In the ever-evolving world of budget smartphones, the POCO M6 5G makes its debut, aiming to capture the attention of users seeking an affordable yet capable device. Positioned squarely in the budget 5G segment, the POCO M6 5G shares much of its DNA with a familiar face in the market, the Redmi 13C 5G. While the two phones share similar specs, the POCO M6 5G sets itself apart with a distinct design and a few tweaks under the hood. But does it offer enough to stand out in a crowded market? Let’s dive into the details.

Design and Display

The POCO M6 5G embraces a dual-tone design that is signature to POCO’s aesthetics. The black rectangular bar housing the dual camera rings and LED flash gives the device a unique look, complemented by AI CAM and 50MP branding on the rear. However, while the design may appeal to some, it also comes with its drawbacks. The plastic back is a magnet for fingerprints and smudges, and the lack of an IP rating means you’ll need to be cautious around water and dust. On the plus side, the flat edges of the device make it easy to grip, and at just 195 grams, it’s lightweight enough for prolonged use.

The display on the POCO M6 5G is a 6.74-inch LCD panel with HD+ resolution and a 90Hz refresh rate. It’s not the sharpest or most vibrant display out there, but it holds its own in this price range. The colors are reasonably well-balanced, and the brightness level is sufficient for outdoor use. However, the thick bezels and U-shaped notch for the selfie camera may not appeal to everyone. The single mono-firing speaker does the job but doesn’t deliver the crispness you might hope for, though it gets loud enough for most situations.

Camera Capabilities

When it comes to photography, the POCO M6 5G offers a 50MP AI primary sensor paired with a 2MP depth unit, along with a 5MP front-facing camera. In daylight, the rear camera produces decent shots with acceptable color reproduction, though the images lack sharpness and detail. Indoors and in low light, the quality drops significantly, with noticeable noise creeping in.

While night mode helps to some extent, it comes at the cost of stability. Selfies are serviceable but suffer from the same issues—soft details and inconsistent skin tones. Overall, the camera setup is adequate for casual use but won’t impress anyone looking for high-quality photography.

Performance and Software

Under the hood, the POCO M6 5G is powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 6100+ SoC, accompanied by up to 8GB of RAM (with an additional 8GB of virtual RAM) and 256GB of expandable storage. The device runs on Android 13-based MIUI 14, which brings a familiar user experience to POCO fans.

Performance-wise, the M6 5G handles daily tasks smoothly, whether you’re browsing the web, scrolling through social media, or messaging. However, the pre-installed bloatware can be a bit of an annoyance, though it doesn’t drastically hinder performance. Gaming is possible, but you’ll need to temper your expectations, especially with graphically demanding titles.

Battery Life and Charging

The POCO M6 5G is equipped with a 5,000mAh battery, which is par for the course in this segment. It supports 18W fast charging, though the included 10W charger means you’ll be waiting a bit longer to get a full charge—over two hours, to be precise. If you’re willing to invest in an 18W charger, you can cut that time down to around 90 minutes. Battery life itself is solid, easily lasting a full day with moderate use, which is one of the highlights of the device.

Final Verdict

The POCO M6 5G offers a lot of value for a budget-conscious buyer, especially with its 5G capabilities, decent performance, and solid battery life. However, it’s not without its compromises. The camera experience is subpar, the display is average, and the lack of an IP rating might be a deal-breaker for some. At a starting price of Rs 10,499, it’s a compelling option, but for just a bit more, the POCO M6 Pro offers enhanced features that might be worth the upgrade. If you’re on a strict budget and need 5G, the POCO M6 5G is a viable choice, but it’s not the only one out there.