As a professional tester of high-tech phones, I've had the privilege of getting my hands on a multitude of smartphones. Currently, I'm using the Xiaomi Poco X6 Pro - a phone that seems destined to shake up the mid-range smartphone market. After spending a week with this device, my early impressions define it as a manifestation of Xiaomi's determination to offer powerful specifications at a reasonable price, challenging the spirit of the disruptive Poco F1, which caught our attention in 2018.
At first glance, the Poco X6 Pro welcomes you with a bright 6.67-inch OLED display, distinguished by impressive brightness levels and Dolby Vision support. It is powered by the robust Mediatek Dimensity 8300 Ultra chipset, which comfortably straddles the boundary between mid-range efficiency and flagship performance. The phone also offers fast charging, though slightly weaker than its cousin, the Redmi K70E.
As I explored the device, I was intrigued by Xiaomi's fresh HyperOS layered over the latest Android 14 - a visually enhanced delight for MIUI enthusiasts. Along with similarities shared with its cousin Redmi K70E and other members of the Redmi Note 13 family, it's the fine differences, like battery capacity and charging capabilities, that set it apart for the global audience.
Although the camera configuration, featuring a 64MP main camera, complemented by an 8MP ultra-wide and 2MP macro lens, doesn't scream innovation, I am eager to see if its real-world performance can exceed expectations.
Upon this initial look, I must say, the Poco X6 Pro is ready to ruffle feathers and perhaps redefine what we expect from a mid-range smartphone. Stay tuned for a comprehensive exploration of every aspect this device has to offer, in the full review.
Xiaomi Poco X6 Pro Specifications
- Release date: 2024, January 11
- Colors: Black, Yellow, Gray
- Dimensions: 160.5x74.3x8.3 mm.
- Weight: 186 g.
- Screen: 6.67" in, 1220 x 2712, AMOLED
- Camera : Triple, 64MP
- Chipset: Mediatek Dimensity 8300 Ultra (4 nm)
- CPU: Octa-core (1x3.35 GHz Cortex-A715 & 3x3.20 GHz Cortex-A715 & 4x2.20 GHz Cortex-A510)
- Memory: 256GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM, 512GB 12GB RAM
- Battery: 5000, Li-Po, non-removable
- Network: GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G
- Operating system: Android 14, HyperOS
- Sensors: Fingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, compass, proximity
If you are curious to find out all the details before reading the full review, visit the page for Xiaomi Poco X6 Pro Specs, where you will find even the smallest detail about the phone.
Xiaomi Poco X6 Pro Design
Having spent some time with the Xiaomi Poco X6 Pro, I am struck by its bold and practical design. This device does not stray far from Poco's design language and boasts a striking rectangle with a huge camera on the back, which I find quite interesting. The phone's rear panel is slightly curved at the edges, offering a barely perceptible but noticeable improvement in hand feel compared to the completely flat design of its brother X6.
The Gorilla Glass 5 covering the X6 Pro's display is a sensible choice promising durability, although it doesn't match the Victus protection found on the standard X6. While the frame and back panel are plastic, the matte finish gives the phone a sophistication that belies the material it's made from. The choice of a glossy back in the black colorway is a double-edged sword - it looks elegant but is a magnet for fingerprints; I find the yellow colorway more forgiving, with a leather-like texture providing both improved grip and reduced visibility of stains.
I appreciate how the flat frame aids grip, even if it's not the most attractive surface to hold. Despite being full-sized, the phone's dimensions and weight ensure a comfortable hold.
The device's IP54 rating, while not as reliable as the higher IP67 or IP68 standards against immersion, offers peace of mind against rain or spills - though I'd still be cautious around water.
Looking at the front of the Xiaomi Poco X6 Pro, the 6.67-inch OLED display with thin bezels stands out, creating a premium vision that underscores the overall design of the device. The punched hole camera and top speaker, subtly integrated above the display, do not disrupt the aesthetics.
Xiaomi Poco X6 Pro Camera
As a professional phone tester, I spent considerable time exploring the photographic capabilities of the Xiaomi Poco X6 Pro. The rear camera includes a main 64MP sensor from OmniVision (OV64B), an 8MP ultra-wide (OV08D), and a modest 2MP macro lens. The optics of the main sensor boast a 25mm equivalent focal length with an f/1.7 aperture, effectively stabilized to reduce blurring in your photos.
In daylight, the main camera impresses with commendable detail capture, though sometimes lacking finesse in texture transmission and tending towards warm color profiles.
Despite some exposure challenges in high-contrast scenes, the two-times digital zoom produces surprisingly good details, a remarkable achievement for digital zoom.
The ultra-wide lens performs to expected standards, with decent details matching its 8-megapixel resolution, albeit with a narrowed dynamic range and slightly muted colors.
