The Poco C75 5G is Xiaomi’s latest attempt to capture the budget 5G smartphone market. With a starting price of under Rs 9,000, it certainly ticks the affordability box. But does it offer enough to compete in this crowded segment? I’ve spent some time with the Aqua Bliss variant, and here’s my hands-on review.
1. Design and Build
- 171.9 x 77.8 x 8.22mm | 212.4 grams
- IP52 rating
- Colors: Aqua Bliss | Silver Stardust | Enchanted Green
The first thing that struck me about the Poco C75 5G is its eye-catching design. The Aqua Bliss variant boasts a mesmerizing wavy pattern on the back, creating a dynamic look that shifts with the light. It’s one of the most visually appealing phones in this price range. The phone feels comfortable to hold, thanks to its curved edges and relatively slim profile.
For durability, the C75 offers an IP52-rated splash-resistant body. It weighs 205.3 grams and has a thickness of 8.2mm. In my opinion, the design of the Poco C75 5G is so impressive that even flagship phones fall short in comparison.
Surprisingly, the retail package does not include a case. This seems to be a cost-cutting measure, but it can be inconvenient for buyers who need to purchase a case separately
2. Display and Audio
- 6.88-inch LCD HD+ (1650 x 720) screen
- 600nits of peak brightness
- Singe speaker
The C75 5G sports a massive 6.88-inch IPS LCD with a 120Hz refresh rate. While the HD+ resolution might seem a bit low for a screen this size, it’s a common compromise in budget phones. The display quality is decent, with vibrant colors and good viewing angles. With a peak brightness of 600 nits, the screen is easily visible indoors. However, using it under direct sunlight can be a challenge. This brightness level is a good balance of price and performance, making it suitable for everyday use, especially in shaded areas.
The 120Hz refresh rate is a fantastic feature, providing a smooth scrolling experience overall. I’ve noticed it occasionally drops to 60Hz in some apps, but it’s still a great feature to have. Additionally, having access to customizable color schemes at this price point is a nice bonus. For audio, the device is equipped with a single bottom-firing speaker, which produces a decent audio output.
3. Performance and Software
- Snapdragon 4s Gen 2
- LPDDR4x RAM | UFS 2.2
- Variants: 4GB+64GB
- Android 14 | HyperOS
- 5,160mAh battery | 18W wired charging
- Ships with 10W charger
Under the hood, the Poco C75 5G is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 4s Gen 2 processor, paired with 4GB of RAM. While this configuration is sufficient for basic tasks like browsing and social media, it can feel sluggish when running demanding games or multitasking.
These days, 4 GB of LPDDR4x RAM feels quite limited on a smartphone. This doesn’t mean that the phone lags; it performs quite well, but in due course, the 4 GB RAM may fall short. To ensure that the phone works smoothly, I would advise regularly clearing apps from the recent menu and avoiding having too many apps open in the background. You might also consider limiting background processes in the developer options.
The Poco C75 comes with 64 GB of UFS 2.2 storage, which is a significant advantage as it avoids the outdated eMMC storage found in some other devices. For those needing additional storage, there is a dedicated microSD card slot. The phone runs on Android 14 with Xiaomi’s HyperOS skin on top. While the software experience is generally smooth, it does come with some pre-installed bloatware apps that can be annoying. An advantage of the Poco C75 5G compared to other phones in the same price segment is the longer software. The C75 users will be treated with two years of Android OS upgrades and four years of security patches.
One of the highlights of the Poco C75 5G is its long-lasting battery life. The 5,160mAh battery easily lasts for a full day of moderate use. However, the charging speed is a bit disappointing. While the phone supports 18W fast charging, it ships with a 10W charger. This means it takes around 1 hour and 30 minutes to fully charge the device. Thankfully, the phone has a USB-C port, which is becoming increasingly common in this segment.
4. Camera and Other Features
- Front: 5MP Sony IMX852 camera
- Rear: 50MP + 0.08MP
The Poco C75 5G has a 50-megapixel main camera and an auxiliary lens camera. For selfies, it is equipped with a 5-megapixel front camera. In daylight conditions, the rear camera captures decent photos with good detail and color accuracy. However, low-light photography is not its strong suit. The front-facing camera is adequate for selfies and video calls.
The Poco C75 5G is one of the most affordable 5G smartphones in the market. It supports SA 5G networks, which means it’s future-proof and ready for the next generation of mobile internet. The partnership between Xiaomi and Jio ensures that the phone works seamlessly on Jio’s SA 5G network. The Poco C75 5G comes with a side-mounted fingerprint sensor, which is fast and reliable. It also has a 3.5mm headphone jack, which is a welcome addition for those who prefer wired audio.
5. Verdict
The Poco C75 5G marks a significant milestone for both Poco and the Indian smartphone market. Its aggressive pricing of just Rs 8,499 (~$100) makes it the most affordable 5G phone available, effectively democratizing access to next-generation connectivity. The phone is available for purchase via Flipkart.
While achieving this price point has necessitated some compromises that I have mentioned in this review, the C75 5G remains a compelling option for budget-conscious consumers eager to embrace 5G. If you’re seeking an entry point into the world of 5G speeds and can accept these trade-offs, the Poco C75 5G is undoubtedly worth considering.
Released a month before the C75, the Poco C75 has a rebranded variant called the Redmi A4 5G. Available via Amazon. It comes in two options: 4GB+64GB for Rs 8,499 and 4GB+128GB for Rs 9,499. The phones can be purchased in Starry Black and Sparkle Purple shades.
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