POCO M6 Pro 5G: A Power-Packed Budget Smartphone Redefining Performance

The Poco M6 Pro 5G has emerged as a compelling option in the budget smartphone segment, particularly for users looking to access 5G connectivity without breaking the bank.¹ Launched in India in August 2023, the phone focuses on delivering a balanced set of features, including a smooth display, a capable processor, and a large battery, all encased in a modern design.²

Design and Display

The Poco M6 Pro 5G sports a design that aims for a premium feel, featuring a glass back (with Gorilla Glass protection) and a streamlined look.³ It has an IP53 rating, providing protection against dust and minor splashes.⁴ The device is built around a large 6.79-inch IPS LCD display with a punch-hole cutout for the selfie camera.⁵ This FHD+ screen offers a resolution of ⁶$2460 \times 1080$ pixels and a 90Hz refresh rate, ensuring a smoother viewing experience for scrolling and gaming compared to standard 60Hz panels.⁷ Screen protection is handled by Corning Gorilla Glass 3.⁸

Performance and Software

Powering the device is the Qualcomm Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 chipset, built on a power-efficient 4nm process.⁹ This octa-core processor, combined with options for up to 8GB of LPDDR4X RAM and up to 256GB of UFS 2.2 storage (expandable up to 1TB via a hybrid microSD slot), provides decent performance for daily tasks, multitasking, and moderate gaming.¹⁰ The phone runs on Android 13 with Poco’s customized interface, MIUI 14, out of the box, with a promise of future Android and security updates.¹¹ The inclusion of the Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 also ensures access to 5G network capabilities, a key selling point for this budget device.¹²

Camera and Battery Life

In the camera department, the Poco M6 Pro 5G features a dual rear camera setup, headlined by a 50MP AI primary sensor with an ¹³$f/1.8$ aperture.¹⁴ This main sensor is paired with a 2MP depth sensor.¹⁵ The setup is designed to capture sharp and detailed photos, particularly in good daylight conditions. For selfies and video calls, there is an 8MP front-facing camera.¹⁶

Keeping the phone running is a robust 5,000mAh battery, which contributes to excellent battery life.¹⁷ Charging is supported via an 18W fast charging protocol through a USB Type-C port.¹⁸ Other notable features include a side-mounted fingerprint sensor, a 3.5mm headphone jack, and an IR Blaster.¹⁹

Price and Market Position

The Poco M6 Pro 5G is positioned very competitively in the entry-level to budget mid-range segment.²⁰ With a starting price point typically around the ₹10,499 mark in India for the base 4GB RAM + 64GB storage variant (prices vary for higher configurations like 6GB+128GB and 8GB+256GB), it aims to democratize 5G technology.²¹ Its combination of a 90Hz display, a contemporary 4nm 5G chipset, and a large battery makes it a strong contender for users looking for a feature-rich and future-proof smartphone on a tight budget.²²