Poco C61 Unveiled: A Stylish Budget Champion with Impressive Features at Just Rs 6,999

Poco has consistently offered commendable products across various price segments. The X-series features high-end specifications, while the M-series targets the mainstream market. Nevertheless, the real value proposition can be found in the C-series. The most recent model in this line-up is the Poco C61, which introduces an updated design aesthetic along with a solid blend of software and hardware, starting at a price of Rs 6,999. But how does it compare to its rivals? We’ve spent some time with the device, so here’s our initial impression.

Beginning with the design, Poco has provided a new outlook in a category where most smartphones tend to follow conventional styles. The device is available in three colors: Diamond Dust Black, Ethereal Blue, and Mystical Green. We opted for the Mystical Green variant, which certainly distinguishes itself with the new Radiant Ring design. The rear features a glass panel with a prominent circular ring that encircles the camera module. Poco has also incorporated appealing details into the Ring, enhancing its attractive and premium appearance. The back panel gives off mid-premium vibes, which is impressive. Additionally, the flat edges provide a more comfortable grip. With a thickness of 8.3mm and a weight of 193 grams, the phone feels notably light and sleek for its price point.

Turning it around reveals a large display with evenly distributed bezels along the sides. While it may not be the slimmest device in this segment, it achieves a commendable balance. A punch-hole cutout at the top houses the front camera. The display itself is a 6.71-inch HD+ LCD with a refresh rate of 90Hz and a resolution of 1650 x 720 pixels. The screen supports a peak brightness of 500 nits and an impressive 89.5% screen-to-body ratio. This brightness level is sufficient for enjoying videos on the go. We will delve deeper into this aspect in our upcoming review.

On the performance side, the Poco C61 is equipped with the MediaTek Helio G36 processor, tailored for entry-level gaming. The device includes 6GB of RAM along with 6GB of virtual memory, offering a total of up to 12GB of RAM. Additionally, it can accommodate up to 128GB of storage, which is expandable to 1TB via a microSD card. Our initial experience with the device’s performance has been quite promising, with smooth navigation and comfortable multitasking. In terms of software, the phone operates on Android 14. However, we need to explore its full functionalities, so be on the lookout for a comprehensive review.

Regarding cameras, the Poco smartphone features a dual rear camera setup consisting of an 8-megapixel primary sensor and a secondary camera whose specifications are yet to be detailed. At the front, there’s a 5-megapixel camera for selfies. While the camera hardware may not seem particularly powerful, the manufacturer has included several intriguing features like AI portrait mode, time burst, film filters, and more to enhance usability. The device also boasts a 5,000mAh battery with 10W charging support. For connectivity options, it offers a 3.5mm audio jack, a single speaker, Bluetooth, GPS, a Type-C port, and more.

That said, there’s still a lot to uncover about the Poco C61 to ascertain its competitiveness against models like Lava O2, Infinix Smart 8 Plus, and others. Therefore, stay tuned as we prepare to explore Poco’s latest budget offering in its dazzling finish.