POCO Xiaomi: what is this line of smartphones and why it stands out against the background of Redmi and Mi

POCO — One of the most mysterious lines in the portfolio of Xiaomi, which appeared on the market with high-profile announcements, then suddenly disappeared from official directories. Today, the brand is again at the peak of popularity, but many users still confuse. POCO With Redmi or Mi, without understanding the difference, this article will take a look at the history of the line, its philosophy, its key technical features, and help you decide whether to choose the line. POCO 2026.

Smartphones POCO Originally marketed as “flagship killers,” devices with top-end specs for the price of the mid-range, the brand’s strategy has evolved over time, with both low-end models for gamers and near-flagship devices with advanced chipsets. The main difference POCO Redmi's focus on performance, not cameras or design. If you're looking for a smartphone for gaming, multitasking or long-term autonomy without overpaying for a brand, this line is worth looking at.

But there are pitfalls: not all models POCO Officially delivered to Russia, and updates MIUI They sometimes come out later than Redmi or Mi, and the brand is experimenting with design and materials, which users don't always like. POCO They are better (or worse) than their competitors and what to look for when buying.

History of the brand POCO: from experiment to independent line

Linea POCO She debuted in 2018 with the Pocophone model. F1 — smartphone, which made a splash thanks to the chipset Snapdragon 845 (flagship at the time) and the price is lower $400 The device became the world's first mass-produced liquid-cooled gadget with a dedicated button to launch Google Assistant. F1 The brand has been silent for a long time: the following models (POCO F2 Pro, POCO X3) It was released only in 2020, already under the auspices of Xiaomi as a sub-brand.

From 2020 to 2022 POCO It existed as an independent unit within Xiaomi, but in 2023 the brand was once again integrated into the core structure of the company. POCO It is intermediate between Redmi (budget) and Xiaomi (premium) and the line’s main objective is to offer maximum performance for minimal money, while sacrificing some “chips” like bezel-less design or super-powerful cameras.

• 📅 2018: Pocophone release F1 — The first smartphone line with Snapdragon 845 and price $300–$400.
• 🔄 2020: Rebranding in the POCO (without "Phone" and release POCO F2 Pro with a retractable front camera.
• 🎮 2021: Focus on gaming models — POCO F3 GT shoulder-triggered AMOLED-120Hz screen.
• 📉 2022–2023: Decline in brand activity, model launches only for Indian and Chinese markets.
• 🚀 2026: Revival POCO model POCO F6 and POCO X6 Pro, focused on the global market.

⚠️ Attention: Models POCO by 2020 (e.g. Pocophone) F1) No official updates to Android 12+. If you need the latest firmware, choose devices not older than 2021 release.

POCO vs Redmi vs Xiaomi: What’s the difference and who is the right fit

The main difference POCO Redmi and Xiaomi are the target audience, and while Redmi is aimed at the mass buyer with a focus on price-performance balance, Xiaomi is aimed at the premium segment with advanced cameras and design, then POCO It focuses on performance and gaming, and it's manifested in processor choices, cooling systems, and even firmware.

For example, POCO F5 Redmi Note 12 Pro+ They can have the same chipset (Snapdragon 7).+ Gen 2), but in POCO It will also have more aggressive cooling, support for high screen refresh rates and optimization for gaming, while Redmi’s cameras are often better, with the brand paying more attention to photo capabilities.

Who's right? POCO?

• 🔋 Those who appreciate autonomy: capacious batteries (up to 5000 mAh) and fast charging (up to 120 W).

Who doesn't fit. POCO?

• 📸 Photographers: cameras in POCO Redmi is often inferior to the same price range.
• 🔄 Those who want to keep up with the updates: POCO It often gets updates later than Redmi or Xiaomi.

Current models POCO 2026: Comparison and recommendations

In 2026, the line POCO presented in several series:

• POCO F – flagship models with top-end chipsets (for example, POCO F6 Pro on Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1).
• POCO X – Middle segment with emphasis on gaming capabilities (e.g, POCO X6 Pro with Dimensity 8300-Ultra).
• POCO M – budget devices for basic tasks (for example, POCO M6 Pro on Snapdragon 4 Gen 2).
• POCO C – overbudget smartphones (for example, POCO C65 helio G85).

Let’s look at the most interesting models in more detail:

Important nuance: models POCO F6 Pro and POCO X6 Pro in Russia sold under the name Redmi K70 redmi K70E So it's rebranded across markets, and technically, the devices are identical, but the firmware may be different.

