POCO F5 Pro Review: Balance of Performance and Affordability
POCO has carved a niche for itself by offering high-performance smartphones at budget-friendly prices, and the POCO F5 Pro is no exception. It is marketed as a “flagship killer” with powerful hardware, a vibrant display, and a solid camera system. Does it live up to expectations, or are there compromises hidden beneath its impressive spec sheet? This in-depth review covers every aspect to help you make an informed decision.
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Key Specifications
- Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1
- Display: 6.67-inch WQHD+ AMOLED, 120Hz refresh rate
- Battery: 5160mAh with 67W wired and 30W wireless charging
- Camera: Triple-lens system (64MP primary, 8MP ultrawide, 2MP macro)
- Operating System: MIUI 14 for POCO (based on Android 13)
- Storage: 256GB / 512GB with 8GB or 12GB RAM
- Connectivity: 5G, Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.3
Unboxing Experience
The POCO F5 Pro arrives in a sleek, black-and-yellow box reflecting POCO’s signature branding. Inside, you’ll find:
- The POCO F5 Pro smartphone
- 67W fast charger
- USB-C cable
- Transparent protective case
- SIM ejector tool
- Quick start guide
The charger and case are a nice addition in a world where most brands are dropping these extras.
Design, Build Quality, and Handling
The F5 Pro sports a glass back with a matte finish, framed by a lightweight polycarbonate edge. Coming at an affordable price, this phone feels premium in hand. It weighs just 204g and measures 8.6mm in thickness, achieving a good balance between heft and usability.
It features minimalist design with a clean camera module at the back, well-placed buttons, and a sturdy but not slippery build. It misses out on the IP certification; hence, one might be a bit concerned for those who desire water and dust resistance.
Display, Battery Life, and Charging Speed
The 6.67-inch WQHD+ AMOLED display is a highlight of the POCO F5 Pro. With a 120Hz refresh rate and 1400 nits peak brightness, it delivers vibrant colors, deep blacks, and excellent sunlight visibility. The HDR10+ support makes it a treat for streaming content on platforms like Netflix and YouTube.
Other remarkable aspects include a 5160mAh battery which supports more than one day’s worth of moderate and heavy activities, and charging time from 0% to 100% at 67W wired can do it within a little more than 45 minutes. What’s more special for this category of device is 30W wireless charging that further enhances its features.
Software and Performance
Powered by the Snapdragin 8+ Gen 1, the POCO F5 Pro is certainly a performance behemoth. Performance-wise, be it gaming or multitasking-intensive apps, POCO will handle everything at ease. Its lag-free scenario is also perfectly paired with a maximum of 12GB of RAM and an LPDDR5 storage.
Supported by MIUI 14 for POCO, based on Android 13, software is smooth and feature-rich though, MIUI often installs bloatware along with ads, which may not appeal to some. Better aspects include customizations, as well as productivity features such as split-screen multitasking and floating windows.
Camera: Photo and Video Quality
The triple-camera setup of the POCO F5 Pro delivers fair performance in that aspect.
64MP Main Camera: Provides crisp, detailed shots during the day. Night mode is good but not one of the best in its class.
8MP Ultra-Wide: Potentially good enough for landscapes, but distortion creeps in at the edges.
2MP Macro: A limited addition that comes handy in perfectly created situations, but lacks diversity.
This front-facing 16MP camera is good for taking selfies with natural skin tones. Video performance is on point, at 4K at 30fps and 1080p at 60fps, with decent stabilization for casual recording.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Stunning WQHD+ AMOLED display
- Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 delivers flagship-level performance
- Long-lasting battery with fast wired and wireless charging
- Premium design with a matte finish
- Competitive pricing
Cons:
- MIUI bloatware and occasional ads
- Ultrawide and macro cameras are average
- No IP certification on water/dust resistance
- Limited software update commitment
Price and Availability
The POCO F5 Pro starts at $449 for the 8GB/256GB variant and goes up to $499 for the 12GB/512GB version. It is available globally through POCO’s official website, Amazon, and other e-commerce platforms.
Is it Available in India?
Yes, the POCO F5 Pro is available in India, starting at ₹35,999 for the base variant. Indian consumers can purchase it from Flipkart, MI Stores, and authorized retail outlets. Pre-order bonuses and exchange offers make it even more attractive.
Final Verdict
The POCO F5 Pro is an attractive option for those who want flagship-level performance without the price tag. It has a bright display, a strong chipset, and great battery life, making it one of the best value-for-money smartphones in its class. But its lack of IP certification and MIUI’s ad-heavy ecosystem might be a turn-off for some.
Why Buy?
- Exceptional performance for gaming and multitasking
- Stunning display with high brightness and smooth refresh rate
- Long battery life with fast wired and wireless charging
- Competitive pricing for a flagship-grade experience
Why You Should Not Purchase It
- It lacks water and dust resistance.
- Bloatware and ads in the software experience
- Average ultrawide and macro camera performance
For anyone looking for both performance and aesthetic appeal on an affordable budget, the POCO F5 Pro hits an excellent balance: it’s absolutely a perfect product for 2025 for this target group if one is okay with the device’s minor faults.
