Alright, let's dive deep into this comparison between the OnePlus 10 Pro and the Realme C65. It's a classic showdown between a former flagship and a solid mid-ranger, and there are some clear winners in different categories. Buckle up, because we're about to get granular.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here's a detailed look at the specs, complete with a "Real-World Implications" column to show you what it all means:
| Feature | OnePlus 10 Pro | Realme C65 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 163 x 73.9 x 8.6 mm | 164.6 x 76.1 x 7.6 mm | Realme C65 is slightly taller and wider, but thinner. OnePlus 10 Pro is more dense and might feel more substantial. |
| Weight | 201g | 185g | Realme C65 is significantly lighter, making it more comfortable for longer use. |
| Build | Gorilla Glass Victus | Unknown | OnePlus 10 Pro offers superior screen protection against scratches and drops. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.7" | 6.67" | Both are very similar in size. A small difference in overall screen real-estate. |
| Resolution | 1440 x 3216 | 720 x 1604 | OnePlus 10 Pro offers a drastically sharper image, with text and images appearing crisper. |
| Pixel Density (PPI) | 525 | 264 | The OnePlus 10 Pro's higher PPI results in significantly better clarity and detail, making for a more pleasant viewing experience. |
| Technology | IPS LCD | The Realme C65 has an IPS LCD, which generally provides good colors and viewing angles, but the technology for the Oneplus is unlisted. | |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 90Hz | OnePlus 10 Pro’s 120Hz refresh rate offers slightly smoother animations, particularly noticeable during scrolling and gaming. |
| Brightness | 1300 nits | 0 nits | OnePlus 10 Pro is much brighter and more visible in direct sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 (4nm) | Helio G85 (12nm) | OnePlus 10 Pro’s chip is significantly more powerful, resulting in much faster app loading and smoother multitasking. |
| Antutu Score | 900,491 | 225,154 | The OnePlus 10 Pro has 300% better scores, making it more capable for demanding tasks, including gaming. |
| GPU | Adreno 730 | Mali-G52 MC2 | The Adreno 730 in the OnePlus is much better suited to graphically intense games and applications. |
| Camera | |||
| Rear Standard | 48MP (f/1.8, 1/1.43") | 50MP (f/1.8, 1/2.76") | Realme C65 has a slightly higher resolution, but OnePlus 10 Pro has a much larger sensor size, meaning much better low-light performance. |
| Rear Telephoto | 8MP (f/2.4) | None | OnePlus 10 Pro has a telephoto lens for optical zoom and improved zoomed image quality. |
| Rear Wide Angle | 50MP (f/2.2) | None | OnePlus 10 Pro has an ultrawide lens, capturing a wider field of view for group shots and landscapes. |
| Rear Portrait Depth | None | 2MP (f/2.4) | Realme C65 includes a depth sensor to help in portrait shots. |
| Front Camera | 32MP (f/2.0) | 8MP (f/2.0) | OnePlus 10 Pro captures significantly more detail and better low-light selfies. |
| Video | Up to 8K/120fps | Up to 1080p/30fps | OnePlus 10 Pro has the capability to capture high resolution video, and slow-motion capture at 480fps. |
| Camera Scores | DxOMark: 122 | None | OnePlus 10 Pro camera system has been tested by DxOMark, with a respectable score |
| Camera Features | Extensive features | Basic features | OnePlus 10 Pro features optical zoom, OIS, RAW 12 bits, and more. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000 mAh | 5000 mAh | Both devices offer the same battery capacity, potentially offering a similar total battery life. |
| Charging | 80W Fast | 45W Fast | OnePlus 10 Pro charges much faster, meaning less time plugged in. |
| Features | Wireless, Reverse, Removable | Removable | OnePlus 10 Pro has more features, offering both wireless and reverse wireless charging. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 12 (up to 14) | Android 14 | The Realme C65 offers the latest software out of the box, while the Oneplus will need to be updated. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | Wi-Fi 7, 6, ac, n, g, b, a | Wi-Fi n, g, b, a | The OnePlus 10 Pro supports the latest WiFi standard, offering better performance on compatible networks. |
| Bluetooth | 5.2 LE with many codecs | 5.0 LE | OnePlus 10 Pro has newer tech with more audio codec support for better audio quality. |
| GPS | L1+L5, Beidou, Galileo | Standard systems | OnePlus 10 Pro supports more satellite systems for better location accuracy and speed |
| SIM | Dual Nano SIM | Dual Nano SIM | Both devices offer dual sim support. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | Up to 512GB | Up to 256GB | OnePlus 10 Pro offers more internal storage, but you cannot expand either device. |
| RAM | Up to 12GB | Up to 8GB | The OnePlus 10 Pro’s higher RAM allows for smoother performance when running multiple applications simultaneously. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Stereo | Basic | OnePlus 10 Pro offers higher quality audio, with multiple mics, better spatial awareness, and stereo speakers, better for calls and for consuming media. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Basic fingerprint | Side-mounted fingerprint | Realme C65 offers a faster and slightly more convenient fingerprint scanning system. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Gyro, RGB and more | Basic | OnePlus 10 Pro offers a more complete sensor suite, for advanced gaming and other features |
2. Key Insights
OnePlus 10 Pro: Strengths
- Display King: The OnePlus 10 Pro’s higher resolution, brightness, and refresh rate make its screen vastly superior.
