POCO, a brand synonymous with disrupting the “value-for-money” segment, has recently launched its latest contender: the POCO C75 5G.
Priced aggressively to target the sub-₹10,000 category, this device promises to democratize 5G connectivity for students, first-time smartphone buyers, and those looking for a reliable secondary handset.
But does a low price point mean significant compromises? In this comprehensive review, we dive deep into the specifications, real-world performance, and unique “5G catch” that every Indian buyer needs to know before clicking that “Buy Now” button on Amazon.
Design and Build: A Touch of “Marble” Luxury
Budget phones often suffer from a “cheap plastic” feel, but the POCO C75 5G breaks this mould with its “Marble Flow” design. Available in striking colours like Aqua Bliss, Enchanted Green, and Silver Stardust, the back panel features a shimmery, textured appearance that mimics high-end materials.
Despite its massive 6.88-inch footprint, the device remains relatively ergonomic with a thickness of 8.22mm. It is built entirely of plastic, which is expected at this price, but the fit and finish are surprisingly robust.
It even boasts an IP52 rating, providing basic protection against dust and accidental water splashes—a feature often missing in this price bracket.
Display: Big, Bold, and Smooth
One of the standout features of the POCO C75 5G is its enormous 6.88-inch IPS LCD panel. For Indian users who consume a lot of content on YouTube, Disney+ Hotstar, or Instagram, the sheer screen real estate is a delight.
- Refresh Rate: It supports a 120Hz refresh rate, making scrolling through UI and social media feeds feel buttery smooth.
- Brightness: With a peak brightness of 600 nits (HBM), the screen is legible outdoors, though it might struggle under the harsh mid-day sun of Delhi or Mumbai.
- Resolution: At HD+ (720 x 1640), the pixel density is a bit low for a screen this size. While text isn’t as sharp as a Full HD panel, it is more than adequate for casual video watching.
Performance: Powering the 5G Revolution
At the heart of the POCO C75 5G lies the Qualcomm Snapdragon 4s Gen 2 chipset. This is a 4nm processor designed specifically to bring 5G to the entry-level segment.
The 5G Connectivity “Catch”
Before purchasing, Indian consumers must note a technical nuance: the Snapdragon 4s Gen 2 in this device primarily supports 5G SA (Standalone) networks. In India, Reliance Jio operates on a 5G SA network, meaning this phone works flawlessly with Jio’s 5G.
However, Airtel uses 5G NSA (Non-Standalone). While software updates are expected to improve compatibility, early adopters should be aware that 5G might be restricted to certain operators initially.
Daily Tasks and Gaming
With 4GB of LPDDR4X RAM (expandable via Virtual RAM) and up to 128GB of internal storage, the phone handles WhatsApp, YouTube, and UPI apps like PhonePe with ease. For gaming, it can handle light titles like Subway Surfers or Candy Crush perfectly. However, heavy gaming like BGMI or Free Fire is best played on low-to-medium settings to avoid frame drops.
Camera: The 50MP Sony Surprise
The POCO C75 5G features a circular camera module housing a 50MP primary sensor (Sony). In daylight, the results are genuinely impressive for a budget phone. The “POCO Imaging Engine” does a fair job of balancing colours and capturing decent detail.
- Daylight: Sharp images with vibrant colours.
- Low Light: This is where the budget nature shows. Images can be grainy, though the dedicated Night Mode helps slightly.
- Selfies: The 5MP front camera is basic but sufficient for video calls and casual social media uploads.
Battery Life: A Two-Day Companion
Indians value battery life above almost everything else, and the POCO C75 5G does not disappoint. The 5160mAh battery easily lasts over a day and a half for moderate users. Even with heavy 5G usage, you won’t be reaching for the charger before bedtime.
While the phone supports 18W charging, POCO often includes a faster 33W adapter in the box (though it will charge at the capped 18W speed), ensuring you have a quality charger for other devices too.
Software: HyperOS Experience
The device runs on Xiaomi’s HyperOS based on Android 14. HyperOS is noticeably lighter and more fluid than the older MIUI. POCO has promised 2 years of Android updates and 4 years of security patches, which provides excellent longevity for a phone priced under ₹10,000.
Technical Specifications Table
| Feature | Specification |
| Processor | Qualcomm Snapdragon 4s Gen 2 (4nm) |
| Display | 6.88-inch HD+ IPS LCD, 120Hz |
| RAM | 4GB (Up to 8GB with RAM Expansion) |
| Storage | 64GB / 128GB (Expandable up to 1TB) |
| Rear Camera | 50MP Main + Auxiliary Lens |
| Front Camera | 5MP |
| Battery | 5160mAh |
| Charging | 18W Fast Charging (Type-C) |
| OS | HyperOS (Android 14) |
| 5G Bands | n1/n3/n5/n8/n28/n40/n78 (SA Focus) |
| Weight | 205.39g |
| Protection | IP52 Dust and Splash Resistant |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
· What is the price of POCO C75 5G in India? The starting price is approximately ₹7,999 for the 4GB/64GB variant, depending on bank offers.
· Does POCO C75 5G support Airtel 5G? Initially, it is optimised for 5G SA (Jio). Airtel 5G (NSA) support may vary by region or future software updates.
· Is there a charger in the box? Yes, POCO usually includes a charging adapter and a USB Type-C cable in the retail box.
· Can I play BGMI on this phone? Yes, but only on low or balanced graphics settings for a smooth experience.
· Does it have a dedicated microSD card slot? Yes, it features a dedicated slot for memory expansion up to 1TB.
· Does it have a fingerprint sensor? Yes, a fast side-mounted fingerprint sensor is integrated into the power button.
· Is the POCO C75 5G water-resistant? It has an IP52 rating, making it splash-resistant but not waterproof.
· Does it have a 3.5mm headphone jack? Yes, it retains the classic 3.5mm audio jack at the top.
· What is the refresh rate of the display? It supports a smooth 120Hz refresh rate.
· Does it support NFC? No, the Indian variant typically does not include NFC.
· What are the available colours? Aqua Bliss, Enchanted Green, and Silver Stardust.
· How many 5G bands does it support? It supports 7 major 5G bands including n1, n3, n78, etc.
· Is the battery removable? No, it is a non-removable 5160mAh battery.
· Does it support 4K video recording? No, video recording is capped at 1080p @ 30fps.
· What is the weight of the phone? It weighs approximately 205 grams.
· Is the back made of glass? No, it is a high-quality plastic with a marble-like finish.
· Which Android version does it have? It comes with Android 14 out of the box.
· How many software updates will it get? 2 years of OS updates and 4 years of security updates.
· Is it better than the Redmi A4 5G? They share similar internals, but the POCO C75 5G offers a larger display and different design aesthetics.
· Is POCO C75 5G worth buying? For under ₹8,000, it is one of the most stylish and capable 5G entry-level phones in India.
Final Verdict
The POCO C75 5G is a masterstroke in the budget segment. It successfully bridges the gap between style and 5G utility. While the display resolution and limited 5G NSA support are minor drawbacks, the exceptional battery life, smooth 120Hz display, and premium design make it a top recommendation for Indian buyers on a strict budget.
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