Xiaomi Poco F5 Pro is one of the most talked-about smartphones of 2023, which is still a hot choice for gamers, amateurs and just demanding users. But should you buy it in 2026, when new models have already appeared on the market? And which one is better to choose - Poco F5 Pro or its competitors like Redmi K60 Pro, Realme GT Neo 5 or even flagship devices of the past years?
In this article, we will break down the key features of the Poco F5 Pro, compare it with the main alternatives, analyze the pros and cons, and give specific recommendations on who this smartphone will suit best.
Xiaomi Poco F5 Pro: What’s Under the Hood?
Xiaomi Poco F5 Pro is based on Qualcomm’s flagship Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 chipset, one of the most powerful processors of 2022. Even in 2026, it remains relevant for most tasks, including heavy gaming, multitasking and video processing. But how good is it compared to new chips?
Among other key characteristics:
- 📱 AMOLED-screen 6,67 resolution 3200×1440 and frequency of renewal 120 Hz (adaptive to 1 Hz for battery saving).
- 🔋 Battery 5160 mAh with support for fast charging of 67 W (full charge per unit) ~45 minutes).
- 📸 Main camera with 64 MP (Sony) IMX787) + super-wide 8MP module + macro 2 MP.
- 🎮 Cooling system with liquid chamber and graphite to prevent trottling.
- 💾 Memory: 8/12 GB of RAM and 256 GB ROM (UFS 3.1).
On paper, the Poco F5 Pro looks like a near-flagship, but with a price markedly lower than the top models. However, there are nuances: for example, the lack of official 5G support in some regions (depending on the firmware) and not the top-end module of the main camera compared to the Xiaomi 13 Pro or Samsung Galaxy S23.
Poco F5 Pro vs Redmi K60 Pro: Which is better?
One of the most common questions is how the Poco F5 Pro differs from the Redmi K60 Pro, because both devices are built on the same Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 chipset and have similar screens.
| Parameter | Xiaomi Poco F5 Pro | Redmi K60 Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Screen. | AMOLED, 6,67", 3200×1440, 120 Hz | AMOLED, 6,67", 3200×1440, 120 Hz |
| Main camera. | 64 MP (IMX787) | 54 MP (IMX766) + 8 MP periscope (5×zom) |
| Battery | 5160 mAh, 67 Wh | 5000 mAh, 120 watts |
| Design | Plastic frame, glass back panel | Metal frame, premium glass |
| Price (2026) | ~35 000 ₽ | ~40 000 ₽ |
Which one is better?
- 🎮 For gamers: Poco F5 Pro thanks to better cooling and optimization for games.
- 📸 For photos: Redmi K60 Pro due to periscopic zoom and a more balanced camera.
- 🔋 For fast charging: Redmi K60 Pro with 120 watts vs. 67 watts of Poco.
- 💰 Price/Quality ratio: Poco F5 Pro is cheaper with almost identical performance.
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If you want zoom and premium design, take the Redmi K60 Pro. If you want maximum performance for less money, the Poco F5 Pro.
Poco F5 Pro vs Realme GT Neo 5: Battle of the gaming smartphone
The Realme GT Neo 5 is another popular competitor in the “almost flagship” segment, which is also built on the Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1, but has a number of differences that can be critical for some users.
The main advantages of the GT Neo 5:
- 🔥 144 Hz screen (vs. 120 Hz for Poco) – relevant for eSports games.
- 🎨 AMOLED-matrix with peak brightness of 1400 nits (Poco has 1200 nits).
- 🔋 Charging 150 watts - full charge for ~17 minutes!
The Poco F5 Pro has its own trump cards:
- 📸 Best Main Camera (64 MP vs 50 MP from Realme).
- 🎮 More efficient cooling (less trottling in long sessions).
- 💾 More memory options (up to) 12/256 GB vs. 16/256 GB at Realme, but without a slot for the card).
Details on trolling in games
Who's gonna do what?
⚠️ Note: If you play frequently PUBG Mobile, Call of Duty or Genshin Impact at maximum settings, Poco F5 The Pro will be more stable. Realme is better for everyday tasks and fast charging. GT Neo 5.
Should I Buy the Poco F5 Pro in 2026?
