Okay, let's dive deep into a head-to-head comparison of the Realme C35 and the Xiaomi Poco C65. I'll break down the specs, translate them into real-world implications, and guide you on which phone might be the best fit for you.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here's a detailed comparison table of the Realme C35 and Xiaomi Poco C65, highlighting the real-world implications of each specification:
| Feature | Realme C35 | Xiaomi Poco C65 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 164.4 x 75.6 x 8.1 mm | 168 x 78 x 8.1 mm | The Poco C65 is slightly taller and wider, but both have the same thickness. Differences in hand feel. |
| Weight | 189g | 192g | Both are very similar, almost indistinguishable in hand in terms of weight |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.6" | 6.74" | Poco C65 has slightly more screen for media consumption. |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2408 | 720 x 1600 | Realme C35 has much sharper text and images due to its higher pixel density. |
| Pixel Density (PPI) | 401 | 260 | Realme C35's display is noticeably clearer. |
| Technology | IPS LCD | IPS LCD | Both offer similar color reproduction and viewing angles. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 90Hz | Poco C65 has slightly smoother scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Both have identical brightness. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Unisoc Tiger T616 | Helio G85 | Different chips, but similar performance for everyday tasks and mobile gaming. |
| AnTuTu Score | 230,726 | 237,768 | Both offer nearly identical performance levels. |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MP1 | Mali-G52 MC2 | Slightly different graphics performance but both handle basic mobile games. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 50MP, f/1.8 | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/2.76" sensor | Both capture detailed images in good light. Poco's larger sensor size slightly enhances low-light capabilities. |
| Selfie Camera | 8MP, f/2.0 | 8MP, f/2.2 | Realme C35's wider aperture allows more light for slightly brighter selfies. |
| Portrait Camera | N/A | 2MP, f/2.4 | Poco C65 has a dedicated depth sensor for better portrait mode. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP, f/2.4 | 2MP, f/2.4 | Both offer similar close-up photo capabilities. |
| Black and white Lens | 2MP, f/2.8 | N/A | Realme C35 has an extra black and white lens for added effects |
| Video Recording | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps | Both record standard video. Poco offers slow motion while Realme offers no slow-motion recording. |
| Features | PDAF, CDAF, Panorama | 4K Video, RAW | Realme C35 has a Phase/contrast detection autofocus. Poco C65 offers 4k recording and RAW image capture. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both offer all-day battery life. |
| Charging | 18W fast charging | 18W fast charging | Both have similar charging speeds, not very fast by modern standards. |
| Features | Non-removable | Reverse charging, Non-removable | Poco C65 can reverse charge other devices. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 | Android 13 | Poco C65 is running a newer version of Android out of the box. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | 802.11ac | 802.11ac | Both feature similar Wi-Fi standards with Poco offering slightly more in other features. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 LE | 5.3 LE | Poco C65 has a newer Bluetooth standard, offering better power efficiency and speed. |
| GPS | GPS, GLONASS, Beidou | GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | Poco C65 has more comprehensive satellite support for accurate location tracking. |
| Storage & RAM | |||
| Internal Storage | 64GB/128 GB | 128GB/256GB | Poco C65 offers more storage options. |
| RAM | 4 GB | 4GB/6GB/8GB | Poco C65 offers better multitasking options with more RAM. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither offers storage expansion. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Basic features | Basic features | Both provide similar audio features and no high quality audio features. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Side-mounted fingerprint | Side-mounted fingerprint | Both offer basic biometric security. |
| Sensors | Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Fingerprint, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Ultrasonic Proximity Virtual | Poco C65 includes additional biometric sensors. |
2. Key Insights
Realme C35 Strengths:
- Sharper Display: With a higher resolution (1080x2408) and PPI (401), the Realme C35 provides a significantly clearer and more detailed display. Text and images appear noticeably sharper.
- Better Selfie Camera: With an aperture of f/2.0, this phone can capture brighter and more detailed selfies, compared to Poco C65 with f/2.2.
