The Poco F series is well-known for offering flagship-level performance at mid-range prices. Originally a sub-brand of Xiaomi, Poco quickly became a global entity, though it is still not available in mainland China. The series has seen unique developments, starting with the Poco F1 as the only original device, while later models have been rebranded versions of Redmi phones, mainly from the Redmi K series.
- Poco F1 (2018)
Released in 2018, the Poco F1 was a revolutionary smartphone featuring a flagship Snapdragon 845 processor, substantial RAM, and an attractive price. It swiftly gained popularity for its performance, battery life, and value, establishing the brand’s identity as a performance-focused option for budget-conscious buyers.
Evolution of the Series
Poco F2 Pro (2020)
Skipping the Poco F2, the lineup introduced the Poco F2 Pro in 2020, a rebranded Redmi K30 Pro. Available in select markets, the F2 Pro came with a Snapdragon 865 processor, a pop-up selfie camera, and a high-refresh-rate AMOLED display, maintaining the series' emphasis on performance and affordability.
Poco F3 (2021)
In 2021, the Poco F3 emerged as a rebranded version of the Redmi K40. It featured a Snapdragon 870 processor, a 120Hz AMOLED display, and a triple camera setup. This model further cemented Poco’s reputation for providing premium features at mid-range prices.
Poco F3 GT (2021)
Poco entered the gaming smartphone market with the F3 GT, a rebranded Redmi K40 Gaming Edition. Equipped with a MediaTek Dimensity 1200 processor, physical shoulder triggers, and a gamer-centric design, the F3 GT showcased Poco’s ability to appeal to niche markets while sticking to its core values.
Recent Developments
Poco F4 (2022)
The Poco F4, another rebranded device, served as the global variant of the Redmi K40S. It featured a Snapdragon 870 processor, a 120Hz AMOLED display, and an enhanced camera system.
Poco F4 GT (2022)
Poco’s second gaming smartphone, the F4 GT, was a rebranded Redmi K50 Gaming Edition. It came with a Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 processor, magnetic pop-up triggers, and a 120Hz AMOLED display, reaffirming Poco’s commitment to the gaming segment by offering high-end performance and specialized features.
Poco F5 (2023) and Poco F6 (2024)
With the Poco F5 and F6, Poco shifted its focus to the Redmi Note series. The Poco F5, a rebranded Redmi Note 12 Turbo, included a Snapdragon 7+ Gen 2 processor, high-refresh-rate AMOLED displays, and efficient camera systems. Likewise, the Poco F6, a rebranded Redmi Turbo 3, followed a similar trend.
The Future of Poco F Series
Since its inception, the Poco F series has evolved considerably. While it started with the innovative Poco F1, later models have largely been rebranded Redmi devices. This strategy has enabled Poco to offer competitive smartphones at attractive prices, appealing to a global audience seeking both value and performance. Whether Poco will return to creating original devices or continue to utilize Redmi’s technology remains to be seen. The Poco F series has undoubtedly left its mark on the smartphone industry by providing high-end features at accessible prices. As the series progresses, it will be intriguing to see how Poco navigates the competitive landscape while maintaining its identity as a brand that delivers outstanding value and performance.
