Highlights
- Dual-tone Orion Blue design with a striking gradient finish.
- 6.74-inch LCD with 90Hz refresh rate for smooth visuals.
- MediaTek Dimensity 6100+ SoC supports moderate gaming and daily tasks.
- 5,000mAh battery ensures all-day endurance with 18W fast charging capability.
The POCO M6 5G makes its entry into the increasingly competitive budget 5G smartphone market, offering a fresh option in a segment that certainly benefits from greater variety.
Priced at Rs 10,499, this new addition to the POCO lineup isn’t without its rivals, sharing several specifications with the Redmi 13C 5G, albeit with distinct design differences.
In this review of POCO M6 5G let’s focus on the handset’s unique aspects and how it stands up to the competition.
POCO M6 5G: Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| Affordable 5G support | Average camera quality |
| Attractive gradient design | Slow bundled charger |
| Long battery life | |
| Decent performance |
POCO M6 5G: Design and Display
The POCO M6 5G does stand out in the crowded smartphone market.
That much is apparent instantly with the colour combination on offer.
The Orion Blue variant I reviewed showcases a striking gradient finish, changing hues when light strikes its surface.
This aesthetic choice, while visually appealing, does have a downside: the phone’s surface easily attracts fingerprints and smudges.
Aesthetically, the POCO M6 5G follows the brand’s design ethos with a prominent rectangular black bar on the rear, housing two camera rings, an LED flash, and the text ‘AI CAM’, ’50MP’, and ‘POCO’.
In terms of ergonomics, the handset is user-friendly.
It features flat edges, contributing to a comfortable grip, and is made of plastic, which helps reduce wrist strain during extended use.
Its lightweight nature, at just 195 grams, further enhances the comfort of handling the phone.
Moving to the display, the POCO M6 5G is equipped with a 6.74-inch LCD screen, offering HD+ resolution and a 90Hz refresh rate.
The display includes a U-shaped notch for the selfie camera and is bordered by thick bezels.
While the display provides an average experience, it’s respectable considering the phone’s price point.
The colour balance and outdoor visibility are decent, thanks to the screen’s adequate brightness.
I am quite happy with the performance of the 90Hz panel which is slightly surprising given the budget price tag.
Overall, the device gives a standard visual appeal to content being viewed on the screen, appropriate to its segment.
POCO M6 5G: Cameras
Now coming to the camera system, while covering basic photography needs, the POCO M6’s optics unfortunately reveal their entry-level positioning with its performance.
The primary 50MP AI lens, accompanied by a 2MP depth sensor, delivers passable daytime shots.
However, these images often suffer from a lack of sharpness and detail, and the colours tend to be oversaturated.
The lack of good dynamic range is apparent, and the focus speeds are not the most optimum.
Indoor and low-light photography with the POCO M6 5G is a challenge.
Images tend to exhibit considerable noise, and while night mode offers some improvement, it comes at the cost of reduced stability.
There are also potential lens flare situations that can reduce the quality of the photo.
This issue extends to the 5MP selfie camera as well, which struggles with clarity and accurate skin tone representation in various lighting conditions.
In terms of video capture, the POCO M6 5G performs adequately in well-lit environments.
However, when I took it in more low-light situations, noise and lack of detail became more apparent.
The absence of an ultra-wide lens I feel is a notable omission, particularly as this feature is becoming increasingly common in smartphones within this price range.
My overall impression of the camera setup is that it is passable but should have gotten a bit more attention from the POCO team.
Poco M6 5G Day Video
Poco M6 5G Night Video
POCO M6 5G: Day Samples
Poco M6 5G Night Camera Samples
POCO M6 5G: Performance, Software, and Features
As for the performance, the POCO M6 5G is powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 6100+ SoC, showcasing a performance that aligns with its mid-range hardware specifications.
This processing power is complemented by up to 8GB of RAM, an additional 8GB of virtual RAM, and a generous 256GB of user-expandable storage.
POCO’s choice to use UFS 2.1 storage technology is a smart one, as it matches the phone’s supported maximum storage capability, ensuring efficient data handling.
In terms of performance benchmarks, the POCO M6 5G delivers results that are in line with expectations for this chipset and you can check out the benchmarking scores.
It handles light gaming adequately, though it’s not suitable for more graphics-intensive games like BGMI.
