In the hyper-competitive world of budget smartphones, POCO has carved out a reputation for being the ‘rebel’ sibling of the Xiaomi family. They consistently push the boundaries of what a sub-£150 phone should look like, and their latest entry, the POCO C85, is no different. On paper, it looks like a typo: 8GB of RAM, a 120Hz display, and a massive 6000mAh battery for an insane price. But as any seasoned tech buyer knows, a spec sheet only tells half the story.
XIAOMI POCO C85, Smartphone 8+256GB, 6.9" 120Hz Display 7.99mm Design, MediaTek Helio G81-Ultra Octa-core, 50MP AI dual camera, 6000mAh, Black, Charger Not…
- Ultra-Smooth Visual Experience: Boasts a massive 6.9-inch display with a 120Hz refresh rate, providing fluid scrolling and a premium viewing experience rarely seen at this budget price point.
- Massive Battery Stamina: Equipped with a 6000mAh battery designed for “next-level” performance, easily capable of lasting over two days on a single charge for typical users.
- Unrivalled Storage Capacity: Offers a generous 256GB of internal storage paired with 8GB of RAM, allowing users to store thousands of photos and apps without the typical “low space” anxiety of budget phones.
- Sleek, Modern Aesthetic: Features an impressively slim 7.99mm profile and a “floating crater” camera design, ensuring the device looks and feels like a more expensive flagship handset.
- Smart Photography: Utilizes a 50MP AI dual-camera system that balances detail and light, making it a reliable tool for high-quality social media content and daily photography.
Does it hold its own during a rainy commute on the Northern Line, or is it just a collection of impressive numbers wrapped in a “Titan tough” plastic shell? We’ve scrutinised the data and synthesized real-world user experiences to find out.
The Quick Verdict (4.1/5) The POCO C85 is an absolute powerhouse for media consumption and casual users, offering a 120Hz screen and a 6000mAh battery that are virtually unheard of at this price point.
It’s the perfect choice for students or as a reliable secondary device, though the lack of an included charger and a processor that occasionally stutters under heavy load are the trade-offs for its bargain-basement price.
Xiaomi POCO C85 In Detail
The POCO C85 is clearly designed to turn heads. At first glance, it doesn’t look like a budget handset; it’s slim (just 7.99mm), features a “floating crater” camera design, and boasts a screen size (6.9 inches) that rivals the most expensive ‘Ultra’ flagships on the market. It promises “next-level battery performance” and a smooth, high-refresh-rate experience that usually costs double the asking price.
However, Xiaomi has made some strategic cuts to hit a price tag. The most notable is the “Charger Not Included” sticker on the box—a trend that has moved from flagships to the budget sector. It also relies on the MediaTek Helio G81-Ultra, a chip designed for stability rather than raw speed.
Design and Build: Slim, But “Titan Tough”?
The manufacturer makes bold claims about the “Titan tough” nature of the C85, paired with a quad-curved back cover for better ergonomics. At 7.99mm, it’s impressively thin, especially considering the massive battery tucked inside.
Reality: Synthesizing user feedback, the phone feels surprisingly premium in the hand. One user noted it was “lighter than a pint” (approx. 190g), making the 6.9-inch frame manageable even for those with smaller hands. The “floating crater” camera deco gives it a modern aesthetic that doesn’t scream “cheap.”
Verdict: It delivers. While it’s primarily a plastic build, it lacks the ‘creaky’ feel often found in budget rivals from brands like Alcatel or Nokia’s lower-end models.
Display: 120Hz for Under £150?
The headline feature is undoubtedly the 6.9-inch 120Hz AdaptiveSync display. High refresh rates make scrolling through TikTok or X (formerly Twitter) feel significantly smoother.
Reality: This is the C85’s strongest suit. Users consistently praise the screen for being “large and bright,” making it ideal for watching Netflix on the train. The 120Hz refresh rate is noticeable, though the Helio G81-Ultra chip can occasionally struggle to keep up with the frame rate during intensive multitasking. For general browsing, however, it’s a revelation at this price.
