Xiaomi Poco C65

Diving Deep with the Xiaomi Poco C65: More Than Just a Budget Contender

I’ve spent the better part of the last few weeks putting the Xiaomi Poco C65 through its paces, and it's definitely carved out a distinct impression. At its price point, it’s clearly aimed at those seeking the most bang for their buck, a segment where compromises are expected. My testing involved everything from daily tasks like browsing and social media to more demanding activities like gaming and photography, all to get a real feel for what this phone offers. Initial impressions are that it punches above its weight in some key areas, but naturally, there are trade-offs to consider. Let's dive in and explore what makes this phone tick.

Navigating the Budget Battlefield

The budget smartphone market is fiercely competitive, and the Poco C65 arrives at a time when consumers are increasingly savvy about where their money goes. Xiaomi, with its Poco sub-brand, has carved a niche for itself by offering compelling specs at aggressively low prices. This strategy continues with the C65, and from my perspective, it’s a smart move. The price point positions it directly against rivals who often sacrifice significantly on features. However, the question remains: does the C65 offer genuine value or just a list of impressive-sounding specifications? My experience suggests it leans towards the former, but with caveats.

Holding the Essentials: Design & Hardware

Picking up the Poco C65, the first thing you notice is its size. The 6.74-inch display makes it a substantial device, bordering on the phablet territory. For those with smaller hands, one-handed operation might be a stretch, and I often found myself using both hands to navigate comfortably. The build feels sturdy enough for a budget phone, though the all-plastic construction is evident. While it might not exude premium vibes, it feels practical and like it can withstand the daily grind. Durability is always a concern in this price bracket, and while I haven’t intentionally put it through any drop tests, it seems reasonably well-assembled. The side-mounted fingerprint sensor is a welcome addition, integrating seamlessly into the power button and proving to be both fast and reliable in my usage.

A Canvas for Content: The Display Experience

The display on the Poco C65 is a mixed bag, but for the price, it’s surprisingly capable. The 90Hz refresh rate makes scrolling and navigating feel noticeably smoother than standard 60Hz panels, enhancing the overall user experience. While the 720 x 1600 resolution isn't the sharpest, resulting in a pixel density of 260 ppi, it’s adequate for most daily tasks. I noticed the lack of crispness more when viewing high-resolution images or videos, especially when compared to higher-end devices. However, for browsing social media and general use, it’s perfectly acceptable. What impressed me was the High Brightness Mode (HBM), which Xiaomi claims can reach 600 nits. In my testing outdoors, the screen remained surprisingly legible even under direct sunlight, a significant advantage for a budget phone. Media consumption is decent, and while it won't rival OLED displays in terms of color vibrancy and contrast, it gets the job done. Gaming is also acceptable, though the lower resolution is more apparent in graphically intensive titles. For everyday use, the display performs admirably, balancing smoothness with adequate clarity.

Under the Hood: Performance and Practicality

Powering the Poco C65 is the MediaTek Helio G85 chipset. Let’s be clear: this isn't a flagship-level processor, but it's a solid performer for the budget segment. In my real-world testing, the phone handled everyday tasks like email, web browsing, and social media without significant lag. Multitasking with a few apps running in the background was generally smooth, though pushing it with numerous heavy apps simultaneously did reveal its limitations. Gaming performance is where expectations need to be managed. While I could play popular titles, demanding games required dialing down the graphics settings to achieve playable frame rates. During extended gaming sessions, I did notice some warmth on the back of the device, but it never became uncomfortably hot. For casual gaming, it’s sufficient, but serious gamers will likely need to look at more powerful options. Overall, the performance aligns with its price point, offering enough grunt for most users' daily needs.

Capturing Moments: The Camera System

The camera system on the Poco C65 is headlined by a 50MP main sensor. My experience taking photos was surprisingly positive, especially in good lighting conditions. Images were generally well-detailed with decent color reproduction. I specifically tested it in various scenarios, including daylight landscapes, close-up shots, and indoor scenes. The flower market shots, as mentioned in the initial human review, were indeed quite vibrant. However, as light levels dropped, the limitations of the sensor became more apparent, with noticeable noise and loss of detail. The video recording capabilities top out at 1080p at 30fps, which is standard for this category. Video quality is acceptable for casual use but lacks the sharpness and stabilization found in higher-end phones. The additional 2MP macro and depth sensors are present, and while the macro lens can be fun for experimenting with close-up subjects, its quality isn't exceptional. The 8MP front-facing camera is adequate for selfies and video calls. Compared to other phones in this price range, the Poco C65 holds its own, offering a versatile enough camera system for everyday snapshots. It’s not going to rival flagship camera phones, but it’s certainly capable for its intended use.

Powering Through: Battery and Charging

Battery life is a standout feature of the Poco C65. The 5000mAh battery consistently delivered all-day battery life in my testing, even on days with heavy usage involving navigation, photography, and video streaming. On lighter days, I could easily stretch it into the second day. This impressive endurance is a significant plus for those who are often away from a power outlet. Charging, however, is a bit more pedestrian. While it supports 18W fast charging, the included charger is often a slower one depending on the region. Using an 18W charger, I found it took a little over two hours to fully charge the device from empty. It's not the fastest, but given the excellent battery life, overnight charging is usually sufficient. The power management seems efficient, contributing to the overall longevity of the battery on a single charge.

Software Experience: Familiar Territory

The Poco C65 runs on Android 13 with Xiaomi's MIUI skin on top. If you're familiar with Xiaomi's interface, you'll find yourself right at home. The interface is feature-rich, offering plenty of customization options. While it's not the cleanest Android experience, it's functional and you do get used to it. I found the features generally useful, although there's a fair amount of pre-installed apps (bloatware) that you might want to remove. Xiaomi's update policy for its budget devices isn't always the most transparent or consistent, which is something to keep in mind. While the phone launched with Android 13, the long-term update prospects are uncertain. Daily usage is generally smooth, and the interface feels responsive thanks to the 90Hz display.

The Value Proposition: Is it Worth It?

Analyzing the value of the Poco C65 requires considering its price point and the features it offers. In my opinion, it presents a compelling case for those on a tight budget. You get a large, smooth display, solid battery life, and a capable main camera – all key areas for most smartphone users. The performance is adequate for everyday tasks, and while it's not a gaming powerhouse, it can handle casual gaming. The inclusion of NFC for contactless payments is a significant bonus that's not always a given in this price range.

Who is this phone for? I believe the Poco C65 is ideal for budget-conscious consumers, students, or anyone looking for a reliable second phone. It's a great option for those who prioritize battery life and a large screen for media consumption.

Who should look elsewhere? Serious gamers, photography enthusiasts demanding top-tier image quality, and users who prioritize a pristine, bloatware-free software experience might find the compromises too significant.

Compared to the competition, the Poco C65 holds its own, often offering a better balance of features for the price than some of its direct rivals. The lack of official SD card support is a drawback, especially considering the storage demands of modern apps and media, but the 256GB variant mitigates this somewhat.

Final Verdict: A Solid Budget Performer

The Xiaomi Poco C65 isn't a perfect phone, but it delivers impressive value for its price. My testing revealed a device that handles everyday tasks with ease, boasts excellent battery life, and has a surprisingly capable main camera. While there are compromises in areas like display sharpness and processing power for demanding tasks, these are expected at this price point. Ultimately, I can confidently recommend the Poco C65 to anyone seeking a reliable and feature-rich smartphone without breaking the bank. It’s a testament to how much you can get for your money in today's budget smartphone market.