When I decided to try out the Xiaomi Poco C75 5G, I was intrigued by its reputation as a budget-friendly smartphone. I’m someone who values performance, design, and affordability, so this phone seemed like the perfect match. After using it extensively, I’ve gathered my thoughts to give you an honest review. While it has its moments of brilliance, there are some glaring drawbacks that you must consider before buying.
Performance: Could Be Better
The Poco C75 5G is powered by the MediaTek Helio G81 Ultra processor, and on paper, it promises solid performance. However, I found its real-world performance to be less than ideal. Simple tasks like browsing and messaging worked fine, but once I opened multiple apps or tried light gaming, the phone started lagging.
The 4GB RAM version feels underpowered, especially when multitasking. For anyone who needs a phone that can handle intensive tasks, this one might leave you frustrated. It’s clear that this phone isn’t built for power users.
Design: Looks Premium but Feels Average
At first glance, I was impressed by the sleek design and matte finish of the Poco C75 5G. The splash-resistant build is a nice touch, and the color options like Black, Green, and Silver add some variety. But the devil is in the details.
The plastic frame feels cheap and doesn’t inspire confidence in its durability. While it looks stylish, the phone attracts smudges easily, and the weight of 204 grams makes it uncomfortable for prolonged use. The IP54 rating is a step up, but it’s not enough to make this phone stand out in a competitive market.
Display: Falls Short on Resolution
The Poco C75 5G boasts a 6.88-inch IPS LCD with a 120 Hz refresh rate, which makes scrolling and general navigation smooth. However, the resolution of 720 x 1640 pixels is disappointing.
I noticed that videos and text lacked the sharpness you’d expect, even in a budget phone. In bright sunlight, the screen struggles with visibility despite its decent brightness levels. For someone who enjoys streaming content, this display just doesn’t cut it.
Battery: Lasts Long but Charges Slow
The 5160 mAh battery is one of the Poco C75 5G’s redeeming features. I was able to get through a full day of moderate use, including streaming, browsing, and messaging. However, the 18W fast charging left me unimpressed.
It takes over an hour to charge fully, which feels slow compared to competitors offering 25W or even 30W charging at similar price points. If you’re someone who’s always on the go, the charging speed might become a source of frustration.
Camera: Basic and Uninspiring
The 50 MP main camera is serviceable but far from exceptional. While it captures decent photos in good lighting, I found the quality to drop significantly in low light. The 2 MP depth and macro lenses feel like afterthoughts and don’t add much value.
Selfies with the 13 MP front camera are passable but lack detail and sharpness. Video recording is capped at Full HD (1080p) at 30 fps, which feels outdated in a market where 4K recording is becoming a standard feature.
Software: A Bloatware Problem
Running on MIUI 13 based on Android 14, the software experience is functional but cluttered. I spent the first 15 minutes uninstalling unnecessary apps that came pre-installed. While the interface is customizable, the presence of ads within the UI was a major annoyance.
I appreciate features like Dark Mode and improved privacy settings, but the overall software experience feels heavy and intrusive. Xiaomi needs to rethink its approach to bloatware and ads if it wants to attract a broader audience.
Connectivity and Audio: Room for Improvement
The Poco C75 5G supports dual SIM, NFC, and has a 3.5 mm headphone jack, which is great for those who still prefer wired audio. However, the bottom-firing speaker produces subpar audio quality.
The sound feels tinny at high volumes, and I found myself relying on headphones more often than not. Additionally, while 5G connectivity worked most of the time, there were moments of instability, especially in areas with weak signal coverage.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Affordable price point.
- Long-lasting 5160 mAh battery.
- Sleek design with multiple color options.
- Expandable storage up to 512GB.
- Smooth 120 Hz refresh rate for general navigation.
Cons
- Subpar performance for multitasking and gaming.
- Low-resolution display that lacks sharpness.
- Basic camera setup with poor low-light performance.
- Slow charging compared to competitors.
- Heavy reliance on bloatware and ads in MIUI 13.
FAQs
Is the Poco C75 5G good for gaming?
Not really. While it can handle casual games, it struggles with heavier titles due to limited RAM and an average GPU.
Does the Poco C75 5G support 4K video recording?
No, it only supports Full HD (1080p) video recording at 30 fps.
What are the available colors for the Poco C75 5G?
The phone is available in Black, Green, and Silver.
How long does the battery last?
With moderate use, the battery lasts a full day. Heavy users might need to recharge by evening.
Does MIUI 13 come with ads?
Yes, the Poco C75 5G’s MIUI 13 interface includes ads, which can be intrusive for some users.
Final Thoughts
The Xiaomi Poco C75 5G is an average budget smartphone that gets a few things right but falls short in many areas. While the battery life and design are commendable, the phone’s performance, display quality, and camera leave much to be desired.
For someone on a tight budget, it might be worth considering, but if you’re looking for a more rounded experience, there are better options available in the same price range. Xiaomi, if you’re reading this, it’s time to step up your game!