The low-light experience of the X6 Pro shifts in a positive direction, mainly thanks to the automatic night mode that activates in darker conditions. The main camera maintains a good balance between noise reduction and detail retention. Meanwhile, the ultra-wide sensor holds its own with acceptable clarity and range in similar conditions, although details soften.
Selfie enthusiasts will find the 16-megapixel front camera achieves satisfactory results with its detailed capture, maintaining pleasant skin tones despite inconsistencies in white balance. The portrait mode demonstrates adept object recognition, though the 2MP macro camera may not meet every photographer's expectations, creating images with less detail and vibrancy.
Moving to video, the X6 Pro supports 4K video at 30 frames per second and Full HD at 60 frames per second for the main camera. The footage shows good exposure and likable color saturation, albeit with pronounced contrast that may not satisfy all tastes. Optical stabilization provides stability mainly at 4K30, though it has its limitations during movement.
In the Xiaomi Poco X6 Pro, we observe a camera setup that balances performance with individual imperfections but still manages to achieve better-than-expected results in certain scenarios, especially considering the digital zoom and video recording capabilities.
Overall, Xiaomi's offering is sufficient for everyday photography, especially with increased flexibility thanks to the inclusion of the Pro mode and other camera app features.
Xiaomi Poco X6 Pro Display
I scrutinized the display capabilities of the Xiaomi Poco X6 Pro with a discerning eye. The phone's 6.67-inch display immediately captivated me, not just for its generous size, but also for its resolution of 1220x2712px. It extends the experience beyond standard 1080p, culminating in a clear and detailed visual spectacle with an approximate density of 446 ppi - nuances in images and text are conveyed with remarkable clarity.
The phone's maximum brightness, announced at 1800 nits and a stronger 1200 nits for regular use, does not fail to impress. Thanks to CrystalRes technology and the additional durability of Corning Gorilla Glass 5, outdoor viewing under direct sunlight became an easy task.
The most notable feature, Dolby Vision, added to my streaming experiences with stunning contrast and color depth. I enjoyed HDR content on platforms like Netflix and YouTube with impressive fidelity. The inclusion of Pro HDR for gallery images only heightened the immersive quality of media consumption.
I found the adaptive refresh rate of 120 Hz to be adept, smoothly transitioning through various applications. Especially high-frame-rate games were smooth, with the display consistently maintaining 120Hz for a steadfast and responsive gaming experience.
This, along with the display's 2160Hz touch sampling rate, highlighted the display's capabilities. Even as a high-tech enthusiast who often delves into the nuances of smartphone displays, the display of the Xiaomi Poco X6 Pro established itself as a pronounced contender in its class, combining both performance excellence and viewing pleasure.
Xiaomi Poco X6 Pro Performance
During my extensive testing, the Xiaomi Poco X6 Pro demonstrated exceptional performance that truly
sets a high bar in its price segment. Under the hood, the device is equipped with the MediaTek Dimensity 8300 Ultra, making its global debut in the X6 Pro. This avant-garde 4nm chipset showcases impressive power, handling intensive tasks and providing a lag-free experience during everyday use.
As a technology professional, I often expect powerful devices to struggle with heat management, but the Poco X6 Pro manages to maintain its cool quite effectively. Prolonged gaming sessions at the highest HDR settings were seamless and lag-free, partly thanks to the WildBoost Optimisation 2.0 feature.
Benchmarks confirm my impressions; the phone breezed through Geekbench and AnTuTu tests, scoring 1420 points in single-core scenarios and 4404 points in multi-core scenarios with the performance mode activated. And it's not just about raw numbers - the phone's 2160 Hz touch sampling rate translates into a responsive gaming experience, complemented by the vivid 6.67-inch AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate.
While the X6 Pro's GameTurbo feature may elevate games to the next level by optimizing CPU and GPU performance, users should be mindful of the device's tendency to heat up - a small compromise for the enhanced experience.
Overall, Xiaomi's commitment to improving the user experience is evident in the memory configurations - up to 12 GB of LPDDR5X RAM and 512 GB of UFS 4.0 storage, creating a responsive and agile device.
Whether multitasking or pushing the device to its limits with advanced gaming titles, the Poco X6 Pro didn't just work; it excelled, making it a stellar choice for tech enthusiasts seeking top-tier performance combined with value.
Xiaomi Poco X6 Pro Battery
In my extensive experience with the Xiaomi Poco X6 Pro, the 5000 mAh battery powering this device consistently provided stable and reliable performance. Going through my daily routine, which includes gaming sessions, multimedia use, and frequent photography excursions, I found the battery endurance impressive. Even when engaged in these intensive activities, the Poco X6 Pro comfortably lasted more than a full day without depleting the battery.
