Poco has expanded its entry-level smartphone lineup with the launch of the Poco C81 Pro in select international markets. Positioned in the budget segment, the device focuses on offering essential features such as a large display, long battery life, and practical performance.
With a starting price under $100, the Poco C81 Pro aims to cater to users seeking affordability without compromising on basic usability.
Overview
The Poco C81 Pro is designed as a budget-friendly smartphone that emphasizes display size, battery capacity, and simple day-to-day functionality.
It introduces features like a high refresh rate display and AI-backed camera support, which are gradually becoming standard even in entry-level devices.
Running on Android 16-based HyperOS 3, the phone aligns with Poco’s recent software direction while maintaining a straightforward hardware approach.
Price
Poco has introduced the C81 Pro in multiple storage variants, allowing users to choose based on their usage requirements.
| Variant | Price (USD) | Approx Price (INR) |
|---|---|---|
| 4GB + 64GB | $99 | Rs. 9,300 |
| 4GB + 128GB | $109 | Rs. 10,000 |
| 4GB + 256GB | $129 | Rs. 12,000 |
The smartphone is available in Black, Gold, and Green color options. It is currently on sale in select global markets, though availability may vary by region.
Display
The Poco C81 Pro features a 6.9-inch HD+ LCD display with a resolution of 720 x 1600 pixels. The large screen size is intended to enhance media consumption and basic multitasking.
The display supports a refresh rate of up to 120Hz, which can result in smoother scrolling and transitions compared to standard 60Hz panels. It also offers a contrast ratio of 1500:1 and brightness levels of up to 650 nits in typical usage and 800 nits in high-brightness mode.
Additionally, the panel carries triple TÜV Rheinland certifications for low blue light, flicker-free viewing, and circadian-friendly usage, indicating a focus on reducing eye strain.
Performance
The device is powered by the Unisoc T7250 processor, built on a 12nm process. This chipset is designed for entry-level smartphones and supports basic tasks such as browsing, messaging, and light app usage.
The Poco C81 Pro comes with 4GB of LPDDR4x RAM and up to 256GB of UFS 2.2 storage. It also supports virtual RAM expansion up to 8GB, which may help improve multitasking under certain conditions. Storage can be further expanded via a microSD card.
Camera
In the camera department, the Poco C81 Pro includes a dual rear camera setup led by a 13-megapixel primary sensor with an f/2.2 aperture. The system is supported by AI features aimed at improving image processing in standard shooting scenarios.
For selfies and video calls, the phone offers an 8-megapixel front camera with an f/2.0 aperture. While the camera setup remains basic, it is consistent with the expectations in this price segment.
Battery
A key highlight of the Poco C81 Pro is its 6,000mAh battery. This capacity is intended to support extended usage, making the device suitable for users who prioritize battery life.
The phone supports 15W fast charging. According to the company, the battery can deliver up to 79 hours of music playback on a single charge, although real-world performance may vary depending on usage patterns.
Features
The Poco C81 Pro includes several practical features that enhance usability. It supports Wet Touch Technology 2.0, which allows the screen to remain responsive even when used with wet or oily fingers.
Connectivity options include Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5.2, GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, BeiDou, NFC, a USB Type-C port, and a 3.5mm headphone jack. These features ensure compatibility with a wide range of accessories and networks.
For security, the device is equipped with a side-mounted fingerprint sensor and facial recognition support. It also includes essential sensors such as an accelerometer, electronic compass, and virtual ambient light and proximity sensors.
Design
The Poco C81 Pro adopts a simple and functional design. It features a water-drop notch on the front to house the selfie camera, which helps maximize screen space.
The device measures 171.56 x 79.47 x 8.15 mm and weighs approximately 208 grams. The relatively large size is primarily due to the expansive display and battery capacity.
Specifications
Here is a quick summary of the key specifications:
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Display | 6.9-inch HD+ LCD, 120Hz |
| Processor | Unisoc T7250 |
| RAM | 4GB (expandable virtually) |
| Storage | Up to 256GB |
| Rear Camera | 13MP |
| Front Camera | 8MP |
| Battery | 6000mAh, 15W charging |
| OS | Android 16 (HyperOS 3) |
Availability
The Poco C81 Pro is currently available in select international markets. There is no official confirmation regarding its launch in India or other regions at this time.
Given Poco’s history of introducing budget devices across multiple markets, a wider rollout may be considered in the future.
The Poco C81 Pro presents a straightforward offering in the entry-level smartphone segment. With a large display, reliable battery life, and essential connectivity features, it addresses the core needs of budget-conscious users.
While the hardware remains modest, the inclusion of features such as a 120Hz display and AI-backed camera support reflects gradual improvements in this category.
FAQs
What is the price of Poco C81 Pro?
It starts at $99 for the base variant.
What is the battery capacity?
It has a 6000mAh battery.
Does it support fast charging?
Yes, it supports 15W fast charging.
What processor is used?
It runs on the Unisoc T7250 chipset.
What is the display size?
It features a 6.9-inch display.
