frame with a large camera bar and, on the yellow model, vegan leather.

    Performance is the main draw. The Dimensity 8300 Ultra comfortably outpaces the Snapdragon 7s Gen 2 in the Note 13 Pro and Poco X6, running demanding games at high settings with stable frame rates. The 6.67-inch 1.5K AMOLED is bright and smooth. Its 64 MP main camera with OIS is dependable, if not exciting. A 5,000 mAh battery with 67 W charging gives good endurance.

    Rivals included the Realme 12 Pro, the iQOO Neo 7, the OnePlus Nord CE 3 and the Redmi Note 13 Pro. The Realme offered a telephoto lens and the Nord CE 3 cleaner software, but nothing near the price matched the X6 Pro's raw speed. Camera-focused buyers should weigh the Realme first.

    Key specifications

    Launch price (India)Rs 23,999 (base variant)
    India launchJanuary 2024
    SegmentMid-range
    Display6.67-inch, AMOLED, 120Hz, 1220 x 2712
    ProcessorMediaTek Dimensity 8300 Ultra
    RAM8 GB / 12 GB
    Storage256 GB / 512 GB
    Expandable storageNo
    Rear cameras64 MP main + 8 MP ultrawide + 2 MP macro
    Front camera16 MP
    Battery5000 mAh
    Charging67W wired
    Software at launchAndroid 14, HyperOS
    5GYes
    Water/dust ratingIP54
    ColoursRacing Grey, Spectre Black, Poco Yellow

    What we like

    • Class-leading performance for the price
    • Sharp 1.5K AMOLED display
    • Early HyperOS on Android 14
    • 256 GB base storage

    What could be better

    • Average camera beyond the main sensor
    • Runs warm under sustained load
    • Only IP54 protection

    Who should buy it

    Gamers and power users who want flagship-level speed at a mid-range price.

    Specifications and price are as at the India launch (January 2024). Prices change after launch – check current prices before buying.

  • Poco X7 Pro

    The Poco X7 Pro arrived in January 2025 at Rs 27,999 as the first phone in India with MediaTek's Dimensity 8400 Ultra and the first to ship with Android 15-based HyperOS 2. Poco gave the Indian model a larger 6,550 mAh battery than the global version, reinforcing its pitch as a performance phone that also lasts.

    The Dimensity 8400 Ultra is a substantial upgrade, edging close to previous-generation flagship chips in sustained gaming. The 6.67-inch 1.5K AMOLED at 120 Hz is bright and sharp. Poco dropped the macro camera and kept a 50 MP Sony LYT-600 main with OIS plus an 8 MP ultrawide. Battery life is outstanding, and 90 W charging fills the large cell in under an hour. IP66, IP68 and IP69 ratings add real durability.

    Its competitors included the OnePlus Nord 4, the Realme 14 Pro+, the iQOO Neo 10R and the Redmi Note 14 Pro+. The Nord 4 offered a metal body and longer update promises, while the Realme and Redmi had telephoto lenses. For raw speed and battery per rupee, the X7 Pro led its class at launch.

    Key specifications

    Launch price (India)Rs 27,999 (base variant)
    India launchJanuary 2025
    SegmentUpper mid-range
    Display6.67-inch, AMOLED, 120Hz, 1220 x 2712
    ProcessorMediaTek Dimensity 8400 Ultra
    RAM8 GB / 12 GB
    Storage256 GB / 512 GB
    Expandable storageNo
    Rear cameras50 MP main + 8 MP ultrawide
    Front camera20 MP
    Battery6550 mAh
    Charging90W wired
    Software at launchAndroid 15, HyperOS 2
    5GYes
    Water/dust ratingIP68
    Headphone jackNo
    ColoursNebula Green, Obsidian Black, Poco Yellow

    What we like

    • Very fast Dimensity 8400 Ultra
    • Huge 6,550 mAh battery with 90 W charging
    • IP68 and IP69 protection
    • Android 15 out of the box

    What could be better

    • No telephoto camera
    • Only two rear cameras
    • HyperOS includes promotional apps

    Who should buy it

    Gamers and heavy users who want top-tier mid-range speed with excellent battery life and durability.

    Specifications and price are as at the India launch (January 2025). Prices change after launch – check current prices before buying.