POCO has officially launched the POCO C61 in India, strengthening its C-series lineup. This entry-level smartphone focuses on delivering essential features like a 90Hz HD+ display, a long-lasting 5000mAh battery, and decent everyday performance at an affordable price point.
Aimed at students, first-time smartphone users, and budget-conscious buyers, the POCO C61 is designed to bring a smooth Android experience without breaking the bank.
Price and Availability in India
The POCO C61 price in India starts at ₹8,999 for the 4GB RAM + 64GB storage model, while the 6GB RAM + 128GB storage variant is priced slightly higher. It is available across major online platforms and offline retail outlets, often bundled with launch offers such as bank discounts, EMI options, and exchange benefits. With its aggressive pricing, POCO is directly targeting buyers in the under-₹10,000 segment who want reliability and basic performance.
Design and Display
The POCO C61 comes with a simple yet functional design, featuring a plastic back and a comfortable grip for daily use. It weighs around 199 grams, making it relatively lightweight compared to other budget smartphones. On the front, the phone houses a 6.71-inch IPS LCD display with HD+ resolution and a 90Hz refresh rate. This combination ensures smoother scrolling and a more enjoyable viewing experience than typical budget devices that only offer 60Hz screens. The panel also comes with Corning Gorilla Glass 3 protection, making it more durable against scratches.
Performance and Software
At its core, the POCO C61 is powered by the MediaTek Helio G36 processor, paired with up to 6GB of RAM and 128GB of internal storage. Storage expansion is supported via a microSD card. Running on Android 14 with POCO’s custom UI, the device offers a clean user experience with improved system performance and security updates. While the chipset is not designed for heavy gaming, it handles day-to-day apps like WhatsApp, YouTube, and social media with ease.
Camera System
The POCO C61 camera setup includes an 8MP main rear sensor and a secondary depth sensor, allowing for portrait effects in daylight conditions. On the front, the device features a 5MP selfie camera for video calls and casual photography. While the cameras are not the highlight of the device, they perform decently in good lighting but may struggle in low-light scenarios. Video recording is supported up to 1080p at 30fps.
Battery and Charging
One of the strongest selling points of the POCO C61 is its 5000mAh battery, which can easily last an entire day on moderate usage. From browsing and calling to social media and video streaming, the device is built to handle extended usage without frequent charging. However, the charging speed is limited to standard wired charging, which may feel slow compared to mid-range alternatives.
Final Verdict
The POCO C61 is a budget-friendly smartphone that excels in providing a smooth display, long-lasting battery, and a decent Android 14 experience. While it isn’t built for power-hungry tasks, it is a strong contender in the sub-₹10,000 segment, making it a solid choice for first-time buyers and casual users.
