MIUI Camera code points to Redmi K30 Pro being next POCO phone (Update)

Update, March 31 2020 (3:03AM ET): It looks like the POCO F2 might not be a rebranded take on the Redmi K30 Pro after all. The news reportedly came via POCO India general manager Chandolu Manmohan during a Zoom virtual meeting with fans. You can check the full story at the link here.

Original article, March 26 2020 (2:13AM ET): The first POCO phone since 2018’s POCO F1 was the POCO X2, a rebranded version of the Redmi K30. It therefore stands to reason that the POCO F2 will likely be a rebranded version of the Redmi K30 Pro.

Now, XDA-Developers has uncovered evidence that the Pro model is indeed the basis for a new POCO device. XDA member kacskrz dug through the MIUI Camera app in the latest MIUI 11 beta, discovering references to “lmi” and “lmiin.” The former is the code-name for the Redmi K30 Pro, according to the outlet, while the latter is presumed to be the code-name for the Indian version of the K30 Pro.

They were then able to find a reference to a “shot on POCO phone” watermark for the series, lending credence to the idea that the Redmi K30 Pro will indeed be a POCO device (presumably the POCO F2).

In case you missed it, the Redmi K30 Pro is a flagship-level phone with a 2,999 yuan (~$424) price tag. The phone features a Snapdragon 865 processor, 6GB to 8GB of RAM, and 128GB to 256GB of expandable storage.

The K30 Pro also offers a 20MP pop-up selfie camera, a quad rear camera (64MP, 13MP ultra-wide, 5MP telephoto macro lens, 2MP depth), and a 4,700mAh battery with 33W wired charging. Other notable features include a 3.5mm port, an in-display fingerprint sensor, and an OLED FHD+ screen (60Hz).

We can therefore expect the next POCO device to be more expensive than the ~$300 POCO F1 if it’s indeed based on the K30 Pro. But would you buy a POCO F2 if it’s pricier than the F1? Let us know below!