Poco X6 Neo Hands-on Review: Budget Friendly with a Few Catches

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The Poco X6 Neo has arrived, aiming to be a budget-conscious smartphone with features that don't skimp. We got our hands on this device to see if it lives up to the hype. Let's dive into the design, performance, camera, and battery life to help you decide if the Poco X6 Neo is the right choice for you.

Thin and Light Design

The Poco X6 Neo boasts the title of Poco's slimmest phone yet. It's comfortable to hold thanks to its lightweight plastic build and flat frame with a slight curve for better grip. The matte finish resists fingerprints, a welcome touch for those who hate smudges.

Smooth Display with a Caveat

The phone features a 6.67-inch 120Hz AMOLED display. Scrolling and navigating feel fluid, and the display is bright enough for most situations. However, unlike some competitors, it's a flat panel, not a curved one. This might be a minor point for some, but for users who prefer the aesthetics of curved displays, it's something to consider.

Performance: Hits and Misses

The Poco X6 Neo is powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 6080 chipset, paired with either 8GB or 12GB of RAM. Day-to-day tasks run smoothly, and you can play most games without issues. However, during our testing, we experienced occasional stutters when launching some apps. This may not be a dealbreaker for everyone, but power users might find it frustrating.

A Capable Camera System (Mostly)

The Poco X6 Neo sports a triple-camera system on the back, with a main 108MP sensor. In good lighting conditions, the camera takes decent photos with good detail and color reproduction. However, low-light performance is less impressive, with images appearing grainy and lacking detail. The 16MP selfie camera is sufficient for casual use but may not satisfy selfie enthusiasts.

Solid Battery Life with Fast Charging

The Poco X6 Neo packs a 5,000mAh battery, which easily lasts a full day on a single charge with moderate use. Heavy users might need to top up before the end of the day. The phone supports 33W fast charging, which can get you back up and running quickly.

Software: Familiar but Uncertain Upgrade Path

The Poco X6 Neo runs on MIUI 14, a familiar interface for Xiaomi users. While it offers plenty of customization options, it's not the latest software from Xiaomi. There's currently no word on when (or if) the phone will receive the newer HyperOS update.

Verdict: A Contender with Room for Improvement

The Poco X6 Neo offers a good value proposition for budget-minded users. The slim design, smooth display, and long battery life are all pluses. However, the occasional performance hiccups, average low-light camera performance, and uncertain software update path hold it back from being a slam dunk recommendation.

If you're looking for a no-frills phone with good battery life for everyday use, the Poco X6 Neo is worth considering. But if you prioritize top-notch performance, camera quality, or the latest software, you might want to look elsewhere.

Is the Poco X6 Neo right for you? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!