The latest entrant, the POCO M6 Plus 5G, arrives with a promise to elevate the entry-level experience through premium aesthetics and a high-resolution 108MP camera.
Having tested the device across various Indian terrains—from the humid streets of Mumbai to the bright sunlight of Delhi—we bring you an in-depth, human-first review of this budget powerhouse.
Whether you are a student looking for a reliable daily driver or a professional needing a secondary 5G device, this article explores every facet of this smartphone.
Design and Build: A Touch of Glass
One of the most striking features of the device is its build quality. While most competitors in the sub-₹15,000 segment opt for all-plastic bodies, POCO has introduced a dual-glass design. The glass back provides a premium hand-feel that is often reserved for more expensive mid-range phones.
Available in Graphite Black, Ice Silver, and Misty Lavender, the phone looks sophisticated. However, the glass back does make it slightly heavy at 205 grams. During our week-long usage, we found the weight distribution to be well-balanced, though the flat frames might feel a bit sharp for those with smaller hands. The IP53 rating for dust and splash resistance is a welcome addition for the Indian monsoon season.
Display: Fluidity Meets Scale
The POCO M6 Plus 5G sports a massive 6.79-inch Full HD+ LCD panel. What makes it stand out is the 120Hz AdaptiveSync refresh rate. In our testing, scrolling through Instagram and navigating the HyperOS UI felt incredibly smooth.
The peak brightness of 550 nits is adequate for indoor use. However, under direct afternoon sunlight in India, you might find yourself squinting slightly to read text. The inclusion of Corning Gorilla Glass 3 provides peace of mind against minor scratches, while the TUV Rheinland certifications ensure reduced eye strain during late-night scrolling.
POCO M6 Plus 5G Performance: The Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 AE Edge
Under the hood, the device is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 Accelerated Edition (AE). The “AE” signifies a boosted clock speed of up to 2.3GHz compared to the standard version.
- Multitasking: With up to 8GB of LPDDR4X RAM (and virtual RAM expansion), switching between apps like WhatsApp, YouTube, and Gmail is seamless.
- Gaming: For casual gamers, titles like Subway Surfers or Candy Crush run flawlessly. In more intensive games like BGMI, the phone handles “Smooth + Ultra” settings with ease, though you may notice slight warmth during extended sessions.
- Connectivity: Supporting several 5G bands, the device delivered consistent 5G speeds on both Jio and Airtel networks in various Indian cities.
POCO M6 Plus 5G Camera: 108MP of Clarity
The headline feature is undoubtedly the 108MP main camera utilizing the Samsung ISOCELL HM6 sensor.
- Daylight Photography: The images are sharp with respectable dynamic range. The 3x “In-Sensor Zoom” is surprisingly effective, capturing usable shots without the digital grain usually seen in budget zooms.
- Low Light: Without OIS (Optical Image Stabilisation), night shots can be hit-or-miss. However, the dedicated Night Mode does a decent job of brightening up the scene and reducing noise.
- Selfies: The 13MP front camera captures natural skin tones, which is a significant improvement over the over-processed looks of its predecessors.
POCO M6 Plus 5G Battery and Charging: Built for the Indian Hustle
Indian users prioritise battery life, and the 5030mAh battery does not disappoint. On a typical day involving heavy social media usage, an hour of navigation, and multiple calls, we consistently ended the day with 25-30% charge remaining.
The 33W fast charger (included in the box) takes the phone from 0% to 100% in approximately 70-75 minutes. While not the fastest in the industry, it is respectable for the price point.
POCO M6 Plus 5G Software: The HyperOS Experience
This is the first “M” series phone to ship with Xiaomi HyperOS based on Android 14 out of the box. The UI feels lighter and more intuitive than the older MIUI. POCO has committed to 2 major Android updates and 4 years of security patches, ensuring longevity. The only downside? Pre-installed bloatware. Thankfully, most of these apps can be uninstalled manually.
Technical Specifications At A Glance of POCO M6 Plus 5G
| Feature | Specification |
| Processor | Qualcomm Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 AE (4nm) |
| Display | 6.79-inch FHD+ LCD, 120Hz Refresh Rate |
| Rear Camera | 108MP Main + 2MP Macro |
| Front Camera | 13MP Selfie |
| Battery | 5030mAh |
| Charging | 33W Wired (USB Type-C) |
| Storage | 128GB (UFS 2.2), Expandable up to 1TB |
| RAM | 6GB / 8GB LPDDR4X |
| OS | HyperOS (Based on Android 14) |
| Build | Glass Front & Back, IP53 Rating |
| Weight | 205g |
Pros and Cons of POCO M6 Plus 5G
Pros:
- Premium glass back design usually found in expensive phones.
- Exceptional battery life that easily lasts over a day.
- 108MP camera performs brilliantly in well-lit conditions.
- Reliable 5G performance across major Indian carriers.
- 3.5mm headphone jack and IR blaster included.
Cons:
- Mono speaker setup (stereo speakers are missed).
- Presence of pre-installed bloatware.
- Slightly heavy at 205g.
- Display brightness could be better for outdoor use.
POCO M6 Plus 5G Verdict: Should You Buy It?
The POCO M6 Plus 5G is a well-rounded contender for anyone looking for a stylish 5G phone under ₹15,000. It balances aesthetics with a powerful entry-level chipset and a high-resolution camera. If you can overlook the mono speaker and some bloatware, it offers one of the best value-for-money propositions in India today.
Buy Here: Amazon India – POCO M6 Plus 5G
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) of POCO M6 Plus 5G
What is the price of POCO M6 Plus 5G in India? The price usually starts around ₹12,999 for the 6GB variant, though bank offers can bring it down further.
Is the back panel of the phone made of glass? Yes, it features a premium glass back, which is a rare highlight in this budget segment.
Does it support 4K video recording? No, it supports up to 1080p video recording at 30fps.
Does the box include a charger? Yes, a 33W fast charger is included in the retail box.
Is it good for gaming? It handles casual games easily and popular titles like BGMI at medium-to-high settings.
Does it have a dedicated microSD card slot? It uses a hybrid SIM slot, meaning you can either use two SIMs or one SIM and one microSD card.
What is the screen protection used? It comes with Corning Gorilla Glass 3 protection.
Does it support NFC? No, the Indian variant does not typically feature NFC.
How many 5G bands does it support? It supports 7 major 5G bands, covering all major Indian network requirements.
Is there a 3.5mm headphone jack? Yes, it is located at the top of the device.
Does it have an IR blaster? Yes, you can use it to control your AC, TV, and other appliances.
Is the POCO M6 Plus 5G waterproof? It has an IP53 rating, meaning it is splash-resistant but not fully waterproof.
Which Android version does it run? It runs on Android 14 with Xiaomi’s HyperOS skin.
How long does the battery last? With moderate use, it easily lasts 1.5 to 2 days.
Does it have a fingerprint sensor? Yes, it features a fast, side-mounted fingerprint sensor.
What is the weight of the phone? The phone weighs approximately 205 grams.
Is there any heating issue during charging? The phone stays relatively cool, though slight warmth is normal during fast charging.
Can I use virtual RAM? Yes, you can expand the RAM by up to 8GB using the internal storage.
Does it have an AMOLED display? No, it uses a high-quality FHD+ LCD panel.
Is it better than the Redmi 13 5G? Both share similar specs, but POCO often provides a more distinct design and competitive pricing during sales.
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