The Xiaomi Poco C81 Pro is a performance-focused budget handset designed for students and heavy social media users in Pakistan. Officially launched in the country on 15 October 2024, this device is available for Rs. 42,999 (approximately $155 USD) at major retailers and the official Xiaomi Pakistan website at www.mi-store.pk.

Key details

- Price in Pakistan: Rs. 42,999
- Price in USD: $155
- Launch Date: 15 October 2024
- Official Website: www.mi-store.pk
- Battery: 5000mAh with 33W charging
- Refresh Rate: 120Hz

Design & Build

The Poco C81 Pro features a polycarbonate back with a matte finish that resists fingerprints quite well. It feels sturdy in the hand despite the plastic frame, weighing in at 192 grams. The camera module is slightly raised, but the phone sits relatively flat on a desk, which is a welcome design choice for those who dislike wobble.

Display

The standout feature here is the 6.7-inch IPS LCD panel that supports a 120Hz refresh rate. In real-world use, scrolling through feeds and navigating the UI feels buttery smooth. With a peak brightness of 550 nits, it remains readable indoors, though you might struggle slightly under direct midday sun in cities like Karachi or Lahore.

Performance

Under the hood, the device is powered by the MediaTek Helio G99 Ultra chipset. Paired with 8GB of RAM, the phone handles daily multitasking without breaking a sweat. Gaming performance is decent for the price; it runs popular titles like PUBG Mobile at medium settings with a stable 40-60 FPS, making it a reliable daily driver for budget gamers.

Camera

The rear houses a 64MP primary sensor, accompanied by a 2MP depth lens. Daylight shots are crisp with punchy colors typical of Xiaomi’s image processing. The 16MP front camera does a respectable job for video calls and social media selfies, though low-light performance shows some expected noise in darker environments.

Battery

Equipped with a 5000mAh battery, the Poco C81 Pro easily lasts a full day of moderate-to-heavy usage. In our testing, it consistently provided about 7 to 8 hours of screen-on time. The 33W fast charging tops up the device from 0 to 100% in approximately 75 minutes, which is competitive for this price bracket.

Verdict

The Xiaomi Poco C81 Pro is a balanced device that prioritizes a smooth display and decent battery life over gimmicky features. If you are looking for a reliable phone under Rs. 45,000 that handles gaming and daily apps smoothly, this is one of the best value-for-money options currently available in Pakistan.