The Poco F1, launched by Xiaomi’s sub-brand POCO, has been a subject of interest for many smartphone enthusiasts and potential buyers. With its powerful specifications and affordable price tag, it has managed to create a buzz in the market. However, the question remains, is the Poco F1 worth buying? In this article, we will delve into the details of the device, its features, and its performance to help you make an informed decision.
Introduction to Poco F1
The Poco F1 was launched in August 2018 and was marketed as a flagship killer. It was designed to provide high-end features at a budget-friendly price. The device is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 845 processor, which was one of the fastest processors available at the time of its launch. The Poco F1 also features a 6.18-inch IPS LCD display with a resolution of 1080 x 2246 pixels. The device comes with a dual-camera setup at the back, featuring a 12-megapixel primary sensor and a 5-megapixel secondary sensor.
Design and Build Quality
The Poco F1 has a polycarbonate body with a glossy finish. The device feels premium in the hand, despite being made of plastic. The build quality is solid, and the device can withstand minor scratches and drops. The Poco F1 is available in several color options, including Graphite Black, Steel Blue, and Red. The device has a notch at the top of the display, which houses the front camera and other sensors.
Display and Performance
The Poco F1 features a 6.18-inch IPS LCD display with a resolution of 1080 x 2246 pixels. The display is bright and vibrant, with good color accuracy. The device is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 845 processor, which provides fast and smooth performance. The Poco F1 comes with up to 8GB of RAM and 256GB of internal storage, which can be expanded using a microSD card.
Camera and Battery Life
The Poco F1 features a dual-camera setup at the back, featuring a 12-megapixel primary sensor and a 5-megapixel secondary sensor. The camera app is feature-rich, with options like portrait mode, night mode, and slow-motion video recording. The camera performance is good, with the device able to capture detailed and vibrant images in good lighting conditions. However, the camera struggles in low-light conditions, with noise and grain visible in the images.
The Poco F1 has a 4000mAh battery, which provides all-day battery life. The device supports Quick Charge 3.0, which allows for fast charging. The battery life is one of the strongest aspects of the Poco F1, with the device able to last for up to two days on a single charge.
Software and Updates
The Poco F1 runs on MIUI 9.6 out of the box, which is based on Android 8.1 Oreo. The device has received several software updates since its launch, including the update to Android 10. The MIUI interface is feature-rich, with options like gesture navigation, split-screen mode, and second space. However, the interface can be cluttered, with too many pre-installed apps and features.
Pros and Cons
The Poco F1 has several pros, including its powerful processor, good camera performance, and long battery life. The device is also affordable, with a price tag that is significantly lower than other flagship devices. However, the Poco F1 also has some cons, including its plastic build, average low-light camera performance, and cluttered interface.
Comparison with Other Devices
The Poco F1 can be compared to other devices in its price range, including the Redmi Note 7 Pro and the Realme 3 Pro. The Poco F1 has a more powerful processor and better camera performance than the Redmi Note 7 Pro, but it lacks the 48-megapixel primary sensor found on the Redmi device. The Poco F1 also has a longer battery life than the Realme 3 Pro, but it lacks the VOOC fast charging feature found on the Realme device.
Key Specifications
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Display | 6.18-inch IPS LCD, 1080 x 2246 pixels |
| Processor | Qualcomm Snapdragon 845 |
| RAM | Up to 8GB |
| Internal Storage | Up to 256GB |
| Rear Camera | Dual-camera setup, 12-megapixel primary sensor, 5-megapixel secondary sensor |
| Battery | 4000mAh, Quick Charge 3.0 |
Conclusion
The Poco F1 is a powerful and affordable smartphone that offers good performance, camera capabilities, and battery life. While it has some drawbacks, including its plastic build and average low-light camera performance, it is still a good option for those looking for a budget-friendly flagship device. If you are in the market for a new smartphone and are considering the Poco F1, we recommend checking it out. However, if you are looking for a device with a premium build and better camera performance, you may want to consider other options.
In terms of whether the Poco F1 is worth buying, the answer is yes. The device offers a lot of value for its price, and its performance, camera capabilities, and battery life make it a good option for those looking for a budget-friendly flagship device. However, it is essential to weigh the pros and cons and consider your specific needs and preferences before making a decision.
Is the Poco F1 still a good buy in today’s market?
The Poco F1, released in 2018, was a game-changer in the smartphone industry due to its flagship-level specifications at an affordable price. Although it’s been a few years since its release, the Poco F1 still offers impressive performance, thanks to its Qualcomm Snapdragon 845 processor and up to 8GB of RAM. This makes it suitable for demanding tasks like gaming and multitasking. Additionally, the phone’s large 4000mAh battery provides a full day of usage, and its fast charging capability ensures that you can quickly top up your battery when needed.
However, it’s essential to consider the phone’s limitations, such as its outdated software and lack of 5G support. The Poco F1 initially ran on Android 8.1 Oreo, but it has received updates to Android 10. While it’s still a stable and secure device, it may not receive the latest security patches or feature updates. Furthermore, the phone’s camera, although capable, may not match the quality of newer devices. Despite these drawbacks, the Poco F1 remains a good option for those seeking a budget-friendly device with reliable performance. If you can find it at a discounted price, it might be worth considering, especially if you’re not particular about having the latest and greatest features.
How does the Poco F1’s camera perform in different lighting conditions?
The Poco F1 features a dual-camera setup, consisting of a 12-megapixel primary sensor and a 5-megapixel secondary sensor. In well-lit conditions, the camera performs reasonably well, capturing images with good detail and color accuracy. The phone’s camera app also offers features like portrait mode, which uses the secondary sensor to create a bokeh effect. However, in low-light conditions, the camera’s performance is less impressive, with noticeable noise and a loss of detail. This is due to the limitations of the camera sensor and the lack of optical image stabilization.
