If you think there couldn’t be much cheaper Snapdragon 845 devices than the Xiaomi Mi 8, Xiaomi has outdone itself by bringing introducing the POCOPHONE F1 gaming phone, it has the same processing power as the Mi 8 and comes with up to 6GB RAM and 128GB UFS 2.1 storage.
Since this is a gaming device, the phone features LiquidCool Technology cooling system to ensure that it operates at optimal performance. The phone doesn’t compromise on its cameras either, as the dual main camera features a 12MP dual pixel camera with AI, while the front camera is a 20MP with Super Pixel technology that combines information of four pixels into one large 1.8μm pixel for lesser noise and clearer images.
While there’s clearly a notch on the front display like the Mi 8, it also houses the same hardware as the latter, such as an infrared illuminator and infrared camera for improved face recognition in challenging lighting conditions. Despite being built by Xiaomi, the POCOPHONE F1 surprisingly comes with its own POCOPHONE Launcher that has an app drawer, its based on Android 8.1 Oreo and will be updated to Android P in the near future.
The POCOPHONE F1 will be available in 6GB RAM+64GB Storage and 6GB RAM+128GB storage variants starting 30 August, with color options of Graphic Black and Steel Blue. The base spec model will be available exclusively on Lazada while the higher storage model will be available on both Lazada and Authorised Mi Stores.
While the phone will now retail for RM1,237 and RM1,428 for the 64GB and 128GB model respectively, prices will be increased to RM1,299 and RM1,499 respectively after SST kicks in on September 10th, so make sure you grab one before that date. For early birds, Xiaomi is giving away a Mi Sports Bluetooth Earphones worth RM93 and a game holder for the first 200 customers who purchase the phone.