- Performance Powerhouse: With the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1, the OnePlus 10 Pro offers a significant performance edge, handling demanding tasks and games effortlessly.
- Camera Versatility: The inclusion of telephoto, wide-angle lenses, along with superior main camera, provides diverse shooting options, and better low-light photography.
- Fast Charging and Wireless Support: Faster charging plus the convenience of wireless charging make it a winner for power users.
- Premium Audio: It offers better audio experience, and clearer calls.
OnePlus 10 Pro: Potential Weaknesses
- Older OS: It will need to be updated to the newest version of Android.
- Weight and Thickness: It is slightly larger, thicker and heavier than the Realme.
Realme C65: Strengths
- Lighter and Thinner: The Realme C65 is more comfortable for extended use and easier to handle.
- Newer OS: Comes with the latest Android 14.
- Side Fingerprint: The side-mounted fingerprint scanner is more convenient and faster.
Realme C65: Potential Weaknesses
- Lower Resolution Display: The screen quality is not comparable to the OnePlus, with a lower resolution, brightness, and refresh rate.
- Significantly Lower Performance: The Helio G85 is noticeably less powerful, and struggles with demanding applications.
- Basic Camera System: It lacks a telephoto and ultrawide lens, and suffers in comparison with the main sensor in the Oneplus 10 Pro.
- Slower Charging and Lacks Wireless Support: Slower charging and no wireless options are a step down in convenience.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
OnePlus 10 Pro: Best for
- Power Users: Those who demand top-tier performance for multitasking, gaming, and intensive applications.
- Photography Enthusiasts: Users who value versatile camera capabilities and excellent image quality.
- Media Consumers: Those who want the best viewing experience for videos and content, with great color, brightness, and clarity.
- Tech Savvy: Those who want the latest connectivity, and a comprehensive feature set.
Realme C65: Best for
- Budget-Conscious Users: Individuals who prioritize affordability over cutting-edge specs, but still want a functional, reliable smartphone.
- Casual Users: Those who primarily use their phone for basic tasks like browsing, social media, and calls, and do not need a lot of power.
- Light Handlers: Users who prefer a lighter, more compact device that's comfortable to use for extended periods.
- Android Newbies: Those who want a user friendly experience without spending too much money.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions to help decide between these two phones:
How much do I value a high-quality display? If you watch a lot of videos, play games, and want crisp images, the OnePlus 10 Pro is the obvious winner. If the display is less important, then you might save money with the Realme.
What kind of performance do I need? If you need a smooth experience with heavy apps and high-performance games, the OnePlus 10 Pro is the way to go. If you are not a power user, then you will be fine with the C65.
How important is camera quality and versatility to me? If you want the flexibility of multiple lenses and high-quality images, the OnePlus 10 Pro is better. If the camera is not your primary focus, the Realme C65 might suffice.
Scenario-Based Recommendations
- For the Tech Enthusiast and Gamer: The OnePlus 10 Pro, with its top-tier performance, camera, and display, is the clear choice, despite being the older device.
- For the Casual User on a Budget: The Realme C65 provides a good experience, without breaking the bank.
- For the Photography Buff: The OnePlus 10 Pro offers far superior camera capabilities thanks to it's additional lens and superior main sensor.
- For the Daily Driver: The OnePlus 10 Pro offers the best experience, with a balance of everything.
My Pick
If I had to choose, I'd go for the OnePlus 10 Pro, and here's why:
As a tech journalist and analyst, I value a device that can keep up with demanding tasks, provide exceptional image quality, and offer a premium experience all-around. The OnePlus 10 Pro excels in all these areas, despite its age. While the Realme C65 has its advantages (lighter build and newer OS), it's clear that it is designed for less demanding users on a tighter budget.
The vastly superior display and significantly higher performance of the OnePlus 10 Pro are game-changers for me. As someone who values smooth and quick phone operations, and an excellent camera for both photography and video, the OnePlus 10 Pro fits my needs much more accurately. The camera features, faster charging, wireless charging, and premium audio add to the overall experience that justifies the higher price point for my needs. While I like the convenience of the side fingerprint sensor on the C65, it doesn't make up for the other advantages of the OnePlus 10 Pro.
In summary, the OnePlus 10 Pro is the better phone for anyone who wants a flagship experience at a mid-range price, despite its older age, and that is why it would be my choice. The Realme C65 is perfect for those who value the newest software, and a good user experience at a reasonable price.
