10 Best POCO Smartphone in 2024
This article presents a carefully curated list of the top POCO smartphones that have been launched across the globe. As we explore these models, we’ll discuss their innovative features and standout qualities.
Let's now review the top POCO smartphones, with further details available in the analysis below.
1. POCO F5 Pro
Since its introduction in May 2023, the POCO F5 Pro has captured considerable attention. This is due to several innovative features debuting in the POCO smartphone lineup. Notably, this model includes a screen with 2K resolution—a first for POCO smartphones.
The POCO F5 Pro features a 6.67-inch screen enhanced by an AMOLED panel, offering a visually stunning experience whether you are gaming or streaming videos. Another addition to the POCO lineup is the 30W fast wireless charging capability.
This feature provides an alternative to the traditional 67 Watt fast charging, allowing users to recharge their device's battery efficiently. Despite not being primarily designed for gaming, the POCO F5 Pro excels in running demanding games.
This prowess is largely due to the Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 SoC, which outperforms its predecessors in both stability and efficiency. The SoC also boasts lower power consumption for its class. In testing by GSM Arena, the POCO F5 Pro achieved a commendable battery life score of 99 hours.
Additional appealing features include powerful stereo speakers, a main camera equipped with Optical Image Stabilization (OIS), and a sales package that includes a charger, all within an IP53-rated device. Moreover, this smartphone is priced competitively compared to other models in its category.
Despite its advanced features like 2K resolution and wireless charging, the POCO F5 Pro remains affordable. However, it lacks a USB display output and its IP certification only covers splash resistance, not full waterproofing.
The performance of the POCO F5 Pro’s main camera is generally praised, although its ultrawide camera performs poorly, especially in low-light conditions. The absence of an autofocus feature on the front camera also diminishes its utility for vlogging.
In summary, the POCO F5 Pro is designed as a flagship killer, offering top-tier performance at an accessible price. This smartphone is a viable option for those seeking flagship features without the hefty price tag.
2. POCO X6 Pro
The POCO X6 Pro delivers performance on par with smartphones costing more than that! It is powered by the Dimensity 8300 Ultra, achieving impressive AnTuTu v10 scores up to 1.4 million points, placing it alongside flagship models released in 2023.
This smartphone comes equipped with a substantial 512 GB of storage using the UFS 4.0 standard. This doesn't make the memory shortages hinder game installation.
The camera setup is strong as it features a 64 MP main sensor with Optical Image Stabilization and an 8 MP ultrawide sensor with a 120-degree field of view. It makes the resulting photographs look excellent dynamic range and rich details.
On the display front, the POCO X6 Pro offers a stunning visual experience with an AMOLED panel capable of showing 68 billion colors and a crisp resolution of 1220 x 2712 pixels.
Given these impressive features, the POCO X6 Pro excels at providing top-tier entertainment in the mid-range category, whether for gaming or movie watching. However, it lacks a 3.5 mm audio port, which might be a drawback for some users.
3. POCO F5
Since it was launched globally in May 2023, the POCO F5 has become a highly discussed topic.
The device is powered by a Snapdragon 7+ Gen 2 SoC, which incorporates elements from the Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1, enabling it to easily score 900 thousand on the AnTuTu 9 benchmark. This impressive performance is further enhanced by an efficient cooling system that ensures smooth operation even during intensive gaming sessions.
The POCO F5 also excels in other areas. Its display features a 120 Hz AMOLED panel that produces vivid and realistic visuals. In terms of photography and videography, both the rear and front cameras are high-quality, supported by a superior Image Signal Processor (ISP) from the Snapdragon 7+ Gen 2 chipset.
For content creators, the device supports stable video recording at 1080p 60 fps with both the main and front cameras. Additionally, it includes dual microphones for clearer sound capture.
The design of the POCO F5 is sleek and minimalistic, offering an elegant and ergonomic grip, complemented by an IP53 rating for dust and splash resistance. It includes several appealing features such as Optical Image Stabilization (OIS), an infrared blaster, a 3.5 mm audio jack, and stereo speakers, enhancing its appeal.
While the POCO F5 is an impressive smartphone, it is not without its flaws. The HDR performance of the front camera is average, struggling to balance facial highlights against the background in challenging lighting conditions. Additionally, video stabilization is not available at 60 fps on the front camera, and it lacks an autofocus feature.
Potential buyers should also note the absence of an on-screen fingerprint sensor, the relatively quiet stereo speakers compared to flagship models, and the presence of advertisements and bloatware typical of Xiaomi's phone lineup.
Overall, the POCO F5 is a recommendable option for those with a budget around $400. While performance is its strongest selling point, the smartphone also scores well in design, display quality, camera performance, and battery life.
4. POCO F4 GT
Designed with gamers in mind, the POCO F4 GT sports a functional design highlighted by an X-shaped accent on its camera module, which doubles as an LED indicator for notifications and charging statuses.
This gaming smartphone excels in performance, backed by a powerful cooling system to ensure long-lasting, smooth gameplay. It features physical shoulder buttons for L1 and R1 controls that are customizable for any game, enhancing the gaming experience.
