We have seen different brands competing in the smartphone world. There are two friends with the most friendly competition: POCO and Redmi. It’s because POCO C85 vs Redmi 15C are both Xiaomi’s brands. POCO released the POCO C85, and Redmi released the Redmi 15C in December 2025. POCO is mainly fo gaming as it comes with higher RAM options. Redm looks more stylish and is better for everyday use.
Also Read: OnePlus 15 Vs iPhone 17: Which One Should You Choose?
If your budget is less than Rs. 15,000, then both the devices are really good to consider. But, which one is good enough to buy? That we will know in this article!
POCO C85 5G Vs Redmi 15C 5G: Quick Comparison
| Feature | POCO C85 5G | Redmi 15C 5G |
|---|---|---|
| Launch Date | December 9, 2025 | December 3, 2025 |
| Starting Price | Rs. 11,999 (4GB/128GB) | Rs. 12,499 (4GB/128GB) |
| Display | 6.9-inch HD+ IPS LCD, 120Hz, 450 nits | Same 6.9-inch HD+ IPS LCD, 120Hz, 450 nits |
| Processor | MediaTek Dimensity 6300 | Same Dimensity 6300 |
| RAM/Storage Options | 4GB / 6GB / 8GB RAM + 128GB (expandable; up to 16GB with virtual RAM) | 4GB / 6GB / 8GB RAM + 128GB (expandable; up to 16GB with virtual RAM) |
| Rear Camera | 50MP main + 2MP depth | 50MP main + 2MP depth (slightly better image processing) |
| Front Camera | 8MP | 8MP |
| Battery & Charging | 6,000mAh + 33W fast charging | 6,000mAh + 33W fast charging |
| Software | Android 15 + HyperOS 2.2 (2 OS + 4 yrs security) | Android 15 + HyperOS 2 (2 OS + 4 yrs security) |
| Extras / Build | IP64 rating, 3.5mm jack, side fingerprint, reverse charging | IP64 rating, 3.5mm jack, side fingerprint (no reverse charging) |
| Colors | Power Black, Spring Green, Mystic Purple | Midnight Black, Moonlight Blue, Dusk Purple |
| AnTuTu Score | ~4,50,000 | ~4,50,000 |
Design Comparison: POCO C85 Vs Redmi 15C
Both POCO C85 vs Redmi 15C come with a huge 6.9-inch screen. It is great for watching movies or YouTube. But because of the size, they feel a bit heavy (about 205g) and slightly thick (8mm). Since they use HD+ (720p) resolution instead of Full HD, the screen isn’t super sharp.
| Feature | POCO C85 5G | Redmi 15C 5G |
|---|---|---|
| Design Style | Bold, flashy | Clean, premium |
| Weight/Thickness | ~205g / ~8mm | ~205g / ~8mm |
| Screen | 6.9″ HD+, 120Hz | 6.9″ HD+, 120Hz |
| Build | Plastic, IP64 | Plastic, IP64 |
| Extras | Reverse charging, 3.5mm jack | 3.5mm jack, no reverse charging |
| Fingerprint | Side-mounted | Side-mounted |
Also Read: iQOO 15 Vs OnePlus 15: Price, Specs, All Details!
Performance Comparison
I remember there was a time when people used to compromise on the performance because of the budget. But, not anymore! Even budget-friendly devices are getting good processors. Both the POCO C85 vs Redmi 15C come with Dimensity 6300.
| Feature | POCO C85 5G | Redmi 15C 5G |
|---|---|---|
| Processor | MediaTek Dimensity 6300 | Same Dimensity 6300 |
| AnTuTu Score | ~450,000 | ~450,000 |
| Gaming (BGMI) | 40–50 FPS (medium) | 40–50 FPS (medium) |
| RAM Options | 4GB / 6GB / 8GB (best for multitasking) | 4GB / 6GB / 8GB |
| Virtual RAM | Up to 16GB | Up to 16GB |
| Software | HyperOS 2.2 with AI tools | HyperOS 2 with smooth app handling |
| Updates | 2 OS + 4 years security | 2 OS + 4 years security |
Which One Takes Better Pictures?
