In the world of ultra-budget smartphones, few names carry as much weight as Poco. Known for cramming high-end specs into low-cost plastic, the Poco C65 is their champion for the sub-$100 market. On paper, it looks like a total steal—massive storage, a large screen, and plenty of RAM.
But does it hold up in the real world? We sifted through the raw, unfiltered opinions of real owners on Reddit, Quora, and social media to see if this phone is a dream or a headache.
The "Spec King" Mentality
The first thing that grabs everyone's attention is the sheer value. For roughly $90 to $110, you are getting 128GB or even 256GB of storage. In a world where premium brands charge hundreds of dollars for extra space, this is a huge win for budget buyers.
Social media users frequently highlight the screen. While it is a 720p display (standard for this price), it features a 90Hz refresh rate. On Quora, users mention that this makes the interface feel much faster than it actually is, especially when scrolling through social feeds. The battery is another major talking point; real-world tests from Reddit users confirm that you can easily get two days of light use out of the 5000mAh cell.
The "Honest Profiles" Reality Check
However, looking at forums like r/PocoPhones and r/Android, the feedback isn't all sunshine and rainbows. Real users warn about a few "hidden" frustrations that don't show up on the box.
The Software Bloat: One of the most common complaints on Reddit is "MIUI bloatware." Users report that the phone comes pre-loaded with dozens of apps and games you probably don't want. As one user on r/degoogle put it: "I spent the first hour just uninstalling trash and turning off ads in the system apps."
The Charging Speed Confusion: While the phone supports 18W "fast" charging, several users on Reddit pointed out that the box only includes a 10W charger. This means if you want the faster speeds, you have to buy a separate brick—a detail that catches many off guard.
The "Ghost" Sensor: On Quora, some owners have complained about the "virtual proximity sensor." This is the tech that turns your screen off when you hold it to your ear. Because it’s virtual (software-based) rather than a physical sensor, some users find their screen staying on during calls, leading to accidental "ear-dialing."
The Verdict: Who Should Buy It?
If you are looking for the most storage and RAM you can get for $100, the Poco C65 is hard to beat. It’s perfect for kids, students, or as a secondary media device for watching YouTube and browsing.
However, if you hate seeing ads in your settings or want a clean, "stock" Android experience, real users suggest looking elsewhere. As one reviewer on TikTok summarized: "It’s a powerful engine in a noisy car. If you can handle the noise, the drive is great for the price."