Verdict: Exceptional value. You won’t find a better screen for at this price in the current UK market.
Performance and Gaming
Xiaomi markets this as “reliable and stable” for an immersive gaming experience.
Reality: Experience suggests “immersive” might be a stretch for high-end titles like Genshin Impact, but for Candy Crush, Roblox, or Subway Surfers, it’s more than capable. The 8GB of RAM is the hero here, allowing for better background app management than the 4GB usually found in competitors like the Samsung A05. Some users reported a “quick response” in daily tasks, though a few encountered “incomplete setup” issues out of the box, suggesting a need for immediate software updates upon first boot.
Verdict: Great for daily tasks and casual gaming; power users should look elsewhere.
Battery Life: The 6000mAh Monster?
Xiaomi claims the 6000mAh battery can last for over 2 days of typical use, or 82 hours of music playback.
Reality: This is a “set it and forget it” battery. For the average UK user who might forget to plug in their phone after a long day at the office, the C85 is a lifesaver. User reviews confirm it is “next-level,” easily lasting through a full day of heavy GPS usage, music streaming, and social media. However, because there’s no charger in the box, your charging speed will depend entirely on what you have in your drawer. If you’re using an old 5W Kindle plug, expect it to take several hours to fill this massive tank.
Verdict: It delivers on the stamina promise, but the lack of a fast-charger in the box is a sting in the tail.
Camera: 50MP AI Dual System
The 50MP primary sensor is backed by AI to improve low-light performance and detail.
Reality: In broad daylight – say, a sunny afternoon in Hyde Park – the photos are crisp and punchy. The AI does a decent job of balancing sky and shadows. However, as the sun sets, the “budget” nature of the sensor becomes apparent. Noise creeps in, and the “dual camera” setup is effectively a single strong sensor with a secondary depth lens that doesn’t do much heavy lifting.
Verdict: Perfectly adequate for social media and documenting your day, but it won’t be winning any photography awards.
British Contextualisation
In the UK, the POCO C85 sits in a unique spot. It’s significantly cheaper than the entry-level Samsung Galaxy A15 found in Argos or Currys (usually retailing around £130-£150).
The 6.9-inch screen is a boon for long commutes, and while it lacks a 3.5mm headphone jack (check your box—you’ll likely need USB-C buds or Bluetooth), the 256GB of storage is massive. For context, 256GB is enough to hold roughly 50,000 photos or hundreds of hours of downloaded BBC iPlayer content—perfect for those “no signal” stretches on the London Underground.
POCO C85 vs. The Competition
| Feature | POCO C85 | Samsung Galaxy A15 | Motorola Moto G24 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Display | 6.9″ 120Hz LCD | 6.5″ 90Hz Super AMOLED | 6.6″ 90Hz LCD |
| Storage | 256GB | 128GB | 128GB |
| Battery | 6000mAh | 5000mAh | 5000mAh |
| Charger | Not Included | Not Included | 15W Included |
| User Rating | 4.1/5 | 4.4/5 | 4.2/5 |
The Winner:
For pure hardware value, the POCO C85 wins on screen size, storage, and battery. If you prefer a more “polished” software experience and a better screen (AMOLED), the Samsung is worth the extra £50.
Our Verdict on the Xiaomi POCO C85
It’s a masterclass in compromise. By stripping out the charger and using a mid-range MediaTek chip, POCO has managed to include a screen and battery that belong on a much more expensive device. It’s an ideal phone for kids, seniors who want a large, readable display, or as a “workhorse” phone for delivery drivers who need GPS to run all day. If you already own a USB-C charging brick, this is arguably the best you can get for under £100 in tech right now.
Pros
Cons
Final Rating: 4.1/5
Additional Information
- Manufacturer: Xiaomi (POCO)
- Model: C85
- First Available: Late 2025 / Early 2026
- Dimensions: 168.4 x 76.3 x 7.99 mm
- Weight: ~192g
- ASIN: B0FHQ8G6GV
For more perspectives on the Xiaomi POCO C85, why not check out Xiaomi, GSMArena, NanoReview, or GIZGUIDE?