The Poco C61, the company’s newest smartphone, has been released in India. This budget-friendly device is the successor to the Poco C51 and aims to provide users with a smooth user experience without breaking the bank. Let’s delve into the specifications, features, and what the POCO C61 brings to the table.
Display and Design
The POCO C61 boasts a large 6.71-inch HD+ (1650 x 720) LCD with a waterdrop notch. While the resolution could be better, it offers ample screen real estate for consuming content, browsing the web, and playing games. The fact that it has a refresh rate of 90Hz is a pleasant surprise, especially considering the price range. This smoother refresh rate ensures a more fluid experience when scrolling through menus, navigating apps, and playing games that support it. Protecting the display is Corning Gorilla Glass 3, offering some degree of scratch resistance.
The design of POCO C61 follows the current trend of gradient finishes on the back panel. It comes in three color options: Mystical Green, Ethereal Blue, and Diamond Dust Black. The back panel has a glossy finish, which might be prone to fingerprints but adds a touch of premium feel. For those who prefer a more secure grip, a case might be necessary.
View this post on Instagram
Performance and Storage
Under the hood, the POCO C61 is powered by the MediaTek Helio G36 processor, a common choice for budget smartphones. This octa-core processor is paired with LPDDR4x RAM, offering decent performance for everyday tasks like browsing the web, using social media apps, and streaming videos. For multitasking and running more demanding applications, the higher 6GB RAM option might be preferable. The phone comes with MMC 5.1 storage, which is adequate for storing apps, photos, and videos. However, users who require extensive storage for media files may consider the 128GB storage variant. The phone also has a microSD card slot, which allows for the expansion of the storage capacity.
The software side of things is handled by Android (version still needs to be confirmed), likely with POCO’s custom user interface on top. While a custom UI might offer additional features and customizations, it’s important to consider potential bloatware and the update cycle.
Camera
The camera department on the POCO C61 is basic. It features a dual rear camera setup with an 8MP camera sensor in addition to a depth sensor on the back. While the megapixel count might seem low on paper, budget phone cameras often prioritize software processing over raw sensor power. In good lighting conditions, the camera may take decent photos, but low-light performance will likely be a weak point.
The front-facing camera for selfies and video calls comes in at 5MP. Again, don’t expect exceptional quality, but it should suffice for basic video conferencing needs.
View this post on Instagram
Battery and Connectivity
The POCO C61 packs a hefty 5000mAh battery, which is a major selling point for this phone. This large-capacity battery should last a full day, or even longer, on a single charge with moderate usage. The phone supports 10W wired charging, which isn’t the fastest, but it’s typical in this price range.
Connectivity options on the POCO C61 include dual-SIM 4G LTE support, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and a Micro-USB port. The inclusion of a Micro-USB port might be a disappointment for some users, as most modern phones have transitioned to the more versatile USB-C port.
Price and Availability
With a starting price of Rs. 6,999 for the edition with 4GB RAM and 64GB storage, the POCO C61 is a convenient smartphone for those on a budget. The higher-end 6GB RAM and 128GB storage variant comes in at Rs. 7,999. These introductory prices include a limited-time Rs. 500 discount coupon for the first day of sale, which starts on March 28th, exclusively on Flipkart in India.
Conclusion
The POCO C61 caters to users looking for a smartphone that prioritizes a large display, long battery life, and affordability. The 90Hz refresh rate display, 5000mAh battery, and decent design are some of the phone’s highlights. However, users who prioritize camera quality or the latest connectivity options, like USB-C, might want to look elsewhere.
