POCO F5, thereās something to look forward to. HyperOS 2.0 is officially rolling out in India! This latest update introduces several impressive features that enhance the overall user experience.
However, itās not all smooth sailing. Some expected functionalities are still missing, leaving a few users wanting more. Whatās new, whatās still absent, and what it all means for POCO F5 users? Letās dive into the details.
What Is HyperOS 2.0?
HyperOS 2.0 is Xiaomiās evolution beyond MIUI. It is designed to unify its entire ecosystem, from smartphones to IoT devices, under a single, cohesive software platform. It’s built on a lightweight architecture, focusing on speed, personalization, privacy, and AI-driven smart features.
HyperOS 2.0: First Impressions
The latest HyperOS 2.0.1.0 build for the POCO F5 is based on Android 15 and comes with the March 2025 security patch, a welcome upgrade that many users have been eagerly anticipating.
This update also brings a refreshed UI with subtle visual tweaks that give the system a more modern and clean look. In addition, Xiaomi’s HyperCore and HyperConnect technologies are now integrated, which aim to deliver smoother performance and improved connectivity across devices.
However, thereās one noticeable letdown: the icons remain unchanged. Despite the fresh Android version and UI updates, POCO continues to stick with the same outdated icon pack. Itās surprising that after all these years, thereās still no refresh in this area. Hopefully, future updates will address this.
Now, letās explore what new features and changes you can actually experience after installing the update.
New Features-
Before we get into whatās still missing, letās take a moment to appreciate the features in HyperOS 2.0 that genuinely enhance the user experience. Here are a few highlights that stood out:
Revamped Launcher with Blur Effects
The POCO F5 launcher has received a stylish update with a brand-new blur effect option. This feature adds a sleek, frosted-glass look to your home screen, allowing your wallpaper to shine through subtly. Itās a simple addition, but it dramatically improves the aesthetic.
Folders now support blur mode as well, giving the interface a more premium feel. Plus, the animations are noticeably smoother, with no lag or stutter, just clean, fluid transitions. If you’re into customization, this is definitely worth exploring. Pro tip: donāt miss our POCO F5 customization tips to elevate your setup even further.
New Lock Screen Lens Mode
A fresh Lens Mode has been added to the lock screen. While small, this feature offers a unique and refreshing way to personalize your device. I tested it out and found it surprisingly fun. It adds a subtle layer of interactivity that makes unlocking your phone feel a bit more engaging.
Enhanced Control Center and Refined Animations
The Control Center has seen some thoughtful improvements. Key options like auto-brightness, dark mode, and reading mode are now neatly grouped within the brightness panel, making them easier to access.
Letās not forget the animations. Everything feels incredibly polished. From swiping through menus to adjusting settings, the UI flows smoothly without any hiccups.
Bad News: What is Missing?
While HyperOS 2.0 brings some exciting new features, it also leaves a few things to be desired. Here are some of the most noticeable letdowns in the current build:
Missing AI Features
One of the biggest disappointments is the lack of AI-powered features. Users were hoping to see tools like AI dynamic wallpapers, innovative gallery options, and image expansion modes, which are already available in the Chinese and global builds of HyperOS 2.1. Unfortunately, the POCO F5 HyperOS 2.0 update doesnāt include these, at least not yet. It looks like weāll have to wait for a future build to enjoy these next-gen enhancements.
Always-On Display Still Limited
Many POCO fans were anticipating an upgrade to the Always-On Display (AOD) feature, perhaps even a full-time display mode. However, itās still restricted to just 10 seconds, with no significant improvements. This long-standing limitation continues to be a letdown, especially for users who want a more dynamic and customizable AOD experience.
Persistent Bloatware and Intrusive Ads
Despite being a feature-rich device, the POCO F5 still ships with unnecessary bloatware pre-installed apps that many users never use. Even more frustrating is the presence of full-page ads in system apps like the Theme Manager and File Manager. These interruptions feel out of place on a mid-range premium phone and impact the overall user experience.
Outdated Widgets and Icon Pack
Another area that hasnāt seen much attention is the widgets and icons. Unlike the newer global HyperOS 2.1 builds, which offer updated widgets and design elements, the POCO F5 remains stuck with default, dated options. The icon pack, in particular, is overdue for a refresh. For a brand that prides itself on customization, this feels like a missed opportunity.
Notable Missing Tools and Features
Despite the impressive update, a few expected features were surprisingly missing or delayed in the POCO F5 rollout of HyperOS 2.0.
No AI Assistant Integration (Yet)
While Xiaomiās voice assistant and AI scheduling tools are being pushed globally, the POCO F5 version lacks this support, likely due to regional restrictions or POCOās software limitations.
No Dynamic Island-Style Notifications
Though seen in higher-end Xiaomi models, floating notification bubbles styled like Appleās Dynamic Island are not part of the POCO F5 package, at least for now.
Lack of Lock Screen Customization
HyperOS 2.0 for POCO F5 does not include the advanced lock screen editor seen in the Redmi Note and Xiaomi 13 series updates.
Missing Cross-Device File Sharing Tool
HyperOS 2.0 boasts a new universal file transfer feature, but the POCO F5 update doesn’t yet support it, hinting at a future update or possible hardware limitation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the HyperOS 2.0 update on POCO F5?
HyperOS 2.0 is Xiaomi’s latest operating system, replacing MIUI. It brings a more responsive UI, better performance, and enhanced AI and privacy features. POCO F5 is based on Android 14 and includes exclusive software optimizations.
Is the HyperOS 2.0 update stable on the POCO F5?
Yes, early feedback suggests the update is stable, with performance and battery life improvements. However, as with all major updates, some minor bugs or compatibility issues may occur temporarily.
Will I lose my data after installing HyperOS 2.0?
Generally, no. The update is designed to retain user data. However, it’s strongly recommended to back up your data before installing any major software update.
Can I roll back to MIUI after updating to HyperOS 2.0?
Officially, Xiaomi does not support downgrading to MIUI. Tech-savvy users may attempt a rollback using third-party tools, but if not done properly, it can void warranties or brick the device.
Does HyperOS 2.0 support the Material You are using on POCO F5?
Yes, the update brings better theming support, including dynamic theming inspired by Googleās Material You design language. App icons and system colors adapt to your wallpaper.
Conclusion
HyperOS 2.0 is a game-changer for POCO F5 users, bringing smoother visuals, better multitasking, and meaningful performance gains. While we expect future updates to patch in missing tools like cross-device file sharing and more AI integrations, this rollout sets a promising foundation for POCO’s software ecosystem moving forward.