Options abound for people looking for an affordable smartphone that packs a pretty good punch. POCO is a brand that’s definitely known for their budget-friendly devices and their recent release early in November — The POCO C65 — is no exception, which is priced at PHP 5,499 for its base variant. It comes with a Helio G85 processor, a 50-megapixel camera, and a generous 5000mAh battery. But does the price point and its feature set make it worth considering? Let’s find out if this budget-friendly device is worth your hard-earned money.
POCO C65 Philippines: Specs
- Helio G85 Processor
- Up to 8GB RAM
- Up to 256GB Storage
- 6.74-inch 90hz IPS Display, HD+ Resolution
- 8-megapixel selfie camera
- 50-megapixel main camera
- 2-megapixel macro camera
- 5000mAh Battery
- 18w Charging
- Android 13, MIUI 14
POCO C65 Review: Performance
At the heart of the POCO C65 lies the MediaTek Helio G85 processor, coupled with 6 or 8GB of RAM (depending on the variant) and up to 256GB of storage. For those who want a bit more RAM though, the option to expand to 12GB via memory expansion is an option. In day-to-day tasks such as web browsing, social media, emails, and messaging, the POCO C65 delivers a commendable performance. However, heavy multitasking may lead to some slowdowns.
Gaming on the POCO C65 is a mixed bag. While it handles titles like Mobile Legends smoothly on high settings, more demanding games like Genshin Impact may require lower graphics settings to avoid occasional stutters.
One recurring complaint with POCO phones — that a lot of our followers mention — is the issue of bloatware and intrusive software that comes with MIUI. While you can delete unwanted pre-installed apps, the persistent app suggestions and UI features might irk users; even though they are intended to be helpful. This is especially the case for those who might be more accustomed to a closer-to-stock Android experience.
POCO C65 Review: Display
The POCO C65 boasts a 6.7-inch display with a decent 90Hz refresh rate and certifications to reduce eye fatigue from TUV Rheinland. The picture quality is satisfactory despite the less-than-stellar pixel density of the display which sits at 260ppi. The main problem we had with the C65’s display has to do with using it outdoors though.
In bright sunlight, the screen may become difficult to read, and viewing angles aren’t stellar, impacting photo composition.
POCO C65 Review: Camera
Equipped with a 50-megapixel main shooter and a 2-megapixel macro camera on the rear, along with an 8-megapixel front camera, the POCO C65 offers respectable camera performance in well-lit conditions.
Outdoor shots exhibit good detail and improved dynamic range. Portrait mode strikes a balance without excessive background blurring. However, indoor and low-light scenarios can be challenging, leading to a loss of detail and muddy images.
POCO C65 Review: Battery Life
One standout feature of the POCO C65 is its robust 5000mAh battery. With a battery benchmark of 11 hours and 25 minutes, the device ensures a full day of usage under moderate conditions. The 18W charging support is not groundbreaking but serves its purpose.
POCO C65 Review: Verdict
In conclusion, the POCO C65 delivers what you’d expect in its price range. The battery life and camera performance stand out, offering value for money. However, the device has its drawbacks, notably the MIUI software and limitations in screen brightness and viewing angles. If you’re considering alternatives in this price bracket, check out our video featuring the team’s top picks. The POCO C65 might not be perfect, but it certainly holds its own in the competitive landscape of budget smartphones.
POCO C65 Price Philippines
As mentioned, the POCO C65 is priced at Php 5,499 for its base unit which comes with 6GB of RAM and 128GB of storage. If you want to max out on its specs to get a bump up in both RAM and ROM (8GB RAM + 256GB ROM), then you’ll have to add an extra Php 1,000 to your budget. You can check out the POCO C65 via their Flagship Store on both Lazada and Shopee.
