Poco has introduced two new entry-level phones, the Poco C81 and Poco C81x, with a formula built around practical daily use rather than flashy extras. Both models focus on features that matter in this class, including large batteries, a smooth 120Hz display, and a set of hardware and software choices aimed at affordable everyday performance.
The pair is positioned for users who mainly need a phone for social media, video streaming, messaging, and other routine tasks. In a market where budget devices often cut back on display quality or endurance, Poco is trying to make both models stand out by offering a combination that is usually more common in higher tiers.
Large screens with smoother motion
The Poco C81 comes with a 6.9-inch HD+ display, while the Poco C81x uses a slightly smaller 6.88-inch panel. The difference is small, and both screens are built to give users a wide viewing area for reading, watching content, and handling everyday apps.
What matters more is the 120Hz refresh rate on both devices. That specification gives the interface a smoother feel when scrolling, switching apps, or moving through menus, especially compared with the 60Hz or 90Hz displays that are still common in entry-level phones.
Poco also adds TÜV Rheinland certification to both displays. The certification points to attention toward eye comfort, including efforts to reduce excessive blue light exposure and screen flicker. Another practical addition is Wet Touch Technology 2.0, which keeps the screen responsive even when fingers are wet or oily.
Hardware aimed at daily tasks
Inside both phones, Poco uses the Unisoc T7250 octa-core chipset. The chip is designed for basic everyday activities such as browsing, chatting, streaming, and standard app use rather than demanding workloads.
Both models also use LPDDR4X RAM and UFS 2.2 storage. The Poco C81 arrives with 4GB of RAM and 64GB of internal storage, while the Poco C81x offers 3GB of RAM and 64GB of storage. For users who need more room, both phones support microSD expansion of up to 2TB.
Battery capacity is where the two diverge
The main difference between the two models appears in battery size. The Poco C81 carries a 6,300mAh battery, giving it the stronger endurance claim of the pair, while the Poco C81x uses a 5,200mAh cell.
Both devices support 15W fast charging, and Poco also includes reverse charging. That means the phones can be used to top up other devices when necessary, which adds a useful layer of flexibility for daily use.
Camera setup keeps things simple
For imaging, both phones use a 13MP rear camera and an 8MP front camera. The setup is straightforward and targets basic needs such as selfies, video calls, simple documentation, and light content capture.
The camera features include HDR, Night Mode, AI Sky, portrait effects, and document scanning. Video recording is also supported at 1080p at 30 frames per second, which remains adequate for routine use in this price range.
Software, connectivity, and pricing
The two models launch with different software versions. The Poco C81 runs Android 16 with HyperOS 3, while the Poco C81x ships with Android 15 based on HyperOS 2.
On the connectivity side, both phones include dual-band Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5.2, an IP52 rating for splash resistance, a side-mounted fingerprint sensor, and a 3.5mm headphone jack. These are practical additions that help the devices feel complete despite their entry-level positioning.
The Poco C81x is priced at 9,999 rupee for the 3GB/64GB variant, while the Poco C81 is listed at 10,999 rupee for the 4GB/64GB version. With their blend of a 120Hz display, large battery options, and useful extras, both phones are clearly aimed at buyers looking for an affordable device that still covers the basics well.
