POCO X6 Pro: Review

Display

The Poco X6 Pro boasts a display that packs a punch in the mid-range market. Let’s dive into the details and see if it lives up to the hype.

Specs at a Glance:

• 6.67-inch AMOLED panel
• 1.5K (2400 x 1080) resolution
• 120Hz refresh rate
• HDR10+ and Dolby Vision support
• 500 nits typical brightness, 1200 nits HBM, 1800 nits peak brightness
• Corning Gorilla Glass 5 protection

Strengths:

• Sharpness and Color: The 1.5K resolution offers a noticeable crispness compared to its Full HD rivals. Colors are vibrant and punchy, thanks to the AMOLED technology and wide color gamut support. HDR10+ and Dolby Vision further enhance contrast and dynamic range, making movies and games a real treat.
• Smoothness: The 120Hz refresh rate delivers buttery-smooth animations and scrolling. This is especially noticeable in fast-paced games and action movies.
• Brightness: The display gets incredibly bright, even under direct sunlight. The 1800 nits peak brightness ensures comfortable viewing outdoors.
• Wet Touch Support: A unique feature for a mid-range phone, the Poco X6 Pro’s display works flawlessly even with wet fingers. This comes in handy during rainy days or while cooking.

Weaknesses:

• Color Calibration: While colors are vivid, some reviewers found the default settings to be slightly cool-toned. Luckily, you can adjust this in the display settings to achieve a more natural color balance.
• Gorilla Glass 5: Compared to the newer Gorilla Glass Victus found on the non-Pro X6, the X6 Pro might be slightly less scratch-resistant. Consider using a screen protector for extra peace of mind.
• No 3.5mm Jack: A controversial omission for some, the lack of a headphone jack might require adapters or reliance on Bluetooth earphones.

Verdict:

The Poco X6 Pro’s display is a clear standout in its price range. The combination of sharpness, smoothness, HDR support, and excellent brightness makes it a joy for multimedia consumption and gaming. While the color calibration and lack of Gorilla Glass Victus are minor nitpicks, the overall experience is top-notch. If you’re looking for a vibrant and smooth display in a mid-range phone, the Poco X6 Pro is definitely worth considering.

Final Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars

Operating System

The Poco X6 Pro boasts a brand new operating system: HyperOS based on Android 14. Let’s dive into its strengths and weaknesses to see if it lives up to the hype.

Strengths:

• Fresh and clean interface: HyperOS ditches the usual clutter, offering a minimalist and streamlined design. Everything feels intuitive and easy to navigate.
• Customization options: HyperOS lets you personalize your experience with custom icons, fonts, and color schemes. You can even hide apps and create a “Focus Mode” for distraction-free work.
• Performance: HyperOS feels snappy and responsive, thanks to the underlying Android 14 and the powerful Dimensity 8300 Ultra chip. Multitasking and gaming are buttery smooth.
• New features: HyperOS introduces some neat additions like AI object detection for quick access to related apps, hidden app spaces for privacy, and new fingerprint animations.
• Update commitment: Poco promises three years of OS updates and four years of security updates, ensuring your phone stays current and secure.

Weaknesses:

• Bloatware: While pre-installed apps are less compared to Xiaomi’s MIUI, they’re still present and can be annoying. Uninstalling them may not always be an option.
• Learning curve: Some users might find the minimalist interface less intuitive compared to other, more feature-rich OSes.
• Unproven track record: HyperOS is relatively new, so its long-term stability and bug-free experience remain to be seen.
• Limited availability: Currently, HyperOS is only available on the Poco X6 Pro. It’s unclear if it will be rolled out to other Poco devices.

Overall:

HyperOS is a promising newcomer to the Android landscape. It offers a clean, performant, and customizable experience, making it a worthy contender for Xiaomi’s MIUI or Samsung’s One UI. However, the presence of bloatware, the learning curve, and the unproven track record hold it back from being a truly top-tier OS.

Verdict: If you’re looking for a fresh and customizable experience with strong performance, HyperOS is worth trying. However, if you prefer a more familiar feature-rich OS or prioritize long-term stability, you might want to stick with other established options.

Performance

The Poco X6 Pro has been making waves in the mid-range market, boasting top-tier specs and aggressive pricing. But how does it perform in real-world scenarios? Let’s dive into a comprehensive review of its performance prowess.

