The affordable smartphone brand POCO recently launched its latest device – the POCO X6 Neo.
While the phone brings decent specifications at an aggressive price point, it seems to falter in one key area – software support.
POCO X6 Neo 5G Users will Get This Many Software Updates
POCO has once again limited the X6 Neo to just two major Android version updates.
POCO’s Software Update History
POCO has had a history of providing only two major Android OS updates for most of its devices.
This is despite many competing brands in the affordable segment like Samsung, Motorola, and Nokia now offering 3 OS updates even for their budget phones.
This two update policy means the POCO X6 Neo launched with Android 13, will receive an update to Android 14 likely next year.
It will then get one more update in 2025 to Android 15. After that, it will stop receiving any new Android version updates.
Security patch updates are also limited to 4 years till 2028 for the X6 Neo.
This is still better than brands like Xiaomi, Realme, and Oppo which provide security updates for only 3 years.
No Signs Of Improvement
The POCO X6 Neo continues this trend of two Android OS updates despite POCO hinting earlier that it may improve its software support.
When the POCO F4 was launched with MIUI 13 earlier this year, the company suggested it could get an update to MIUI 14 and even MIUI 15.
However, there is no clarity on whether the F4 or other 2022 POCO phones will receive 3 major updates.
The newly launched X6 Neo makes no such claims either. Its product page clearly states only two Android OS upgrades.
POCO’s Reasoning
POCO has defended its two update policy by stating most of its customers change their phones within two years.
Providing longer software support is not feasible due to the low profit margins and price-sensitive nature of the budget smartphone segment.
But with brands like Samsung now offering 3 OS updates for phones even under ₹15,000, POCO’s reasoning may not hold much water.
Providing better software support is increasingly being seen as a value addition even for affordable devices.
POCO X6 Neo – Key Specifications
- 6.7 inch FHD+ LCD display with 120Hz refresh rate
- MediaTek Dimensity 1080 5G chipset
- Up to 8GB RAM, 256GB storage
- 64MP triple rear camera
- 16MP front camera
- 5,000 mAh battery with 67W fast charging
- Side-mounted fingerprint scanner, IR blaster
- Available in Black, Blue, and White colors
The POCO X6 Neo seems to check most boxes when it comes to hardware at an expected price of around ₹17,000.
Software support remains its Achilles heel. With brands like Motorola, Samsung, and Nokia now offering 3 years of OS updates in the same price band, POCO may need to rethink its update policy soon.
For now, the POCO X6 Neo remains a decent affordable 5G smartphone for buyers who tend to upgrade frequently.
But buyers looking for better long term software support will find better options from competing brands.