Pocophone F2 gets teased, but unlikely to be a true successor to the popular Pocophone F1 flagship killer

Poco, a Xiaomi spin-off, made a splash when it launched the Pocophone F1 back in 2018 with flagship-level specs priced well under US$400. Since then, the company has launched a number smartphones including the Pocophone F2 Pro -- but that was priced well above US$500 so it didn't really fit the sequel billing. That looks like it could be set to change with the company dropping the “F2” label in a short video thanking fans for its successful 2020.

While Poco F1 fans have been eager for a genuine sequel to the flagship killing original, unfortunately, early indications are that the new "F2" device will be a mid-range model. Where the Pocophone F1 was powered by the then top-of-the-line Qualcomm Snapdragon 845, a Xiaomi-focused Telegram group says that the Pocophone F2 will only be powered by a Snapdragon 732G. Still a decent chip, it is certainly not going to scare any 2020 flagship smartphones let alone a 2021 model.

On the positive side, however, the Pocophone F2 (known internally as the Courbet) will have higher-end features in other areas. This includes a 4,250 mAh battery with reverse charging capability, a quad-camera array on the rear (presumably decently specified) and a 120 Hz high-refresh rate display. It is also reasonable to expect that if it will carry the Pocophone F2 branding, Poco will put considerable effort into making it look more upmarket than its modest specs might otherwise attest -- and, hopefully, what will be a low price point.