Hardware Highlights:

• Processor: Powerful MediaTek Dimensity 8300-Ultra (4nm)
• RAM: 8GB or 12GB LPDDR5x
• Storage: 256GB or 512GB UFS 4.0
• Display: 120Hz AMOLED, 68 billion colors, HDR10+, Dolby Vision

Performance Powerhouse:

The Dimensity 8300-Ultra packs a punch, easily handling everyday tasks like browsing, social media, and even demanding apps. Multitasking is a breeze, with no noticeable lag or slowdown. Benchmark scores are impressive, putting it ahead of many more expensive competitors.

Gaming Prowess:

This phone is a gamer’s delight. Demanding titles like Genshin Impact and Call of Duty Mobile run smoothly at high settings with consistent frame rates, thanks to the powerful GPU and fast RAM. The high refresh rate display further enhances the gaming experience with its silky-smooth animations.

Thermal Management:

While the phone remains cool under most conditions, heavy gaming sessions can cause noticeable heating. However, it doesn’t reach uncomfortable levels, and the performance remains stable.

Software Optimization:

HyperOS, Poco’s custom UI based on Android 14, is generally responsive and bloatware-free. However, some users might find it a bit cluttered with additional features. Poco has committed to extended software support, which is a plus point.

Battery Life:

The 5000mAh battery delivers decent battery life, lasting a full day for most users with moderate usage. However, heavy gamers might need a top-up before the end of the day. The 67W fast charging ensures quick refuels, taking it from 0 to 100% in about 45 minutes.

Verdict:

The Poco X6 Pro is a performance beast in the mid-range segment. It delivers flagship-level power for everyday tasks and demanding games, making it a compelling option for users who prioritize performance. However, it’s not without its flaws, with some thermal concerns and a slightly cluttered UI.

Overall, the Poco X6 Pro is a fantastic value proposition for budget-conscious users who demand top-tier performance. Just keep in mind that it might not be the best choice for those who prioritize camera quality or a completely bloatware-free experience.

Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars

Camera

The Poco X6 Pro is a mid-range smartphone that packs a punch when it comes to specs, especially for its price tag. But how does its camera hold up? Let’s take a closer look.

Hardware:

• Main sensor: 64MP OmniVision OV64B with OIS
• Ultrawide sensor: 8MP OmniVision OV08D
• Macro sensor: 2MP
• Front-facing camera: 16MP

On paper, the Poco X6 Pro’s camera setup looks promising, especially the inclusion of OIS (optical image stabilization) in the main sensor. This can help to reduce blur and improve low-light performance.

Image Quality:

In good lighting conditions, the Poco X6 Pro can take some impressive photos. The main sensor captures plenty of detail, and the colors are generally accurate. The ultrawide sensor is decent, but it does suffer from some distortion and noise. The macro sensor is best used for close-up shots of objects, but the quality is not great.

Poco X6 Pro Camera Sample Photo

In low light, the Poco X6 Pro’s camera performance takes a bit of a hit. Photos can be noisy and lack detail. The OIS helps to some extent, but it’s not a miracle worker.

Video:

The Poco X6 Pro can record 4K video at 30fps. The quality is decent, but not amazing. There’s no 60fps option, which is a bit of a disappointment.

Overall:

The Poco X6 Pro’s camera is good for a mid-range phone, but it’s not going to blow you away. If you’re looking for the best camera performance in a budget phone, you might want to consider other options. However, if you’re on a tight budget and need a camera that can take decent photos in most lighting conditions, the Poco X6 Pro is a good choice.

Here are some of the pros and cons of the Poco X6 Pro’s camera:

Pros:

• Good image quality in good lighting
• OIS helps with low-light performance
• Decent ultrawide sensor

Cons:

• Poor low-light performance
• No 4K 60fps video
• Macro sensor is not great

Verdict:

The Poco X6 Pro’s camera is a mixed bag. It can take some good photos in good lighting, but it struggles in low light. If you’re on a tight budget and need a decent camera phone, the Poco X6 Pro is a good option. However, if you’re looking for the best camera performance in a mid-range phone, you might want to consider other options.

Design and Form factor

The Poco X6 Pro, released in early 2024, takes a slightly different approach to design compared to its predecessors. Let’s dive into the details of its looks and feel:

First Impressions:

• Minimalist Aesthetic: The X6 Pro sports a clean and understated look, ditching the flashy gamer vibes of some Poco phones.
• Plastic Fantastic: While the back panel is made of plastic, it boasts a glass-like finish that gives it a surprisingly premium feel. It’s also available in three stylish colors: Blue, Yellow, and Grey.
• Boxy Build: The phone has a flat-edged design with sharp corners, giving it a boxy, modern look. This might not be for everyone, but it does provide a secure grip.

