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Xiaomi

Xiaomi Pocophone F1

August 2018 8/10 Rating
In brief: The Xiaomi Pocophone F1, also known as Poco F1 in some markets, was a groundbreaking smartphone released in August 2018. It earned the nickname "flagship killer" by offering top-tier specifications, most notably the powerful Snapdragon 845 chipset, at an aggressively low price point. This made high-performance mobile technology accessible to a broader audience, despite some compromises in build materials and display quality.
Display6.18-inch IPS LCD, 1080p resolution
ChipsetQualcomm Snapdragon 845
Main Camera12MP + 5MP dual camera
Battery4000 mAh with 18W fast charging
Starting from $800 in International

💰 Xiaomi Pocophone F1 Price in United States

The international price (India, USA, UK & most other countries) is around $800, based on current retailer listings.

⚖ Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Exceptional performance for its price, thanks to Snapdragon 845
  • Excellent battery life from the 4000 mAh cell
  • LiquidCool Technology helps maintain performance during heavy use
  • Includes a 3.5mm headphone jack and stereo speakers
  • Expandable storage via microSD card

Cons

  • Polycarbonate (plastic) build quality feels less premium than glass/metal flagships
  • Lacks NFC, a common feature even on mid-range phones
  • Display is IPS LCD, not AMOLED, and has a noticeable notch and chin
  • Camera performance, while good for the price, doesn't match true flagships
  • Limited LTE band support in some regions, particularly the US
★ Our Verdict

The Pocophone F1 receives a high rating for its unparalleled value proposition at launch, delivering flagship-level performance and excellent battery life at a fraction of the cost of its competitors, despite some compromises in build and display quality.

The Pocophone F1, while no longer a new device, remains a testament to value-for-money. If you're considering it today, it's likely for its historical significance or as a very affordable secondary device. Its Snapdragon 845 chipset still offers decent performance for basic tasks and light gaming, but don't expect it to keep up with modern flagships. The camera is adequate for casual photos but won't impress compared to newer phones. The plastic build is durable but lacks a premium feel. Crucially, check for software support, as official updates have ceased, and consider the lack of NFC. For a primary device, newer budget options offer better cameras, displays, and longer software support, but for a nostalgic or ultra-budget secondary phone, the F1's raw power for its original price is still noteworthy.

📦 In The Box & Warranty

  • Pocophone F1 smartphone
  • USB Type-C cable
  • 18W power adapter (charger)
  • SIM ejector tool
  • Protective soft case
  • User guide and warranty card

The Pocophone F1 typically came with a standard 1-year limited warranty, covering handset defects under normal use, with some regions offering extended warranty periods or accidental damage cover through retailers.

❓ Questions & Answers

What made the Pocophone F1 a 'budget alternative' at its release?

The Pocophone F1 was considered a 'budget alternative' because it offered the flagship-level Qualcomm Snapdragon 845 processor, typically found in much more expensive phones, at a significantly lower price point, making high performance accessible to budget-conscious consumers.

Does the Pocophone F1 have NFC?

No, one notable omission on the Pocophone F1's spec sheet is NFC support.

What kind of display does the Pocophone F1 have?

The Pocophone F1 features a 6.18-inch IPS LCD display with a Full HD+ resolution (1080 x 2246 pixels) and Corning Gorilla Glass 3 protection.

What operating system did the Pocophone F1 launch with?

The Pocophone F1 launched with Android 8.1 Oreo, overlaid with MIUI 9.6 for POCO, and was upgradable to Android 10 and MIUI 12.

Is the Pocophone F1 suitable for gaming?

Yes, at its release, the Pocophone F1 was highly suitable for gaming due to its powerful Snapdragon 845 chipset and LiquidCool Technology, which helped maintain performance during demanding gaming sessions.

What was included in the box with the Pocophone F1?

Upon release, the Pocophone F1 typically came with the smartphone itself, a USB Type-C cable, an 18W power adapter for fast charging, a SIM ejector tool, a protective soft case, and a user guide along with warranty information.