POCO F1 Review: The “Legendary” Flagship-Killer That Still Packs a Punch
When the POCO F1 launched back in 2018, it turned heads — and for good reason. For a very reasonable price, it delivered flagship-grade performance by packing the Snapdragon 845, a 4,000 mAh battery, and a no-nonsense, performance-first design. Even years later, many users (especially on forums) still praise how usable and powerful it remains. But is it still relevant in 2025? Let’s dig in.
Design & Build Quality
The POCO F1 took a very pragmatic route in design. Instead of using glass or metal, it uses a polycarbonate unibody which may not look flashy but is highly durable. TechRadar argues that this build choice is actually a benefit: it handles impacts better than fragile glass-sandwich phones. TechRadar The Armored Edition goes a step further, featuring a Kevlar back that’s textured, grippy, and rugged. FoneArena+1
At around 182 g, it’s not the lightest phone today, but the weight is justified by the solid internals and big screen. Wikipedia The back is practical, and the phone comes with a 3.5 mm headphone jack, which is a plus not many modern flagships offer.
Display: Simple But Effective
The POCO F1 features a 6.18-inch Full HD+ IPS LCD screen with a 2246 × 1080 resolution and a tall 18.7:9 aspect ratio. FoneArena+1 The display is protected by Gorilla Glass 3, which provides decent scratch resistance, even if it’s not the latest generation. TechRadar
TechRadar’s review notes that while the screen isn’t groundbreaking, it’s very usable: you get good brightness (though auto-brightness can be erratic), and the pixel density works out well for everyday use. TechRadar For media consumption, gaming, and general tasks, the screen gets the job done. The notch is present, but you also get an option to hide it via settings.
Performance: Still a Beast After All These Years
Here’s where the F1 truly shines. Powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 845 and paired with either 6 GB or 8 GB of RAM, this phone was built for speed. Xiaomi Advices The presence of LiquidCool technology helps dissipate heat, so even during long gaming sessions, it stays relatively in control. Xiaomi Advices+1
According to The Indian Express, the POCO F1 scores among the top in benchmarks like AnTuTu and Geekbench, proving that even at its price it was competing with much more expensive “flagship” devices. The Indian Express In real-world usage too — whether it’s multitasking or playing graphics-heavy games — the performance is impressively fluid.
Reddit users echo this even years later. One user who has used the F1 for over 4 years said:
“It still works just fine … for normal use it’s completely fine.” Reddit
That’s no small feat for such an old device — it speaks volumes about the robustness of its hardware.
Camera Quality: Respectable, But With Caveats
The POCO F1 has a dual rear camera setup: a 12 MP primary (Sony IMX363) + 5 MP depth sensor. FoneArena+1 For its time, this was a solid configuration. Smartprix’s testing suggests that in good light, the main camera delivers pleasing shots, but in low light the image quality drops, with noise creeping in and details being lost. Smartprix
On the front, there’s a 20 MP selfie camera, which performs very well in daylight according to many users. Smartprix Portrait mode works decently because of the depth sensor, and edge detection is reasonably accurate — though don’t expect DSLR-level bokeh.
Over time, some users feel the rear camera has aged:
“When the sun starts to set … the camera performance starts dipping … Low-light pictures … are grainy.” Medium
That said, many F1 owners run GCam ports, which can dramatically improve image quality, especially in low light. Reddit+1
Battery Life & Charging
Equipped with a 4,000 mAh battery, this was never meant to be a marathon runner — but it holds up quite well. FoneArena According to TechRadar’s battery test (streaming video), the POCO F1 drops from 100% to 88% in a 90-minute session — quite respectable for a performance-focused device. TechRadar
In day-to-day use, lighter users have reported stretching it to one and a half to two days. TechRadar However, since this is an aging phone, battery degradation is a factor. A long-term user reported ~80% battery health after two years. Medium
Charging is handled via Quick Charge 3.0, and POCO bundles an 18W charger in the box. Smartprix+1 Charging from empty isn’t super fast (by modern standards), but it’s solid enough for a phone of this vintage.
Many users have replaced the battery after a few years. For example:
“I changed the battery … it still works just fine.” Reddit
And another: “My F1 is still going strong … I changed the battery last year and it’s still going strong.” Reddit
This makes it possible to extend the phone’s life even in 2025.
Software & User Experience
The POCO F1 originally launched with MIUI 9.6 (Android 8.1) and came with a custom POCO Launcher, which added an app drawer and some performance-focused tweaks. FoneArena
Updates have been a mixed bag. While it received Android 9 Pie and further support, official updates are now limited. Wikipedia Many users, however, have turned to custom ROMs (e.g., LineageOS) to keep the device feeling snappy and more up-to-date. Reddit
On the flip side, some long-term users have criticized the MIUI experience:
“Software … lags … frame drops … nothing major, but it screams low quality.” Reddit
Ghost touches (touch screen registering taps by itself) have also been reported occasionally. Reddit
So while the hardware remains powerful, software may feel a bit “aged” unless you switch to custom ROMs.
Connectivity & Extras
Here are some extras and connectivity features that make the POCO F1 a very practical phone:
- IR Face Unlock works really fast (claimed 0.4 seconds), even in the dark. India Today
- Rear Fingerprint Sensor — reliable and quick. TechRadar
- Dual SIM (hybrid slot) + microSD support up to 256 GB. TelecomTalk+1
- USB-C port for charging. TelecomTalk
- Dirac HD Sound + dual smart PA for decent audio via speakers. Smartprix
- 3.5 mm headphone jack — yes, it’s still there. TelecomTalk
These features make the POCO F1 not just a performance beast, but also a very usable “daily driver” even today.
