The POCO F6 is a testament to how far mid-range smartphones have come, especially with the introduction of Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 chipset. Packed with a ton of power and wrapped in a sleek design, this device is poised to make waves in the smartphone market. Let’s dive into what the POCO F6 has to offer and see if it lives up to the hype.

Design and Construction

The POCO F6 sports a minimalistic design, with a thin form factor measuring just 8 millimeters and weighing a mere 179 grams. Despite its lightweight, the phone feels solid and durable, thanks to its IP64 rating for dust and water resistance. The camera module on the back is positioned on the top left, similar to its predecessor, the POCO F5. However, this time around, the LED flash is noticeably larger, which is a nice touch for those who rely on flash photography.

On the right side of the device, you’ll find the power button and volume rocker, while the left side remains clean and uninterrupted. The bottom houses one of the two loudspeakers, a Type-C charging port, and a dual-sim card slot. The top of the device is where you’ll find the second speaker, a microphone, and an IR blaster, which is a handy addition for controlling smart home devices.

Display, Multimedia, and Biometrics

The POCO F6 features a 6.67-inch CrystalRes 1.5K Flow AMOLED display with an adaptive refresh rate that peaks at 120Hz. This screen is a visual treat, with vibrant colors and deep blacks that make everything from browsing to streaming a pleasure. The display is protected by Corning Gorilla Glass Victus, ensuring it can withstand the rigors of daily use.

The higher pixel density compared to the POCO F5 is immediately noticeable, offering a sharper and more immersive viewing experience. The thin bezels only add to this, making the screen feel even more expansive. With a peak brightness of 2,400 nits, using the phone outdoors, even under direct sunlight, is a breeze.

Cameras

One of the most significant changes in the POCO F6 is its camera setup. Unlike its predecessor, which boasted a triple-rear camera system, the F6 opts for a dual-rear camera setup. This includes a 50-megapixel main camera with OIS and an 8-megapixel ultrawide sensor. The front-facing camera is a 20-megapixel shooter that’s perfect for selfies and video calls.

While some may miss the versatility of a triple-camera setup, the main camera on the F6 holds its own, delivering sharp, detailed photos with excellent color accuracy. The ultrawide lens is great for capturing landscapes or group photos, although it’s not as high-resolution as some may prefer.

OS, Apps, and UI

Running on Xiaomi’s HyperOS based on Android 14, the POCO F6 offers a smooth and responsive user experience. The interface is clean, intuitive, and user-friendly, with plenty of customization options to make the device your own. The software is designed to take full advantage of the hardware, ensuring that everything from app navigation to gaming is fluid and lag-free.

Performance and Benchmarks

Under the hood, the POCO F6 is powered by the Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 chipset paired with an Adreno 735 GPU. Our review unit came with 16GB of RAM and 512GB of UFS 4.0 storage, providing ample power for even the most demanding tasks. Whether you’re multitasking, gaming, or streaming, the F6 handles it all with ease.

The device is also equipped with LiquidCool Technology 4.0 with IceLoop, which keeps temperatures in check during intensive use. This ensures that the phone remains cool and maintains peak performance even during extended gaming sessions.

Battery and Connectivity

The POCO F6 is equipped with a 5,000mAh battery, which should easily get you through a full day of use. When it’s time to recharge, the 90W turbo charging support via USB Type-C ensures that you’re back up and running in no time. The 90W charger is included in the box, which is always a plus.

In terms of connectivity, the F6 offers a comprehensive suite of options, including WiFi 6, Bluetooth 5.4, NFC, and 5G support. The dual nano-SIM card slot is a welcome feature for those who need to manage multiple numbers, and the IR blaster is a handy tool for controlling compatible devices around the house.

Pricing and Conclusion

The POCO F6 is priced at PHP 24,999 for the 12GB RAM and 512GB storage variant. For those looking for a more affordable option, there’s also a version with 8GB of RAM and 256GB of storage priced at PHP 21,999. Early bird offers may also help you snag this device at a lower price.

In conclusion, the POCO F6 offers a compelling mix of performance, design, and features that make it a strong contender in the mid-range smartphone market. With the powerful Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 chipset, a stunning display, and a solid camera setup, it’s hard to go wrong with this device. If you’re in the market for a new smartphone that delivers flagship-level performance without the flagship price, the POCO F6 is definitely worth considering.