Charging is another area where the Poco X6 Pro shines. The included 67W fast charger is a game-changer, rapidly charging the phone from single-digit percentages to full charge in about 45 minutes. This is true to Xiaomi's commitment to fast and efficient charging capabilities. During my tests, even under the most draining conditions, I noted that the charging speed rarely fluctuated, demonstrating consistent performance expected from a device targeted at tech-savvy users who value their time.
While revolutionary innovations in battery technology might not be found in this model, the overall package - reliable one-day battery life, fast charging, and the foresight to include a fast charger in the box - shapes the Xiaomi Poco X6 Pro as an outstanding contender in the market.
Xiaomi Poco X6 Pro Connectivity
Immersing myself in the connectivity options of the Xiaomi Poco X6 Pro, I am impressed by its modern set that ensures I remain connected with the utmost ease. Remarkably, the device features a dual SIM tray located at the bottom, providing dual 5G functionality in standby mode, which I find extremely reliable during intensive network tasks and travels.
My tests confirm the seamless data transfer and connection of peripheral devices thanks to the included USB Type-C 2.0 port. Additionally, the carefully placed microphones and speakers at the bottom and top of the phone provide an impressive stereo sound experience - a feature not often prioritized in smartphones of this range.
Moving on to wireless features, the Poco X6 Pro is equipped with the latest Bluetooth 5.4 technology. This ensures a consistent and energy-efficient connection with my set of Bluetooth devices.
The dual-band Wi-Fi 6 capability means I enjoy fast and stable internet connections, which has been beneficial for high-resolution streaming and online gaming.
For users like me, who value seamless device integration, the IR blaster is a clever addition that turns the X6 Pro into a universal remote control for managing various household devices.
The NFC function also streamlines my scenarios for contactless payments and device pairing.
The geolocation services are top-notch on this device; it supports multiple GPS connection options, ensuring accurate navigation through busy city streets or exploring routes off the grid.
I can confirm that the connectivity suite of the Xiaomi Poco X6 Pro sets a high bar for smartphones in its category, and the flexibility it provides is something I rely on in my daily technical interactions.
Xiaomi Poco X6 Pro Software
Immersing myself in the device for the first time, I am greeted by the reality of the pre-installed bloatware, a distinctive feature of the Xiaomi ecosystem. Although somewhat expected, it's important to note that these extraneous applications can be removed, thus clearing space for a more personalized user experience.
Once you get past that, the updated control center, devoid of text labels, poses a learning curve but demonstrates a bold step towards minimalist aesthetics, which requires brief training.
In my daily use, the new features of the Poco X6 Pro, including AI object recognition and Game Turbo mode, add a flexible advantage to overall performance.
Customization takes center stage with the dynamic lock screen and MiSans font, further enriching user interaction.
The multi-window interface adjustments testify to Xiaomi's commitment to enhancing productivity, and the Second Space functionality - akin to switching between two devices - stands out for managing the balance between work and personal life, although it noticeably affects battery consumption and device temperature.
The promise of up to three years of operating system updates and four years of security patches aligns the Poco X6 Pro with longevity, an important factor for users seeking sustainable software support.
Although the environment of HyperOS may still feel familiar to Xiaomi veterans to some extent, the Poco X6 Pro undoubtedly represents the brand's step towards a more refined and user-oriented ecosystem, offering a combination of customization and performance that can satisfy both the power user and the average enthusiast.
Xiaomi Poco X6 Pro Conclusion
In conclusion, after thoroughly acquainting myself with the Xiaomi Poco X6 Pro, I am convinced that it is a strong contender in the mid-range market. The display of this device is a true highlight, offering Dolby Vision playback - a feature that is quite attractive at this price. Combined with the fast charging capabilities and
commendable battery life, the Poco X6 Pro is suited for prolonged multimedia consumption and gaming sessions.
While its camera setup may not be groundbreaking, I noticed that the photos, especially in low light conditions, are more than satisfactory for this segment. The evolution to HyperOS provides a user-friendly interface atop a powerful chipset, although some might find the presence of locked software slightly bothersome.
The design might be prone to smudges, but this is easily rectifiable with the included case or by choosing a different color variant.
Potential buyers should note that while the IP54 rating is reasonable, it may not match the water and dust resistance of some competitors.
Additionally, the ultra-wide camera might leave something to be desired for users looking for higher resolution and video capabilities. Nonetheless, in the midst of work, the raw power of the device compensates for these shortcomings more than adequately.
Considering all this, the Xiaomi Poco X6 Pro achieves a fine balance between performance, affordability, and features. The device is a sensible investment, especially for tech enthusiasts looking for budget power. Based on my experience, I can readily recommend the Poco X6 Pro to anyone wanting to maximize their smartphone value under the $350 mark.
Disclaimer: The information presented in this article is based on our team's personal experience with the Xiaomi Poco X6 Pro and third-party sources. While every effort has been made to provide accurate and reliable information, readers should keep in mind that this is a subjective assessment. The writing of this article was not paid for or sponsored by Xiaomi.
