Poco C71 Review: A Solid Performer Under Rs 7,000
Poco has introduced the Poco C71 as its latest budget contender, packing impressive specs for the price. After using it for a week, it’s clear that Poco has struck a strong balance between performance and affordability.
Display:
The Poco C71 is redefining expectations in the budget smartphone category by bringing a 120Hz refresh rate to a price point as low as Rs 6,499. This is a major leap, considering most phones in this range still rely on 60Hz or 90Hz displays. The result is a noticeably smoother and more responsive experience when scrolling, gaming, or simply navigating the interface. It’s a feature that not only enhances everyday usability but also sets the Poco C71 apart as a standout choice for budget-conscious users who don’t want to compromise on display quality.
Design:
The Poco C71 opts for a straightforward design with an all-plastic construction, including the frame, back panel, and buttons. Despite the materials, the phone doesn’t come off as cheap or flimsy. It’s lightweight at just 193g and features a subtle dual-textured finish on the rear that gives it a touch of style. One of its standout design perks is the IP52 splash resistance rating—an uncommon addition in this price segment. While it lacks Gorilla Glass protection and a dedicated haptic feedback engine, the C71 feels ergonomically sound and remains comfortable to use over extended periods.
Performance:
The Poco C71 is powered by the Unisoc T7250 chipset, built on a 12nm process with a mix of Cortex-A75 and Cortex-A55 cores, and paired with a Mali-G57 GPU. While it’s not designed for heavy-duty tasks, it performs reliably for everyday use, handling apps like WhatsApp, YouTube, and Chrome with minimal lag. Scoring around 307,000 on AnTuTu, it holds up well in its segment. Available in 4GB and 6GB LPDDR4X RAM variants, it also offers virtual RAM expansion up to 6GB. The eMMC 5.1 storage isn’t the fastest, so app launches may take a beat, but for its price, the C71 delivers solid, dependable performance.
The Poco C71 stands out by launching with Android 15 out of the box, a rare find in the budget segment where many phones still ship with older versions. Adding to its appeal, it promises two years of OS updates and four years of security patches, making it a smart and future-ready option for long-term use.
Battery:
The Poco C71 packs a solid 5,200mAh battery that easily powers through a full day of regular use, making it reliable for users who are always on the go. Whether you’re streaming, browsing, or messaging, the battery holds up well. However, the 15W charging speed is relatively slow by today’s standards, meaning you’ll need to be a bit patient when topping up. Still, the strong battery life more than makes up for the slower charging, especially at this price point.
Camera:
The Poco C71 comes equipped with a 32MP main rear camera (OV32D sensor, f/2.0 aperture) that performs well in daylight, delivering sharp and vibrant shots that are perfect for social media. While it won’t compete with higher-end phones, the results are more than acceptable for casual photography. Low-light performance, however, is limited—the small sensor and 0.61μm pixels struggle in dim settings. On the front, there’s an 8MP selfie camera that does a decent job for video calls and selfies. Both cameras support 1080p video recording at 30fps.
Conclusion:
The Poco C71 is an excellent choice for anyone looking for a reliable smartphone under Rs 7,000. With a smooth 120Hz display, solid battery life, decent performance, and Android 15 out of the box, it delivers incredible value for its price. It’s a standout option in the entry-level segment.