POCO C65 is the latest entry-level offering from POCO, featuring a MediaTek Helio G85 chipset, a mid-range processor from 2021. This review combines insights from various sources to provide a comprehensive overview of the device.
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POCO C65 Specifications (summary)
- Processor: MediaTek Helio G85
- RAM and Storage: Available in two variants – 6GB RAM with 128GB storage and 8GB RAM with 256GB storage
- Display: 6.74 inches; 720 x 1600 pixels; IPS LCD, 90Hz refresh rate
- Battery: Li-Po 5000 mAh, non-removable; 18W wired, PD charging
- Camera: 8MP selfie; 50 MP, f/1.8, 28mm main camera
- Price: 5,999 PHP for the base variant and 5,999 PHP for the higher-end variant
Design and Build
The POCO C65 boasts a sleek design inspired by the iPhone 15’s trendy, boxy look. It’s lightweight yet feels sturdy in hand. However, the focus of this review will be on its gaming performance.
Performance and Gaming
The MediaTek Helio G85 chipset, designed with gaming in mind, is a bit dated but still delivers decent performance for an entry-level phone.
Game Test 1: Honkai: Star Rail
We tested a graphically intensive game on the POCO C65. On low settings, the game ran fairly smoothly, although not exceptionally. When we bumped the settings to high, the gameplay became choppy, necessitating a drop back to medium settings.
When it comes to thermals, the phone managed to keep its cool, with only a slight temperature increase noted during gameplay.
Game Test 2: Mobile Legends: Bang Bang
Mobile Legends, a well-optimized game, ran smoothly on the POCO C65. The device could only support up to high frame rates, but the gameplay was fluid.
Game Test 3: PUBG Mobile
On PUBG Mobile, the phone struggled slightly, especially at higher settings. We noticed some frame drops and sluggishness during gameplay. Notably, the phone lacks gyroscope support, which might be a dealbreaker for some PUBG players.
Game Test 4: CarX Street Racing
In CarX Street Racing, the phone initially struggled with postprocessing effects. Lowering the settings improved performance, but some stuttering persisted.
Benchmark Scores
In our benchmark tests, the POCO C65 scored relatively low, which aligns with its entry-level status.
- AnTuTu: 269,230 points
- PC Mark: 8,890 points
- Pass Mark: 6,038 points
Pricing and Value
The POCO C65 is priced at 5,499 pesos for the base model and 5,999 pesos for the higher variant. Given its performance and features, the POCO C65 offers decent value for money, especially for those on a tight budget.
This budget phone was launched in the Philippines on November 7, priced as follows:
POCO C65 (6 GB + 128 GB): Php 5,499 / Php 4,999 (early bird)
POCO C65 (8 GB + 256 GB): Php 6,499 / Php 5,999 (early bird)
Final Thoughts
The POCO C65, while not a powerhouse, delivers acceptable performance for its price range.
The Helio G85 chipset, while somewhat outdated, still provides satisfactory performance for the phone’s target market. The lack of advanced features like gyroscope support in certain games is a notable drawback. Overall, the POCO C65 is a budget-friendly option for those needing basic smartphone functionalities without the frills of higher-end models.
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POCO C65 specs
- Display: 6.74 inches; 720 x 1600 pixels; IPS LCD, 90Hz, 450 nits (typ), 600 nits (HBM)
- SIM: Dual SIM (Nano-SIM, dual stand-by)
- OS: Android 13, MIUI 14 for POCO
- Chipset (SoC): Mediatek MT6769Z Helio G85 (12nm)
- CPU: Octa-core (2×2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6×1.8 GHz Cortex-A55)
- GPU: Mali-G52 MC2
- Memory (RAM) + storage: 6 GB + 128 GB, 8 GB + 256 GB
- Expansion: microSDXC (dedicated slot)
- Main camera (rear): Triple 50 MP, f/1.8, 28mm (wide), PDAF + 2 MP, f/2.4, (macro) + 0.08 MP (auxiliary lens)
- Selfie camera (front): Single 8 MP, f/2.0
- Connectivity: Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band; Bluetooth 5.3, A2DP, LE; GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS; NFC (market/region dependent); FM radio, recording; USB Type-C 2.0
- I/O: Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, compass, virtual proximity sensing
- Battery: Li-Po 5000 mAh, non-removable; 18W wired, PD charging
- Colors: Black, Blue, Purple
- Price (Philippines): (6 GB + 128 GB): Php 5,499 / Php 4,999 (early bird), Php 6,499 / Php 5,999 (early bird)
