Looking for an affordable smartphone that doesn't completely break the bank? The Xiaomi Poco C31 and C50 are both contenders in the budget segment. But which one offers the best value for your money? Let's dive into a detailed comparison to help you decide.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Poco C31 edges out the C50 thanks to its superior chipset and octa-core CPU, resulting in noticeably better performance for everyday tasks and light gaming. While both offer similar battery life and charging speeds, the C31's processing power makes it the slightly better choice.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 8, 40, 41 | 1, 3, 5, 8, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, September 30 | 2023, January 03 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, October 02 | Available. Released 2023, January 10 |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 164.9 x 77.1 x 9 mm (6.49 x 3.04 x 0.35 in) | 164.9 x 76.8 x 9.1 mm (6.49 x 3.02 x 0.36 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 194 g (6.84 oz) | 192 g (6.77 oz) |
| | - | Dust & splash resistant |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.53 inches, 102.9 cm2 (~81.0% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.52 inches, 102.6 cm2 (~81.0% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD, 400 nits |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53) | Quad-core 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6765G Helio G35 (12 nm) | Mediatek MT6761 Helio A22 (12 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | PowerVR GE8320 |
| OS | Android 10, MIUI 12 | Android 12 (Go edition) |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM | 32GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 3GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | - | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide)
0.08 MP (depth) |
| Features | LED flash, HDR | Dual-LED flash, HDR |
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.2, (wide), 1.12µm | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide)
Auxiliary lens |
| Triple | 13 MP, f/2.2, (wide), 1.0µm, PDAF
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR | - |
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.2, (wide), 1.12µm | 5 MP, f/2.0 |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, BDS |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio, recording |
| USB | microUSB 2.0, OTG | microUSB 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer |
| | - | Virtual proximity sensing |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired | 10W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 5000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Royal Blue, Shadow Gray | Country Green, Royal Blue |
| Models | MZB0A0MIN, MZB0A0KIN, 211033MI, 22031116AI | MZB0D3DIN, 220733SPI, 220733SPH |
| Price | About 90 EUR | About 80 EUR |
| SAR | 0.51 W/kg (head) 0.83 W/kg (body) | 0.87 W/kg (head) 0.84 W/kg (body) |
Xiaomi Poco C31
- Better Performance (Helio G35)
- Octa-Core CPU
- Slightly better display
- Larger software support window (potentially)
- Slightly higher price
- Design may not appeal to everyone
Xiaomi Poco C50
- Lower Price
- Simple and Clean User Experience
- Decent Battery Life
- Slower Performance (Helio A22)
- Quad-Core CPU
- Limited Multitasking Capabilities
Display Comparison
Both phones feature a 6.53-inch HD+ (1600 x 720) IPS LCD display. While the resolution is the same, the C31 might offer slightly better color accuracy due to its slightly more advanced panel, though this is subtle. Viewing angles and brightness are comparable on both.
Camera Comparison
The Poco C31 typically features a 13MP main camera, a 2MP depth sensor, and a 2MP macro lens. The Poco C50 usually has a 13MP main camera and a 2MP depth sensor. Image quality is generally similar, with decent performance in good lighting conditions. Low-light performance is expected to be average on both devices. Video recording capabilities are basic on both.
Performance
This is where the C31 shines. Its Mediatek Helio G35 chipset with an octa-core CPU significantly outperforms the C50's Helio A22 quad-core processor. Expect smoother app loading, faster multitasking, and a more responsive user experience on the C31. The C50 will feel noticeably slower, especially with multiple apps open.
Battery Life
Both phones are equipped with a 5000mAh battery, promising all-day battery life under moderate usage. Charging speeds are identical at 10W wired charging, meaning a full charge will take around 2-3 hours.
Buying Guide
The Poco C31 is ideal for users who need a bit more processing power for basic multitasking, social media, and light gaming. The Poco C50 is a good option for those prioritizing simplicity, a clean user experience, and a slightly lower price point, primarily for calls, texts, and essential apps.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Which phone is better for gaming?
The Poco C31 is significantly better for gaming due to its more powerful chipset and octa-core CPU. The C50 will struggle with even basic games.
❓ How much storage do these phones have?
Both phones typically come with 32GB or 64GB of internal storage, expandable via microSD card. Storage options may vary depending on the region.
❓ What operating system do these phones run?
Both phones run on MIUI, Xiaomi's custom Android skin. The specific Android version may vary, but they generally receive updates for a reasonable period.
