To anyone with any knowledge of Poco’s reputation and brand aims, the January 11 Poco X6 series launch and M6 launch event had no surprises. That being said, in the aftermath of the launch, it is hard to not feel impressed. Without the prestige of Apple or Samsung, Poco is still managing to exceed benchmark expectations with next-gen tech at budget prices. It’s a welcome balance, especially for anyone looking to improve their mobile gaming experience by any means.
But that isn’t Poco’s only target market now, as it looks to expand on a foothold secured over half a decade of success. This launch marked the latest development in affordable gaming devices, yes, and will excite anyone who wants the best mobile games to run at optimum levels, however, it should also pique the interest of consumers who have more standard expectations of their mobile, desiring a smooth and reliable experience at minimal cost. To that end, Poco has officially launched three new devices, at three different price points, all available from January 11 with early bird discounts: the Poco X6 Pro, the Poco X6, and the Poco M6 Pro.
The Poco X6 Pro is the headline act here, with the name of the game being speed and power. Equipped with the sparkly new Dimensity 8300-ultra chipset, the X6 Pro sets new benchmarks in performance, boasting a 54% improvement over its predecessor. Its efficiency isn’t just in speed but also in power usage, and this is paired with generous storage options.
The X6 also comes with Xiaomi’s highly-anticipated new operating system, the HyperOS promises a smooth, clean, and fast experience, with a focus on prioritizing user-preferred apps and maintaining long-term performance. With WildBoost Optimization 2.9, an in-house gaming tuning algorithm, the X6 Pro enhances loading speeds and gameplay, supported by an advanced cooling solution to sustain performance. This was all showed off with the help of the beloved Genshin Impact. Here, load speed improved by a whopping 98% from the previous generation device.
From a visual perspective, Poco continues to keep things stripped back and – arguably – unmemorable. The X6 Pro comes in three options, sleek black, grey, and a more eye-catching yellow in vegan leather. It also features Poco’s brightest display yet, with improved clarity and a higher screen-to-body ratio.
So, what’s the cost of all this? The Poco X6 Pro is priced at $299 for the 8GB + 256GB variant and $369 for the 12GB + 512GB model, with an early bird discount, reducing the latter to an affordable and highly competitive $339.
The next device to be unveiled by Poco was the Poco X6, described as the little sibling of the X6 Pro. The presented introduced the X6 as a robust mid-range option that could still provide an exceptional, though slightly less remarkable, gaming experience. Powered by the new Snapdragon 7s Gen 2 chipset, it closely mirrors the Pro model in performance and features, including the 1.5K CrystalRes and 64MP OIS camera. Available in black, blue, and snowy white, the X6 will be marketed as an affordable yet powerful choice, with prices starting at $229. With there being such minimal differences between the two models, it’s hard to imagine this cheaper variant not being incredibly popular among consumers who are interested in what Poco has to offer.
The event’s finale was the unveiling of the M6 Pro. Stripping back the gaming experience, this M6 Pro positions itself as a powerhouse in casual entertainment. If you use your phone primarily for its basic functions and social media app, this is the phone that Poco wants you to see. It’s still impressively kitted out, too with a 120Hz Flow AMOLED display and an OIS camera. The device also debuts the Helio G99 Ultra processor and offers 67W turbocharging, outperforming competitors with a full charge in just 44 minutes.
It’s also the cheapest option by some distance, and the lowest price mark comes in at $199 for the 8GB + 256GB variant, with the price ascending for consumers who want higher RAM and ROM options.
The release of the M6 Pro concluded the event, with Poco’s presented using it to pose a challenge to the brand’s rivals: “Be more awesome.” That is, certainly, what Poco is still aiming to do, raising the bar by offering next-gen, affordable offering devices that cater to gamers, tech enthusiasts, and everyday users alike.
There you have it, all you need to know about the impending Poco M6 Pro and X6 Series launch. For more fantastic smartphones, check out our guides to the best Google Pixel phones, best Samsung phones, and best Motorola phones. Or, if you’re looking for something a little more high-end from Xiaomi, see our Xiaomi 13T Pro review.