Poco F1
POCO

Poco F1

August 2018 8/10 Rating
In brief: The Poco F1, also known as Pocophone F1 outside India, was a groundbreaking smartphone launched by Xiaomi's sub-brand Poco. It was celebrated as a 'flagship killer' for offering top-tier specifications, including a powerful Snapdragon 845 processor and a large battery, at an aggressively competitive mid-range price point. This device aimed to deliver flagship-level performance without the premium cost, making high-end mobile technology accessible to a broader audience.
Display6.18-inch IPS LCD, 1080x2246 pixels.
ChipsetQualcomm Snapdragon 845.
Main CameraDual 12MP + 5MP.
Battery4000 mAh with 18W fast charging.
Starting from $272 in International

💰 Poco F1 Price in United States

The Poco F1 price in Sri Lanka is Rs. 63,990. The international price (India, USA, UK & most other countries) is around $272, based on current retailer listings.

⚖ Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Exceptional performance for its price, thanks to the Snapdragon 845.
  • Excellent battery life from the 4000 mAh cell.
  • Effective liquid cooling system prevents throttling during heavy use.
  • Includes a 3.5mm headphone jack, a rarity in modern flagships.
  • IR face unlock works reliably in various lighting conditions.

Cons

  • Polycarbonate build quality feels less premium compared to glass/metal rivals.
  • IPS LCD display, not AMOLED, which some competitors offered.
  • Camera performance, while good for the price, wasn't on par with true flagships.
  • Mono loudspeaker.
  • No NFC for contactless payments.
★ Our Verdict

The Poco F1 earns a high rating for its unparalleled value proposition at launch, delivering flagship-level performance and battery life at a mid-range price, despite some compromises in build materials and display technology.

The Poco F1, while a revolutionary device at its launch, is now an older model. If you're considering it today, it's likely for its historical significance, custom ROM potential, or as a very budget-friendly secondary device. Its Snapdragon 845 chipset still offers decent performance for basic tasks and some older games, but don't expect it to keep up with modern demanding applications or the latest Android versions officially. The camera, while capable for its time, will be outclassed by newer budget phones. Battery health on a used unit will be a significant concern. For daily use, consider newer alternatives that offer better software support, improved camera technology, and potentially more modern features like AMOLED displays and NFC, even if they don't match the raw processing power of the F1's original chipset at the same price point. However, for enthusiasts looking to tinker with custom ROMs or needing a powerful secondary device on a shoestring budget, a well-maintained Poco F1 could still be a compelling option.

📦 In The Box & Warranty

  • Poco F1 smartphone
  • 18W power adapter
  • USB Type-C cable
  • SIM ejector tool
  • Protective TPU case
  • User guide and warranty information

Poco phones typically come with an 18-month warranty, covering manufacturing defects when purchased from authorized channels, with service provided by Xiaomi or Poco authorized service centers.

❓ Questions & Answers

What made the Poco F1 so popular?

The Poco F1 gained immense popularity for offering flagship-level performance, specifically the powerful Qualcomm Snapdragon 845 processor, at an unprecedented mid-range price, earning it the nickname 'flagship killer'.

Does the Poco F1 have a good camera?

The Poco F1 features a dual 12MP + 5MP rear camera setup and a 20MP front camera. While good for its price point at launch, its camera performance was not considered on par with more expensive flagship phones of its era.

Is the Poco F1 still a good phone in 2026?

While the Snapdragon 845 chipset still offers decent performance for basic tasks, the Poco F1 is an older model. It lacks modern features like AMOLED displays and NFC, and official software support has ended, making it less ideal for daily use compared to newer budget phones. It might appeal to enthusiasts for custom ROMs.

What operating system does the Poco F1 run?

The Poco F1 originally launched with Android 8.1 (Oreo) with MIUI for Poco and was officially upgradable to Android 10.

Does the Poco F1 support fast charging?

Yes, the Poco F1 supports 18W fast charging with Qualcomm's Quick Charge 3.0 technology, and an 18W charger was included in the box.

What are the main differences between the Poco F1 and other flagships of its time?

The main differences were its polycarbonate body and IPS LCD display, which were compromises made to achieve its aggressive price point, whereas contemporary flagships often featured glass/metal builds and AMOLED screens. It also lacked NFC.