Top Mid-Range Gaming Phones Tested: Which Model Delivers the Best Performance?

POCO has built a reputation as an underdog brand that consistently delivers flagship performance at mid-range prices. The latest contender, the POCO F6 Pro, aims to continue this tradition by offering high-end gaming capabilities without a flagship price tag. Its claim to be the best gaming phone in the mid-range segment invites a thorough performance test to verify how it stands in real-world scenarios.

The core strength of the POCO F6 Pro lies in its hardware. It is powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2, a top-tier chipset from the previous Android flagship generation that still leads the market in raw performance. This is paired with options up to 12GB RAM LPDDR5X and super-fast UFS 4.0 storage, including a variant with up to 1TB of storage—perfect for heavy multitasking and rapid game loading. The phone boasts a 6.67-inch WQHD+ Flow AMOLED screen with a 120Hz refresh rate and peak brightness up to 4000 nits, ensuring fluid visuals and excellent outdoor visibility. Adding to the package is a 5000mAh battery that supports 120W HyperCharge, delivering a full charge in under 20 minutes—a notable feature for avid gamers needing minimal downtime.

Gaming Performance Tested

To assess whether POCO F6 Pro lives up to its ambitions, intensive gaming benchmarks were conducted using popular, demanding titles.

  1. Genshin Impact: Running at the highest graphic settings with 60 FPS cap, the phone managed a stable frame rate between 55 and 60 FPS. The device warmed up after 20–30 minutes, which is expected under heavy load. The LiquidCool Technology 4.0 effectively restrained thermal throttling, maintaining consistent performance during extended sessions.

  2. Honkai: Star Rail: Played at the top-tier settings and 60 FPS, the game exhibited buttery smooth gameplay with crisp visual effects and seamless transitions. The thermal management in this scenario appeared more effective than with Genshin Impact, hinting at optimizations in game demands benefiting heat dissipation.

  3. Mobile Legends: Bang Bang (MLBB): This title was tested at ultra settings with a 120 FPS frame rate target. The POCO F6 Pro achieved a steady 120 FPS, showcasing superior responsiveness thanks to its high touch sampling rate. This resulted in precise control, essential for competitive mobile gaming where every millisecond counts.

Specs Overview

Feature Specification
Chipset Snapdragon 8 Gen 2
RAM Up to 12GB LPDDR5X
Storage UFS 4.0, up to 1TB
Display 6.67" WQHD+ Flow AMOLED, 120Hz, 4000 nits peak brightness
Battery & Charging 5000mAh, 120W HyperCharge

Given these specifications and performance results, the POCO F6 Pro proves itself as a powerful mid-range gaming phone. It bridges the gap between price and performance expertly, giving gamers a flagship experience without the flagship cost. For users seeking the best gaming smartphone under a mid-range budget, the POCO F6 Pro stands out as a compelling choice, thanks to its flagship chipset, high refresh rate display, and lightning-fast charging paired with solid thermal solutions. This combination makes it well suited for long gaming sessions with minimal compromise.

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