Flagship devices often grab the spotlight with their flashy features, the mid-range segment quietly accomplishes something extraordinary. Xiaomi’s Poco sub-brand has been a frontrunner in this regard, consistently delivering performance-driven phones at a fraction of the cost of premium models. The latest offering, the Poco X6 Pro, continues this legacy, aiming to disrupt the mid-range market with its compelling blend of high-end specs and affordability.
The Poco X6 Pro’s arrival is a statement of intent in a segment that’s increasingly crowded with competent contenders. Drawing parallels with the much-acclaimed Poco F1 in terms of impact and value, the X6 Pro positions itself as not just a budget-friendly alternative, but as a device that could stand toe-to-toe with higher-priced phones in terms of performance and features.
Marketed as a performance-centric device, the Poco X6 Pro stands out for its robust internals and feature-rich offerings, particularly its MediaTek Dimensity 8300 Ultra chipset, which is a first in its class. The phone positions itself as a near-flagship experience at a fraction of the cost. This review delves into what the Poco X6 Pro brings to the table, examining whether it lives up to the hype and continues the tradition of its predecessors in offering high value for a modest price.
Design and Build
The Poco X6 Pro showcases an elegant yet pragmatic design, maintaining the essence of Poco’s practical styling with a touch of sophistication. Despite its mid-range positioning, the phone manages to leave a premium impression, largely attributed to its well-thought-out design choices. The Poco X6 Pro comes in a choice of finishes, catering to diverse tastes. The standout Poco Yellow variant, with its vegan leather back, exudes a bold and distinctive look, setting it apart in a sea of conventional designs. For those preferring a more understated style, the Racing Grey and Spectre Black options feature a glossy plastic finish, which, while prone to fingerprints, offers a sleek and modern appearance.
The front of the Poco X6 Pro is predominantly occupied by its impressive 6.67-inch AMOLED display. This large screen makes the most of the phone’s dimensions, offering an immersive viewing experience ideal for media consumption and gaming. One of the key highlights of the front design is the minimal bezel implementation. The thin bezels surrounding the display lend the phone a modern and almost borderless appearance. The chin, though slightly thicker than the side bezels, is still reasonably slim, contributing to an overall balanced and symmetrical look. Centered at the top of the display is a discreet hole-punch cutout, housing the front-facing camera.
Xiaomi has paid close attention to the ergonomics of the Poco X6 Pro. The phone feels comfortable in hand, thanks to its curved back and rounded edges, making it easy to handle despite its sizeable dimensions. Weighing around 186 grams (or 190 grams for the vegan leather variant), it maintains a sense of solidity without feeling overly heavy. The build quality is commendable, with a sturdy frame that reinforces the phone’s robustness.
The phone’s design is accentuated by a large, rectangular camera module that dominates the rear, housing three cameras and an LED flash. This module, while protruding slightly, doesn’t compromise the phone’s stability when placed on flat surfaces.
On the right side of the frame, the Poco X6 Pro houses a tactile volume rocker and a power button. The left side remains unadorned, giving the phone a clean look. The top edge includes a speaker, an IR blaster, and a microphone, while the bottom edge hosts a hybrid SIM slot, a USB-C port, and another speaker grille.
Display Quality
The Poco X6 Pro marks a significant step forward in display technology within the mid-range smartphone segment. At the heart of this advancement is its 6.67-inch AMOLED panel, which not only offers an expansive viewing experience but also introduces an enhanced resolution of 2712 x 1220 pixels. Termed ‘1.5K’ by the manufacturer, this resolution strikes a fine balance between the standard Full HD+ and the higher-end Quad HD+, ensuring a noticeable crisper and more detailed visual output than many of its competitors.
Brightness and color accuracy are other areas where the Poco X6 Pro shines. The display’s peak brightness of 1800 nits is a standout feature, providing exceptional visibility even under direct sunlight. This high brightness level, combined with HDR and Dolby Vision support, guarantees that whether you are streaming your favorite show, browsing photos, or playing games, the content looks vivid, with deep blacks and vibrant colors.
The phone’s adherence to the DCI-P3 color gamut further enhances the display’s ability to produce a wide spectrum of colors, making it a delight for both casual viewers and multimedia enthusiasts. The high 120Hz refresh rate contributes to a fluid and smooth user experience, particularly noticeable while scrolling through web pages or playing fast-paced games. The 2160Hz touch sampling rate, a notable feature for gamers, ensures that the display is exceptionally responsive to touch inputs, offering a competitive edge in gaming scenarios.
Additionally, the implementation of technologies like 1920Hz PWM dimming reduces screen flickering, which is a boon for users who spend extended periods on their smartphones, as it minimizes eye strain.
The Poco X6 Pro doesn’t just impress with its internal specs; its design aesthetics are equally noteworthy. The sleek and minimal bezels around the display enhance its visual appeal, lending it a premium look and feel that belies its mid-range price tag. The front of the device is protected by robust Gorilla Glass 5, offering resistance against scratches and minor impacts.
