Poco C61: Budget Beauty with a Surprisingly Capable Chipset
Looking for a smartphone that won’t break the bank but still offers a smooth experience? Xiaomi Poco C61 is here for you. Launched in March 2024, this phone packs a surprising punch for its price point. Let’s dive into what makes the Poco C61 a great budget option.
Design that Belies its Price Tag
First impressions matter, and the Poco C61 doesn’t disappoint. It boasts a sleek glass back that gives it a more premium feel than its price tag suggests. The phone is comfortable to hold thanks to its flat frame and light weight (around 199g). While bezels are present, the large 6.71-inch display with a 90Hz refresh rate offers an immersive viewing experience, perfect for watching videos or browsing the web.
The Powerhouse of Chipset
Now, let’s talk about the most surprising aspect of the Poco C61: the MediaTek Helio G36 chipset. Often associated with entry-level gaming phones, the Helio G36 offers surprisingly smooth performance for everyday tasks. This is thanks to its octa-core CPU and PowerVR GE8320 GPU. While it won’t run the latest high-graphic games at max settings, it can handle most day-to-day tasks and even some light gaming with ease.
A Camera for Everyday Snaps
The Poco C61 features an 8MP main camera with an f/2.0 aperture, along with a secondary sensor. While it won’t compete with high-end flagships, it takes decent photos in good lighting conditions. The 5MP selfie camera allows for basic selfies and video calls.
Long-lasting Battery Life
One of the biggest strengths of the Poco C61 is its massive 5000mAh battery. This, combined with the power-efficient Helio G36 chipset, translates to excellent battery life. You can easily get through a full day of use on a single charge, with some users even reporting two days on a single charge with moderate usage. However, the 10W charging speed can feel slow compared to some competitors.
Software Experience
The Poco C61 runs the latest Android 14 with Xiaomi’s MIUI on top. MIUI offers a wide range of customization options and features, making it a great choice for users who like to tinker with their phones.
The Verdict: Great Value for Money
The Poco C61 is a fantastic budget smartphone that offers a lot of bang for your buck. With its stylish design, surprisingly capable chipset, long-lasting battery life, and up-to-date software, it’s a great option for anyone looking for a reliable phone for everyday tasks. Just keep in mind that the camera system is basic and the charging speed could be faster. However, at its price point, these are forgivable shortcomings.