The POCO F4 GT also features a responsive AMOLED display known for its color accuracy, quad stereo speakers for immersive audio, and 120 Watt fast charging to minimize downtime. It comes in a comprehensive sales package that includes a USB-C cable with a gamer-friendly "L" shaped end.
Although designed for gaming, it doesn't have some typical smartphone features, such as the ability to switch cameras during video recording. The videography is respectable, with 4K 60 fps recording possible on the main camera alone.
Despite not featuring bypass charging—a desired attribute in gaming phones—the POCO F4 GT maintains a manageable weight and thickness. New users, especially those accustomed to lighter devices, might need time to adjust.
The POCO F4 GT stands out as a prime choice for gamers looking to elevate their gameplay, making it an essential tool for eSport professionals.
5. POCO X6
While the POCO X6 may not dazzle as much as its Pro variant, it still delivers impressive performance for its category. It is equipped with the Snapdragon 7s Gen 2, a mid-range chipset that scored in the 600,000s on AnTuTu v10.
The display features Dolby Vision-certified AMOLED technology and supports 68 billion colors, but surpasses its Pro counterpart in durability with Gorilla Glass Victus protection, which safeguards against damage from falls up to two meters.
The camera setup mirrors the Pro version in terms of resolution, including the same ultrawide sensor and video recording capabilities (4K 30 FPS and 1080p 60 FPS).
However, the POCO X6 trims some features to lower costs, including reduced storage speed at UFS 2.0 and downgraded Wi-Fi to version 5. It also features Bluetooth 5.2, slightly less advanced than the Pro’s 5.4.
Despite these reductions, the POCO X6 5G compensates by including a 3.5 mm audio jack, allowing direct connection to headphones without needing an adapter.
Overall, this phone offers solid performance, excellent screen quality, and capable cameras, making it a worthwhile option for its price range.
6. POCO X4 GT
The POCO X4 GT is an excellent choice if you need a high-performance smartphone that excels in productivity and has a sleek design. As the successor to the POCO X3 GT, it offers capabilities comparable to a gaming phone due to its powerful Dimensity 8100 SoC.
This phone is well-suited for various demanding tasks, from video editing and music composition to creating illustrations. This is all because 6.6-inch IPS screen, which provides good color accuracy. Although the 144 Hz display isn’t OLED, it still performs well in terms of brightness and contrast.
Equipped with stereo speakers and a 3.5 mm audio jack, the POCO X4 GT also features a competent camera setup. The main and ultrawide cameras deliver quality photos under adequate lighting. Additionally, its battery life is impressive, with endurance ratings exceeding 100 hours according to GSM Arena.
With 67W fast charging that powers up the phone in less than 50 minutes, an infrared blaster, and a relatively affordable price, the POCO X4 GT is even more appealing.
Despite its strengths, the POCO X4 GT lacks Optical Image Stabilization (OIS), which is essential for reducing blur in night photos.
Not all features are an upgrade over its predecessor; for instance, it does not have an IP rating unlike the POCO X3 GT’s IP53, and its glass protection has shifted from Gorilla Glass Victus to Gorilla Glass 5. Although I personally am satisfied with the non-OLED screen, OLED panels do offer superior brightness and contrast.
The POCO X4 GT will be highly valued by those who prioritize a high refresh rate, such as professional gamers, eSports competitors, and active social media users. Its high performance and minimalist design are notable
7. POCO F4
The POCO F4 features a more streamlined design aligned with 2022 smartphone trends. This looks like the typical flagship models of that year with minimal visual elements and a squared and elegant camera module.
In many respects, the POCO F4 resembles its predecessor, the POCO F3. It retains the Snapdragon 870 chipset and provodes memory configurations up to 8/256 GB, has an IP53 certification, and features an AMOLED display with a brightness of 1300 nits—specs that are still quite competitive.
However, the POCO F4 includes several enhancements, such as OIS for better image stability in the main camera, an increase in fast charging capability from 33 Watts to 67 Watts, and upgraded main camera video recording quality to 4K 60 fps from the earlier 4K 30 fps.
The sales package for this smartphone is comprehensive, including a screen protector, soft case, SIM ejector, USB C cable, 67W charging head, and a USB C to 3.5 mm audio jack converter.
The POCO F4 holds a strong position in the mid-range segment, though it doesn’t quite overshadow the POCO F3 due to the modest nature of its upgrades.
Some features from the POCO F3, like the 1080p 60 fps video recording on the front camera and the autofocus 5 MP macro camera, have not been carried over to the POCO F4. Instead, the macro camera in the POCO F4 is just 2 MP and lacks autofocus.
If you need a versatile phone capable of handling gaming, daily tasks, photography, and productivity, the POCO F4 is a solid choice. Its design is also unobtrusive and fits seamlessly into various occasions.
8. POCO F3
POCO made a strategic choice by opting for the Snapdragon 870 SoC over the newer Snapdragon 888 for the POCO F3. This decision paid off, as the POCO F3 delivers excellent stability while handling intensive games.
