POCO C65 (2310FPCA4G) Review: Budget Smartphone Powerhouse?

Introduction

The POCO C65 (2310FPCA4G) promises a compelling blend of features and affordability. For weeks, I’ve put this budget-friendly smartphone through its paces, testing its performance in various scenarios. This review details my experience, highlighting both its strengths and weaknesses.

Features

The POCO C65 boasts a 6.74-inch 90Hz LCD display, a triple-camera system led by a 50MP main sensor, a powerful Octa-Core MediaTek Helio G85 processor, and a massive 5000mAh battery with 18W fast charging. The 8GB RAM (expandable to 16GB) ensures smooth multitasking, while the 256GB of internal storage provides ample space for apps and files. The inclusion of a microSD card slot is a welcome addition for those who need more storage.

The design is simple yet functional. While it’s made of plastic, it feels surprisingly sturdy and the in-hand feel is comfortable. The 90Hz refresh rate on the display makes scrolling noticeably smoother than on many other budget phones. The fingerprint sensor is conveniently located on the side and works accurately.

Performance

Daily usage was consistently smooth. The Helio G85 processor handled most tasks efficiently, from browsing the web and social media to playing some casual mobile games. The 90Hz refresh rate of the display is a noticeable upgrade, contributing to a much better overall user experience. The 5000mAh battery comfortably lasted a full day, even with moderate to heavy usage. The 18W fast charging was also reasonably quick, topping up the battery to full in a little over an hour. While not the fastest on the market, this is significantly faster than the slow charging typically found in this price range. Gaming performance was decent for casual games, but demanding titles might show some limitations, although this is expected in a budget phone.

Pros & Cons

Pros: Large and smooth display, long battery life, fast charging, decent performance for the price, expandable RAM, ample internal storage.

Cons: Camera quality could be better in low-light conditions, plastic build might feel less premium than glass alternatives, some performance bottlenecks with demanding games.

Final Verdict

The POCO C65 (2310FPCA4G) offers excellent value for its price. The combination of a large, smooth display, long battery life, and decent performance makes it a compelling option for budget-conscious consumers. While the camera and build quality aren’t top-tier, they are acceptable considering the cost. If you’re looking for a reliable and affordable smartphone, the POCO C65 is a solid choice. I would recommend it to anyone on a budget seeking a device with a great balance of features and usability.

Specification Value
Expandable Memory Type MicroSD
Secondary Camera Resolution 8 MP
Charging Type Type-C
SIM Count Dual SIM
Processor Speed 2 GHz
Secondary Camera 8 – 11.9 MP
RAM Size 8 GB
Battery Size 5000 mAh
Internal Memory 256 GB
Product Weight 192 g
Version International Version
Screen Size 6.74 in
SIM Type Nano SIM
Refresh Rates 90Hz
Colour Name Black
Display Type LCD
Operating System Android
Voice Calling Capability Yes
Operating System Number 13
Processor Number MediaTek Helio G85
Fast Charging Yes
Network Frequency Band LTE
Processor Name MediaTek Helio
Number of Cores Octa Core
Glass Technology Gorilla Glass
Primary Camera Feature Triple
Flash LED
Finish Plastic
Model Year 2023
Network Type 4G
Condition New
Product Length 168 mm
Product Height 8.09 mm
Product Width/Depth 78 mm
Maximum Expandable Memory 16 GB
Model Number 2310FPCA4G
Model Name POCO C65
Primary Camera (MP) 50+8+QVGA