Okay, here's a detailed comparison of the OnePlus 9 Pro and Realme C65, focusing on practical implications for users:
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | OnePlus 9 Pro | Realme C65 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 163.2 × 73.6 × 8.7 mm | 164.6 × 76.1 × 7.6 mm | OnePlus 9 Pro is slightly shorter and narrower but thicker; Realme C65 is lighter, potentially more comfortable for extended use. |
| Weight | 197g | 185g | Realme C65 is 12g lighter; feels less bulky. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.7" | 6.67" | Virtually the same size; negligible difference in viewing area. |
| Resolution | 1440 x 3216 | 720 x 1604 | OnePlus 9 Pro has much sharper text, images, and videos; Realme C65 display appears less crisp. |
| PPI | 525 | 264 | OnePlus 9 Pro's display looks significantly more detailed. |
| Technology | IPS LCD | OnePlus 9 Pro display technology is missing, while Realme C65 uses IPS LCD which is fine for day to day use but usually less vibrant than an AMOLED. | |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 90Hz | OnePlus 9 Pro animations and scrolling feel smoother. |
| Brightness | 1300 nits | 0 nits | OnePlus 9 Pro is much more usable in direct sunlight; Realme C65's brightness is unknown and may struggle under bright conditions. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 5G (5 nm) | Mediatek Helio G85 (12 nm) | OnePlus 9 Pro offers considerably faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and better gaming performance. |
| AnTuTu Score | 877,600 | 225,154 | OnePlus 9 Pro is significantly more powerful; suitable for demanding apps and gaming. |
| GPU | Adreno 660 | Mali-G52 MC2 | OnePlus 9 Pro has a superior GPU for graphics-intensive tasks. |
| Camera | |||
| Rear Camera (Main) | 48MP, f/1.8, 1/1.43", Sony IMX789 | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/2.76", Samsung S5KJN1 | OnePlus 9 Pro has a larger sensor, which generally translates to better low-light performance and dynamic range. |
| Front Camera | 16MP, f/2.4, 1/3.13", Sony IMX471 | 8MP, f/2.0 | OnePlus 9 Pro provides better selfie detail; Realme C65 benefits from wider aperture for better low light selfies. |
| Telephoto Lens | 8MP, f/2.4 | None | OnePlus 9 Pro offers optical zoom capability. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 50MP, f/2.2 | None | OnePlus 9 Pro can capture more in a single shot. |
| Portrait Lens | None | 2MP, f/2.4 | Realme C65 is able to capture depth information for portrait mode. |
| Black & White Lens | 2MP, f/2.4 | None | OnePlus 9 Pro can take artistic B&W photos |
| Video | Up to 8K@30fps | Up to 1080p@30fps | OnePlus 9 Pro has significantly higher video recording capabilities and supports higher quality slow motion. |
| DXOMark (Mobile) | 122 (photo: 124, video: 118) | - | OnePlus 9 Pro is proven to offer higher quality photos and videos, but there is no data available for Realme C65. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 4500mAh | 5000mAh | Realme C65 likely provides longer battery life. |
| Charging | 65W | 45W | OnePlus 9 Pro charges faster. |
| Features | Wireless, Reverse Wireless, Reverse Charging | None | OnePlus 9 Pro offers wireless and reverse charging capabilities. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 (Upgradable to 14) | Android 14 | Realme C65 ships with a newer Android version. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 5 | OnePlus 9 Pro offers faster and more reliable Wi-Fi connectivity, supports Wi-Fi display and MiMO. |
| Bluetooth | 5.2 | 5.0 | OnePlus 9 Pro has newer Bluetooth version with higher audio codecs. |
| GPS | Advanced suite | Standard suite | OnePlus 9 Pro offers more accurate and faster location services. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128GB/256GB | 128GB/256GB | Both phones offer the same maximum storage capacity. |
| RAM | 8GB/12GB | 6GB/8GB | OnePlus 9 Pro has more RAM, for smoother multitasking. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone supports expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers, 3 Microphones | Basic | OnePlus 9 Pro provides a superior audio experience. |
| Security | |||
| Fingerprint Sensor | Basic | Side-mounted | Realme C65 has a more convenient and modern fingerprint sensor location. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Gorilla Glass 5 | Unknown | OnePlus 9 Pro has superior screen protection against scratches. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Gyroscope, Gravity, Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass | OnePlus 9 Pro has a more comprehensive sensor suite for gaming and advanced features. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
OnePlus 9 Pro Advantages:
- Significantly Superior Display: Higher resolution, higher pixel density, higher refresh rate, and much higher brightness for better clarity and smoother visuals, especially in direct sunlight.
- Much Higher Performance: More powerful processor and GPU that provides faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and better gaming performance.