Performance and Hardware:
The Poco X6 Pro, a mid-range smartphone from Xiaomi’s Poco sub-brand, has garnered considerable attention for its robust performance and hardware specifications. As an update to its predecessors, the X6 Pro aims to deliver a powerhouse experience in a budget package. At the heart of the Poco X6 Pro is the MediaTek Dimensity 8300 Ultra chipset. Crafted on a 4nm architecture, this processor is designed to deliver flagship-level performance. It stands out for its balance of power and efficiency, making it a suitable choice for both heavy-duty tasks and everyday usage.
The Poco X6 Pro comes in two variants – one with 8GB RAM and 256GB storage, and a higher-end model boasting 12GB RAM and 512GB of internal storage. This setup is complemented by LPDDR5X RAM and UFS 4.0 storage technology, ensuring swift app launches, seamless multitasking, and ample space for all your needs. The lack of a microSD card slot is compensated by the generous onboard storage, making it a non-issue for most users.
Gaming and Multitasking Capabilities
Gaming is where the Poco X6 Pro truly shines. The powerful Dimensity 8300 Ultra, coupled with the high-refresh-rate screen, makes for an immersive gaming experience. Popular titles like ‘Call of Duty’ and ‘Asphalt 9’ run smoothly, with minimal frame drops even at higher settings. Multitasking is a breeze on the X6 Pro. Whether it’s juggling between social media apps, streaming services, or productivity tools, the phone handles it all without breaking a sweat. The generous RAM ensures that apps stay in memory longer, reducing loading times when switching back and forth.
Heat Management
The Poco X6 Pro employs a cooling system, including a large vapor chamber, to keep the device temperature in check during intensive tasks like gaming and video rendering. This proactive heat management ensures sustained performance without thermal throttling, a common issue in many mid-range phones.
Software and User Interface
The Poco X6 Pro, a standout device in the mid-range smartphone market, not only impresses with its hardware but also shines in the realm of software and user interface. Running on Android 14 with the debut of Xiaomi’s HyperOS, the X6 Pro offers a fresh perspective in the software experience. This foundation ensures users have access to the newest features and security updates Android has to offer. However, the true uniqueness comes with Xiaomi’s introduction of HyperOS, a new user interface that replaces the traditional MIUI.
HyperOS brings a revamped aesthetic and functional improvements while maintaining familiarity for users transitioning from MIUI. It promises a cleaner, more intuitive experience, with a focus on smoother animations, enhanced multitasking, and a more organized notification system. The user interface of HyperOS is designed with practicality and elegance in mind. The notification panel is neatly organized, and the settings menu is intuitively laid out for ease of navigation. The Game Turbo mode is a notable addition for gaming enthusiasts, optimizing the phone’s performance for an immersive gaming experience.
One of the hallmarks of HyperOS is its deep customization options. Users can tailor their experience with various themes, wallpapers, and always-on display styles. The new system font, MiSans, adds a touch of sophistication to the overall visual appeal. Additionally, the lock screen and control center have been redesigned for better accessibility and a more streamlined look. HyperOS also introduces a reimagined multi-window interface, making multitasking more efficient and user-friendly. This is particularly beneficial for users who often switch between apps or need to view multiple apps simultaneously.
Despite the many positives, HyperOS is not without its drawbacks. The presence of bloatware, in the form of pre-installed third-party apps and redundant Xiaomi applications, can be a point of contention for users seeking a cleaner software environment. However, most of these apps can be uninstalled, offering some level of relief.
Xiaomi has made a commendable commitment to software support for the Poco X6 Pro. The company promises three years of Android OS updates and four years of security patches. This extended support ensures that the Poco X6 Pro remains up-to-date with the latest features and security enhancements, thereby extending the lifespan of the device.
The Camera Capabilities
The Poco X6 Pro boasts a versatile rear camera array led by a 64-megapixel OmniVision OV64B main sensor equipped with Optical Image Stabilization (OIS), ensuring sharp, detailed captures even in challenging lighting conditions. This primary camera, with its wide f/1.7 aperture, allows for excellent low-light performance and beautiful bokeh effects, making it a perfect tool for both landscape photography and portrait shots with blurred backgrounds.
Rounding off the rear camera setup is a 2-megapixel macro lens, perfect for close-up shots that reveal the intricate details of smaller subjects. While macro photography with smartphones can often be hit or miss, the Poco X6 Pro endeavors to provide a reliable tool for those looking to explore this challenging photography style.
Complementing the main sensor is an 8-megapixel ultra-wide camera with a 120° field of view, allowing users to capture expansive landscapes and group shots without compromising on quality. This ultra-wide lens opens new creative possibilities, from dramatic architectural photography to expansive nature scenes.
