Tag: Large storage

  • Poco C65

    Poco launched the C65 in India in December 2023 as a rebadged sibling of the Redmi 13C, aimed at buyers who shop mainly online. The base model offered 4 GB of RAM and 128 GB of storage, which was generous for a phone at this price, and it came with a clean flat-edged design.

    Its 6.74-inch HD+ LCD runs at 90 Hz, helping basic navigation feel smooth. The MediaTek Helio G85 is an older 4G chip that handles messaging, calls, social media and streaming, but struggles with heavier multitasking and games. A 50 MP main camera handles daylight photos adequately. The 5,000 mAh battery easily lasts a day, recharged at 18 W.

    In this bracket it competed with the Redmi 13C, the Realme C53, the Samsung Galaxy A05 and the Itel P55. The Galaxy A05 offered more years of updates, while the Poco C65 matched the Redmi 13C on hardware at a slightly lower effective price. For a basic 4G phone with plenty of storage, it ticks the boxes.

    Key specifications

    Launch price (India)Rs 7,499 (base variant)
    India launchDecember 2023
    SegmentBudget
    Display6.74-inch, IPS LCD, 90Hz, 720 x 1600
    ProcessorMediaTek Helio G85
    RAM4 GB / 6 GB / 8 GB
    Storage128 GB / 256 GB
    Expandable storageYes
    Rear cameras50 MP main + 2 MP macro + auxiliary lens
    Front camera8 MP
    Battery5000 mAh
    Charging18W wired
    Software at launchAndroid 13, MIUI 14
    5GNo
    Headphone jackYes
    ColoursMatte Black, Pastel Blue

    What we like

    • 128 GB storage in the base model
    • Low price
    • Long battery life
    • 90 Hz display

    What could be better

    • 4G only
    • HD+ resolution
    • Older, slower chip

    Who should buy it

    Online shoppers who want a cheap 4G phone with plenty of storage for photos and apps.

    Specifications and price are as at the India launch (December 2023). Prices change after launch – check current prices before buying.

  • Poco X6

    The Poco X6 launched in India in January 2024 alongside the X6 Pro, offering much of the Redmi Note 13 Pro's hardware for less money. Its base model started at Rs 19,999 with a generous 8 GB of RAM and 256 GB of storage, which made it one of the best-specified phones under Rs 20,000 at the time.

    The 6.67-inch AMOLED panel runs at 1.5K resolution and 120 Hz, with Dolby Vision and high brightness. Inside, the Snapdragon 7s Gen 2 handles daily use smoothly and moderate gaming well, though it is not built for maximum settings. Instead of the Note 13 Pro's 200 MP sensor, the X6 uses a 64 MP main camera with OIS, delivering reliable photos. The 5,100 mAh battery supports 67 W charging.

    Its rivals included the Redmi Note 13 5G, the Realme 12 5G, the iQOO Z9 and the Samsung Galaxy M34. The iQOO Z9 offered a Sony sensor with OIS, while the Poco X6 won on screen sharpness and storage. For under Rs 20,000, it was a well-balanced package. Gamers, though, were better served by the X6 Pro.

    Key specifications

    Launch price (India)Rs 19,999 (base variant)
    India launchJanuary 2024
    SegmentMid-range
    Display6.67-inch, AMOLED, 120Hz, 1220 x 2712
    ProcessorSnapdragon 7s Gen 2
    RAM8 GB / 12 GB
    Storage256 GB / 512 GB
    Expandable storageNo
    Rear cameras64 MP main + 8 MP ultrawide + 2 MP macro
    Front camera16 MP
    Battery5100 mAh
    Charging67W wired
    Software at launchAndroid 13, MIUI 14
    5GYes
    Water/dust ratingIP54
    Headphone jackYes
    ColoursMirror Black, Snowstorm White

    What we like

    • Sharp 1.5K AMOLED display
    • 256 GB storage as standard
    • OIS main camera
    • 67 W charging

    What could be better

    • Not ideal for heavy gaming
    • Weak ultrawide and macro
    • Shipped with Android 13 and MIUI

    Who should buy it

    Buyers under Rs 20,000 who want a premium-grade display and plenty of storage.

    Specifications and price are as at the India launch (January 2024). Prices change after launch – check current prices before buying.

  • Xiaomi Redmi 13C

    Xiaomi launched the Redmi 13C in India in December 2023 alongside a separate 5G model, and the 4G version is the one aimed at buyers for whom price matters more than network generation. Starting at Rs 7,999, it offers a large screen, ample storage and a design borrowed from pricier Redmis, with a flat frame and a vertical camera strip.

    The 6.74-inch HD+ LCD runs at 90 Hz, which keeps scrolling smooth even if text is not especially crisp. MediaTek's Helio G85 is an older chip that handles calls, WhatsApp, YouTube and basic games, but multitasking can stutter. The 50 MP main camera gives acceptable daylight photos. A 5,000 mAh battery lasts long, though charging at 18 W takes well over two hours.

    Competition included the Samsung Galaxy A05, the Realme C53, the Tecno Spark 20 and the Poco C65, which is essentially the same phone sold under Xiaomi's sub-brand. The Galaxy A05 promised longer software support, while the Redmi 13C offered more storage per rupee. For a basic 4G handset, it covers the essentials well.

    Key specifications

    Launch price (India)Rs 7,999 (base variant)
    India launchDecember 2023
    SegmentBudget
    Display6.74-inch, IPS LCD, 90Hz, 720 x 1600
    ProcessorMediaTek Helio G85
    RAM4 GB / 6 GB / 8 GB
    Storage128 GB / 256 GB
    Expandable storageYes
    Rear cameras50 MP main + 2 MP macro + auxiliary lens
    Front camera8 MP
    Battery5000 mAh
    Charging18W wired
    Software at launchAndroid 13, MIUI 14
    5GNo
    Headphone jackYes
    ColoursStarshine Green, Stardust Black, Starfrost White

    What we like

    • Very affordable
    • Generous 128 GB base storage
    • Smooth 90 Hz screen
    • Long battery life

    What could be better

    • 4G only
    • HD+ resolution
    • Ageing Helio G85 chip
    • Slow charging

    Who should buy it

    Buyers who need a basic, reliable 4G smartphone for calls, messaging and video on the smallest budget.

    Specifications and price are as at the India launch (December 2023). Prices change after launch – check current prices before buying.