- Advanced Camera System: Includes telephoto and wide-angle lenses, larger main camera sensor, and features like OIS, and much higher video recording capabilities, better low light performance, and an overall higher score on DXOMark for image quality.
- Faster Charging & Wireless Capabilities: Includes much faster charging and the added convenience of wireless charging and reverse wireless charging.
- Superior Connectivity: Offers Wi-Fi 6, newer Bluetooth, and more advanced GPS features for faster and more reliable connectivity.
- Enhanced Audio: Superior audio with Dolby Atmos, stereo speakers, and noise cancellation.
- Build Quality: Better screen protection with Gorilla Glass 5, more sensors like Gyroscope and Gravity.
Realme C65 Advantages:
- Larger Battery: Offers a larger battery capacity for potentially longer battery life.
- Newer OS: Ships with a more recent version of Android.
- Lighter Design: Lighter design may feel more comfortable to hold for extended periods.
- Side-Mounted Fingerprint Sensor: Provides a more modern and ergonomic unlocking experience.
- Lower Price: Likely to be more budget-friendly.
- Dedicated Depth Sensor: Depth sensor allows for more refined portrait mode shots.
Trade-offs:
- The OnePlus 9 Pro sacrifices battery life for higher performance and features, while the Realme C65 prioritizes battery life and affordability over raw power and advanced camera features.
- The OnePlus 9 Pro has a significantly better display, but the Realme C65 has a more practical placement for its fingerprint sensor.
- OnePlus 9 Pro's high-end features come at a premium, while the Realme C65 provides a budget-friendly option but at the cost of high-end performance and screen quality.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
OnePlus 9 Pro Ideal Users:
- Power Users: Those who need top-tier performance for demanding apps, heavy multitasking, and graphics-intensive games.
- Photography Enthusiasts: Users who value high-quality photos and videos with advanced features like optical zoom, wide-angle lens, and 8K video recording.
- Multimedia Consumers: People who prioritize a high-quality viewing and audio experience for streaming, gaming, and content creation.
- Tech Enthusiasts: Those who appreciate the latest technologies, such as fast wireless charging, advanced connectivity, and comprehensive sensor suite.
Realme C65 Ideal Users:
- Budget-Conscious Buyers: Users seeking a reliable phone at a more affordable price point.
- Casual Users: Individuals who primarily use their phone for basic tasks like browsing, social media, and calls.
- Battery Life Prioritizers: Users who need a phone that can last through a full day of moderate use.
- Users who prefer lighter phones: People who prefer lighter phones for daily use.
Specific Use Cases:
- OnePlus 9 Pro: Professional photography and videography, mobile gaming, watching high-definition content, VR/AR applications, and heavy multitasking.
- Realme C65: Basic social media use, everyday tasks like checking emails and browsing the web, and extended use without the need for frequent charging.
4. Decision Framework
Here are three key questions to help buyers decide:
- What is your budget? The OnePlus 9 Pro is a premium phone that comes at a premium price, while the Realme C65 is aimed at budget-conscious buyers.
- How important is performance? If you need the best possible performance for demanding games and apps, the OnePlus 9 Pro is the better choice. If you mostly do light tasks, the Realme C65 may be sufficient.
- How important are the camera, display, and audio? If you value high-quality photos, an outstanding display, and a great audio experience, the OnePlus 9 Pro is superior. If you just need these features to be "good enough" the Realme C65 will suffice.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: If you're a student who uses their phone for browsing, social media, and watching videos and has a tight budget, the Realme C65 would be sufficient.
- Scenario 2: If you're a professional photographer/videographer who needs a great camera and display, and has the budget, the OnePlus 9 Pro is the clear choice.
- Scenario 3: If you're a mobile gamer, the OnePlus 9 Pro provides better performance, a smoother display and a more advanced sensor suite than the Realme C65.
My Choice
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would pick the OnePlus 9 Pro.
Here's why: While the Realme C65 is a more modern phone in the sense that it has newer software, and it's a strong budget contender, the OnePlus 9 Pro offers a vastly superior experience in most areas that matter to me. The display is significantly better, which is crucial for enjoying media and for comfort during long use periods. The camera capabilities on the OnePlus are much more advanced and I often use my phone for photography, so I appreciate features such as OIS, a dedicated telephoto and wide angle lenses, and the ability to shoot in 8K video. Additionally, the OnePlus provides a performance boost for demanding apps and games, and having extra features such as wireless charging is always a plus.
The price difference is likely considerable, and the OnePlus 9 Pro is an older phone, but given its superior specifications, the extra cost is something I would be willing to pay. While the Realme C65 has a bigger battery, the OnePlus 9 Pro's fast charging makes up for this. I value a high-quality display, strong performance, advanced camera system, and the convenience of wireless charging. The OnePlus 9 Pro excels in these aspects, and ultimately it would fit my use case much better, despite the Realme C65's advantages in price, battery and newer software.
