Xiaomi (小米) launches POCO C85x 5G overseas: equipped with UNISOC (紫光展锐) T8300 chipset and 4GB RAM

Product launch

Xiaomi (小米)'s budget sub-brand POCO has quietly introduced the POCO C85x 5G overseas, it has been reported that the new model is powered by a UNISOC (紫光展锐) T8300 5G chipset and ships with 4GB of RAM. The move underscores POCO's continued focus on ultra‑affordable 5G handsets for price‑sensitive markets. Reportedly the announcement was circulated via regional channels rather than a global flagship event, consistent with POCO's segmented go‑to‑market approach.

Specs and positioning

Details released so far centre on the key silicon choice and memory configuration: the T8300 is UNISOC's 5G SoC positioned for entry‑to‑mid tiers, and 4GB of RAM signals this model will sit at the lower end of POCO's lineup. Other specifications and official pricing have not been widely published; it has been reported that the phone is aimed at emerging markets where POCO has historically been strong — India, Southeast Asia and parts of Europe — but broader availability and local prices remain to be confirmed.

Market and geopolitical context

Why does the chipset matter? Using UNISOC rather than MediaTek or Qualcomm feeds into a larger supply‑chain story. UNISOC is one of China's domestic chipmakers that has been expanding into mainstream smartphone designs amid tightening US export controls and shifting trade policy around semiconductors. Reportedly, Chinese brands are increasingly willing to deploy domestic silicon in low‑cost 5G devices to reduce reliance on Western suppliers — a practical response to geopolitics as much as a commercial one.

Outlook

POCO's C‑series caters to buyers who prioritise 5G connectivity at the lowest possible price. Will consumers accept a 4GB RAM budget handset in 2026? That remains to be seen — but for Xiaomi, the C85x appears designed to keep entry‑level 5G adoption growing in markets where affordability still trumps raw performance. More detailed specs, benchmarks and regional pricing will determine whether the device can compete against rivals from Samsung, realme and local brands.