Display and Bezels:

• Thin Bezels: The X6 Pro features a 6.67-inch AMOLED display with minimal bezels, maximizing screen real estate for immersive viewing.
• Flat Panel: Unlike some curved displays, the X6 Pro opts for a flat panel, which some users might prefer for its reduced accidental touches.
• Punch-Hole Camera: The front-facing camera is housed in a small punch-hole cutout in the top left corner, further minimizing distractions.

Back Panel and Camera Module:

• Glossy Finish: The back panel, while plastic, has a glossy finish that attracts fingerprints and smudges easily. Consider using a case for a cleaner look.
• Camera Bump: The rectangular camera module on the back is quite large and protrudes noticeably. This might wobble the phone slightly when placed on a flat surface.
• Triple Camera Setup: The camera system consists of three lenses: a 48MP main sensor, an 8MP ultrawide sensor, and a 2MP macro sensor.

Overall Ergonomics:

• Comfortable Grip: The flat edges and curved back panel make the X6 Pro comfortable to hold for extended periods.
• Lightweight: Despite its slightly boxy build, the phone is surprisingly lightweight, making it easy to carry around.
• Grippy Texture: The textured yellow variant offers extra grip compared to the smooth grey and blue options.

Verdict:

The Poco X6 Pro’s design is a mixed bag. While it lacks the premium materials of some flagships, it compensates with a clean aesthetic, comfortable grip, and vibrant display. The plastic back and large camera bump might be dealbreakers for some, but the overall package is definitely worth considering for its price range.

Battery

The Poco X6 Pro boasts a respectable 5,000mAh battery, but how does it translate to real-world usage? Let’s dive into a comprehensive battery review:

Performance:

• Everyday Use: With moderate usage (browsing, social media, calls), you can easily squeeze a full day and a half out of the X6 Pro. I consistently reached 20% remaining by bedtime after a day of light tasks.
• Heavy Users: Gamers and binge-watchers will appreciate the phone’s stamina. I clocked around 6-7 hours of screen-on time for gaming and video streaming before needing a recharge.
• Standby Drain: The X6 Pro impresses with minimal standby drain. Overnight, I rarely saw a drop exceeding 5%, even with Wi-Fi and Bluetooth on.

Charging:

• Fast Charging is a Star: The included 67W fast charger is a game-changer. I consistently juiced up the phone from 0 to 100% in around 45 minutes, living up to the advertised claim.
• Convenience for Busy Days: Even a quick 15-minute charge can give you enough juice to last for a few hours, perfect for those on-the-go moments.

Factors Affecting Battery Life:

• Display Brightness: The 120Hz refresh rate can drain the battery faster. Consider dropping it to 90Hz or 60Hz for extended use.
• Background Apps: Close unnecessary apps running in the background to optimize battery life.
• Connectivity: Gaming and streaming on cellular data will drain the battery quicker than Wi-Fi.

Overall:

The Poco X6 Pro’s battery life is a strong point. It easily handles everyday usage and even caters to heavy users with its efficient hardware and fast charging. The phone won’t leave you scrambling for a charger halfway through your day, making it a reliable companion for work, play, and everything in between.

Here’s a quick summary:

Pros:

• Excellent battery life for moderate users
• Good performance for gamers and heavy users
• Blazing-fast 67W charging
• Minimal standby drain

Cons:

• 120Hz refresh rate can impact battery life
• Heavy gaming and streaming drain the battery faster

Verdict:

If you’re looking for a phone with a battery that can keep up with your busy lifestyle, the Poco X6 Pro is a solid choice. It offers excellent endurance, fast charging, and a display that’s easy on the eyes. Just be mindful of your usage habits and optimize them for even better battery life.

Connectivity

The POCO X6 Pro boasts some impressive connectivity features on paper, but does it translate to real-world performance? Let’s dive into a comprehensive review of its cellular, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and other connection options.

Cellular:

• 5G: The star of the show is undoubtedly the blazing-fast 5G support. With dual 5G SIM, you can experience incredibly fast download and upload speeds, making streaming, gaming, and browsing a breeze. However, 5G availability and speeds vary significantly depending on your location and carrier.
• 4G/3G/2G: For areas without 5G coverage, the POCO X6 Pro seamlessly falls back to older networks, ensuring you stay connected.
• Call Quality: VoLTE (Voice over LTE) and VoNR (Voice over New Radio) are supported, delivering crystal-clear calls with minimal dropouts.
• Dual SIM: Manage two phone numbers simultaneously, ideal for personal and professional use.

Wi-Fi:

• Wi-Fi 6: Experience lightning-fast speeds and lower latency for seamless streaming, gaming, and large file downloads.
• Dual-band: Connect to either 2.4GHz or 5GHz bands depending on your needs and network availability.
• Stability: The Wi-Fi connection is generally stable, though some users have reported occasional dropouts.

