The much rumoured POCO F1 smartphone by Xiaomi has just gone official with a Qualcomm Snapdragon 845 chipset, 12MP+5MP AI dual rear camera, 20MP Dual Pixel front camera, infrared face unlock (so it works in the dark) and 6GB RAM + 64GB storage from 20999 INR (~RM1233). Featuring LiquidCool tech in a polycarbonate (basically plastic) body, the POCO F1 also has a 4000 mAh battery and is set for release in India on 29 August 2018. No Malaysian release dates or pricing details yet, but it is expected in Jakarta on 27 August 2018, so it could eventuallly come to Malaysia.
Coming in black, blue, red and a kevlar-based Armoured Edition, there will also be a 6GB RAM + 128GB storage version for 23999 INR (~RM1409) and an 8GB RAM + 256GB storage version for 28999 INR (~RM1703). The 8GB RAM + 256GB storage Armoured Edition will go for a still affordable 29999 INR (~RM1762).
If these prices remain the same if or when it comes to Malaysia, then we can expect it to takeover the throne of most value priced Snapdragon 845 smartphone from the ASUS ZenFone 5Z, which is normally priced at RM1899 but ASUS slashed the price to RM1799 just for yesterday, so this price could remain or go lower to stay competitive. True, the POCO F1 does bring more features to the table, but it also has a polycarbonate body compared to the premium metal and glass bodies of other flagship killers in its class.
Then again, bringing in the POCO F1 to Malaysia would also mean a direct contention with Xiaomi's own Snapdragon 845 powered Mi 8 flagship killer which is priced at RM1599 as well. Perhaps if it does come (for maybe RM1299? ), it will be the polycarbonate alternative for people who don't care about a premium build or for those who want a more premium built Armoured Edition instead (kevlar is more expensive than glass and metal).
Would you buy the POCO F1 for RM1299? Or would you go for the POCO F1 Armoured Edition for RM1799? Discuss on our Facebook page (let us know what you'd like us to check out) and stay tuned to TechNave.com as we might be going to check it out come this 27 August 2018.
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