The smartphone market today is brimming with polished options at all price points. However, with fierce competition and high volumes, the market is nearing saturation. People are holding onto their phones longer, leading to declining global sales. Marketers face the tough task of making you want to buy a new product. Enter the Poco F6, a device that fits into the ‘flagship killer’ category, priced at £449. But does it truly stand out? Let’s dive in.
Poco F6 review
Key Features of Poco F6
Flagship Processor The Poco F6 is powered by the Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 processor, making it one of the most powerful devices in its price segment.
Fast 90W Charging Speed With the charger included, the Poco F6 can reach 100% from flat in just 30 minutes.
Gorilla Glass Victus Protection Despite being a mid-range smartphone, the Poco F6 boasts Gorilla Glass Victus, one of the toughest protective glasses available.
Design
- Generic Plastic Design
- IP64 Dust and Water Resistance
- Corning Gorilla Glass Victus Protection
The Poco F6 has a generic plastic design but offers a pleasant in-hand feel due to its lightweight and grippy material. Available in a fetching shade of mint green, it features minimal branding and a unique camera setup. However, it lacks a 3.5mm headphone jack, which is becoming rare at this price point. The device is well-built, with IP64 dust and water resistance and an under-display fingerprint sensor. It also includes dual front-firing speakers for an enhanced audio experience.
Screen
- 6.67-inch OLED Screen
- HDR10+ Support
- 120Hz Refresh Rate
The Poco F6’s display is a 6.67-inch OLED screen with HDR10+ support and a 120Hz refresh rate. It offers 1080p+ resolution and up to 1200 nits of brightness, making it visible even under direct sunlight. The display delivers vibrant colors and smooth performance, thanks to its high refresh rate. Additionally, the Gorilla Glass Victus ensures durability and protection against scratches and drops.
Camera
- 50MP f/1.6 Main Camera
- 8MP Ultrawide Camera
- 20MP Selfie Camera
The Poco F6 features a 50MP main camera with a wide aperture of f/1.6, providing detailed and sharp images. The 8MP ultrawide sensor performs well in good light but struggles in low light. The 20MP selfie camera offers high resolution but lacks dynamic range. The ring flash is a standout feature, providing more light for portrait shots at night. However, the absence of a macro sensor is unlikely to disappoint most users.
Performance
- Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 Chipset
- Up to 12GB RAM and 512GB Storage
The Poco F6 excels in performance with its Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 chipset and up to 12GB of RAM. It handles demanding games like Fortnite, PUBG, and Genshin Impact with ease. Benchmark scores reflect its capability, placing it among the most powerful mid-rangers. The 512GB storage ensures ample space for apps and media.
Software
- Android 14 with HyperOS Skin
- Clear iOS Inspiration
- Can Be Frustrating to Use
The Poco F6 runs on Android 14 with Xiaomi’s HyperOS skin, which brings heavy customizations. While there are some good ideas, the software can be cumbersome and frustrating. The notification shade and control center mimic iOS, but interactions can be annoying and sometimes weird. HyperOS might not appeal to users who prefer a clean and simple interface.
Battery Life
- 5000mAh Battery
- Average All-Day Battery Life
- 100% Charge in 30 Minutes
The Poco F6 houses a 5000mAh battery, offering average all-day battery life. On a typical day, it lasts until 7 pm with moderate usage. However, the 90W fast charging is a saving grace, delivering a full charge in just 30 minutes.
Final Thoughts
The Poco F6 is an interesting mid-range device priced at £449. It offers ample storage, a powerful processor, a decent camera setup, and a good screen. However, its generic design, middling battery life, and cumbersome software might be drawbacks for some users. For those seeking better cameras, more battery life, or a simpler software experience, exploring other mid-range options might be a wise choice.
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