POCO X6 Neo 5G : In the ever-evolving landscape of smartphones, POCO has consistently pushed the boundaries of what’s possible in the mid-range segment.
The POCO X6 Neo 5G, launched on March 13, 2024, stands as a testament to the brand’s commitment to delivering feature-rich devices at competitive price points.
This comprehensive review delves into the various aspects of the X6 Neo 5G, exploring its design, performance, camera capabilities, and overall value proposition in the crowded sub-₹20,000 smartphone market.
POCO X6 Neo 5G Design and Build Quality
The POCO X6 Neo 5G immediately catches the eye with its sleek and premium design.
Measuring 161.11 x 74.95 x 7.69 mm and weighing a mere 175 grams, the device strikes an excellent balance between screen real estate and ergonomics.
The phone’s slim profile and curved edges make it comfortable to hold and operate with one hand, a feature that’s becoming increasingly rare in today’s market of large smartphones.
Available in three striking colors – Astral Black, Horizon Blue, and Martian Orange – the X6 Neo 5G caters to diverse aesthetic preferences.
The Martian Orange variant, in particular, stands out with its unique peach-like hue that’s sure to turn heads.
The plastic back panel, while not as premium as glass, doesn’t feel cheap and features a matte finish that resists fingerprints and smudges.
The front of the device is dominated by a 6.67-inch display with minimal bezels, offering an immersive viewing experience.
The side-mounted fingerprint sensor is quick and reliable, adding to the phone’s modern appeal.
POCO has also incorporated an IP54 rating for dust and splash resistance, a welcome feature in this price range that adds a layer of durability to the device.
POCO X6 Neo 5G Display
The POCO X6 Neo 5G boasts a 6.67-inch AMOLED display with a resolution of 1080 x 2400 pixels, resulting in a crisp 395 ppi density.
The 20:9 aspect ratio makes the phone ideal for multimedia consumption and multitasking.
With support for 1 billion colors, the display delivers vibrant and accurate color reproduction.
One of the standout features is the 120Hz refresh rate, which ensures smooth scrolling and fluid animations.
This high refresh rate is particularly noticeable when navigating the UI, scrolling through social media feeds, or playing compatible games.
The peak brightness of 1000 nits ensures excellent outdoor visibility, even under direct sunlight.
The display also incorporates features like Always-on Display and Dark mode, enhancing user convenience and reducing eye strain during prolonged use.
Protected by Corning Gorilla Glass 5, the screen offers decent protection against scratches and minor drops.
POCO X6 Neo 5G Performance and Hardware
Under the hood, the POCO X6 Neo 5G is powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 6080 chipset.
This octa-core processor, built on a 6nm process, strikes a balance between performance and energy efficiency.
The CPU configuration includes two Cortex-A76 cores clocked at 2.4 GHz and six Cortex-A55 cores at 2.0 GHz.
This setup ensures smooth performance for everyday tasks and can handle demanding applications with ease.
The Mali-G57 MC2 GPU provides capable graphics performance, allowing for a smooth gaming experience in most modern titles.
While it may not match the performance of flagship GPUs, it’s more than adequate for the majority of users in this price segment.
POCO offers the X6 Neo 5G in two RAM and storage configurations:
8GB RAM with 128GB storage
12GB RAM with 256GB storage
The UFS 2.2 storage ensures quick app launches and fast data transfer speeds.
The inclusion of a microSDXC card slot (using the shared SIM slot) allows for storage expansion, addressing potential concerns about limited internal storage.
In terms of benchmark performance, the POCO X6 Neo 5G scores around 445,887 on AnTuTu v10, and achieves single-core and multi-core scores of 759 and 1941 respectively on GeekBench.
These scores position it competitively within its price range, offering a good balance of performance for day-to-day tasks and moderate gaming.
POCO X6 Neo 5G Camera System
The camera setup is one of the highlights of the POCO X6 Neo 5G, offering versatility and quality that’s impressive for its price point. The rear camera system includes:
108 MP main camera (f/1.8, 0.64µm) with PDAF
2 MP depth sensor (f/2.4)
The main 108 MP sensor is the star of the show, delivering impressive results in various lighting conditions.
It uses pixel-binning technology to produce detailed 12 MP images by default, with the option to capture full 108 MP shots when needed.
The large sensor size allows for excellent low-light performance and dynamic range.
While the lack of an ultra-wide camera might disappoint some users, the main sensor’s high resolution allows for good-quality digital zoom, partially making up for the absence of dedicated telephoto hardware.
