POCO exec confirms POCO F2 won't be rebranded Redmi K30 Pro

The POCO X2 was the first POCO phone since 2018’s POCO F1, but the new phone was actually a rebranded Redmi K30 4G. So it was expected that the POCO F2 would actually be based on the recently announced Redmi K30 Pro flagship.

However, POCO India general manager Chandolu Manmohan reportedly told a Zoom meeting of enthusiasts (h/t: MySmartPrice and FoneArena) that the POCO F2 would not be a rebranded Redmi K30 Pro.

This statement comes despite XDA-Developers previously finding evidence that the Redmi K30 Pro would indeed be a POCO device in India. This suggests that the K30 Pro could be a POCO device but not the POCO F2, and that the upcoming device is a new phone altogether. It’s also possible that another phone could be the basis for the F2 (such as the Snapdragon 765G-toting Redmi K30 5G).

Furthermore, Manmohan apparently told the meeting that people expecting a Rs 20,000 (~$265) price tag for the POCO F2 shouldn’t wait for the device and should rather get the POCO X2.

It’s a tough if not impossible ask to expect such a low price tag for a Snapdragon 865 phone, as all signs point to a significant price increase for Qualcomm’s latest flagship processor. POCO would have to theoretically skimp on the number and quality of cameras, design, screen technology, and more in order to reach a ~$265 price point.

Manmohan also told the virtual meeting that POCO will launch a pair of true wireless earbuds in India, joining the likes of Samsung, Xiaomi itself, and other brands in offering the accessory.

What would you like to see from the POCO F2? Give us your wishlist in the comments section!