There are endless options in the entry-level segment of smartphones, especially for those under PHP 10,000, with multiple brands vying for the spot of value king. Having a ton of options can be overwhelming. However, it can also mean finding the best choice that suits your needs.
If you’re looking for an all-around yet affordable smartphone, then the POCO C85 might just be what you’re looking for. I see it as a great option for students, or possibly even a go-to work phone for young professionals.
Design & build
The POCO C85 comes in three colors: black, green, and purple. It’s designed with a two-tone matte finish, with the POCO brand and model scribbled on it. It’s subtle, yet quite elegant branding. One thing to look out for, though, is that the entire back cover is a major fingerprint magnet.
In terms of the dimensions, the POCO C85 is 7.99mm thin and weighs 205g. Admittedly, the device has some heft to it. This could be due to the large battery or the sizable display. But this isn’t really much of a dealbreaker in any way.
Additionally, the device is IP64 rated as well. This means that the smartphone is fully dust-proof and also splash-resistant.
Display
For video consumption, you get the 6.9-inch Drop Dot display. It has an HD+ resolution and 810 nits on HBM. The refresh rate is at 120Hz, which more and more entry-level smartphones are adopting. You love to see it.
While the HD+ resolution is common for a smartphone in this segment, I do appreciate that you do get a sizable display. It makes it even better considering the high refresh rate. Overall, the work and play experience is made smoother with this display.
Last but not the least, the POCO C85 comes with a trifecta of TUV Rheinland certifications. It is Low Blue Light, Circadian Friendly and Flicker Free certified.
Camera
The rear camera features a 50MP main sensor and an auxiliary lens. Under ideal lighting conditions, it presents a decent amount of clarity. The device’s main camera is quite capable in its segment, but nothing standout. Photos captured under low light do have reduced detail, but are all-in-all passable.
The front camera on the other hand is an 8MP shooter. It is functional overall, but nothing special. It does the job of taking quick selfies that you want to share with friends or online.
Both cameras support up to 1080p@30fps for video recording.
For smartphones in this segment, photography is never really the main draw. The POCO C85’s cameras are decent and competent. Just don’t expect to unleash your inner photographer with this device.
Performance & OS
Under the hood, the POCO C85 is powered by a Helio G81-Ultra processor. The chip is decent given the price range. It’s dependable for everyday tasks, smooth media playback, and even some light gaming.
Speaking of gaming, I did test the smartphone out playing Call of Duty: Mobile (my go-to mobile game). Max graphics quality was capped at medium, although there were no issues running the title with these settings. Expect so-so levels of playability on games like Genshin Impact.
Additionally, the device is equipped with 6GB of RAM and 128GB of storage, as well as an option for an 8GB + 256GB variant.
Lastly, the POCO C85 runs on Xiaomi HyperOS 2, which is based on Android 15. Unfortunately, the device comes with a ton of bloatware, so that’s something to definitely take note of.
Battery & charging
The POCO C85 is equipped with a large 6000mAh battery. For moderate or daily use, you can expect close to two days of battery life. If your day consists of more gaming and media playback, you can still expect a full day of battery life.
It also supports 33W fast charging. You can charge up from a fully drained battery to 50% in approximately 30 minutes. Overall, this smartphone can surely keep pace with your dynamic lifestyle.
Verdict
Now for the price. The POCO C85 starts at only Php 5,499 for the 6GB + 128GB variant. You get solid all-around capabilities for a very modest price.
This is definitely a device that parents can consider for their young ones in school. Young professionals on a budget or who aren’t looking to break the bank might also want to consider the POCO C85’s ability to be a dependable daily driver.
