The Poco C61, officially released in March 2024, is a standout entry in the budget smartphone segment, bringing a fresh design language and key features often found in higher-priced devices. It targets users who prioritize a large, smooth display and reliable daily performance, all wrapped in a visually appealing and affordable package.
Design and Display
The Poco C61 features a premium and stylish design that defies its price tag. The device showcases a prominent, circular camera module on the back, which Poco calls a “Radiant Ring Design.” It comes in attractive colors like Diamond Dust Black, Ethereal Blue, and Mystical Green, with the black and blue variants featuring an elegant glass back and the green model sporting a premium-feeling, leather-like texture. The phone has a slim profile of 8.3mm and a weight of 199g. For durability, the screen is protected by Corning Gorilla Glass 3. A side-mounted fingerprint sensor is integrated for convenient security.
Performance and Software
Under the hood, the Poco C61 is powered by the MediaTek Helio G36 chipset (12nm). This octa-core processor, with CPU speeds up to 2.2 GHz, delivers solid performance for essential smartphone tasks. It handles web Browse, messaging, video playback, and light multitasking with ease. The device is available with memory configurations of 4GB or 6GB of LPDDR4X RAM and 64GB or 128GB of eMMC 5.1 internal storage. The storage is generously expandable up to 1TB via a dedicated microSDXC card slot, providing ample space for media and apps.
The smartphone runs on Android 14 with Xiaomi’s MIUI for Poco on top. This ensures a clean, user-friendly interface with access to the latest Android features and security enhancements.
Camera Capabilities
The Poco C61 features a dual-camera system on the rear, centered around an 8MP main camera with an f/2.0 aperture and an auxiliary lens. While the megapixel count is modest, the camera is equipped with AI features and HDR, which help in capturing clear and usable photos in good lighting. For selfies and video calls, there is a 5MP front camera. Both cameras support 1080p video recording at 30fps. The camera system also includes a “Film Camera” feature with classic filters for a more artistic feel.
Battery Life
A significant strong point of the Poco C61 is its battery life. It is equipped with a large 5000mAh non-removable battery. This substantial capacity, combined with the power-efficient Helio G36 chipset and HD+ display, ensures excellent all-day battery life for most users, often extending into a second day. The device supports standard 10W wired charging via a USB Type-C port.
Price and Value
The Poco C61 offers exceptional value for money in the budget smartphone market. With prices in Nigeria starting from approximately ₦89,000 to ₦112,000 (around $60-$80 USD), it delivers a compelling package that includes a smooth 90Hz display, a unique and stylish design, reliable everyday performance, and a very long-lasting battery.
Conclusion
The Poco C61 is a highly attractive and practical choice in the competitive budget smartphone segment. It successfully combines a premium-looking and durable design with a fluid 90Hz display and a dependable performance for daily tasks. While its camera and charging speeds are modest, its overall balance of features, coupled with its aggressive pricing and stylish aesthetics, makes the Poco C61 a highly recommended device for its target audience.