Xiaomi Poco C71 Gold 128GB

It's a $100 phone with a screen that belongs on a tablet, paired with a processor from a calculator. Battery life is stellar, but everything else is a compromise you'll feel every day.

We were genuinely surprised the T7250 even boots Android without crashing. At 18th percentile in our database, it's one of the slowest chips we've tested. Opening apps, switching between them, even scrolling can stutter. 4GB of RAM doesn't help, and the 120Hz refresh rate is wasted when the phone can't render frames fast enough. It's fine for calls, texts, and maybe light web browsing, but don't expect to play demanding games or multitask.

The obvious competitor is the Motorola Moto G (PB1M0006US). It has a smaller screen but a far better processor, usable camera, and 5G. The GAMAKOO R16 Pro Max is another cheap giant-screen option, but with even sketchier software support. Against those, the Poco C71 wins on raw screen size and battery, but loses everywhere else. Flagships like iPhone 14 or Galaxy S22 Ultra aren't competition; they're a different universe entirely.

At $100, it's hard to be too harsh. If you need a giant phone for media consumption and battery life, and you're willing to tolerate lag, it's okay. But honestly, saving up another $50 gets you a Moto G that runs circles around this thing. Value is average at best.

The Poco C71 is a $100 phone that tries to do too much. You get a massive 6.9-inch 120Hz display, which sounds amazing until you realize it's paired with a processor that can barely keep up. Xiaomi is aiming at folks who want screen size above all else, and if that's your only priority, this might work. But for almost everyone else, that low-end UNISOC chip makes everything feel like you're wading through molasses.

If you want a phone that feels responsive, takes decent photos, or has modern connectivity like 5G, this isn't it. Go grab a used Pixel 4a 5G or even a refurbished Galaxy A series instead. You'll be much happier.

Don't buy this expecting a smooth experience. The Poco C71 is a single-purpose device for people who need the biggest possible screen for the least money. If that's you, go ahead. For everyone else, skip it and grab a used Moto G or a slightly older flagship.