The Pocophone F1, known to many as POCO F1, represents one of the most disruptive movements in the recent history of Android smartphones.. Xiaomi, through its subsidiary POCO, burst into the market with a device that, while maintaining a price clearly below the competition, offered some high-end technical features, radically changing consumer perceptions of what a powerful mobile phone should cost.
In contrast to the trend of accepting prices close to or exceeding 1.000 euros, Xiaomi opted for a different formula: Top-level hardware, sufficiently durable materials, and optimized user experience, all at a very reasonable price. With this strategy, the Pocophone F1 has become not only a real alternative to the most expensive flagships, but also A true benchmark for those seeking maximum performance without sacrificing efficiency and upgrades.
Pocophone F1 and Xiaomi: a commitment to democratizing the high-end
POCO and Xiaomi's strategy with the Pocophone F1 was simple but disruptive: Bringing the power of top-of-the-range models to an audience that until then could only opt for the mid-rangeThe design left premium materials in the background to focus on the experience: Robust polycarbonate, resistance to daily use and ergonomics without sacrificing robustness.
- Dimensions: 155,5 x 75,2 x 8,8 mm
- Weight: 182 g
- Display: 6,18-inch IPS LCD, 2246 x 1080 px resolution, 18,7:9
- Material: high-strength polycarbonate
Polycarbonate, far from the luxury of glass or the coldness of metal, offers practical advantages: Better shock absorption, fewer marks and greater lightness. The notch and pronounced frames are accepted as concessions in exchange for a very competitive price without affecting functionality.
High-level technical performance at a mid-range price
El Pocophone F1 stands out for its Snapdragon 845 processor at 2,8 GHz, one of the most advanced for smartphones during its launch, and for its memory options:
- RAM: versions of 6 and 8 GB
- Storage: 64, 128 and 256 GB, expandable via microSD
These components, together with the system of Liquid cooling and advanced thermal management, provide the device with outstanding power for gaming, intensive multitasking, and everyday usability. Thanks to cooling, The F1 manages to maintain stability even during long sessions of demanding games..
Do you want to remove the notch from the Pocophone F1? The community has developed several methods to customize the display to your preferences, further improving the user experience.
Operating system and user experience: The device came from the factory with Android 8.1 and MIUI for POCO (a lightweight and optimized version of Xiaomi's popular layer), ensuring fast updates and smooth performance. The terminal has subsequently received major updates such as Android 10 and MIUI 11, adding advanced features and security enhancements.
The Pocophone F1 cameras: dual sensors and software improvements
The Pocophone F1's photographic system integrates a dual rear camera of 12 MP (main, with f/1.9 aperture and dual pixel technology) + 5 MP (secondary depth sensor) and a 20 MP front camera. The commitment to quality sensors and the integration of artificial intelligence allow:
- Sharp, colorful photos in broad daylight
- Portrait mode with bokeh, supported by the secondary sensor
- Smooth and configurable automatic HDR
- AI scene recognition to optimize shots
The MIUI software has received continuous updates that have improved nighttime capture, HDR performance, and video stability. It is possible to record 4K video and shoot slow motion shots at up to 960 fps, outperforming many similarly priced devices.
Daily performance and autonomy
El Pocophone F1 is positioned as one of the most powerful smartphones in its price range.Extended use, whether browsing, multitasking apps, or playing demanding games, demonstrates that performance remains stable thanks to the combination of optimized hardware and software.
- Battery 4.000 mAh, allowing for more than a day of intensive use
- Quick charge thanks to the included Quick Charge 3.0 technology
- Energy optimization through individual app management in MIUI
An exemplary update policy: Android 10 and MIUI 11
One of the highlights of the Pocophone F1 is the Xiaomi and POCO's commitment to software updates and security patches. The terminal, despite being positioned outside the premium range, has received Android 10 and MIUI 11, incorporating:
- System stability and security improvements
- Optimization in notification management and personalization
- New customization modes, dark theme, and gesture navigation improvements
- Advanced gaming modes (Game Turbo), which increase performance during extended sessions
- Expanded support for screen recording, RAM management, and app cleanup to ensure smooth operation
Game Turbo It has been one of the most celebrated functionalities, allowing:
- Automatic resource optimization during gameplay: Frees RAM, increases GPU priority, manages notifications to avoid interruptions
- Temperature control to avoid overheating problems
- Screen recording and quick network and brightness adjustments without leaving the game
This capability, inherited from higher-end Xiaomi models, demonstrates the brand's interest in keeping a reasonably priced device up to date. For example, the Pocophone F2 was born as an evolution of the F1 to continue improving on Xiaomi improvements..
