There was a time when budget phones felt exactly like what they were — plain, plastic, and average. But not anymore. The POCO M6 Plus 5G has changed that game for good. When I first picked it up, I honestly didn’t expect much for a phone that starts around ₹11,999. But within minutes, I realised this one’s different. From its glass back to a surprisingly powerful processor, this device doesn’t feel “budget” at all.
Let me walk you through everything that stood out in my real-life experience using the POCO M6 Plus — the design, display, performance, camera, battery, and a few things that could’ve been better. If you’re looking for a practical 5G smartphone under ₹12K, this review will help you decide whether it’s worth your money.
First Impressions: Feels More Expensive Than It Is
The first thing you notice when you unbox the POCO M6 Plus is that it looks premium. The yellow box gives off POCO’s usual youthful vibe, but the real surprise comes when you lift the phone. It feels sturdy, solid, and a little heavy — in a good way. The glass back instantly adds that “premium touch” which you rarely see in phones around this price.
I liked the dual-tone design. It doesn’t scream flashy, yet it catches your attention. The flat sides make it feel modern and easy to grip. There’s also Gorilla Glass 3 protection, which is decent for everyday use. The in-hand feel reminds me of phones almost double its price.
Box Contents and Build Quality
Inside the box, you get a 33W fast charger, USB Type-A to Type-C cable, a TPU case, SIM tool, and documentation. No corners cut here — everything you need is included. The phone itself weighs around 205 grams, which feels slightly on the heavier side but manageable, thanks to the even weight distribution.
Ports and buttons are well placed — there’s a 3.5mm headphone jack, an IR blaster (something POCO fans love), and a side-mounted fingerprint sensor that’s quick and reliable.
Display: Big, Smooth, and Bright Enough
Coming to the display, POCO has gone with a 6.79-inch Full HD+ IPS LCD panel with a 120Hz refresh rate. Yes, you read that right — 120Hz on a phone under ₹12,000. The scrolling feels super smooth, and even though it’s not AMOLED, the colours look quite natural.
The brightness goes up to 550 nits, which is okay for indoor and casual outdoor use. Watching YouTube or Netflix feels enjoyable thanks to Widevine L1 support, which means you can stream in Full HD without issues.
Performance: Surprisingly Fast for Its Price
Under the hood, the POCO M6 Plus packs the Qualcomm Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 Accelerated Edition chipset. For this segment, it’s one of the most efficient processors around. The phone easily scores close to 5 lakh on AnTuTu, which shows it’s no slouch.
For everyday use — WhatsApp, YouTube, Instagram, multitasking — it runs smoothly. Even gaming is possible. I tried BGMI and Call of Duty on medium settings and got a stable 30–40 FPS. It does get a little warm after long gaming sessions, but that’s normal. It comes in two variants:
- 6GB RAM + 128GB storage
- 8GB RAM + 128GB storage
There’s also virtual RAM support, so you can extend up to 8GB more depending on the variant. The storage type is UFS 2.2, which makes app loading quick.
Software: HyperOS Feels Fresh
POCO M6 Plus runs HyperOS based on Android 14, and it feels lighter than older MIUI versions. There are still some pre-installed apps, but you can easily uninstall them. The interface is smooth, animations are refined, and overall usability feels polished.
POCO promises 2 years of major Android updates and 4 years of security patches, which is pretty good in this segment. The brand also claims a 36-month lag-free certification, meaning your phone should stay responsive for about three years of use.
Specs Snapshot
Here’s a quick look at some of the key specs you’ll want to know at a glance:
| Feature | POCO M6 Plus Details |
| Display | 6.79-inch FHD+ LCD, 120Hz refresh rate |
| Processor | Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 (Accelerated Edition) |
| RAM / Storage | 6GB or 8GB RAM, 128GB storage (expandable) |
| Rear Camera | 108MP (Samsung HM6 sensor) + 2MP depth sensor |
| Front Camera | 13MP selfie camera |
| Battery | 5030mAh with 33W fast charging |
| Operating System | HyperOS (Android 14) |
| Connectivity | 5G (7 bands), Dual-band Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5.0 |
| Extras | IR Blaster, 3.5mm jack, IP53 splash resistance |
Camera: 108MP Brilliance in Budget
Camera performance is where POCO has made a strong statement. The 108MP Samsung HM6 sensor on this phone genuinely performs well in daylight. The photos look crisp, detailed, and have good colour balance. You even get a 3X lossless zoom, which actually works decently for shots in good lighting.
There’s also a 2MP depth/macro sensor which is okay for casual use, and a 13MP front camera that captures natural-looking selfies. In low light, the shots aren’t mind-blowing, but the night mode helps a lot.
Video recording is limited to 1080p at 30fps, which is expected in this range. The electronic stabilisation does a fair job for handheld videos.
Battery Life: Goes All Day, Charges Fast Too
Battery life is another strong point. With a 5030mAh battery and a 33W fast charger in the box, you can easily get a full day of use — even with heavy browsing and social media.
From my usage, it takes roughly 1 hour 15 minutes to go from 0 to 100%, which is great for a budget device. The power efficiency of Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 helps it last longer than expected.
Multimedia and Connectivity
Watching content on this big 6.79-inch screen feels immersive. Although there’s only a single speaker, it’s quite loud and clear. With Widevine L1 certification, Netflix and Prime Video run smoothly in full HD.
Connectivity-wise, POCO has covered all bases. It supports 7 5G bands, dual-band Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5.0, and retains the 3.5mm audio jack — something many users still prefer.
POCO Buds X1: A Great Pairing
Alongside the phone, POCO also introduced its first TWS — the POCO Buds X1. These are quite impressive for their price (around 1,800). They feature 12.4mm drivers, ANC, quad mics, and Google Fast Pair.
Battery life is rated at 7 hours on a single charge and up to 36 hours with the case. The yellow case looks stylish, matching the POCO vibe perfectly. If you’re buying the M6 Plus, the Buds X1 make a nice companion without stretching your budget.
My Experience and Verdict
After using the POCO M6 Plus for a few days, I can confidently say it’s one of the most well-rounded budget 5G smartphones right now. It checks almost every important box — smooth display, strong battery, 108MP camera, and a design that actually feels premium.
Yes, it’s not perfect. The mono speaker could’ve been stereo, and low-light photos could improve. But considering the price, these are minor things.
What truly impressed me is how balanced this phone feels. You don’t feel like you’re compromising too much on any one area. Whether you’re a student, a casual gamer, or someone looking for a reliable 5G phone without spending 20,000, the POCO M6 Plus fits right in.
Final Thoughts
The POCO M6 Plus 5G proves that affordable phones can still look and feel good. With a glass-back design, solid battery, fast performance, and clean software experience, it’s easily one of the best options in its price range.
If your budget is around 12,000 to 13,000, this phone deserves a serious look. It’s stylish, reliable, and gives you more than what you pay for — and that’s exactly what POCO has always promised. In simple words: it’s a budget phone that doesn’t feel budget at all.
