A top smartphone - but at half the price

Depending on the variant, the new Poco F5 Pro costs between 579 and 649 francs in Switzerland (and the same amount in euros in Germany). The new top model from Xiaomi's subsidiary brand is already available to order in Germany and in Switzerland from the end of May.

The price sounds like mid-range - the data sheet sounds more like top-of-the-range. This is exactly the principle behind Poco's F-series. Offering as much technology as possible for the money. Last year, the F4 Pro was criticised for this. The upgrade was small and the value for money was no longer quite as good.

Almost the best processor for the Pro model

This is now set to change again. So let's take a closer look at the features. The processor is the Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 with 8 or 12 GB of RAM - currently the second-best processor for Android phones after the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2. It also comes with at least 256 GB of storage as standard - more than some flagships from other brands.

The 6.6 GB and 6.5 GB of memory are also included.

The 6.67-inch screen with Amoled technology and 3200 x 1440 pixel resolution also shines on the data sheet. The refresh rate alternates between 60 and 120 hertz. This is not quite at the top level, where the frequency can be variably adjusted.

The built-in Gorilla Glass 5 from Corning is a cost-saving measure that is not quite so obvious at first glance. There are now two newer generations of protective glass for smartphones. However, the brightness of 500 to a maximum of 1400 nits is quite impressive.

The battery is great - at 5160 mAh, it is even slightly larger than many competitors that are twice as expensive. It can be charged wirelessly with 30 watts - provided a suitable charger is used. The cable provides 67 watts, and the matching charger is included.

With a thickness of 8.59 millimetres and 204 grams, the large battery doesn't even have much of an impact on the "figure" of the smartphone. The housing is protected against splash water in accordance with IP53. Another point that doesn't quite reach flagship standard.

The camera can be the deal-breaker

For most prospective buyers, the camera system is the point that decides how good the deal really is. Because this is where you will probably have to make the biggest compromises compared to the more expensive top phones from Samsung, Oppo, Google, Xiaomi or Apple. In other words, the less important the camera is to you in relation to other features, the better you will like the Poco F5 Pro.

Of course, only a detailed test can show how good or mediocre the photos and videos will be. First reviews indicate a usable, but not outstanding image quality. The main camera with 64 megapixels and aperture: f/1.79 doesn't actually sound too bad. The software combines four pixels into one. There is no real zoom, and the ultra-wide-angle camera looks weak on paper with eight megapixels and f/2.2 aperture.

The front camera has a resolution of 16 megapixels and an f/2.45 aperture. And then there's a macro camera with two megapixels. To be honest, I have never seen these mini sensors deliver really high-quality photos. But of course, this allows Poco to advertise with a "triple camera".

Slightly less performance, even less price

In addition to the Pro model, Poco also offers a normal F5, which costs between 429 and 479 francs or euros. The base model also has 256 GB of built-in memory and the camera system is identical to the top model.

The display is the same size at 6.67 inches, but is slightly less bright and has a lower resolution. The processor is not quite as powerful. The manufacturer has opted for the Snapdragon 7+ Gen 2 here.

The 5000 mAh battery can also be charged quickly at 67 watts, but you have to do without wireless charging. The F5 is lighter and thinner than the Pro version. However, the back is made of plastic and Xiaomi has dispensed with IP certification here. It is therefore unclear how much moisture the device can withstand.

Overall, Poco is trying to build on the successful recipe of the first generations with the two new smartphones. In other words, a combination of a solid mid-range with many features that you would otherwise only find in top models. And all at a very fair price.