The sub-$150 smartphone market is fiercely competitive. The Umidigi G9x and Xiaomi Poco C65 represent compelling options for users prioritizing affordability. However, they take different approaches: the G9x focuses on a minimalist experience, while the Poco C65 aims for a more balanced feature set. This comparison dissects their strengths and weaknesses to determine which device delivers the best value.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user, the Xiaomi Poco C65 emerges as the stronger choice. Its Mediatek Helio G85 chipset provides a noticeable performance uplift over the Umidigi G9x’s Unisoc SC9863A1, and the 18W charging with PD support offers significantly faster replenishment than the G9x’s 10W charging. While the G9x is cheaper, the Poco C65’s improved usability justifies the slight price premium.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 - International |
| 4G bands | LTE | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66 - International |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2025, June | 2023, November 05 |
| Status | Available. Released 2025, June | Available. Released 2023, November 06 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back | Glass front (Gorilla Glass), plastic frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 168.3 x 78 x 8.1 mm (6.63 x 3.07 x 0.32 in) | 168 x 78 x 8.1 mm (6.61 x 3.07 x 0.32 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 190 g (6.70 oz) | 192 g (6.77 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Corning Gorilla Glass |
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~260 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~260 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.75 inches, 110.0 cm2 (~83.8% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.74 inches, 109.7 cm2 (~83.7% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 90Hz | IPS LCD, 90Hz, 450 nits (typ), 600 nits (HBM) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55 & 4x1.2 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Unisoc SC9863A1 (22 nm) | Mediatek MT6769Z Helio G85 (12 nm) |
| GPU | IMG8322 | Mali-G52 MC2 |
| OS | Android 14 (Go edition) | Android 13, upgradable to Android 15, HyperOS 2 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM | 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 13 MP, (wide)
0.3 MP | 50 MP, f/1.8, 28mm (wide), 0.64µm, PDAF
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens |
| Features | LED flash | LED flash, HDR |
| Video | Yes | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | - | HDR |
| Single | 5 MP, (wide) | 8 MP, f/2.0 |
| Video | Yes | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 35mm jack | Unspecified | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.2, A2DP | 5.3, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio, recording |
| USB | USB Type-C, OTG | USB Type-C 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired | 18W wired, PD |
| Type | 5000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Sand Black, Sand Silver, Sand Green | Black, Blue, Purple |
| Models | - | 2310FPCA4G, 2310FPCA4I |
| Price | $ 79.99 / £ 79.99 | € 99.95 / $ 139.99 / £ 115.99 / ₹ 8,999 |
| SAR EU | - | 0.99 W/kg (head) 1.00 W/kg (body) |
Umidigi G9x
- Lowest possible price point
- Potentially lighter due to simpler components
- Basic functionality for essential tasks
- Significantly weaker performance
- Slow 10W charging
- Limited display quality
Xiaomi Poco C65
- Faster and more efficient Helio G85 processor
- Brighter and higher contrast display
- 18W charging with PD for faster replenishment
- Slightly higher price
- May not be as durable as more expensive phones
- Software updates may be less frequent
Display Comparison
The Poco C65 boasts a significantly brighter display, reaching a measured 607 nits, compared to the unspecified brightness of the Umidigi G9x. This higher brightness translates to better visibility outdoors. Furthermore, the Poco C65’s 1555:1 contrast ratio suggests deeper blacks and more vibrant colors. While both likely utilize IPS LCD panels, the Poco C65’s superior specifications indicate a more enjoyable viewing experience, particularly for media consumption. The G9x’s display details are lacking, suggesting a more basic implementation.
Camera Comparison
Both phones feature cameras, but detailed specifications are limited. The Poco C65’s camera is listed as capable of both photo and video, suggesting a more versatile setup. However, without sensor size or aperture information, a direct comparison is difficult. It’s reasonable to assume the Poco C65 benefits from Mediatek’s image signal processor (ISP) optimizations, potentially delivering better image quality. The Umidigi G9x’s camera capabilities are largely unknown, and likely represent a basic implementation focused on affordability.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Poco C65’s Mediatek Helio G85, built on a 12nm process, features a more powerful CPU configuration with 2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 cores and 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55 cores. This contrasts with the Umidigi G9x’s Unisoc SC9863A1, fabricated on a larger 22nm node, and its less potent octa-core setup of 4x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55 and 4x1.2 GHz Cortex-A55 cores. The Helio G85’s architecture and process node provide a clear advantage in both single-core and multi-core performance, resulting in snappier app launches and smoother multitasking. The G9x will likely struggle with demanding applications.
Battery Life
The Poco C65 shines in battery life, achieving an active use score of 11 hours and 31 minutes. While the Umidigi G9x’s battery capacity is not specified, the Poco C65’s endurance is a significant advantage. Crucially, the Poco C65 supports 18W wired charging with Power Delivery (PD), enabling faster and more efficient charging. The Umidigi G9x is limited to 10W charging, meaning significantly longer charge times. This difference in charging speed is a major convenience factor for Poco C65 users.
Buying Guide
Buy the Umidigi G9x if you absolutely need the lowest possible price and are willing to compromise on performance and charging speed. It’s suitable for basic tasks like calls, texts, and light social media. Buy the Xiaomi Poco C65 if you prioritize a smoother user experience, occasional gaming, and faster charging. It’s ideal for users who want a more versatile device without breaking the bank.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Helio G85 in the Poco C65 capable of playing modern mobile games like PUBG or Call of Duty?
The Helio G85 is a capable chipset for mobile gaming, particularly at medium settings. While it won't deliver flagship-level performance, it can comfortably run PUBG and Call of Duty Mobile at 60fps with optimized graphics settings. Expect some frame drops during intense scenes, but the experience should be generally smooth and enjoyable.
❓ How long does it realistically take to fully charge the Poco C65 from 0% to 100% with the included charger?
With the 18W charger and PD support, the Poco C65 should fully charge from 0% to 100% in approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes to 3 hours, depending on usage during charging. This is significantly faster than the Umidigi G9x, which will likely take over 5 hours with its 10W charging.
❓ Does the Umidigi G9x receive regular software updates and security patches?
Umidigi's update track record is inconsistent. While they do provide updates, they are often less frequent and slower to roll out compared to Xiaomi. Expect fewer security patches and potentially delayed Android version updates on the G9x.
❓ What type of storage does the Poco C65 use, and is it expandable?
The Poco C65 utilizes eMMC 5.1 storage, which is standard for this price range. It also supports microSD card expansion, allowing you to increase the storage capacity to accommodate more photos, videos, and apps.
