Chinese smartphone maker Poco has unveiled its latest mid-range smartphones – the Poco X6 and Poco X6 Pro – at an online launch event in India. The devices pack impressive specs and the latest software at aggressive price points, continuing Poco’s strategy of offering high value-for-money devices.
Poco X6 Pro Leads with Cutting-Edge Dimensity 8300 Chip
The hero product of the launch is the Poco X6 Pro, which features MediaTek’s latest Dimensity 8300 processor. This 5nm chip uses Arm Cortex-A78 cores and delivers substantially faster CPU and GPU performance compared to its predecessor.
Key specs and pricing of the Poco X6 series:
| Device | Poco X6 | Poco X6 Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Processor | Snapdragon 778G | MediaTek Dimensity 8300 |
| RAM/Storage | 6GB/128GB 8GB/256GB |
8GB/256GB |
| Display | 6.7″ FHD+ 120Hz AMOLED | 6.7″ FHD+ 120Hz AMOLED |
| Main Camera | 64MP | 108MP |
| Battery | 5,000mAh 67W charging |
5,000mAh 67W charging |
| Software | MIUI 14 based on Android 13 | MIUI 14 based on Android 13 |
| Price (INR) | ₹17,999 ₹19,999 |
₹24,999 |
Analysts have lauded Poco’s move to bring MediaTek’s latest premium-midrange chip to a phone costing just ₹24,999. This should allow the Poco X6 Pro to outclass rivals relying on older 700-series Snapdragons.
Familiar Design and Software with Upgrades Under the Hood
Apart from the new Dimensity chip, the Poco X6 Pro is quite similar to the Redmi Note 12 Pro+ which launched in China recently. Both phones share the same 6.67-inch FHD+ Samsung AMOLED display with Dolby Vision support and 120Hz refresh rate.
The rear camera system is also identical, with a 108MP Samsung HM6 primary sensor accompanied by an 8MP ultra-wide camera and 2MP macro unit. This triple camera setup performed very well in our review of the Note 12 Pro+.
On the software side, Poco has updated to MIUI 14 based on Android 13 out of the box. This brings improved privacy protections, theming options, widgets and other features. Poco also makes several tweaks to vanilla MIUI to offer what it calls a “smooth user experience.”
The Poco X6 gets a toned down 6nm Snapdragon 778G chip but retains the AMOLED 120Hz display, 5,000 mAh battery and 67W fast charging support. It also packs a capable 64MP main camera and the same software as its Pro sibling.
Aggressive Pricing Despite Rupee Depreciation and Inflation
Despite significant depreciation of the Indian Rupee versus the US dollar and global inflationary pressures over the past year, Poco has managed to price its new X6 series very competitively.
The base 6GB/128GB Poco X6 trim costs just ₹17,999, while the high-end 8GB/256GB Poco X6 Pro carries a reasonable ₹24,999 price tag. These are amongst the lowest launch prices for phones with premium AMOLED panels, fast chargers and the latest Android version in 2023.
Industry watchers believe Poco managed to pull off such aggressive pricing thanks to parent company Xiaomi’s massive economies of scale and vertically integrated business model. By controlling critical hardware and component supply chains in-house, Xiaomi likely optimized costs enough to account for negative macroeconomic factors.
Poco Continues Growth Trajectory in India’s Competitive Market
With the X6 series, Poco strengthens its position in India’s hotly contested smartphone market. It has posted impressive growth over the past three years despite competition from players like Samsung, Vivo, Oppo and Realme.
Poco now ranks among the top 5 smartphone brands in India by shipments. It has gained popularity amongst young tech enthusiasts due to its innovative product features and value positioning.
The brand will hope to leverage the strong specifications and pricing of the new X6 and X6 Pro to gain further market share through 2023. Initial response from reviewers and consumers across India has been very positive, likely translating to healthy sales volumes.
Observers expect Poco to continue gaining share this year, with an outside chance at overtaking Vivo for the #3 spot if momentum remains strong.
Outlook Positive but Challenges Remain
On the whole, the latest launches reinforce Poco’s credentials as a youth-centric technology brand offering premium features at reasonable prices. If it can ensure good supply chain management and after-sales support, the sky is the limit for Poco in fast-growing markets like India.
However, there are potential headwinds to contend with as well. An impending global recession later this year could dampen smartphone demand. Competitors are also gearing up for counterattacks after losing share to Poco over the past year.
Nonetheless, the Poco X6 series launches set the stage nicely for Poco to make further inroads in 2023. With innovative products like these, Poco has emerged as one of the rising stars in India’s smartphone galaxy.
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