Troubleshooting, continuous improvements, and community feedback
Since its launch, Xiaomi and POCO have maintained a constant communication with Pocophone F1 users, quickly solving the most reported problems:
- Widevine L1 and HD video support: Under investigation and subsequently resolved with updates.
- Support for major games like Asphalt 9: fixed by software update.
- Zoom on YouTube: Fixed in MIUI revisions.
- Battery percentage and network speed: Configurable options and notification improvements.
- Notifications and app icons: Fine-tuning top bars and expanding customizations.
- Notch and information display: : redesign and options to hide or show the notch.
- 4K support for video recording: progressively implemented in the following versions.
- "O” and other voice commands: Expanded support in global updates.
- Audio issues in games like PUBG Mobile: solved in collaboration with the developers of the apps involved.
- Manually optimizing connection speed: : possibility of advanced settings in the MIUI system.
These adjustments are the result of constant feedback from the user community and demonstrate a clear orientation towards the real user experience.
Screen, sound and multimedia experience
The Pocophone F1, although it does not reach the excellence of the AMOLED screens of the flagships, is equipped with a 6,18-inch IPS display with FHD+ resolution (2246 x 1080 px) or with a Brightness reaching 500 nits in auto modeColor calibration and viewing angles are sufficient for most situations, although the tendency toward cool tones and less coverage of gamuts like DCI-P3 are logical concessions for the price.
In terms of sound, the F1 stands out for offering:
- stereo audio via external speaker and headset
- 3,5 mm minijack for conventional headphones
- Equalizer and audio profiles customizable in MIUI
The sound system is powerful, with a volume that far exceeds 110 dB, and the option to adjust audio styles for different models of Xiaomi headphones or compatible brands.
Security, privacy and connectivity
The device incorporates IR facial recognition, rear fingerprint sensor and the possibility of block apps individually, which reinforces privacy.
In terms of connectivity, the Pocophone F1 includes:
- dual SIM with 4G/LTE support
- Wi-Fi 802.11ac, Bluetooth 5.0
- USB Type-C with fast charging and fast data transfer
- Absence of NFC, one of the few concessions of the terminal
- Support for high-quality audio codecs (AAC, aptX, aptX-HD, LDAC)
Repairability and spare parts support
One of the advantages of the Pocophone F1 is its ease of repair and availability of spare parts on the market. Thanks to the use of simple materials and modular components, users can:
- Replace the 6,18-inch IPS LCD screen following detailed guides and using appropriate tools, although it is recommended to consult a professional to avoid damage.
- Replace the 4.000 mAh battery (non-removable) by opening the housing and direct replacement.
- Change the rear or front cameras In case of failure, disconnecting the modules from the motherboard.
This approach of modular design and repairability facilitates maintenance and prolongs the life of the terminal.
Comparison with the competition and user perception
The independent comparisons with contemporary models underline that the Pocophone F1 offers a performance similar to terminals that cost three times as much, such as flagships from Samsung, Huawei, and other brands. Benchmarks show outstanding CPU, GPU, and battery life figures, and real-world user experience (multitasking, gaming, multimedia) supports these technical results. Xiaomi continues to grow in Spain in mobile phones and accessories.
POCO Launcher: Personalization and Optimization on Android
El POCO Launcher, featured on the F1, allows advanced control over the appearance and organization of apps: , support for icon packs, gesture navigation, hiding the notch, and customization. It also offers intuitive notification management and shortcuts, ensuring a smooth and lightweight experience.
Pocophone F1 review after several generations
The Pocophone F1 marked a before and after By offering, at a historically low price, a combination of power, battery life, and user experience that challenged the entire industry. Its update policy, rapid troubleshooting, and the involvement of its user community demonstrate how it's possible to keep a device relevant and functional well beyond its first year on the market. Xiaomi, a popular manufacturer in the market.
For those looking for a durable smartphone with customizable features, easy repair, and solid performance even compared to newer generations, the Pocophone F1 remains a strong option.
What do you think about the Pocophone F1? Do you think Xiaomi and POCO made the right decision by democratizing the high-end with this model? Leave your thoughts in the comments and share your experience with this iconic smartphone.
I have read the components it has well and it seems to me an excellent mobile