Introduction:
In the ever-evolving world of smartphones, the budget segment has become a battleground for manufacturers striving to deliver exceptional features at an affordable price point. Poco, known for its commitment to providing high value for money, has introduced the Poco C65, aiming to redefine the budget smartphone experience. This comprehensive review delves into every aspect of the Poco C65, from design and display to performance, camera capabilities, and software features.
Design and Build Quality:
The first impression is crucial when it comes to smartphones, and Poco seems to have paid attention to this aspect with the C65. The device boasts a sleek and modern design that stands out in the budget category. The build quality is commendable, with a sturdy construction that gives the phone a premium feel. The rear panel, made of polycarbonate, not only contributes to the phone's lightweight design but also offers a comfortable grip.
The placement of buttons and ports is well-thought-out, providing easy access to essential features. The fingerprint sensor, positioned conveniently on the back, adds a layer of security while maintaining a clean and uncluttered look on the front.
Display:
The Poco C65 features a 6.5-inch IPS LCD display with a resolution of 720 x 1600 pixels. While this might not be the highest resolution in the market, the display offers vibrant colors and satisfactory brightness levels. The inclusion of an HD+ panel contributes to power efficiency, ensuring that the device delivers an optimal balance between visual quality and battery performance.
The bezels are reasonably slim, and the waterdrop notch at the top houses the front camera, maximizing the screen-to-body ratio. The overall display quality is impressive for a budget device, making it suitable for multimedia consumption and everyday use.
Performance:
Under the hood, the Poco C65 is powered by a quad-core processor clocked at 2.0 GHz, coupled with 4GB of RAM. This combination might not compete with flagship processors, but for a budget device, it promises smooth performance in day-to-day tasks. The device handles multitasking reasonably well, allowing users to switch between apps without significant lag.
For gaming enthusiasts, the Poco C65 comes equipped with a dedicated GPU, providing a decent gaming experience for casual gamers. However, resource-intensive games may require lower graphics settings for optimal performance.
Storage options include 64GB of internal storage, expandable up to 256GB via a dedicated microSD card slot. This generous storage capacity ensures that users can store a plethora of apps, photos, and videos without worrying about running out of space.
Camera Capabilities:
In the era of smartphone photography, even budget devices are expected to deliver competent camera performance. The Poco C65 features a dual-camera setup on the rear, consisting of a 13MP primary sensor and a 2MP depth sensor. The camera system is enhanced with features like AI scene detection, HDR, and various shooting modes, allowing users to capture diverse scenes with ease.
The daylight photography performance is commendable, producing vibrant and well-detailed images. The AI scene detection accurately identifies different scenarios, optimizing the camera settings for the best results. The depth sensor contributes to effective background blur in portrait shots, adding a professional touch to the images.
Low-light photography, while acceptable, does exhibit some noise and loss of detail. The inclusion of a dedicated night mode helps improve low-light performance, but users may need to exercise patience to capture the best shots in challenging lighting conditions.
On the front, the Poco C65 houses an 8MP selfie camera within the waterdrop notch. The front camera produces decent selfies with natural colors and good facial details. It supports AI beautification features, allowing users to customize their selfies according to personal preferences.
Overall, the camera capabilities of the Poco C65 align with the expectations of the budget segment, providing users with a reliable tool for capturing everyday moments.
Battery Life:
The Poco C65 packs a robust 5000mAh battery, ensuring prolonged usage on a single charge. The combination of the energy-efficient display and the optimized processor contributes to an impressive battery life, making the device suitable for users who prioritize endurance.
The phone supports 18W fast charging, a valuable addition that reduces downtime when the battery needs replenishing. In real-world usage, the battery life of the Poco C65 is likely to meet the demands of most users, offering a reliable companion for a full day of productivity and entertainment.
Software Features:
The Poco C65 runs on MIUI, Xiaomi's custom Android skin. While MIUI has its share of enthusiasts, it does come with a layer of customization that might be overwhelming for users accustomed to stock Android. The device ships with MIUI 12, bringing a host of features and improvements over its predecessor.
One notable feature is the Poco Launcher, which provides a clean and intuitive home screen experience. Users can customize the look and feel of the interface, including icon packs, themes, and animations. The inclusion of a dedicated app drawer enhances organization, making it easier for users to access their installed apps.
MIUI 12 introduces system-wide animations and optimizations, contributing to a smooth and responsive user experience. However, the pre-installed bloatware might be a concern for some users, as it occupies valuable storage space.
Connectivity and Biometrics:
The Poco C65 offers a comprehensive set of connectivity options, including 4G VoLTE, Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Bluetooth 5.0, and a USB Type-C port for charging and data transfer. The inclusion of a 3.5mm headphone jack is a welcome feature for users who prefer wired audio devices.
Biometric authentication is handled by the rear-mounted fingerprint sensor and face unlock. Both methods work efficiently, providing users with convenient and secure options for unlocking their devices. The fingerprint sensor, in particular, is responsive and accurate, enhancing the overall user experience.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, the Poco C65 is a commendable addition to the budget smartphone market. Poco has managed to strike a balance between affordability and performance, offering a device that meets the needs of budget-conscious consumers. The sleek design, vibrant display, capable camera system, and robust battery life make the Poco C65 a compelling option for users looking for a reliable and feature-packed smartphone without breaking the bank.
While it may not compete with flagship devices in terms of raw power and camera capabilities, the Poco C65 excels in its category, providing excellent value for money. As the budget smartphone segment continues to evolve, Poco's commitment to innovation and user satisfaction positions the C65 as a strong contender in its price range.