POCO C85 and Redmi 15C are new contenders in the mid-range smartphone market that attract attention due to their quite similar specifications. Both models offer large displays, solid cameras, and long-lasting batteries, but differ in price and design, sparking debate over which device delivers better value.
Both phones sport a 6.9-inch IPS LCD screen with HD+ resolution (720 x 1600 pixels) and a 120 Hz refresh rate. This combination ensures smooth scrolling and a comfortable viewing experience. Their brightness can reach up to 810 nits, maintaining clarity even in bright outdoor conditions.
The displays come with TUV Rheinland certification, which aims to reduce eye strain during prolonged use. Both devices adopt a waterdrop notch design, housing an 8 MP front camera suitable for selfies and video calls. This display and camera setup makes them competitive options in the budget segment.
Battery capacity is a strong selling point for both smartphones. Each packs a 6,000 mAh battery with support for 33-watt fast charging. POCO C85 claims up to 22 hours of video playback, while Redmi 15C touts up to 82 hours of music playback, appealing to users looking for endurance in daily use.
Charging speeds allow the battery to reach about 50% capacity in roughly 30 minutes. This quick recharging complements the sizable battery, meeting the needs of active users who require sustained power throughout the day.
In terms of photography, both phones feature dual rear cameras composed of a 50 MP main sensor with an f/1.8 aperture and a QVGA secondary lens. They produce sharp images with natural color reproduction under adequate lighting conditions. AI-driven photography features also assist in enhancing image quality.
The rear design sets the two apart visually. POCO C85 has a distinctive dual-tone style with color options including black, purple, and green. Redmi 15C, by contrast, presents a solid color finish across moonlight blue, mint green, midnight black, and twilight orange variants. Despite these differences, both devices share dimensions (171.56 x 79.47 x 7.99 mm) and weigh 205 grams.
Both models hold an IP64 rating for dust and splash resistance and include Wet Touch Display 2.0 technology, keeping the screens responsive under wet conditions. The camera modules are rectangular, but POCO C85’s lenses align flush with the surface, whereas Redmi 15C’s lenses protrude slightly.
Pricing varies with POCO C85 priced approximately at $95 for the 6GB/128GB variant and $108 for the 8GB/256GB model. Redmi 15C is slightly higher, at around $102 for 6GB/128GB and $114 for 8GB/256GB. This roughly $7 price gap repeats across variants, positioning POCO C85 as a more budget-friendly choice.
Key Specifications Comparison:
| Feature | POCO C85 | Redmi 15C |
|---|---|---|
| Display | 6.9" IPS LCD, 720×1600 px | 6.9" IPS LCD, 720×1600 px |
| Refresh Rate | 120 Hz | 120 Hz |
| Front Camera | 8 MP | 8 MP |
| Rear Camera | 50 MP + QVGA | 50 MP + QVGA |
| Battery | 6000 mAh, 33W fast charge | 6000 mAh, 33W fast charge |
| Dimensions | 171.56 x 79.47 x 7.99 mm | 171.56 x 79.47 x 7.99 mm |
| Weight | 205 grams | 205 grams |
| Design Colors | Black, Purple, Green | Moonlight Blue, Mint Green, Midnight Black, Twilight Orange |
| IP Rating | IP64 dust & splash proof | IP64 dust & splash proof |
| Price (6GB/128GB) | Approx. $95 | Approx. $102 |
In conclusion, POCO C85 and Redmi 15C offer very close performance and features, with the choice mostly driven by budget preference and aesthetic taste. POCO C85 may appeal more to buyers seeking cost efficiency and a unique dual-tone design. Redmi 15C might attract those who prefer classic solid colors and do not mind paying a slight premium.
Potential buyers should check the latest prices on official outlets or trusted online marketplaces. Both devices represent strong contenders in the affordable smartphone category, blending large displays, powerful batteries, and capable cameras suited for everyday use.
