Design and Display
For those who appreciate dual-tone aesthetics, the POCO M6 5G stands out with its eye-catching design. Staying true to POCO’s signature style, the device features a black rectangular bar housing two camera rings, an LED flash, and etched branding like “AI CAM,” “50MP,” and “POCO.”
The Orion Blue color variant, reviewed here, boasts a gradient finish that shimmers under light. However, the glossy surface easily attracts fingerprints and smudges. Unfortunately, the phone lacks an IP rating, so it’s best to keep it away from water and dust. Its flat edges make it comfortable to hold, and the lightweight plastic build (195 grams) allows for extended usage without wrist strain.
The POCO M6 5G comes with a 6.74-inch LCD display offering HD+ resolution, a 90Hz refresh rate, and a U-shaped notch for the selfie camera. The bezels are relatively thick, resulting in an average viewing experience. However, the colors are well-balanced, and the brightness is adequate for outdoor use. Complementing the display is a mono speaker that delivers loud, if not entirely crisp, audio. Security is handled by a reliable side-mounted fingerprint scanner.
Price in USD: Starting at $126 USD for the base variant.
Cameras
The POCO M6 5G’s camera setup consists of a 50MP AI primary sensor, a 2MP depth sensor, and a 5MP front camera. While daylight photos are acceptable, they lack sharpness and detail, with colors appearing oversaturated. Low-light and indoor photography introduces noticeable noise, which is only partially mitigated by night mode—albeit at the cost of stability. Selfies also exhibit limited clarity and occasionally inaccurate skin tones. Overall, the photography experience is decent but aligns with expectations for an entry-level smartphone.
Performance and Software
Powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 6100+ chipset, the POCO M6 5G is paired with up to 8GB of RAM (plus 8GB of virtual RAM) and up to 256GB of expandable storage. The device runs MIUI 14 based on Android 13, offering a smooth and user-friendly experience.
The phone handles day-to-day activities like browsing, messaging, and social media scrolling effortlessly. It also supports graphically demanding games, though you might need to adjust settings for optimal performance. However, pre-installed apps and bloatware can detract slightly from the user experience.
Battery and Charging
The POCO M6 5G is equipped with a 5,000mAh battery that supports 18W fast charging. However, the phone comes bundled with only a 10W charger, which takes over two hours to fully charge. Using an 18W charger reduces charging time to about 90 minutes.
Once fully charged, the phone easily lasts a full day of moderate usage. In the PC Mark battery test, the handset achieved an impressive score of 9 hours and 35 minutes.
Final Verdict
The POCO M6 5G is a well-rounded device for budget-conscious users but faces stiff competition. Priced at ₹10,499 ($126 USD) for the base 4GB RAM and 64GB storage model, it is overshadowed by its sibling, the POCO M6 Pro, which costs just ₹500 ($6 USD) more and offers a better display, improved performance, enhanced selfie capabilities, and faster charging with an included 22.5W charger. Additionally, the M6 Pro features IP53 splash resistance, a significant advantage in this price range.
Another notable competitor is the iTel P55, which outperforms the POCO M6 in benchmark tests. However, it lacks the stylish dual-tone design that distinguishes the POCO device.
Conclusion
If you value design and are working within a tight budget, the POCO M6 5G is a decent choice, offering solid performance, a durable build, and reliable battery life. However, for a slightly higher investment, the POCO M6 Pro provides greater value with superior features. The introductory price of ₹9,499 (~$114 USD) for ICICI card users adds to the appeal of the POCO M6, making it a worthy consideration for entry-level smartphone buyers.