Selection recommendations:

• 🏆 For maximum productivity: POCO F6 Pro (Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 – the best choice for games and heavy tasks.
• 🎯 Optimal Price/Quality Relationship: POCO X6 Pro (Dimensity 8300-Ultra) — half-priced flagship.
• 💰 Budgetary option (c) AMOLED-screen: POCO X6 (Snapdragon 7s Gen 2 – ideal for everyday tasks.
• 📱 The cheapest smartphone with 90 Hz: POCO M6 Pro (Snapdragon 4 Gen 2) is suitable for social networks and video.

⚠️ Attention: Models POCO for the Indian market (for example, POCO X6 5G India) may not support all bands 4G/5G Check compatibility with operators before buying via FrequencyCheck.

Firmware and Updates: What You Need to Know Before Buying

All smartphones POCO work MIUI, But with some modifications of your own. POCO Launcher defaults no weather applet on the home screen, and the icons have a more "game" design. POCO Frequently there are corporate functions:

• 🎮 Game Turbo – a mode for games with notification blocking and performance optimization.
• 🔋 Ultra Battery Saver extends autonomy to 24+ clock at 5% charge.
• 🔊 Dolby Atmos and Hi-Res Audio – improved sound in headphones.

However, with updates to the POCO not all smooth:

• 📅 Support Term: Most models receive 2-3 major Android updates (versus 3-4 for Redmi).
• ⏳ Update delays: firmware for POCO Sometimes it comes 1-2 months later than Redmi with the same chipset.
• 🌍 Regional restrictions: Global versions (Global) ROM) It is more stable than the Chinese or Indian ones.

How to check the relevance of updates?

1. Go to Settings → About the phone → System update.
2. Compare the version. MIUI with the official list on the Xiaomi website.
3. If the updates are not available for more than 6 months, the model is likely no longer supported.

Design and ergonomics: pros and cons

Smartphones POCO It's often criticized for its massive design and plastic enclosures, but there's a reason for this approach: plastics are better at removing heat, and large dimensions allow you to accommodate capacious batteries and powerful speakers, POCO F6 The Pro weighs 209 grams at 8.6 mm thick, but does not overheat even in long gaming sessions.

Typical design features POCO:

• 🔲 Rectangular shapes with flat edges (like the iPhone), but without premium materials.
• 🔊 Stereodynamics with support for Dolby Atmos (in models from the POCO X6 higher).

Cons of ergonomics:

• ⚖️ Weight: Most models are heavier than 200 grams.
• 📏 Dimensions: even "compact» POCO have a screen diagonal of 6.67".
• 🧲 No magnetic attachment for accessories (unlike iPhone or Samsung).

The cells in POCO: should expect miracles?

If you choose a smartphone for the sake of photography, POCO — The brand never put a lot of emphasis on cameras, even on top-end models. POCO F6 The Pro core module has a resolution of 50 MP (versus 200 MP for Xiaomi 14 Ultra:

• 📷 Main camera: usually 48–64 MP with aperture f/1.8 (It works well during the day, but loses to flagships at night).
• 🌃 Night shooting: in POCO X6 Pro appeared Night Mode 2.0, but it is inferior to Google Pixel or Huawei.
• 🎥 Video: Support 4K@30fps and 1080p@60fps, but without advanced stabilization.
• 🔍 Ultrashire and macro: usually 8 MP with an angle of 120° (medium-quality).

Comparison with Redmi: For example, POCO X6 Pro and Redmi Note 13 Pro+ have the same core module (200 MP), but Redmi has better processing algorithms and optical stabilization.

💡

If you like photography, but you like productivity POCO, Consider installing a Google Camera (GCam) through Magisk.This can greatly improve detail and color.

Where to buy POCO 2026: Official and Unofficial Channels

Officially. POCO In Russia, it is presented in limited form – most models are sold through the:

• 🌐 AliExpress (global versions with seller’s warranty).
• 🏬 M-Video, Citilink, Svyaznoy (rebranded Redmi K).
• 📦 Xiaomi Russia official website (rare models like this one) POCO X5).

What should I check when buying?

1. Firmware Region: Global Version (Global) ROM) Supports Russian language and Google services. Chinese versions (China) ROM) require reflashing.
2. Network ranges: models for India may not support LTE Band 20 (800 MHz) is important for Russian operators.
3. Warranty: When buying on AliExpress, choose sellers with a 98 rating%+ 1 year warranty.

Prices for popular models (2026):

⚠️ Warning: When buying on AliExpress, avoid models marked "For India" - they may not support Russian frequencies 4G and have a limited guarantee.

💡

If you're buying POCO For games, pay attention to models with Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 or Dimensity 9000+ — They provide maximum performance in heavy games like Genshin Impact or Call of Duty Mobile.

FAQ: Frequent questions about POCO smartphones