In 2026, the Xiaomi Poco F5 Pro is not new, but it is still a viable choice for several categories of users.
- 🎮 Gamers on a budget: this is one of the cheapest smartphones with Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 that pulls all modern games.
- 📺 Multimedia lovers: screen 3200×1440 supportive HDR10+ And stereo speakers make it a great choice for watching movies.
- 🔧 Those who love customization: Poco F5 Pro supports unlocking the loader and installing custom firmware.
When you should NOT buy:
- 📸 If you want a flagship zoom or night shot – the camera here is good, but not top-end.
- 🆕 If you want the latest technology (like Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 or 200 MP camera).
- 🔄 If you care about long-term updates – Poco traditionally gets fewer updates than flagship Xiaomi or Samsung.
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Before buying, check if the Poco F5 Pro 5G supports in your region. In some countries (e.g. Russia), some bands may be blocked at the firmware level.
Poco F5 Pro Alternatives: What to Consider in 2026
If Poco F5 Pro doesn’t work for you, here are a few decent alternatives in the same price range (~30 000 — 45 000 ₽):
| Model | Pluses | Cons | Price (2026) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Xiaomi 12T Pro | 200 MP camera, Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 | No wireless charging, weak autonomy | ~38 000 ₽ |
| OnePlus 11R | Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1, 120Hz screen LTPO | Weak camera, no official sale in Russia | ~40 000 ₽ |
| Samsung Galaxy S22+ | Dynamic AMOLED 2X screen, 4 years of updates | Exynos 2200 (weaker than Snapdragon) is more expensive | ~45 000 ₽ |
| Nothing Phone (2) | Unique design, Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 | Medium camera, weak autonomy | ~42 000 ₽ |
Critical: if you want maximum performance for a reasonable amount of money, the Poco F5 Pro and Redmi K60 Pro remain the best options in their segment even in 2026. Flagships like the Samsung Galaxy S23 or Xiaomi 14 are objectively better, but also cost 1.5-2 times more.
Poco F5 Pro: What to look for before buying
Like any smartphone, the Poco F5 Pro is not without its flaws, and here are the most common user complaints and ways to address them:
- 🔋 Fast battery discharge in games: when used actively (e.g., Genshin Impact at maximum), the battery runs down in 3-4 hours. Solution: Enable power saving mode in Settings → Battery.
- 📡 Problems with 5G In some regions: some bands may not work.Solution: check your operator's support on FrequencyCheck.
- 🎵 Weak speaker sound at maximum: some users note distortions. Solution: use headphones or update firmware (in newer versions) MIUI sound improved).
- 📱 Overheating when charging: especially if you play while connecting to the network.Solution: do not use your smartphone while charging fast.
⚠️ Note: If you are buying Poco F5 Pro hand-held, be sure to check battery status through the engineering menu (#4636##) or the AccuBattery app. Many used devices have battery wear of more than 30%, which greatly reduces battery life.
☑️ What to check before buying Poco F5 Pro b/w
Where to buy Xiaomi Poco F5 Pro cheaper?
Prices for the Poco F5 Pro in 2026 vary by region and seller, and this is where you should look for bargains:
- 🛒 Official stores: Xiaomi Store, Svyaznoy, M.Video - here the warranty is 12 months, but the price is usually higher by 5-10%.
- 🌍 Chinese marketplaces: AliExpress, Joybuy - you can find cheaper, but the risk of running into "gray" imports with unofficial firmware.
- 🔄 Used market: Avito, Yula, Facebook Marketplace - prices from 25 000 ₽, but a thorough check is required (see checklist above).
- 🏷️ Sales: Watch the stock on Ozon, Wildberries and Telegram channels like @sdelkin_ru.
Advice: if you buy a new smartphone, it is better to take in official stores - so you will get a full warranty and original firmware.
- 🔋 Battery condition (capacity should be not lower than 4500 mAh of 5160 mAh).
- 📡 Operation of all antennas (Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, GPS, 5G).
- 🎮 Performance in benchmarks (AnTuTu, Geekbench).
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When buying on AliExpress, choose sellers with a rating above 98% and reviews about the Poco F5 Pro. Pay attention to the comments about the firmware - some devices come with Chinese MIUI without Google services.