The audio experience of the POCO M6 5G is managed through a mono-firing speaker. While it can get quite loud, the sound quality isn’t particularly sharp or nuanced.
One of the highlights of this phone is its 5G capability, which performs reliably on networks like Airtel, offering a glimpse into the future of high-speed internet while being on a budget.
Finally, the side-mounted fingerprint scanner functions adequately for my needs.
The software experience is based on Android 13 with Xiaomi’s MIUI 14 overlay. However, users might have to wait sometime for the Android 14 update.
The presence of numerous pre-installed apps does make the software experience feel somewhat cluttered, which might be a point of consideration for users who prefer a more streamlined user interface.
POCO M6 5G: Battery and Charging
The POCO M6 5G comes equipped with a robust 5,000mAh battery, which is quite standard for current smartphones.
This battery capacity supports 18W fast charging, a feature that can significantly reduce charging time.
However, it’s worth noting that POCO has opted to include only a 10W charger in the box.
This choice results in a longer charging duration, taking over two hours to reach a full charge from 0 to 100 percent.
In terms of battery performance, the POCO M6 5G demonstrates impressive endurance.
Even under conditions that typically drain battery life faster – such as using a 5G SIM, enabling a high refresh rate, and setting the brightness to 80% – the device comfortably lasts a full day on a single charge.
POCO M6 5G: Final Verdict
While the POCO M6 5G stands out in many respects, particularly for those on a tight budget, it’s not without its competition and shortcomings.
Priced at Rs 10,999 for its base model, just Rs 500 more than the M6, is the POCO M6 Pro which offers better viewing, performance, selfie capabilities, and faster charging with its included 22.5W charger, despite supporting only 18W.
Furthermore, the M6 Pro is splash-resistant, adding to its value.
The POCO M6 5G works as a standard budget device with a functional design and a less-than-functional camera system.
Ultimately, if you are particularly drawn to the unique aesthetic of the POCO M6 and your budget is strictly limited, this phone could be a viable option.
5 Reasons to Buy
- Affordable 5G Connectivity
The POCO M6 5G offers budget-friendly access to 5G, making it an excellent choice for consumers looking to experience faster connectivity without breaking the bank.
- Long-Lasting Battery Life
With a robust 5,000mAh battery, the POCO M6 5G ensures extended usage throughout the day, making it ideal for heavy users.
- Attractive Dual-Tone Design
The smartphone’s unique dual-tone gradient finish, particularly in the Orion Blue variant, adds a stylish and distinct look that stands out.
Smooth Display Experience
The 90Hz refresh rate of the 6.74-inch LCD display provides a smooth visual experience, enhancing the enjoyment of content and games.
- Decent Everyday Performance
Equipped with the MediaTek Dimensity 6100+ SoC and up to 8GB of RAM, the POCO M6 5G handles daily tasks and light gaming
3 Reasons Not To Buy
- Average Camera Performance: The camera quality, especially in low-light conditions, is just average, which might be a letdown for photography enthusiasts.
- Slower Bundled Charger: Despite supporting 18W fast charging, the POCO M6 5G comes with a 10W charger, leading to longer charging times.
- Competitive Alternatives Available: In the same price bracket, there are better options like the POCO M6 Pro, offering improved features and overall value.
Top 5 Alternatives to the POCO M6 5G
Redmi 13C
Featuring a 6.74-inch display with a 90Hz refresh rate, the Redmi 13C offers a 50MP AI triple camera setup and an 8MP front camera.
Powered by a MediaTek Helio G85 processor, it includes a 5000mAh battery supporting 18W charging and up to 8GB of RAM.
Realme C67 5G
The Realme C67 5G is equipped with a MediaTek Dimensity 6100+ SoC, a 6.72-inch IPS display, and a 5000mAh battery.
It has a high-resolution camera capable of 8120 x 6180 pixels, 4 GB or 6 GB of RAM, and runs on Android 13.
Realme Narzo 60x 5G
This smartphone boasts a 6.72-inch display with a 120Hz refresh rate, a 50MP AI camera, and is powered by a MediaTek Dimensity 6100+ chipset.
It includes a 5000mAh battery with 33W charging and offers up to 6GB+6GB dynamic RAM.
Realme 11x 5G
The Realme 11x 5G features a 6.72-inch display, a 64MP AI camera, and a MediaTek Dimensity 6100+ 5G chipset.