Durability & Long-Term Use
One of POCO F1’s biggest long-term positives is its durability. Multiple Reddit users, even after 4–5 years of use, report that their devices are still going strong:
“I was using one for 5 years … changed battery … still going strong … only missing NFC.” Reddit
Another commented: “Still super fast … for normal use it’s completely fine.” Reddit
However, common issues with aged units include battery wear, slower charging, touch screen quirks, or occasional heating. Reddit+1 But because the device is relatively easy to repair (battery replacements available), many users choose to keep it rather than upgrade.
Pros & Cons: Should You Buy It in 2025?
✅ Pros:
- Top-tier performance: Snapdragon 845 + up to 8 GB RAM means the phone still handles heavy tasks.
- Liquid cooling: Helps manage heat during gaming or intensive usage.
- Large 4,000 mAh battery: Good endurance, and can be replaced to extend life.
- Durable build: Polycarbonate or Kevlar options make it more accident-resistant.
- IR Face Unlock + Fingerprint: Reliable and fast security.
- Expandable storage + dual SIM: Great flexibility.
- Good value (used/refurb): With newer flagships around, POCO F1 offers “flagship-ish” performance at much lower cost in the second-hand market.
- Strong community: Custom ROM support gives it extended life.
❗ Cons:
- Aging camera: The rear camera is not the best for low light, and the depth sensor is basic.
- Older software: No new major official updates; relying on third-party ROMs is common.
- Battery degradation: Over time, capacity drops, and many users replace it.
- Charging speed: Quick Charge 3.0 is fine, but not “ultra-fast” by modern standards.
- Plastic build: While durable, it lacks premium feel.
- No NFC (in many versions): Reported by some users even after long use. Reddit
- Touch issues: Some long-term users report ghost touches or screen quirks. Reddit
Final Verdict: Is the POCO F1 Still Worth It?
Yes — depending on your priorities and budget.
- If you can get a refurbished or well-maintained POCO F1 at a good price, it’s still an excellent buy for performance-oriented users.
- For gamers or users who want raw speed, this phone remains a top contender among older flagships.
- If you’re on a tight budget but want something “future-light”, its performance and durability make it a viable pick even in 2025.
- On the other hand, if camera quality, updates, or the latest design matter most to you, there are newer options that might serve better.
In essence, the POCO F1 is not just a relic — it’s a long-lived spec beast that continues to impress in its niche.
Specifications
Warranty
| Warranty Summary | Brand Warranty of 1 Year Available for Mobile and 6 Months for Accessories |
| Warranty Service Type | NA |
Battery & Power Features
| Battery Capacity | 4000 mAh |
Dimensions
| Width | 75.3 mm |
| Height | 155.5 mm |
| Depth | 8.8 mm |
| Weight | 180 g |
Display Features
| Display Size | 15.7 cm (6.18 inch) |
| Resolution | 2160 x 1080 pixels |
| Resolution Type | Full HD+ |
| Display Type | IPS |
| Other Display Features | 18.7:9 Notch Display |
Os & Processor Features
| Operating System | Android Oreo 8.1 |
| Processor Brand | Snapdragon |
| Processor Type | Qualcomm Snapdragon 845 |
| Processor Core | Octa Core |
| Primary Clock Speed | 2.8 GHz |
Camera Features
| Primary Camera Available | Yes |
| Primary Camera | 12MP + 5MP |
| Primary Camera Features | Dual Rear Camera with Primary 6p Lens and Secondary 4p Lens, f/1.9 Primary Aperture and f/2.0 Secondary Aperture, Dual Rear Camera with 6-element Primary Lens and 4-element Secondary Lens |
| Secondary Camera Available | Yes |
| Secondary Camera | 20MP Front Camera |
| Secondary Camera Features | IR Front Camera with f/2.0 Aperture |
| Dual Camera Lens | Primary Camera |
Other Details
| Smartphone | Yes |
| SIM Size | SIM and Nano SIM |
| Removable Battery | No |
| Graphics PPI | 403 PPI |
| Sensors | Gyroscope, Proximity, Accelerometer, Ambient Light Sensor |
| Upgradable Operating System | Android 9 Pie |
| Other Features | 10 nm Architecture Processor, Battery Power Rating – 9V/2A |
| GPS Type | GLONASS, BeiDou |
Multimedia Features
| FM Radio | Yes |
General
| In The Box | Handset, Adapter, USB Cable, Warranty Card, User Guide, SIM Insertion Tool, Back Case |
| Model Number | MZB6709IN |
| Model Name | F1 |
| Color | Rosso Red |
| Browse Type | Smartphones |
| SIM Type | Dual Sim |
| Hybrid Sim Slot | Yes |
| Touchscreen | Yes |
| OTG Compatible | Yes |
| SAR Value | Head – 0.719W/kg, Body – 0.746W/kg |
Call Features
| Video Call Support | Yes |
Memory & Storage Features
| Internal Storage | 64 GB |
| RAM | 6 GB |
| Expandable Storage | 256 GB |
| Supported Memory Card Type | microSD |
| Memory Card Slot Type | Hybrid Slot |
Connectivity Features
| Network Type | 3G, 4G VOLTE, 2G |
| Supported Networks | GSM, 4G VoLTE, 4G LTE |
| Internet Connectivity | 4G, 3G, Wi-Fi |
| 3G | Yes |
| Bluetooth Support | Yes |
| Bluetooth Version | 5 |
| Wi-Fi | Yes |
| Wi-Fi Version | 801.11b/g/n/ac |
| Wi-Fi Hotspot | Yes |
| Map Support | Google Maps |
| GPS Support | Yes |
Disclaimer : Specifications shown may be different from the actual product. We cannot guarantee that the information provided on this page is 100% correct. Please check with the retailer before purchasing.