Xiaomi Poco C65

Xiaomi Poco C65 Review

Key Features

• Display: 6.74-inch IPS LCD with a 90Hz refresh rate, 720 x 1600 resolution, and 260 ppi density.
• Processor: MediaTek Helio G85 (12 nm) Octa-core CPU and Mali-G52 MC2 GPU.
• Memory: Multiple configurations including 4GB/6GB/8GB RAM options with 128GB/256GB of eMMC 5.1 storage.
• Cameras: 50MP primary rear camera, 2MP macro, 2MP depth, and 8MP front-facing camera.
• Battery: 5000mAh with 18W fast charging support.
• Operating System: Android 13.
• Connectivity: Dual SIM support, 4G LTE, Wi-Fi 802.11ac, Bluetooth 5.3, NFC, and USB Type-C 2.0 with OTG.
• Sensors: Side-mounted fingerprint sensor, accelerometer, and compass.
• Other: Available in Black, Blue, and Purple colors.

Pros & Cons

Pros:

• Large 6.74-inch display with a smooth 90Hz refresh rate.
• Decent performance for everyday tasks provided by the Helio G85 chipset.
• Large 5000mAh battery offers good battery life.
• 18W fast charging support is a plus at this price point.
• NFC support for contactless payments.
• Includes a side-mounted fingerprint sensor.
• Triple rear camera setup with a 50MP main sensor.
• Affordable price, positioned in the low-price segment.
• Bluetooth 5.3 LE for good power efficiency.
• USB Type-C port with USB OTG support.
• Dual SIM support.

Cons:

• The display resolution of 720 x 1600 is low for its size, resulting in lower pixel density.
• eMMC 5.1 storage is slower compared to UFS storage found in higher-end phones.
• The macro and depth cameras are of limited use with 2MP resolution.
• No mention of display protection such as Gorilla Glass, though the screen is scratch resistant.
• No dedicated video out via USB type C.
• No wireless charging support.
• No notification LED.
• No cooling system.
• Single speaker.

User Experience

The Xiaomi Poco C65 provides a relatively smooth user experience for everyday tasks like browsing, social media, and casual gaming, thanks to its 90Hz refresh rate display and MediaTek Helio G85 processor. The large screen makes it good for media consumption, though the lower resolution means that text and images may not be as sharp as on higher-resolution devices. The 5000mAh battery easily lasts a full day for most users. The side-mounted fingerprint sensor is quick and convenient. While not a powerhouse, the device handles multitasking reasonably well. The camera performance is decent for the price, but it struggles in low light conditions, and the macro and depth cameras are mostly there for marketing purposes. The software experience is typical of Xiaomi phones, with plenty of customization options and some pre-installed apps.

Hardware & Design

The Poco C65 has a plastic build, which is expected at its price point. It measures 168mm in height, 78mm in width, and 8.1mm in depth, and weighs 192g. The device features a fairly standard design, with a waterdrop notch housing the front-facing camera. The back houses the triple camera setup and LED flash. The side-mounted fingerprint sensor is integrated into the power button. It includes a USB Type-C port, a 3.5mm headphone jack, and a speaker at the bottom. The device is available in three color options: Black, Blue, and Purple. It has dual SIM slots but does not have an SD card slot for expandable storage.

Conclusion

The Xiaomi Poco C65 is a budget-friendly smartphone that offers a large, smooth display, a good battery, and decent overall performance for its price point. It is suitable for users who primarily use their phone for social media, browsing, and casual gaming. The trade-offs, such as the low-resolution display, eMMC storage, and mediocre camera performance, are to be expected at this price range. The inclusion of NFC and 18W fast charging are notable advantages in the low-price segment. If you're looking for an affordable phone with a big screen and decent battery life, the Poco C65 is a reasonable option, but be aware of its limitations.