It has a 5000mAh battery with 33W charging, up to 8GB+8GB dynamic RAM, and runs on Android 13 with Realme UI 4.0.
Moto G54
The Moto G54 offers a 6.5-inch display with a 120Hz refresh rate and a MediaTek Dimensity 7020 processor.
It features a 5000mAh/6000mAh battery with 20W/33W charging, a dual-camera setup with a 50MP main sensor, and comes in configurations of up to 12GB RAM.
Poco M6 5G Specs
GENERAL
| Sim Type | Dual Sim, GSM+GSM (Hybrid Slot) |
| Dual Sim | Yes |
| Sim Size | Nano SIM |
| Device Type | Smartphone |
| Release Date | December 22, 2023 (Expected) |
DESIGN
| Dimensions | 163.6 x 75.8 x 8.8 mm (6.44 x 2.98 x 0.35 in) |
| Bezel less | No |
DISPLAY
| Type | Color IPS LCD Screen (16M Colors) |
| Touch | Yes, 360 Hz Touch Sampling Rate |
| Size | 6.7 inches, 1080 x 2400 pixels, 120 Hz |
| Aspect Ratio | 20.5:9 |
| PPI | ~ 393 PPI |
| Screen to Body Ratio | ~ 89.06% |
| Glass Type | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 |
| Features | 360 Hz Touch |
| Notch | Yes, Punch Hole |
MEMORY
| RAM | 6 GB |
| Storage | 64 GB |
| Storage Type | UFS 3.1 |
| Card Slot | Yes, (Hybrid Slot), upto 1 TB |
CONNECTIVITY
| GPRS | Yes |
| EDGE | Yes |
| 3G | Yes |
| 4G | Yes |
| 5G | Yes |
| VoLTE | Yes |
| Wifi | Yes, with wifi-hotspot |
| Bluetooth | Yes, v5.3, A2DP, LE |
| USB | Yes, USB-C |
| USB Features | USB Tethering, USB on-the-go, USB Charging |
| IR Blaster | Yes |
EXTRA
| GPS | Yes, with A-GPS, GLONASS, BEIDOU |
| Fingerprint Sensor | Yes, Side |
| Face Unlock | Yes |
| Sensors | Ambient Light Sensor, Proximity Sensor, E-Compass, Accelerometer, Gyroscope |
| 3.5mm Headphone Jack | Yes |
CAMERA
| Rear Camera | 64 MP f/1.8 (Wide Angle) 13 MP f/2.2 (Ultra Wide) 2 MP (Depth Sensor) with autofocus |
| Features | HDR, AI Portrait Mode, Pro Mode, AI Scene Detection, Night Mode, Short Video, Slow Motion, Time Lapse, Panorama, AI Watermark |
| Video Recording | 1080p @ 30 fps FHD |
| Flash | Yes, LED |
| Front Camera | Punch Hole 16 MP f/2.45 (Wide Angle) |
| Front Video Recording | 1080p @ 30 fps FHD |
TECHNICAL
| OS | Android v13 |
| Chipset | Mediatek Dimensity 6100 Plus |
| CPU | 2.2 GHz, Octa Core Processor |
| Core Details | 2xCortex-A76@2.2 GHz & 6xCortex-A55@2.0 GHz |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MC2 |
| Java | No |
| Browser | Yes |
MULTIMEDIA
| Yes | |
| Music | Yes |
| Video | Yes |
| FM Radio | No |
| Document Reader | Yes |
BATTERY
| Type | Non-Removable Battery |
| Size | 5000 mAh, Li-Po Battery |
| Fast Charging | Yes, 67W Fast Charging |
FAQs
What are the key design features of the POCO M6 5G?
The POCO M6 5G boasts a dual-tone design with an eye-catching Orion Blue gradient finish. It also features a rectangular black camera bar, housing a 50MP AI lens, and a comfortable, lightweight build.
How does the display of the POCO M6 5G perform?
The device comes with a 6.74-inch LCD screen offering HD+ resolution and a 90Hz refresh rate. It provides a decent visual experience, balancing color and brightness effectively for its price range.
What is the camera performance like on the POCO M6 5G?
The primary 50MP AI camera, supported by a 2MP depth sensor, delivers average daytime photos with a tendency for oversaturation and lack of sharpness. Low-light performance and selfie quality are modest, reflecting its entry-level positioning.
What are the performance capabilities of the POCO M6 5G?
Powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 6100+ SoC, the phone handles daily tasks and light gaming adequately. It comes with up to 8GB of RAM and 256GB of storage, providing sufficient capacity for most users.
When and where is the POCO M6 5G going on sale in India?
The POCO M6 5G is available for purchase starting December 26, 2023, at 12 PM IST. It is exclusively sold on Flipkart, featuring attractive launch offers for early buyers.
What are the special offers available for the POCO M6 5G?
ICICI Bank Credit and Debit cardholders can enjoy a flat Rs 1,000 discount on their purchase made today.
This offer significantly reduces the price of the base variant to under Rs 10,000.
What are the different variants and pricing of the POCO M6 5G?
The POCO M6 5G is available in three variants: 4GB RAM + 128GB storage at Rs 10,499, 6GB RAM + 128GB storage at Rs 11,499, and the 8GB RAM + 256GB storage variant at Rs 13,499.
What are the key specifications of the POCO M6 5G?
Key features include a MediaTek Dimensity 6100+ 5G SoC, a 6.74-inch HD+ 90Hz display, up to 16GB RAM, up to 256GB storage expandable to 1TB, a 50MP AI Dual Camera, and a 5000mAh battery with 33W charging.
What operating system does the POCO M6 5G run on?
The POCO M6 5G operates on Android 13 with Xiaomi’s MIUI 13 interface, offering users a customizable and user-friendly experience.
What are the main features of the POCO M6 5G’s display?
The smartphone sports a 6.74-inch HD+ screen with a 90Hz refresh rate, offering smooth and vibrant visuals.
The addition of Corning Gorilla Glass adds to the durability, protecting the display from daily wear and tear.
Can you elaborate on the camera capabilities of the POCO M6 5G?
The POCO M6 5G is equipped with a 50MP AI Dual rear camera, which is expected to deliver detailed and vibrant photos in various lighting conditions.
The phone also features a front-facing camera, which will be thoroughly tested in terms of selfie and video call quality in the upcoming detailed review.
What about the performance and battery life of the POCO M6 5G?
Powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 6100+ 5G SoC and up to 16GB RAM, the POCO M6 5G is poised to offer robust performance.
It houses a 5000mAh battery with 33W fast charging, suggesting a long battery life even with heavy usage. The device’s performance and battery efficiency will be further evaluated in the detailed review.
How does the camera setup of the POCO M6 5G enhance photography?
The POCO M6 5G boasts a 50MP AI dual camera setup, designed to capture high-quality images and videos.
The primary camera, paired with an AI lens, promises detailed and vibrant photography, catering to various shooting scenarios.
How do the displays of the POCO M6 and M6 Pro differ?
The POCO M6 sports a 6.74-inch HD+ display with a standard 90Hz refresh rate, suitable for typical smartphone usage.
The M6 Pro upgrades this experience with a slightly larger 6.79-inch FHD+ display, featuring an adaptive refresh rate that adjusts to content, enhancing both visual quality and battery performance.
What are the processing capabilities of the POCO M6 and M6 Pro?
The POCO M6 is equipped with MediaTek’s Dimensity 6100+ SoC, delivering reliable daily performance.
The M6 Pro, powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 SoC, provides a more potent performance, especially in more intensive tasks and gaming, owing to Qualcomm’s industry-leading efficiency and power management.
Which POCO model offers better camera features?
While both the POCO M6 and M6 Pro feature a primary 50MP camera, the Pro version enhances its photographic capability with an 8MP front camera and an additional 2MP depth sensor for richer portrait shots, making it the better option for photography enthusiasts looking for budget-friendly options.
What makes the POCO M6 Pro a potentially better value than the POCO M6?
Despite the POCO M6’s appealing price point starting at Rs 10,499, the M6 Pro begins at Rs 10,999, offering incremental upgrades in display, camera, and performance for a modest price increase.
The Pro variant’s additional features may justify the extra cost for users seeking a more feature-rich experience.
Also Read: POCO M6 5G Goes on Sale in India on Flipkart with Special Offers
Also Read: POCO M6 5G First Impressions: An Impressive Entry in the Budget 5G Segment?
Also Read: POCO M6 vs POCO M6 Pro: Which is the Best Budget 5G Phone in India?
Also Read: POCO M6 5G Launched in India With Dimensity 6100+ SoC: Pricing, Features, and Availability