The POCO F5 5G has taken the mid-range smartphone market by storm. Packed with flagship-level performance, gaming-ready features, and premium display technology, it’s considered one of the best budget gaming phones in 2025. In this detailed review, we’ll cover everything you need to know — from specs and performance to unique features and camera capabilities.
POCO F5 5G Specifications at a Glance
Feature | Details |
---|---|
Processor | Qualcomm Snapdragon 7+ Gen 2 |
Display | 6.67-inch FHD+ AMOLED, 120Hz |
RAM & Storage | 8GB/12GB LPDDR5 RAM, 256GB UFS 3.1 |
Battery | 5000mAh with 67W fast charging |
Camera Setup | 64MP (OIS) + 8MP ultra-wide + 2MP macro |
Front Camera | 16MP |
Operating System | MIUI 14 based on Android 13 |
Connectivity | 5G, Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.3 |
Price | $355 (approx.) |
Design and Build Quality
The POCO F5 5G features a sleek and lightweight design, weighing just 181g. Its plastic back with matte finish offers a premium feel and resists fingerprints. The slim form factor and minimal camera bump make it easy to hold, even during extended gaming sessions.
Display: Perfect for Gamers and Streamers
The 6.67-inch AMOLED display supports 120Hz refresh rate and 240Hz touch sampling rate, ideal for high-performance gaming and buttery-smooth animations. With Dolby Vision and HDR10+ support, media consumption is a treat.
Highlights:
- 1000 nits peak brightness
- 1920Hz PWM dimming
- Corning Gorilla Glass 5 protection
Performance: Flagship-Level Speed
Powered by the Snapdragon 7+ Gen 2, this phone performs similarly to the Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 — a chip used in many flagship phones. It handles everything from heavy multitasking to AAA gaming titles with ease.
Benchmark Scores:
- AnTuTu: ~950,000+
- Geekbench (Single/Multi-core): 1300 / 4000+
Gaming Performance Review
If you’re a mobile gamer, the POCO F5 5G is a top-tier choice. Thanks to the Adreno 725 GPU, you can play heavy games like:
- PUBG Mobile / BGMI – Ultra HDR + 60fps
- Call of Duty: Mobile – Max settings
- Genshin Impact – Smooth on Medium to High
Additional Gaming Features:
- Stereo speakers with Dolby Atmos
- LiquidCool Technology 2.0 with Vapor Chamber Cooling
- Game Turbo optimization
Camera Performance: Daylight to Low Light
Rear Camera Setup:
- 64MP main sensor with OIS (Optical Image Stabilization)
- 8MP ultra-wide lens
- 2MP macro lens
The camera captures sharp photos with good dynamic range, and night mode has significantly improved compared to previous POCO phones.
Front Camera:
- 16MP selfie shooter
- Good skin tone reproduction and edge detection in portrait mode
Battery Life and Charging
The 5000mAh battery easily lasts a full day with heavy usage. With the 67W fast charging, you get 0 to 100% in just under 45 minutes.
Software and User Experience
Runs on MIUI 14 (POCO version) based on Android 13, offering:
- Smooth UI with minimal bloatware
- RAM expansion feature (up to +5GB virtual RAM)
- 2 years of Android updates + 3 years of security patches
Unique Features That Stand Out
- Snapdragon 7+ Gen 2: Near flagship performance
- OIS on main camera: Rare in this price range
- Vapor chamber cooling: Gaming without overheating
- 120Hz AMOLED with Dolby Vision: Great for content consumption
- Dual stereo speakers with Dolby Atmos
Pros and Cons
✅ Pros:
- Excellent gaming performance
- Stunning AMOLED display
- Fast and efficient charging
- Great value for money
❌ Cons:
- No IP rating
- No expandable storage
- Plastic back may not appeal to everyone
Is POCO F5 5G Worth Buying in 2025?
Absolutely! The POCO F5 5G is arguably the best smartphone under $355 in 2025 if your focus is gaming, performance, and media experience. It offers almost flagship-level features without the flagship price.
Final Verdict
If you’re looking for a future-ready 5G phone with top-tier gaming performance, a vibrant AMOLED display, and fast charging, the POCO F5 5G should be your top pick. It’s a powerhouse that delivers more than its price tag suggests.