Since they both are budget phones, you can only expect decent performance. But that is a myth I used to believe! When I checked both the phones, they were surprisingly better with good lighting conditions and portraits. Even thought Night Photography could be better, but the overall performance is actually great. If you are into more punchy colours, you can choose POCO C85. But if you like natural shots, the Redmi 15C is good.
| Feature | POCO C85 5G | Redmi 15C 5G |
|---|---|---|
| Main Camera | 50MP | 50MP |
| Depth Sensor | 2MP | 2MP |
| Selfie Camera | 8MP | 8MP |
| Daylight Photos | Punchy colors, sometimes over-sharpened | More natural, balanced, better skin tones |
| Low-Light | Decent but noisy | Decent but noisy (similar performance) |
| Portraits | Basic, uses 2MP depth | Basic, slightly better edge detection |
| Video | 1080p @ 30fps | 1080p @ 30fps |
Moreover…
| Daylight | Punchy, saturated colors | More natural skin tones | Redmi |
| Indoor | Slightly noisy | Better white balance | Redmi |
| Low Light | Washed out | Usable with night mode | Redmi |
| Selfie | Over-sharpened | Softer, more flattering | Redmi |
Also Read: 5 High-Value Mid-Range Phones Worth Buying- Samsung, Realme & More
The Battery Beast!
I know battery and charging are deciding factors for many people. This is where things get confusing. Both phones offer the same 6,000mAh battery and 33W fast charging. But there is one difference. The POCO C85 gives you Reverse Charging, which is rare. There is no reverse charging in the Redmi 15C.
| Feature | POCO C85 5G | Redmi 15C 5G |
|---|---|---|
| Battery Size | 6,000mAh | 6,000mAh |
| Real-World Use | 1.5 to 2 days | 1.5 to 2 days |
| Screen-On Time | 10+ hours | 10+ hours |
| PCMark Endurance | 14 to 16 hours | 14 to 16 hours |
| Charging Speed | 33W fast charging | 33W fast charging |
| 0–50% Time | ~30 minutes | ~30 minutes |
| Extra Features | Reverse charging | No reverse charging |
Heating & Gaming!
If you are buying any of the phones for gaming, you need to see the gaming performance and if there is any overheating issue. Let’s check all the details:
| Feature | POCO C85 5G | Redmi 15C 5G |
|---|---|---|
| Average FPS | 38 to 41 | 37 to 40 |
| Max Temperature (front) | 42.8 °C | 41.5 °C |
| Throttling | 8% drop after 20 min | 12% drop after 18 min |
| Verdict | Slightly warmer but more stable | Cooler but throttles earlier |
Here’s How You Should Choose!
Let’s talk about when you should pick the POCO C85 and when you should buy the Redmi 15C
| Priority | POCO C85 If… | Redmi 15C If… | Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Max RAM on Budget | You want 8GB for ₹14K (16GB virtual RAM for multitasking) | Base 4GB feels snappier | POCO is Rs. 500 to 1,000 cheaper for 8GB |
| Battery + Extras | Want reverse charging + 14hours endurance | Solid battery with a nice desgn | POCO wins for utility |
| Camera / Design | Punchy AI photos are fine for social media | Prefer toned low-light shots + premium look | Redmi costs Rs. 500 more for polish |
| Longevity / Software | HyperOS with gaming tweaks; expandable storage | Cleaner UI, same 2OS + 4 yrs security | Tie; both IP64 rated and durable |
FAQs:
Q1. Which one is cheaper?
POCO C85 5G is cheaper. 6GB + 128GB costs around Rs. 9,999 to Rs. 10,499 with offers. 8GB + 128GB is Rs. 12,999 to Rs. 13,499. Redmi 15C is usually Rs. 500 to Rs. 1,000 more expensive.
Q2. Which has a better camera?
Redmi 15C is better. It gives more natural colours, less noise indoors or at night, and nicer selfies. POCO is punchy in daylight but overall Redmi wins for photos.
Q3. Which is better for gaming?
POCO C85 is slightly better. It keeps FPS more stable, throttles less, and can even reverse-charge. Good for 1 to 2 hours of daily gaming.
Q4. Which one heats less?
Redmi 15C stays 1 to 2 degree C cooler. POCO can reach up to 43 °C but is still safe to use.
Q5. Which has louder speakers?
Redmi 15C is louder and slightly clearer for calls and YouTube.
Q6. How about battery life?
Both last 1.5 to 2 days easily. POCO charges a little faster and can reverse-charge other devices.
Q7. Any bloatware or ads?
Both run HyperOS 2.0. Redmi has fewer pre-installed apps (42 vs 48) and no extra “Hot Apps/Hot Games” folder. Both are easy to clean.
Final Thoughts
Both phones are very similar in a lot of ways, like processor, battery, and more. The POCO C85 5G is the better deal for most students. This is because it is cheaper and works really well. One tip: try to get the 8GB version if possible.
It even has reverse charging, which can charge another phone in an emergency. The Redmi 15C 5G is a good choice if you like taking nicer photos and want a phone that looks a bit more stylish. Overall, POCO is best for value, while Redmi is best for looks and camera.
Let me know your thoughts in the comment section below. I would love to hear from you.
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