- Black & White Lens: The addition of a dedicated black and white lens enhances the camera capabilities for additional creative photography.
Xiaomi Poco C65 Strengths:
- Larger Display: The 6.74-inch screen is slightly larger, making it a bit better for media consumption and gaming.
- Smoother Refresh Rate: The 90Hz refresh rate makes scrolling and animations feel more fluid.
- Newer Software: It runs on Android 13 out of the box, offering the latest features and security updates.
- More Storage and RAM: Options for up to 256GB of storage and 8GB of RAM provide better multitasking and more space for your files.
- Portrait Camera: A dedicated depth sensor enables better portrait photos.
- Slow Motion: Offers 120 fps slow motion recording, while Realme C35 does not have this feature.
- Additional Features: Supports reverse charging, Galileo for GPS and also has APT-x in Bluetooth connectivity.
- 4K Recording and RAW: Ability to record in 4K and capture photos in RAW format.
Trade-offs:
- Realme C35: While the display is sharper, it lacks the smoother refresh rate of the Poco C65. It also has an older OS version and fewer extra camera features.
- Xiaomi Poco C65: While having a smoother display, the resolution is significantly lower resulting in a less sharp image. It lacks dedicated Phase detection and contrast detection autofocus features.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Realme C35 is best for:
- Users who value a sharp display: If screen clarity is a priority, this phone delivers a superior visual experience with its higher resolution and PPI.
- Budget-conscious buyers: It likely represents a more affordable option, making it ideal for those on a tight budget who still want a solid smartphone.
- Selfie Enthusiasts: The brighter aperture makes the selfie camera a good choice for frequent selfies.
- Users that like extra creative photography features: The addition of a black and white camera lens can add to user's creative options.
Xiaomi Poco C65 is best for:
- Users who prefer a smooth experience: The 90Hz refresh rate is a noticeable upgrade for those who appreciate smooth scrolling and animations.
- Users who want more storage and RAM: The higher storage and RAM options make this a more practical choice for users who multitask or want more storage for their photos and apps.
- Android Enthusiasts: The newer Android version is a plus for those who prefer to stay on top of OS updates.
- Users that like creative photography: Features like 4K Recording, slow motion video recording and RAW format photos can make this a better option.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions to help you decide:
- How important is display sharpness to you? If you prefer a crisp, detailed screen, the Realme C35 is better. If you value smoother scrolling, the Poco C65 is preferable.
- Do you need more storage/RAM? If you frequently use multiple apps or store a lot of media, the higher RAM and storage options of the Poco C65 make it a better choice.
- Are you a camera enthusiast? If you prioritize newer and advanced camera features, Poco C65 offers more such as 4K recording, RAW format and a depth sensor. If you prioritize a sharper selfie camera with better low-light performance, then Realme C35 would be the better option.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Casual User - For typical everyday tasks, the Poco C65 is a solid choice due to its larger screen, smoother refresh rate and newer Android.
- Scenario 2: Budget-Conscious User - If you are on a strict budget, the Realme C35 will be better thanks to it's great display sharpness and selfie camera at a lower price point.
- Scenario 3: Media/Multitasking User - The Poco C65, with its additional RAM and storage options will be a better choice here.
- Scenario 4: Camera Enthusiast User - The Poco C65 wins out here thanks to features such as 4k recording, slow motion recording and RAW photo formats.
My Choice
Personally, I would choose the Xiaomi Poco C65.
While I appreciate the sharper display of the Realme C35, the Poco C65 offers a more well-rounded package for my needs. The smoother 90Hz refresh rate and the newer Android version makes it more pleasant for daily use. The higher RAM and storage options, along with the extra camera features are big bonuses. The larger display is also a small positive. The slight decrease in display sharpness will not be noticeable to most and I feel that the better camera, Android and smoother display makes it the better choice for me personally.
I hope this detailed breakdown helps you make an informed decision. Let me know if you have any other questions!
