In the Poco C85 5G, you get a well-rounded set of features like a large screen, good performance for the asking price, support for 5G networks, and a good battery. However, what it does not do is perform well in the camera department. Even with a 50MP primary camera, the Poco C85 5G is no camera phone.
1. Megapixels ≠ Camera Quality (Budget Sensor Limitations)
Even though the Poco C85 5G advertises a 50MP main camera, the truth is that:
- It uses a basic entry-level sensor
- The aperture is smaller compared to premium camera phones
- The lens quality is mid-range
- Image processing is limited
In bright outdoor lighting, the phone performs decently. But indoor shots, low-light photos, and dynamic range quickly expose the sensor’s limitations.
- A camera-centric smartphone requires:
- A large sensor (1/1.5″, 1/1.56″, or bigger)
- High-quality optics
- Superior processing hardware
None of these are present in the Poco C85 5G.
2. No OIS – The Biggest Missing Feature
A camera-focused phone must include OIS (Optical Image Stabilization).
The Poco C85 5G only supports EIS (Electronic Image Stabilization), which is software-based.
Because of no OIS:
- Low-light images look shaky or blurred
- Night mode struggles
- Moving subjects look distorted
- Handheld video recording lacks stability
OIS is the difference between an average camera and a brilliant one. This single missing feature keeps the Poco C85 5G out of the “camera-centric” category.
3. Weak Secondary Camera – Not Suitable for Versatile Photography
Camera-centric phones have:
- Ultra-wide camera
- Telephoto / portrait lens
- High-quality macro
- Advanced depth sensors
The Poco C85 5G includes only:
- 50MP main camera
- 2MP macro/depth sensor (mostly for marketing)
- The 2MP lens adds very little real-world value.
No ultra-wide lens means:
- Users cannot capture landscapes
- Group photos become difficult
- Creative shots are restricted
- This limits the phone’s versatility.
4. Basic Front Camera Performance
The front camera (8MP or 13MP based on variants) is serviceable but far from camera-centric.
It lacks:
- Advanced HDR
- High dynamic range selfies
- Natural skin tone optimization
- Proper low-light enhancement
- High-frame-rate or 4K video support
Selfies appear soft, and in low light, detail loss is significant. Camera-centric phones usually offer 32MP to 50MP advanced sensors with AI portrait algorithms—something Poco C85 5G clearly does not.
5. Limited Video Recording Features
The Poco C85 5G records 1080p videos, which is expected in this segment.
But a camera-centric device requires:
- 4K recording
- HDR video (Dolby Vision/HDR10)
- Advanced stabilization
- Cinematic modes
- Pro video mode
- The Poco C85 5G lacks all of these.
Even with EIS, videos tend to be shaky, and dynamic range struggles in bright outdoor conditions.
6. Basic Image Processing Engine (ISP)
Camera performance depends heavily on the ISP (Image Signal Processor) inside the chipset.
Camera-centric phones use advanced ISPs like:
- Xiaomi Imaging Engine
- Vivo V-Series chip
- Google’s Tensor computational photography
- OPPO HyperTone
- Apple’s A-series ISP
The Poco C85 5G uses a basic mid-range ISP, designed for:
Fast everyday photography
Basic post-processing
Improved low-light through software
Standard AI scene enhancements
But it cannot compete with phones optimized for photography.
7. Limited Night Photography Capabilities
Night Mode is where budget sensors struggle the most, and the Poco C85 5G is no exception:
Noise increases significantly
Details are soft
Shadows look smudged
Highlights often get blown out
Dynamic range drops noticeably
Without a large sensor or OIS, the Poco C85 5G simply cannot be categorized as a night-photography smartphone.
8. Software Features Are Basic
While the Poco camera app includes:
- AI mode
- Portrait mode
- Pro mode
- Night mode
- Filters
It lacks advanced features such as:
- RAW capture enhancements
- Multi-frame noise reduction
- AI depth mapping
- Dedicated portrait lighting
- 60fps recording
- HDR video mode
This makes it more suited for casual photography, not professional or creator-focused use.
Conclusion
Users looking for a large display, long-lasting battery, reliable 5G connectivity and good day-to-day performance should consider the Poco C85 5G as it meets the basic requirements for these types of phones. The 50MP main sensor is not sufficient to compete with dedicated camera phones, such as high-resolution ultra-wide cameras and advanced image processing capabilities.
The other cameras on the device are either very basic or have limited functionality, as the front camera can only be used for basic tasks. As such, the Poco C85 5G is not designed to produce good quality pictures or videos in either low-light or high-activity environments and cannot be used to capture professional video.
With all that said, the Poco C85 5G will appeal to students, casual users and purchasers looking for a solid day-to-day phone at a reasonable price point. On the other hand, anyone looking for professional quality photos or advanced video recording should look into higher-end series from Xiaomi, Vivo or OPPO.
FAQ
1) Is the Poco C85 5G a good device for taking pictures?
The Poco C85 5G is suitable for taking informal pictures in natural lighting conditions, however it is not a good choice for taking pictures in low-light situations, photos of people, and/or for taking professional photographs. The Poco C85 5G is considered more of a smartphone than a camera.
2) Does the Poco C85 5G have OIS?
The Poco C85 5G does NOT have Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) as an available option. The lack of Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) will most likely translate to a much lower quality photograph than that of a camera with Optical Image Stabilization (OIS).
3) How does the selfie camera on the Poco C85 5G compare to other smartphone selfie cameras?
The selfie camera is very basic, although it produces photographs with average quality in bright-light conditions. The selfie camera does not produce good quality photographs in low-lighting conditions and it does not have advanced HDR technology for producing photographs.
4) Does the Poco C85 5G camera have an ultra wide angle lens?
No, the only camera available on the Poco C85 5G smartphone is the primary camera with 50-megapixels resolution and a back-up camera with 2-megapixels resolution. The lack of ultra wide lens option makes the Poco C85 5G camera significantly less versatile.
5) Is the Poco C85 5G suitable for recording videos?
The maximum resolution is only 1080p and there is basic EIS. Anyone seeking smooth and cinematic videos with great stabilization should not invest in a Poco C85 5G.