In comparison to other devices in its class, the Poco F1’s camera is not the best, but it’s still capable of taking good photos. If you’re looking for a device with exceptional camera capabilities, you may want to consider other options. Nevertheless, for casual photography and social media sharing, the Poco F1’s camera should suffice. It’s also worth noting that the phone’s camera software has received updates over time, which have improved its performance. Additionally, the Poco F1’s front camera, which features a 20-megapixel sensor, is suitable for selfies and video calls, although it may not offer the same level of detail as newer devices.
Can the Poco F1 handle demanding games and graphics-intensive applications?
The Poco F1 is equipped with a powerful Qualcomm Snapdragon 845 processor, which provides a smooth gaming experience. The phone’s Adreno 630 GPU is also capable of handling graphics-intensive applications, making it suitable for playing popular games like PUBG Mobile and Fortnite. Additionally, the phone’s liquid cooling system helps to prevent overheating during extended gaming sessions. With up to 8GB of RAM, the Poco F1 can handle multiple tasks simultaneously, ensuring that your gaming experience is not interrupted by lag or slowdowns.
In terms of real-world performance, the Poco F1 can handle demanding games at high graphics settings, although you may need to adjust the settings to achieve a smooth frame rate. The phone’s display, which features a resolution of 2246 x 1080 pixels, is also suitable for gaming, offering good color accuracy and a responsive touch experience. However, it’s worth noting that the Poco F1’s gaming performance may not match that of newer devices, which feature more powerful processors and improved cooling systems. Nevertheless, for casual gaming and everyday use, the Poco F1 remains a reliable option, offering a good balance of performance and affordability.
How does the Poco F1’s battery life compare to other devices in its class?
The Poco F1 features a large 4000mAh battery, which provides a full day of usage, even with heavy use. The phone’s power-efficient processor and optimized software also help to extend its battery life. In comparison to other devices in its class, the Poco F1’s battery life is impressive, offering up to 8 hours of screen-on time. Additionally, the phone’s fast charging capability, which supports Quick Charge 3.0, allows you to quickly top up your battery when needed.
In real-world testing, the Poco F1’s battery life has been found to be reliable, with many users reporting a full day of usage without needing to recharge. However, battery life can vary depending on your usage patterns, with factors like screen brightness, network connectivity, and app usage affecting the phone’s power consumption. To extend the Poco F1’s battery life, you can also use features like power-saving mode, which limits background data usage and reduces screen brightness. Overall, the Poco F1’s battery life is one of its strongest features, making it a good option for users who need a device that can keep up with their active lifestyle.
Is the Poco F1’s software experience smooth and intuitive?
The Poco F1 runs on Xiaomi’s MIUI software, which offers a feature-rich and customizable experience. The phone’s interface is smooth and intuitive, with a clean design and responsive navigation. The Poco F1 also features a dedicated POCO Launcher, which provides a more streamlined experience, with features like app drawer and customizable icons. Additionally, the phone’s software has received regular updates, which have improved its performance and added new features.
However, some users may find the Poco F1’s software experience to be cluttered, with pre-installed apps and features that they may not need. The phone’s MIUI software also has a reputation for being resource-intensive, which can affect the device’s performance over time. Nevertheless, the Poco F1’s software experience is generally smooth and reliable, with few reports of bugs or glitches. If you’re familiar with MIUI or are looking for a device with a high degree of customization, the Poco F1 may be a good option. However, if you prefer a more stock Android experience, you may want to consider other devices.
Does the Poco F1 support the latest connectivity features, including 5G and Wi-Fi 6?
The Poco F1 supports a range of connectivity features, including 4G LTE, Wi-Fi 802.11ac, and Bluetooth 5.0. However, it does not support 5G connectivity, which may be a drawback for users who need the latest and fastest network speeds. The phone’s Wi-Fi capabilities are also limited to Wi-Fi 5, which may not offer the same level of performance as newer devices with Wi-Fi 6 support. Additionally, the Poco F1’s Bluetooth capabilities are suitable for wireless audio and file transfer, but may not offer the same level of range and reliability as newer devices.
In terms of real-world connectivity performance, the Poco F1 has been found to offer reliable and fast network speeds, with good coverage and signal strength. The phone’s Wi-Fi performance is also good, with fast download and upload speeds. However, if you need the latest connectivity features, including 5G and Wi-Fi 6, you may want to consider other devices. The Poco F1’s lack of support for these features may be a drawback for some users, but its affordable price and reliable performance make it a good option for those who prioritize value and functionality over the latest and greatest features.
Is the Poco F1’s build quality and design premium and durable?
The Poco F1 features a polycarbonate back and a metal frame, which provides a solid and durable build. The phone’s design is also premium, with a sleek and modern look that’s reminiscent of more expensive devices. The Poco F1’s display is protected by Gorilla Glass, which helps to prevent scratches and damage. Additionally, the phone’s buttons and ports are well-placed and responsive, with a tactile feedback that’s satisfying to use.
However, the Poco F1’s build quality and design may not be as premium as some other devices, with a plastic back that may not feel as luxurious as glass or metal. The phone’s weight and balance are also good, but may not be as refined as some other devices. Nevertheless, the Poco F1’s build quality and design are generally good, with a solid and durable construction that can withstand everyday use. If you’re looking for a device with a premium build and design, you may want to consider other options, but the Poco F1 offers a good balance of quality and affordability.