Alright, let's dive into a detailed comparison between the Xiaomi 12 Pro and the Realme C65. This isn't just a spec sheet showdown; we're looking at how these differences play out in your hands, day in and day out.
1. Specifications Breakdown
| Feature | Xiaomi 12 Pro | Realme C65 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 163.6 x 74.6 x 8.2 mm | 164.6 x 76.1 x 7.6 mm | The Realme C65 is slightly taller and wider, but thinner making it feel more compact. The Xiaomi 12 Pro has a larger overall volume. |
| Weight | 204g | 185g | The Realme C65 is notably lighter, making it more comfortable for extended use. |
| Build | Standard | Standard | Both are standard smartphone builds, no foldables here. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.73" | 6.67" | Both displays are large and immersive, the Xiaomi is only slightly bigger. |
| Resolution | 1440 x 3200 | 720 x 1604 | The Xiaomi 12 Pro offers significantly sharper visuals with much more pixel density making for much clearer content. |
| Pixel Density (PPI) | 521 | 264 | Xiaomi 12 Pro offers incredibly sharp text, images and graphics, while the Realme C65 is much less crisp. |
| Technology | AMOLED | IPS LCD | Xiaomi 12 Pro's AMOLED panel provides richer colors, deeper blacks, and better contrast along with better power saving when using a dark mode. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 90Hz | The Xiaomi 12 Pro provides slightly smoother scrolling and animations, making the experience a bit more fluid. |
| Brightness | 1500 nits | 0 nits | The Xiaomi 12 Pro will be much easier to use under direct sunlight due to its high brightness. The Realme C65 will not be very usable in direct sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 (4nm) | MediaTek Helio G85 (12nm) | The Xiaomi 12 Pro is much more powerful, offering significantly faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and vastly superior gaming performance. |
| AnTuTu Score | 1,177,498 | 225,154 | This score highlights the performance gap, the Xiaomi is far more powerful for demanding tasks. |
| GPU | Adreno 730 | Mali-G52 MC2 | The Xiaomi 12 Pro's GPU is significantly more powerful, crucial for gaming. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 50MP, f/1.9, 1/1.28" | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/2.76" | Xiaomi 12 Pro has larger sensor that captures more light, so better low light performance. The Realme C65 has a wider aperture so may perform better in low light scenarios. |
| Selfie Camera | 32MP, 1/3.14" | 8MP, f/2.0, No Data | Xiaomi 12 Pro takes higher resolution selfies. The lack of data for the sensor on the Realme makes it difficult to compare. |
| Wide-Angle Camera | 50MP, f/2.2, 1/2.76" | Not Available | Xiaomi 12 Pro offers more versatility with a dedicated wide-angle lens. The Realme C65 does not. |
| Depth Camera | 50MP, f/1.9, 1/2.76" | 2MP, f/2.4, 1/5" | Xiaomi 12 Pro has much more resolution for better portrait quality. |
| Video Recording | Up to 8K with HDR/EIS | 1080p @ 30fps | Xiaomi 12 Pro offers high-end video recording capabilities. |
| DxOMark Score | Overall 129, Photo 136, Video 125 | Not Available | Xiaomi 12 Pro's camera performance is rated highly in independent tests. |
| Camera Features | Numerous advanced features | Basic camera features | The Xiaomi 12 Pro offers more sophisticated photography and videography features, such as RAW capabilities, OIS, more advanced stabilization and an 8k recording option. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 4600mAh | 5000mAh | The Realme C65 has a slightly larger battery, but its efficiency is unknown due to the lack of testing. |
| Charging | 120W Wired, 50W Wireless, 10W Reverse | 45W Wired | The Xiaomi 12 Pro's charging is much faster, and it offers wireless charging. |
| Battery Features | Reverse charging, Xiaomi Surge P1 chip | Non-removable | Xiaomi 12 Pro's additional features give more flexibility. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 12 | Android 14 | The Realme C65 runs on a more recent version of Android. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 5 | Xiaomi 12 Pro offers faster Wi-Fi with newer standards. |
| Bluetooth | 5.2 | 5.0 | Xiaomi 12 Pro has newer Bluetooth with better codec support. |
| GPS | Multi-band | Basic GPS systems | The Xiaomi 12 Pro is more accurate with more satellite systems. |
| SIM | Dual SIM (Nano) | Dual SIM (Nano) | Both phones support dual SIM. |
| Storage & RAM | |||
| Internal Storage | 128GB/256GB | 128GB/256GB | Both phones offer the same storage options. |
| RAM | 8GB/12GB | 6GB/8GB | The Xiaomi 12 Pro can handle more with more memory. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone allows you to expand the storage with a micro SD card. |
| Audio | |||
| Audio Quality | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res, Stereo Speakers | Basic audio features | Xiaomi 12 Pro offers much higher audio quality with more features. |
| Security | |||
| Fingerprint Sensor | In-screen fingerprint sensor | side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Realme C65 has a more standard side mounted sensor. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | Unknown | Xiaomi 12 Pro has better screen protection. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Barometer, Gyro, Proximity | Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass | Xiaomi 12 Pro has more sensors. |
2. Key Insights
- Xiaomi 12 Pro - The Powerhouse: This phone is all about performance and top-tier features. Its AMOLED display with high resolution and brightness is stunning. The Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 chipset provides blazing-fast speeds. The camera system is versatile, capable of high-quality photos and 8K video. It boasts rapid 120W charging and wireless charging capability. The audio is top notch, with a stereo speaker setup.
- Realme C65 - The Budget Friendly: The Realme C65 focuses on affordability. It has a larger battery and is lighter than the Xiaomi 12 Pro. It comes with a more recent version of android. It does not have many top-end features.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
- Xiaomi 12 Pro: Ideal for power users, gamers, photography enthusiasts, and anyone who values premium features. If you frequently watch videos, play graphically intensive games, or need a reliable camera, this phone is the best option.
- Realme C65: Best for budget-conscious users who prioritize battery life and basic functionality. If you need a dependable daily driver for calls, texts, and light social media use, this phone is a good fit.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions to help you decide:
How important is display quality to you?
- If a sharp, vibrant display is essential, go with the Xiaomi 12 Pro.
- If you're okay with a standard resolution and image quality, the Realme C65 will do.
What level of performance do you need?
- For top-tier gaming, heavy multitasking, and intensive apps, the Xiaomi 12 Pro is the clear winner.
- For basic use, the Realme C65 is sufficient.
What's your budget?
- If you can afford a premium device and want the best of the best, the Xiaomi 12 Pro is worth the investment.
- If you're on a tight budget and need a basic phone, the Realme C65 is the more practical option.
Scenario-Based Recommendations
Scenario 1: The Gamer: If you're serious about mobile gaming, the Xiaomi 12 Pro's powerful chipset and high refresh rate display will give you an edge.
Scenario 2: The Photographer: If you value high-quality images and videos, the Xiaomi 12 Pro's advanced camera system is the better choice.
Scenario 3: The Budget Buyer: If you want a budget phone with a big battery, and you don't care too much about top of the line features, the Realme C65 will give you the basics.
My Choice
If I had to choose, I'd go with the Xiaomi 12 Pro. As a tech journalist who values a high-quality display, excellent performance, and a versatile camera system, it's the clear winner. The superior display, higher power, great camera, and fast charging justify the additional cost, which I would gladly pay for such a better experience. Even though it is a little older, it offers a more refined and feature-rich experience that is much better for my needs. The Realme C65, while newer, just doesn't offer as much, being designed for an entirely different market segment.