Despite its modest 4500 mAh battery, the POCO F3 offers impressive endurance. According to tests by Jagat Review, it can play local 1080p videos at 120 Hz for up to 17 hours on a single charge. Additionally, the battery recharges quickly, achieving a full charge in under an hour thanks to the 33W fast charging, which comes included in the sales package.
Photography is another strong point for the POCO F3. It features a 48MP main camera equipped with a Sony IMX 582 sensor that captures quality images in a variety of lighting conditions. The selfie camera matches the main camera’s capability, recording videos at 1080p 60 fps. Video reviews have noted consistent color quality across the main, selfie, and ultrawide cameras.
In terms of multimedia performance, the POCO F3 excels. It boasts a 120 Hz AMOLED screen and stereo speakers, making it ideal for viewing content. Its Widevine L1 certification ensures you can stream Netflix at the highest possible resolution.
The design of the POCO F3 includes a solid glass back and a comfortably curved side body, measuring just 7.8mm in thickness, which enhances the handheld experience.
While the POCO F3 has strong photography and videography capabilities, it lacks video stabilization at 60 fps across all cameras. Prospective buyers should also note the absence of an audio jack and microSD slot.
POCO includes a USB C to audio jack converter for those who prefer wired earphones, but there is no expandable storage option. Therefore, it’s important to choose a storage variant, like the 6/128 GB, that meets your needs.
As with other Xiaomi family phones, the POCO F3 includes advertisements, which help subsidize the cost, making it more affordable.
Overall, the POCO F3 stands out as a "flagship killer," suitable for a wide range of users. Its well-rounded capabilities make it ideal for gaming, capturing moments, or simply enjoying media, serving well as a versatile companion.
9. POCO X5 Pro
A limited budget shouldn’t prevent you from owning a fantastic smartphone. If the POCO F5 is beyond your financial reach, consider the POCO X5 Pro. Launched in June 2023 with a starting price of Rp3.7 million, this phone is equipped with Qualcomm’s popular Snapdragon 778G SoC.
This chipset ensures smooth performance, capable of handling demanding games like Genshin Impact and PUBG Mobile without difficulty.
The Snapdragon 778G also excels in image processing. This can increase the capabilities of the phone's 108MP main camera and other cameras to produce sharply detailed photos and videos. Even in low-light conditions, the photography quality remains respectable, despite the absence of Optical Image Stabilization (OIS).
The display of the POCO X5 Pro is crafted to please the eyes, featuring a 10-bit color depth that covers 100% of the DCI-P3 gamut and displays 1.07 billion colors. With a contrast ratio of 5 million to 1, dark scenes in games and movies are rendered with impressive clarity and depth.
The phone's long battery life, fast charging capabilities, and powerful stereo sound output are key features of this IP53-rated device, which weighs 181 grams and includes an infrared blaster and an audio jack. These are simple yet highly practical additions.
The POCO X5 Pro features a sleek, lightweight design that feels comfortable in your hand. Its striking appearance, particularly in the yellow variant, appeals to a youthful demographic, while the black and blue variants offer a more subdued option.
However, while many phones released in 2023 have moved to Android 13, the POCO X5 Pro still operates on Android 12. This choice means that users will likely only experience up to Android 14, given the promise of two operating system upgrades and three years of security updates, which will last until 2026.
However, this model lacks an FM radio and a microSD slot. Additionally, like other Xiaomi family devices, the MIUI interface on this phone includes advertisements.
Overall, the POCO X5 Pro is an excellent choice for those seeking a cost-effective smartphone that does not compromise on functionality. Its gaming performance is solid, and it consistently delivers high-quality photos and videos.
10. POCO F3 GT
The POCO F3 GT marks POCO's first venture into gaming smartphones. Released in July 2021, this phone is essentially a rebranded version of the Redmi K40 Gaming, which was initially launched in China. The POCO F3 GT is ideal for avid gamers, including ESport athletes on a budget.
Its gaming nature is evident from the bold design on the back cover and the inclusion of physical trigger buttons, similar to those on the Black Shark 4. The heart of the phone, the MediaTek Dimensity 1200 SoC, ensures that the POCO F3 GT can handle the most demanding games at high graphic settings. The gaming experience is further enhanced by a 120 Hz AMOLED display and stereo speakers.
A 5065 mAh battery allows for extended usage, while the 67 Watt fast charging capability means the battery can be fully charged in just 42 minutes.
As a dedicated gaming phone, some features are deprioritized, such as camera capabilities. While the photo and video quality is decent, it might not impress when compared to other phones in the same price range.
Additionally, the phone lacks a bypass charging feature, which is quite beneficial for gaming phones as it helps keep the device cool by powering the phone directly, bypassing the battery. Another missing feature is the USB display output.
That concludes our look at POCO's top smartphones. Isn't it interesting? The good news is, choosing this brand won't break the bank. POCO designs its phones to deliver maximum value in each price segment. So, you can just pick one that fits your needs!