Sony Xperia 10 III vs Realme C65: A Practical Showdown
These two phones cater to different audiences, with the Sony Xperia 10 III offering a premium mid-range experience and the Realme C65 focusing on affordability with modern features. Let’s break it down.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Design & Build
| Feature | Sony Xperia 10 III | Realme C65 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 154 × 68 × 8.3 mm | 164.6 × 76.1 × 7.6 mm | Xperia is more compact and lighter (169g vs 185g)—better for one-handed use. Realme has a larger footprint but slimmer profile. |
| Build Quality | Gorilla Glass 6 | Unknown protection | Xperia is more durable for drops/scratches. Realme’s durability is less certain. |
| Fingerprint Sensor | Side-mounted | Side-mounted | Both offer quick unlocking, but Sony’s sensor may be better optimized. |
Winner: Sony Xperia 10 III (more compact, premium build)
Display
| Feature | Sony Xperia 10 III | Realme C65 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 6.0" OLED | 6.67" IPS LCD | Realme’s screen is much bigger (better for media), but Xperia’s OLED has deeper blacks & better contrast. |
| Resolution | 1080x2520 (457 PPI) | 720x1604 (264 PPI) | Xperia’s display is sharper—text and images look crisper. Realme’s lower resolution is passable but not ideal for fine details. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 90Hz | Realme offers smoother scrolling/gaming, but Xperia’s OLED panel may still feel more premium. |
Winner: Sony Xperia 10 III (better clarity, OLED advantages) unless you prioritize screen size & smoothness.
Performance
| Feature | Sony Xperia 10 III | Realme C65 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Snapdragon 690 5G | Mediatek Helio G85 | Xperia’s chip is faster (22% higher benchmark score) and supports 5G. Realme’s G85 is older but decent for casual use. |
| RAM | 6GB | 6GB / 8GB | Realme offers an 8GB option for better multitasking, but Xperia’s optimization helps. |
| Storage | 128GB (non-expandable) | 128GB / 256GB | Realme gives more storage options, but neither supports microSD—so 256GB is a plus. |
Winner: Sony Xperia 10 III (better processing power, 5G support) unless you need extra RAM/storage.
Cameras
| Feature | Sony Xperia 10 III | Realme C65 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main Camera | 12MP (f/1.8) | 50MP (f/1.8) | Realme has a higher MP count, but Sony’s sensor (Exmor RS) likely has better processing. |
| Ultrawide | 8MP (f/2.2) | ✗ None | Xperia wins here—ultrawide shots are useful for landscapes/groups. |
| Telephoto | 8MP (f/2.4) | ✗ None | Xperia offers optical zoom; Realme relies on digital cropping. |
| Selfie Camera | 8MP (f/2.0) | 8MP (f/2.0) | Similar performance. |
| Video Recording | 4K@30fps | 1080p@30fps | Xperia’s 4K recording is much better for high-quality footage. |
Winner: Sony Xperia 10 III (more versatile system, better video). Realme’s 50MP sounds good, but Sony’s optics & software likely win.
Battery & Charging
| Feature | Sony Xperia 10 III | Realme C65 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 4500mAh | 5000mAh | Realme has longer battery life (11% bigger cell). |
| Charging Speed | 18W | 45W | Realme charges 2.5x faster, a big advantage for heavy users. |
Winner: Realme C65 (bigger battery, much faster charging).
2. Key Insights
Sony Xperia 10 III Strengths:
✅ Superior Display (OLED, sharper resolution)
✅ Better Performance (Snapdragon 690 + 5G)
✅ More Versatile Camera (ultrawide + telephoto)
✅ Premium Build (Gorilla Glass 6, compact design)
Realme C65 Strengths:
✅ Bigger Battery + Faster Charging (5000mAh + 45W)
✅ Larger Screen (6.67")
✅ Higher Storage Option (256GB variant)
✅ Smoother Display (90Hz refresh rate)
3. Who Should Buy Which?
Choose the Sony Xperia 10 III if you:
✔ Want a compact, premium phone with a great display.
✔ Prioritize camera versatility (ultrawide, telephoto, 4K video).
✔ Need 5G support for future-proofing.
Choose the Realme C65 if you:
✔ Need long battery life & fast charging.
✔ Prefer a larger screen (at the cost of sharpness).
✔ Want more RAM (8GB) or storage (256GB).
4. Buying Decision Framework
Ask yourself:
Do I care more about display quality or battery life?
- Xperia: Best screen.
- Realme: Best endurance.
Do I need a telephoto/ultrawide camera?
- Xperia wins here.
Is 5G important to me?
- Only Xperia has it.
Final Verdict: What Would I Choose?
I’d pick the Sony Xperia 10 III.
Why?
- The OLED display alone makes a big difference for media consumption.
- Camera versatility (ultrawide + telephoto) is rare in this price range.
- 5G support means better longevity.
The Realme C65 is compelling for its battery and charging, but the Xperia’s premium build, screen, and cameras win me over. If you’re strictly budget-focused, Realme is solid—but Sony offers better long-term value.
