POCO C71 Review: Is This the Best Smartphone Under ₹7,000 in India?

The arrival of the POCO C71 has sent ripples through the budget category, promising features that were once reserved for mid-range handsets. Launched on 4th April 2025, this device targets first-time smartphone users, students, and those looking for a reliable secondary handset without breaking the bank.

With a starting price of just ₹6,499, this budget powerhouse aims to redefine what “entry-level” means. But does it truly deliver on its promises? In this comprehensive review, we dive deep into the specifications, performance, and everyday usability of the latest offering from POCO India.

POCO C71- Design and Build Quality: A Touch of Premium

At first glance, you would be forgiven for thinking this is a much more expensive device. The POCO C71 features a unique “Premium Split Grid” design on the rear, which combines a matte-textured finish with a glossy camera deco. This aesthetic choice not only makes the phone look stylish but also provides an excellent grip, significantly reducing the chance of accidental slips.

The device comes in three vibrant colours: Power Black, Cool Blue, and the standout Desert Gold. Despite being built primarily of high-quality polycarbonate, the flat-frame design gives it a modern, “industrial” feel. An impressive addition at this price point is the IP52 rating, offering basic resistance against dust and light water splashes—a feature rarely seen in the ultra-budget segment.

POCO C71 Display: The 120Hz Revolution

The headline feature of this smartphone is undoubtedly its massive 6.88-inch HD+ IPS LCD display. While the 720 x 1640 resolution is standard for this price, the 120Hz refresh rate is a game-changer. It makes scrolling through social media feeds and navigating the UI feel incredibly smooth compared to the 60Hz or 90Hz panels found on competitors.

POCO has also included Wet Touch Display technology. This ensures the screen remains responsive even if your hands are damp or if you are caught in light rain—a practical addition for the Indian monsoon season. Furthermore, the display is TÜV Rheinland certified for Low Blue Light and Flicker-Free performance, making it easier on the eyes during late-night study sessions or movie marathons.

POCO C71 Performance: Handling the Essentials

Under the hood, the POCO C71 is powered by the Unisoc T7250 octa-core chipset. While not a gaming beast, this 12nm processor is perfectly optimised for daily tasks like WhatsApp, YouTube, and light multitasking.

The device is available in two variants:

1. 4GB RAM + 64GB Storage
2. 6GB RAM + 128GB Storage

Thanks to the Virtual RAM feature, the 6GB variant can effectively act like it has 12GB of RAM, allowing more apps to stay open in the background. For those who consume a lot of media, the dedicated microSD slot supports expansion up to a massive 2TB, ensuring you never run out of space for photos and videos.

POCO C71 Software: Clean and Modern

Running on Android 15 (Go Edition) with a lightweight version of HyperOS, the software experience is surprisingly fluid. POCO has promised two years of major OS updates and four years of security patches, which is exceptional longevity for a phone costing under ₹7,000. This commitment to software support adds significant value for Indian consumers who tend to hold onto their devices for longer periods.

POCO C71 Camera: Capturing the Moments

For photography, the sports a 32MP main rear camera assisted by a secondary depth sensor. In broad daylight, the camera produces sharp images with decent colour reproduction. It features various film filters and a dedicated Night Mode to help in low-light conditions, though don’t expect flagship-level results once the sun goes down.

The 8MP front camera is tucked into a discreet waterdrop notch. It handles selfies and video calls well, producing natural skin tones that are social-media-ready. For students attending online classes or professionals on Zoom calls, this setup is more than adequate.

Battery Life and Charging

A massive 5,200mAh battery powers the device, easily lasting over a day and a half with moderate usage. Whether you are binge-watching series or navigating through city traffic via GPS, the battery holds up remarkably well. It supports 15W charging via a modern USB Type-C port. While charging isn’t “lightning fast,” the inclusion of Type-C over the older micro-USB is a welcome move toward standardisation.

Technical Specifications Table

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Segment-leading 120Hz Display: Makes the UI feel premium and fast.
• Massive Battery: Easily lasts two days for light users.
• Modern Design: The split-grid look punches way above its weight class.
• IP52 Rating: Peace of mind against minor liquid spills.
• Great Value: Especially with the Airtel exclusive offer at ₹5,999.

Cons

• 4G Only: Lack of 5G might be a dealbreaker for some in 2025.
• Slow Charging: 15W takes nearly two hours for a full charge.
• Basic Performance: Not suitable for heavy gaming like BGMI or Genshin Impact.

Verdict: Should You Buy It?

The POCO C71 is a masterclass in budget engineering. By focusing on the “Big Three”—Display, Battery, and Design—POCO has created a device that feels much more expensive than its price tag suggests.

If you are looking for a primary phone for basic usage, a reliable device for your parents, or a sturdy phone for a student, this is currently the best value-for-money proposition in India. While the lack of 5G is a compromise, the sheer quality of the 120Hz display and the long-term software support make it a winning choice for anyone on a strict budget.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

·  What is the price of the POCO C71 in India? The base 4GB/64GB variant starts at ₹6,499, while the 6GB/128GB variant is priced at ₹7,499.

·  Does this phone support 5G connectivity? No, it is a 4G LTE device. It does not support 5G networks.

·  Is there a fingerprint sensor on the POCO C71? Yes, it features a fast and reliable side-mounted fingerprint sensor integrated into the power button.

·  What is the screen refresh rate? It features a smooth 120Hz refresh rate, which is the highest in this price segment.

·  Is the POCO C71 waterproof? It has an IP52 rating, making it splash and dust-resistant, but it is not fully waterproof.

·  Does it have a dedicated microSD card slot? Yes, you can use two SIM cards and one microSD card (up to 2TB) simultaneously.

·  Which processor is used in this device? It uses the Unisoc T7250 octa-core processor.

·  Does it come with a charger in the box? Yes, a 15W charger and a Type-C cable are included in the retail box.

·  What is the “Airtel Offer” for this phone? Airtel users can purchase the device at an effective price of ₹5,999 with additional data benefits, subject to terms.

·  Can I play games like BGMI on this phone? You can play light games and BGMI on the lowest settings, but it is not designed for heavy gaming.

·  Does it support fast charging? It supports 15W charging, which is decent for the price but slower than mid-range standards.

·  Is the battery removable? No, it features a non-removable 5,200mAh battery.

·  What version of Android does it run? It runs on Android 15 (Go Edition) with the HyperOS skin.

·  How many software updates will it get? POCO promises 2 years of Android OS updates and 4 years of security updates.

·  Does it have a 3.5mm headphone jack? Yes, it includes a 3.5mm audio jack for wired headphones.

·  What are the available colour options? Power Black, Cool Blue, and Desert Gold.

·  How is the camera performance in low light? It is average. While it has a Night Mode, there is noticeable noise in very dark environments.

·  Does it support Face Unlock? Yes, it supports AI Face Unlock via the front-facing 8MP camera.

·  What is the peak brightness of the display? The display reaches a peak brightness of 600 nits.

·  Where can I buy the POCO C71? It is available for purchase on Flipkart, Amazon India, and the official POCO website.

KAUSHIK CHATTERJEE

Kaushik Chatterjee is a dedicated tech enthusiast and the founder of GadgetInfo.net. With 5 years of experience tracking the consumer electronics market, specializes in breaking down complex technical specifications into easy-to-understand insights for everyday users.

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