POCO C65 : Budget smartphones often promise more than they deliver, but the POCO C65 is breaking that unfortunate trend. Launched in November 2023, this entry-level device has become one of the most talked-about ultra-budget smartphones throughout 2024, and for compelling reasons that go beyond its attractive $109 starting price.

The smartphone market’s budget segment has become increasingly competitive, with manufacturers struggling to balance cost constraints against consumer expectations. POCO, Xiaomi’s youth-focused sub-brand, appears to have found that sweet spot with the C65, delivering features typically associated with much more expensive devices.

Design That Defies Budget Expectations

First impressions matter, and the POCO C65 doesn’t disappoint. The device sports a modern aesthetic that borrows design cues from flagship smartphones, including a flat back reminiscent of contemporary iPhone styling. The double-barrel camera module adds sophistication to what could have been a mundane budget design.

Available in three attractive colorways – Sleek Black, Dreamy Purple, and a striking Blue variant – the C65 feels surprisingly premium in hand. At 192 grams with dimensions of 168 x 78 x 8.1mm, it strikes a balance between substantial feel and comfortable handling. The inclusion of IP52 water resistance, while not heavily advertised, provides peace of mind for everyday use.

The brushed aluminum finish on the rear panel creates visual interest while maintaining durability. Unlike many budget devices that scream their price point, the C65 could easily be mistaken for a mid-range smartphone by casual observers.

Display Technology That Surprises

The 6.74-inch IPS LCD display represents both strength and compromise. While the 720p resolution feels dated in 2024, the 90Hz refresh rate provides smooth scrolling that enhances daily interaction. Protected by Gorilla Glass 3, the screen offers adequate protection against everyday wear.

Peak brightness reaches 600 nits, sufficient for most indoor scenarios though direct sunlight presents visibility challenges.(POCO C65) The teardrop notch design feels somewhat outdated compared to modern punch-hole implementations, but serves its purpose without major complaints.

Color reproduction proves satisfactory for the price segment, delivering vibrant visuals for social media consumption and casual gaming. While not matching OLED vibrancy, the display handles YouTube videos and streaming content admirably.

Performance That Handles Daily Tasks

The MediaTek Helio G85 chipset, while not cutting-edge, proves more than capable for typical smartphone operations. Built on 12nm technology, this processor handles social media browsing, messaging, and light gaming without significant stutters.

Memory configurations span from 4GB to 8GB RAM, with storage options including 128GB and 256GB variants. The inclusion of memory extension technology allows up to 8GB additional virtual RAM, improving multitasking capabilities. eMMC 5.1 storage, while slower than UFS alternatives, keeps costs reasonable while providing adequate performance for the target audience.

Gaming performance remains respectable for casual titles like Mobile Legends, though demanding games like Genshin Impact push the hardware beyond comfortable limits. Thermal management impresses, with the device remaining cool during extended gaming sessions.

Camera System Delivers Pleasant Surprises

The 50MP primary camera represents genuine value engineering. While specifications alone don’t tell the complete story, real-world performance in good lighting conditions produces surprisingly detailed images with pleasant color reproduction. The camera tends toward enhanced vibrancy rather than natural accuracy – a choice many users prefer for social media sharing.

Accompanying the main sensor, a 2MP macro lens provides close-up photography options, though utility remains limited. The upgraded 8MP front camera handles selfies competently, delivering Instagram-worthy results in favorable lighting conditions.

Low-light performance represents the camera system’s primary weakness, with images becoming soft and noisy in challenging conditions. Night mode provides modest improvements but cannot overcome fundamental hardware limitations.

Battery Life That Actually Impresses

The 5,000mAh battery capacity delivers outstanding endurance, easily providing full-day usage for typical consumers. Light users often achieve two days between charges, while heavy usage still comfortably reaches 24+ hours.

However, charging speeds disappoint with only 10W included in the box, despite 18W support. Complete charging requires over two hours, making fast charging accessories essential for impatient users.

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Market Position and Value Proposition

Priced competitively at $109-$129 depending on configuration, the C65 offers compelling value despite compromises. The absence of 5G connectivity limits future-proofing, while MIUI 14 brings both features and bloatware.

POCO C65 Conclusion: Budget Excellence With Caveats

The POCO C65 proves exceptional smartphone experiences don’t require premium pricing. While compromises exist in display resolution, charging speeds, and camera performance, the overall package delivers genuine value for cost-conscious consumers seeking reliable daily drivers.