POCO has officially expanded its budget portfolio in India with the launch of the POCO C81 and POCO C81x, aiming to redefine the entry-level segment with class-leading battery life and long-term software reliability. Starting at a competitive ₹9,999, the new series is headlined by the standard POCO C81, which boasts a massive 6,300mAh battery—one of the largest in its price bracket. Both devices are powered by the Unisoc T7250 octa-core processor and feature expansive 120Hz HD+ displays (6.9-inch on the C81 and 6.88-inch on the C81x), bringing high-refresh-rate smoothness to the sub-₹11,000 market.
In a surprising move for the budget category, POCO is prioritizing software longevity. The POCO C81 ships with Android 16-based HyperOS 3 out of the box, with a promise of four major OS upgrades and six years of security patches, ensuring the device remains relevant well into the decade. The more affordable C81x runs on Android 15 and features a slightly smaller 5,200mAh battery. Both models support 15W fast charging and include 7.5W reverse wired charging, allowing users to use their phones as a power bank for smaller accessories.
The photography suite on both handsets includes a 13MP primary rear camera and an 8MP selfie shooter, enhanced by Xiaomi’s “AI Sky” and document digitization tools. Designed for durability, the series carries an IP52 rating for dust and splash resistance and features “Wet Touch Technology 2.0” for better usability with damp fingers. Available in vibrant shades like Sunset Gold, Ice Blue, and Elite Black, the POCO C81 series will go on sale via Flipkart starting April 27, 2026, positioning itself as a formidable challenger to recent releases from Realme and Infinix.