Front Camera Quality
Selfie enthusiasts are not left behind, as the Poco X6 Pro features a 16-megapixel front-facing camera. This high-resolution sensor ensures crisp, clear selfies and supports various portrait modes and beautification features.
Video Recording Features
The Poco X6 Pro shines in the video department, offering up to 4K recording at 30 frames per second with the rear camera, ensuring high-quality video capture for content creators and casual users alike. The inclusion of OIS significantly enhances video stability, making it ideal for vlogging and capturing action shots without the need for additional stabilizing equipment. The front camera supports 1080p video, perfect for high-quality vlogs and video calls.
Camera Software and User Experience
Xiaomi’s camera software plays a crucial role in enhancing the Poco X6 Pro’s photographic capabilities. The intuitive interface allows easy access to various shooting modes, including Night mode, Portrait mode, and Pro mode, offering both casual and experienced photographers the flexibility to experiment with different settings. AI enhancements intelligently recognize scenes and subjects, adjusting settings in real time for optimized photo quality.
Audio and Connectivity
Speaker Quality and Dolby Atmos Support
The Poco X6 Pro features dual stereo speakers, and the inclusion of Dolby Atmos support elevates the audio output, providing a spatial sound experience that’s particularly noticeable when watching movies or playing games. The speakers are loud and clear, with minimal distortion at high volumes, ensuring that whether you’re streaming content, engaging in mobile gaming, or on a voice call, the sound quality remains pristine and enveloping.
However, what sets the Poco X6 Pro apart is not just the quality of its built-in speakers but also the software enhancements provided by Dolby Atmos. Users can customize their audio experience based on content type or personal preference, tweaking settings for detailed soundscapes in movies or enhanced clarity in music. One notable omission in the Poco X6 Pro’s design is the lack of a 3.5mm headphone jack. This decision follows a growing trend among smartphones, pushing users towards wireless audio solutions.
Connectivity Features: 5G, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth
On the connectivity front, the Poco X6 Pro is well-equipped to handle the demands of modern smartphone users. It supports 5G, ensuring that users can take advantage of the latest in high-speed mobile internet connectivity where available. The inclusion of dual-band Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 5.4 means the device can maintain stable connections with wireless networks and a wide range of peripherals. The presence of NFC further enhances the device’s utility, enabling contactless payments and quick pairing with compatible devices.
Battery Life and Charging
At the heart of the Poco X6 Pro’s endurance capabilities lies a robust 5,000mAh battery. This capacious power source is engineered to support extended usage, ensuring that users can easily get through a day of heavy use. Complementing its impressive battery life, the X6 Pro boasts a 67W fast charging technology. This rapid charging capability means the device can go from 0 to 100 percent in just under an hour – specifically, around 58 minutes. For those in a hurry, a quick 15-minute charge can provide enough power for several hours of use.
Unlike some competitors that have started omitting chargers, Poco ensures users have everything they need right from the start. Moreover, the Poco X6 Pro’s battery optimization does not just stop at providing long hours of usage and swift recharging.
Final Verdict
In the market of mid-range smartphones, the Poco X6 Pro emerges as a formidable contender, challenging not just its direct competitors but also nudging the boundaries of what’s expected from a device in its price bracket. For those seeking flagship-like performance and features without the flagship price tag, this phone is an enticing option. After spending extensive time with the Poco X6 Pro, dissecting its features, performance, and overall user experience, it’s time to draw some conclusions.
The MediaTek Dimensity 8300 Ultra chipset at the heart of the Poco X6 Pro ensures that performance is where this phone truly shines. Whether it’s gaming, multitasking, or just day-to-day usage, the device handles it all with remarkable ease. Coupled with up to 12GB of LPDDR5X RAM and up to 512GB of UFS 4.0 storage.
The 6.67-inch AMOLED display, with its 120Hz refresh rate and 1.5K resolution, stands out in its segment. Also, the display’s brightness, color accuracy, and smoothness enhance every interaction. The design, while following the footsteps of its predecessors, brings a refined look with its IP54-rated durability and the choice between a glossy or vegan leather back.
While the Poco X6 Pro may not set new benchmarks in photography, it offers a competent camera setup. The 64MP primary camera, supported by OIS, captures detailed and vibrant photos in good lighting conditions. The night mode performance and portrait shots are commendable, though not groundbreaking.
The 5,000mAh battery ensures that the Poco X6 Pro can easily last through a day of heavy use, with fast 67W charging bringing it back to full power swiftly. While the absence of wireless charging is noted, the fast wired charging and impressive battery life more than makeup for it, ensuring you’re always powered up for whatever comes next.
HyperOS, based on Android 14, offers a fresh and optimized user experience. While bearing resemblance to MIUI, it introduces enhancements and features that improve usability. The commitment to three years of OS updates and four years of security patches is a significant plus, promising longevity for the device.
