The Poco F5 5G has just launched in India, promising a significant upgrade over its predecessor, the F4 5G. This new phone boasts a powerful Qualcomm Snapdragon 7+ Gen 2 SoC, which promises a significant performance boost compared to the Snapdragon 870 found in the F4 5G. The F5 5G also features a larger 5,000mAh battery with 67W fast charging, a 120Hz adaptive refresh rate display with Dolby Vision HDR playback, and a 64-megapixel primary camera with optical image stabilization (OIS). However, the design of the F5 5G remains a point of contention, with some feeling it lacks the premium feel of its predecessor. Is the Poco F5 5G a worthy successor to the popular F4 5G, or does it fall short in terms of design and camera performance? We delve into the key features and initial impressions of the Poco F5 5G, exploring its strengths, weaknesses, and overall value proposition.
Design and Build
The Poco F5 5G sports a sharp and angular design with rounded edges, making it comfortable to hold despite its size. However, the phone’s predominantly plastic construction, particularly on the back panel, detracts from its premium feel. While the plastic frame is sturdy, the glossy black finish on the rear doesn’t exude a high-end aesthetic. The minimal camera bump helps maintain the sleek overall profile of the F5 5G.
Notable Features:
- Sharp and angular design with rounded edges
- Plastic frame and back panel
- Minimal camera bump
- IP53 rating for basic moisture resistance
- Stereo speakers with Dolby Atmos enhancement
- Headphone jack on the top
Display
The Poco F5 5G retains the same display as its predecessor, featuring a 6.67-inch full-HD+ (1080×2400 pixels) AMOLED panel with a 120Hz adaptive refresh rate and support for Dolby Vision HDR playback. The bezels are evenly slim, and the maximum brightness has been increased to 1,000 nits, delivering a brighter and more vibrant viewing experience. Moreover, the display is protected by Corning Gorilla Glass 5, providing scratch protection.
Key Specifications:
- 6.67-inch full-HD+ (1080×2400 pixels) AMOLED display
- 120Hz adaptive refresh rate
- Dolby Vision HDR playback support
- 1,000 nits peak brightness
- Corning Gorilla Glass 5 protection
Performance
The Poco F5 5G is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 7+ Gen 2 SoC, a significant upgrade from the Snapdragon 870 found in the F4 5G. This new chipset, built on a similar architecture as the Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1, promises a substantial performance improvement. This chip has been impressive in other smartphones and is anticipated to deliver a smooth and responsive user experience.
Performance Highlights:
- Qualcomm Snapdragon 7+ Gen 2 SoC
- Improved performance compared to the Snapdragon 870
- Similar architecture to the Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1
- Expected smooth and responsive user experience
Battery and Charging
The F5 5G boasts a larger 5,000mAh battery compared to the F4 5G’s 4,500mAh unit. This increase ensures longer battery life, potentially offering a full day or more of moderate usage. Furthermore, the phone supports 67W fast charging, enabling rapid charging capabilities. A 67W fast charger is included in the box.
Battery and Charging Details:
- 5,000mAh battery
- 67W fast charging
- 67W fast charger included in the box
Camera System
The Poco F5 5G features a similar camera setup to the F4 5G, incorporating a 64-megapixel primary camera with optical image stabilization (OIS), an 8-megapixel ultra-wide camera, and a 2-megapixel macro camera. For selfies, there’s a 16-megapixel front camera. While the camera setup is largely unchanged, expectations are high for improved overall image quality, particularly in low-light scenarios, which proved challenging in the F4 5G.
Camera Specifications:
- 64-megapixel primary camera with OIS
- 8-megapixel ultra-wide camera
- 2-megapixel macro camera
- 16-megapixel front camera
Software
The Poco F5 5G runs on MIUI 14 based on Android 13, offering a familiar user interface with a host of customization options. Poco promises two years of Android updates and three years of security updates, providing assurance of long-term software support. However, early impressions suggest the phone comes preloaded with numerous stock apps, like GetApps, which may cause some annoyance with their persistent notifications.
Software Highlights:
- MIUI 14 based on Android 13
- Two years of Android updates
- Three years of security updates
- Preloaded with numerous stock apps
Price and Availability
The Poco F5 5G is available in India in two variants:
- 8GB RAM + 256GB storage: ₹29,999
- 12GB RAM + 256GB storage: ₹33,999
These prices are slightly higher than last year’s F4 5G, but the added performance and features might justify the price increase for many buyers.
Initial Impressions
Based on our initial hands-on experience, the Poco F5 5G appears to be a promising upgrade over its predecessor. The Snapdragon 7+ Gen 2 SoC offers a considerable performance improvement, and the larger 5,000mAh battery bodes well for extended usage. However, the plastic build and the presence of preloaded apps might dampen the overall premium feel of the device.
The design, while not a major departure from the F4 5G, might be a deal-breaker for some who prefer a more premium aesthetic. The camera setup remains primarily unchanged, so expectations are high for significant improvements in image quality.
To sum up, the Poco F5 5G presents a compelling package with impressive performance and battery life. However, its plastic build and abundance of preloaded apps might leave some wanting more. A comprehensive review will provide a more detailed assessment of the F5 5G’s strengths and weaknesses, allowing potential buyers to make an informed decision.
