Xiaomi is launching three new Poco smartphones, its mid-range sub-brand. And surprise, the Poco X6 5G, X6 Pro 5G and M6 Pro are the first models equipped with HyperOS, the new in-house software overlay!
We thought that the next Xiaomi 14, unveiled in China last month, would be the brand’s very first smartphone to officially host the new HyperOS in-house software overlay. Highly anticipated, it is supposed to replace the aging MIUI on a large number of Xiaomi mobiles (a little less than a hundred models are affected) during the year 2024. But surprise, it is not a Xiaomi smartphone that opens the ball but three mobiles branded Poco the sub-brand of the Chinese giant which has made a specialty of high-performance devices at lower cost. On the program are therefore three smartphones: the Poco X6 5G, X6 Pro 5G, and M6 Pro. Note that for the moment, only the best-off and most expensive model, the X6 Pro 5G benefits from HyperOS. The others will be updated very quickly.
Xiaomi HyperOS: what does it change?
For several months now we have been hearing about HyperOS, Xiaomi’s software overlay for Android (but not only) which will eventually replace the current MIUI which has powered Xiaomi, RedMi and Poco smartphones for over a decade. This system is supposed to give a little freshness to the interface but also to be prepared for the future with better control of the Internet of Things (IoT). The goal is to create a complete and homogeneous ecosystem with all in-house products, from smartphones to electric cars, including watches, tablets, TVs, scooters, etc. Xiaomi has not yet elaborated too much on the impact of HyperOS. Concerning smartphones, we know that it would be more stable over time by not gaining weight over time. Updates should also be less cumbersome and, in fact, require less storage space and less time to download. The space occupied by the system on smartphones must also be reduced to less than 10 GB. Finally, HyperOS should be more fluid, better manage energy (with longer battery life as a result) and accommodate easily multitask.
We were able to handle the Poco X6 Pro 5G equipped with HyperOS for several days. If you already know MIUI and are waiting for a radical change, it’s lost. Visually, there are many similarities between the old system and the new one. On this Poco is connected to fiber via a WiFi router 6).
As for its application, it took more than 8 minutes. Not enough to jump to the ceiling then. In the end, the system takes up 8.7 GB of storage space. But the smartphone is still new and has been used very little. You will have to wait a little to check if, as Xiaomi announces, it does not take up more space over time.
Among the visual changes made, we find the redesigned shortcuts pane. It now occupies the entire screen once unfolded with well-drawn round icons.
Lock screens are getting a little facelift. The models offered as well as the possible aesthetic settings to modify the presentation of the time and other information are reminiscent of what we find on iOS or on Google’s Pixel smartphones.
We have not noticed any other changes to the interface compared to what MIUI already offers. But perhaps this Poco is not well enough to benefit from all the improvements offered by Xiaomi with this new HyperOS.
Poco smartphones: high-performance mid-range models
If HyperOS leaves us a little unsatisfied for the moment, it is different with the new Poco X6, X6 Pro and M6 Pro which inaugurate the new system. The range is available in five models with a starting price of 300 euros.
POCO X6 Pro 5G
12 GB -512 GB: €419.90
8 GB – 256 GB: €349.90
Poco X6 5G
12 GB – 512 GB: €369.90
12 GB – 256 GB: €329.90
8 GB – 256 GB: €299.90
Poco M6 Pro
12 GB – 512 GB: €299.90
8 GB – 256 GB: €229.90
What differentiates the X6 from the X6 Pro is above all the processor. On the former, we make do with a Qualcomm Snapdragon 7s Gen 2 while the Pro models feature a MediaTek Dimensity 8300-Ultra.
A new SoC whose performance can easily rival that of a Snapdragon 8 Gen 2, the star of last year’s high-end smartphones. This is one of the main strengths of this smartphone. By offering it at this price (420 euros in the most advanced version), Xiaomi is setting the bar very high for the competition. The device is particularly comfortable with games as we have seen on the model in our possession for a few days.
The M6 Pro model welcomes for the first time from Poco a Helio G99-Ultra SoC which should also be comfortable with multimedia apps but does not manage 5G.
Please note: all models are delivered with a 67 W charger. An accessory that is rare today. But to achieve this price, some concessions must be accepted. With the Poco X6 Pro, the photo section disappointed us a little, especially at night with slightly messy images. If the 64 Mpx main wide-angle sensor does quite well during the day, the same cannot be said of the ultra-wide-angle (8 Mpx) which delivers fairly dull and dark colors. Finally, no telephoto lens but an anecdotal 2 Mpx macro sensor.
Furthermore, we deplore the number of apps installed by default. Nearly twenty people jostle there, not counting the shops, to find themes and wallpapers. There are too many notifications to encourage people to use them. It’s annoying.
However, with its new Poco range, Xiaomi is hitting hard for the start of the year. With high-performance and affordable smartphones, the brand continues its momentum and maintains its aggressive strategy. Especially since for the launch, the most advanced models (with 12 GB of RAM) benefit from a reduction of 40 euros. As a reminder, Poco smartphones are only available in online stores.