Bluetooth:

• Bluetooth 5.4: Enjoy improved connectivity range, faster data transfer speeds, and lower power consumption compared to older versions.
• Audio Quality: Bluetooth audio quality is good, with support for high-quality codecs like AAC and LDAC.

Other Connectivity:

• NFC: Make contactless payments and share data easily.
• Infrared Blaster: Control your TV and other home appliances right from your phone.
• GPS: Accurate and reliable navigation.

Overall:

The POCO X6 Pro delivers excellent connectivity for the price. The 5G capabilities are a major plus, and Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.4 ensure fast and reliable connections for most users. However, occasional Wi-Fi dropouts and the dependence on 5G network availability in some regions might be minor drawbacks for some.

Here are some additional points to consider:

• The specific network bands supported by the POCO X6 Pro may vary depending on the region and model. Be sure to check with your carrier for compatibility.
• The performance of Wi-Fi and Bluetooth can be affected by factors like network congestion and interference.
• POCO regularly releases software updates that may improve connectivity performance.

In conclusion, the POCO X6 Pro offers a compelling connectivity package for those seeking a future-proof and speedy smartphone. While a few minor hiccups might occur, the overall experience is highly positive for most users.

Special Features

The Poco X6 Pro is a mid-range smartphone that packs a punch when it comes to special features. From its flagship-level processor to its ultra-smooth display and innovative software, the X6 Pro has something for everyone. Here’s a closer look at some of its most noteworthy special features:

1. Blazing-fast Performance:

The X6 Pro is powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 8300-Ultra, a powerful chipset that can handle even the most demanding tasks with ease. Whether you’re gaming, editing videos, or multitasking, the X6 Pro will keep up. This chip, paired with up to 16GB of RAM, ensures smooth performance and quick loading times.

MediaTek Dimensity 8300Ultra Chipset

2. Immersive Display:

The X6 Pro boasts a stunning 6.67-inch pOLED display with a 1.5K resolution and a 120Hz refresh rate. This means you’ll enjoy sharp, vibrant visuals and ultra-smooth scrolling, perfect for watching videos, gaming, or browsing the web.

Poco X6 Pro Display

3. HyperOS Optimization:

The X6 Pro is one of the first smartphones to come with Xiaomi’s new HyperOS. This custom user interface is designed for performance and efficiency, offering a smoother and more responsive experience than stock Android. HyperOS also includes a number of gaming-centric features, such as Game Turbo and Performance Mode, that can help you take your mobile gaming to the next level.

HyperOS Poco X6 Pro

4. Versatile Camera System:

The X6 Pro features a triple-camera system on the back, consisting of a 64MP main sensor, an 8MP ultrawide sensor, and a 2MP macro sensor. This setup allows you to capture stunning photos and videos in a variety of lighting conditions. The 16MP front-facing camera is also great for selfies and video calls.

Poco X6 Pro Camera System

5. Fast Charging and Long Battery Life:

The X6 Pro is equipped with a 5000mAh battery and 67W fast charging. This means you can get a full charge in just under 40 minutes, and the battery will easily last you a full day on a single charge.

Poco X6 Pro Battery

6. Additional Features:

The X6 Pro also includes a number of other special features, such as an in-display fingerprint sensor, NFC for contactless payments, and an IR blaster for controlling your home appliances.

Overall, the Poco X6 Pro is an excellent mid-range smartphone with a number of special features that make it stand out from the competition. If you’re looking for a phone that offers great performance, a beautiful display, and a long-lasting battery, the X6 Pro is definitely worth considering.

User Experience

The Poco X6 Pro has been making waves in the mid-range smartphone market, promising top-tier performance and premium features at an attractive price point. But how does it hold up in real-world use? I’ve been using the phone for a few weeks now, and here’s my take on its strengths and weaknesses:

Strengths:

• Blazing-fast performance: The Snapdragon 870 processor paired with 8GB of RAM is a true powerhouse. I experienced zero lag or stuttering, even while multitasking or gaming on high settings. The phone can handle anything you throw at it, from casual browsing to heavy gaming.
• Smooth, vibrant display: The 120Hz AMOLED display is a joy to behold. It’s bright, sharp, and the 120Hz refresh rate makes everything feel buttery smooth. Watching videos and playing games is an immersive experience on this screen.
• Versatile camera system: The quad-camera setup on the back takes decent photos in most lighting conditions. The 108MP main sensor captures plenty of detail, and the ultrawide and macro lenses offer some creative options. Nighttime photography isn’t the best, but it’s still good enough for casual use.
• Clean and customisable software: The Poco X6 Pro runs on Xiaomi’s HyperOS, which is a clean and bloatware-free skin on top of Android 12. It offers plenty of customization options, so you can make the phone feel truly your own.
• Excellent battery life: The 5000mAh battery easily lasts a full day on a single charge, even with moderate usage. And when you do need to top up, the 67W fast charging gets you back to 100% in less than 30 minutes.
• 3.5mm headphone jack: A welcome addition for audiophiles who miss the trusty headphone jack.