The 2 MP depth sensor assists in creating more natural-looking bokeh effects in portrait mode shots.
The front-facing camera features a 16 MP sensor, capable of capturing detailed selfies in good lighting conditions.
It also supports various AI-enhanced beautification features and portrait mode effects.
Video capabilities include 1080p recording at 30fps for both the rear and front cameras.
While not class-leading, the video quality is more than adequate for casual use and social media sharing.
POCO has incorporated various software features to enhance the photography experience, including AI scene recognition, night mode for low-light photography, and a Pro mode for manual control over camera settings.
POCO X6 Neo 5G Battery Life and Charging
The POCO X6 Neo 5G is equipped with a 5000 mAh battery, which provides ample power for a full day of moderate to heavy use.
The efficient Dimensity 6080 chipset, coupled with software optimizations, contributes to the phone’s impressive battery life.
One of the standout features is the 33W fast charging capability. POCO claims that this technology can charge the phone from 0 to 50% in just 30 minutes, with a full charge taking around 90 minutes.
This rapid charging speed is a significant convenience for users who are always on the go and need quick top-ups throughout the day.
POCO X6 Neo 5G Software and User Experience
The POCO X6 Neo 5G runs on MIUI 14, based on Android 13. While not the latest version of Android, MIUI 14 offers a feature-rich experience with various customization options.
Features like Dynamic Effects, Ultra Game Mode, and performance optimizations enhance the overall user experience, especially for gaming enthusiasts.
However, it’s worth noting that MIUI comes with a fair amount of pre-installed apps, some of which can be uninstalled while others cannot.
This bloatware situation might be a concern for users who prefer a cleaner, more stock-like Android experience.
The software also includes privacy and security features such as App Lock, Private Safe, and Kid’s Mode, providing users with control over their data and device usage.
POCO has committed to providing software updates, though the exact duration of support hasn’t been specified at the time of writing.
POCO X6 Neo 5G Connectivity and Additional Features
As the name suggests, the POCO X6 Neo 5G supports 5G connectivity, future-proofing the device for the next generation of mobile networks.
It also supports Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, Bluetooth 5.3, and GPS (including GLONASS, GALILEO, and BDS), covering all modern connectivity standards.
The device includes a USB Type-C port for charging and data transfer, and retains the 3.5mm headphone jack, a feature that’s becoming increasingly rare in modern smartphones.
It also supports 24-bit/192kHz audio, providing high-quality sound output for audiophiles.
Additional features include an IR blaster, allowing the phone to be used as a remote control for various appliances, and a side-mounted fingerprint sensor that doubles as the power button.
POCO X6 Neo 5G Price and Value Proposition
The POCO X6 Neo 5G is positioned as a premium mid-range device, with pricing that’s highly competitive for the features offered:
8GB RAM / 128GB storage: ₹15,999
12GB RAM / 256GB storage: ₹17,999
At these price points, the X6 Neo 5G offers excellent value for money, competing directly with devices from brands like Realme, Redmi, and Samsung in the sub-₹20,000 segment.
It often matches or exceeds their offerings in key areas like display quality, camera capabilities, and overall performance.
POCO X6 Neo 5G Conclusion
The POCO X6 Neo 5G is a well-rounded smartphone that excels in several key areas.
Its sleek design, vibrant 120Hz AMOLED display, capable camera system, and fast charging capabilities make it a compelling option in the mid-range segment.
While it may not boast the absolute top-tier specifications found in more expensive devices, it strikes an excellent balance between performance, features, and affordability.
The device is particularly appealing to users who prioritize:
A high-quality display for media consumption
Good camera performance, especially in well-lit conditions
5G connectivity for future-proofing
Long battery life with fast charging support
A slim and lightweight design
However, potential buyers should consider a few drawbacks:
The presence of bloatware in MIUI
The lack of an ultra-wide camera
Running on Android 13 instead of the latest Android 14
Despite these minor shortcomings, the POCO X6 Neo 5G represents strong value in the mid-range smartphone market.
It combines style, performance, and imaging capabilities in a package that offers excellent bang for the buck.
For users who want a feature-rich 5G smartphone without breaking the bank, the POCO X6 Neo 5G is certainly worth considering.
In the ever-competitive Indian smartphone market, POCO has once again demonstrated its ability to deliver a product that balances cost and features effectively.
The X6 Neo 5G is not just another entry in the crowded mid-range segment; it’s a statement of POCO’s understanding of what users in this price bracket truly value.
As 5G networks continue to expand across India, devices like the X6 Neo 5G will play a crucial role in making next-generation connectivity accessible to a broader audience.