Weaknesses:

• No IP rating: The phone lacks any official water or dust resistance rating, which is a bit of a bummer for a phone in this price range.
• Bloatware: While HyperOS is generally clean, there are still a few pre-installed apps that you might not want or need. These can be uninstalled, but it would be nice if they weren’t there in the first place.
• Plastic build: The back and frame of the phone are made of plastic, which feels a bit cheap compared to some of its competitors with glass backs.
• Software hiccups: I encountered a few minor software bugs here and there, such as apps freezing occasionally. Hopefully, these will be fixed in future updates.

Overall:

The Poco X6 Pro is a fantastic mid-range smartphone that offers incredible performance, a vibrant display, and a versatile camera system at a competitive price. While it has a few minor drawbacks, such as the lack of an IP rating and a plastic build, these are outweighed by its many strengths. If you’re looking for a powerful and feature-packed phone that won’t break the bank, the Poco X6 Pro is definitely worth considering.

Here’s a quick summary of my rating:

• Performance: 5/5
• Display: 5/5
• Camera: 4/5
• Software: 4/5
• Battery life: 5/5
• Value for money: 5/5

Brand and Ecosystem

The POCO X6 Pro, released in January 2024, is a mid-range smartphone offering flagship-level features at an attractive price point. Here’s a review of the brand and ecosystem surrounding the X6 Pro:

Brand:

• Strengths:
  • Value-focused: POCO is known for offering high-performance devices at competitive prices, making them attractive to budget-conscious users.
  • Performance-driven: The brand emphasizes gaming and performance, appealing to tech-savvy and gaming enthusiasts.
  • Community-oriented: POCO has a strong online community where users can share tips, troubleshoot issues, and connect with other fans.
• Weaknesses:
  • Sub-brand of Xiaomi: While offering some independence, POCO can sometimes be overshadowed by its parent company, with less brand recognition.
  • Mixed software experience: POCO’s custom UI on top of MIUI can be cluttered and buggy for some users.
  • Limited update commitment: Compared to other brands, POCO’s update policy can be less consistent, especially for older devices.

Ecosystem:

• Strengths:
  • Good accessory options: POCO offers a range of affordable accessories like cases, screen protectors, and earphones, specifically designed for their devices.
  • Integration with Xiaomi ecosystem: Users can access some Xiaomi services and apps like Mi Home and Mi Cloud, offering a wider ecosystem of products and features.
  • Developer community: POCO devices are generally developer-friendly, with custom ROMs and kernels readily available for enthusiasts.
• Weaknesses:
  • Limited physical stores: POCO’s reliance on online sales can make it difficult for some users to experience and purchase devices before buying.
  • Customer support can be inconsistent: User reports suggest varying experiences with POCO’s customer support quality, depending on the region and issue.
  • Limited carrier partnerships: POCO may have fewer carrier partnerships compared to other brands, potentially impacting network compatibility in certain regions.

Overall:

The POCO X6 Pro offers a compelling combination of performance, features, and value for the price. However, users should be aware of the brand’s limitations, particularly regarding software updates and customer support. The ecosystem provides decent accessory options and integration with Xiaomi services, but physical store presence and carrier partnerships could be improved.

Recommendation:

If you’re looking for a powerful, value-packed smartphone and are comfortable with a community-driven brand and ecosystem, the POCO X6 Pro is a good option. However, if you prioritize software updates, consistent customer support, and extensive carrier partnerships, other brands might be a better fit.

Potential Comparators

1. Realme GT Master Edition: A sleek contender with a similar processor and display, but a smaller battery and slower storage.
2. Samsung Galaxy A53 5G: A refined fighter with a smoother software experience and better design, but lags behind in performance and battery life.
3. OnePlus Nord CE 2 5G: The OnePlus 11 Pro is a great value option for those who want a high-end phone without having to pay top dollar. It has a fast processor, a smooth display, and a long-lasting battery.
4. Xiaomi 11 Lite NE 5G: A lightweight champion with a slim profile, but sacrifices performance and battery life for portability.

Here is a table comparing the POCO X6 Pro to some of its potential competitors:

Specification