Alright, let’s dive into a detailed comparison of the Xiaomi 12 Pro and the Xiaomi Poco C65. On paper, they’re both smartphones, but in reality, they cater to very different needs and budgets. I’ve broken it down into a practical, user-focused guide, just like I would when chatting with a friend.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Let's get into the nitty-gritty. Below is a comparison table highlighting the core technical differences and their real-world impacts:
| Feature | Xiaomi 12 Pro | Xiaomi Poco C65 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 163.6 × 74.6 × 8.2 mm | 168 × 78 × 8.1 mm | C65 is taller and wider, slightly less thick and may feel less premium. |
| Weight | 204g | 192g | C65 is marginally lighter, which might be noticeable during long usage sessions. |
| Build | Glass front and back, aluminum frame | Plastic front and back | 12 Pro will feel more premium and sturdy; C65 feels more budget-focused and less sturdy |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.73" | 6.74" | Almost identical display sizes. |
| Resolution | 1440x3200 | 720x1600 | 12 Pro has a dramatically sharper and clearer screen (300% more pixels). |
| PPI | 521 | 260 | 12 Pro screen will appear crisper and more detailed. |
| Technology | AMOLED | IPS LCD | 12 Pro offers richer colors, deeper blacks, and better contrast. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 90Hz | 12 Pro offers smoother scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 1500 nits | 0 nits | 12 Pro screen is much brighter, significantly improving outdoor visibility. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 (4 nm) | Helio G85 (12 nm) | 12 Pro is far more powerful: faster apps, better multitasking, superior gaming. |
| AnTuTu Score | 1,177,498 | 237,768 | 12 Pro’s performance is nearly 5x better, significantly affecting speed and responsiveness. |
| GPU | Adreno 730 | Mali-G52 MC2 | 12 Pro's GPU can handle high-end graphics with ease, while C65 will struggle with such tasks. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard (Rear) | 50MP, f/1.9, 1/1.28", 1.22µm | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/2.76", 0.64µm | 12 Pro has a larger sensor, resulting in better low-light performance. |
| Selfie (Front) | 32MP, 1/3.14", 0.7µm | 8MP, f/2.2, unknown size | 12 Pro takes higher-resolution, more detailed selfies. |
| Wide Angle | 50MP, f/2.2, 1/2.76", 0.64µm | None | 12 Pro has a dedicated wide angle camera for more flexibility in taking pictures |
| Portrait (depth) | 50MP, f/1.9, 1/2.76", 0.64µm | 2MP, f/2.4, unknown size | 12 Pro offers dramatically better quality for portrait mode. |
| Macro Lens | None | 2MP, f/2.4, unknown size | C65 offers basic macro capability, which 12 Pro does not |
| Video | 8K@24fps, 4K@60fps, EIS | 1080p@30fps, No EIS | 12 Pro captures professional-quality videos with higher resolution and better stabilization. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 4600mAh | 5000mAh | C65 has a slightly larger battery, potentially offering slightly longer battery life. |
| Charging | 120W wired, 50W wireless | 18W wired | 12 Pro charges significantly faster (full charge in ~20 mins). |
| Features | Reverse charging, 120W wired charge with the new Xiaomi Surge P1 chip, 50W Fast wireless charging, 10W Wireless reverse charging | Reverse charging | 12 Pro offers a vastly superior charging experience, both wired and wireless |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 12 | Android 13 | C65 has the newer OS out of the box. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax), Wi-Fi MiMO | 802.11ac | 12 Pro has the superior WiFi version, offering faster speeds. |
| Bluetooth | 5.2 | 5.3 | C65 offers a newer Bluetooth version. |
| GPS | Multi-system, L1+L5 bands | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | 12 Pro offers superior and more accurate location services. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128/256GB | 128/256GB | Both offer similar storage options. |
| RAM | 8/12GB | 4/6/8GB | 12 Pro has significantly more RAM, improving multitasking performance. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone allows for storage expansion. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res, Stereo | Basic audio | 12 Pro will give you a much richer and more immersive audio experience. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Basic Fingerprint sensor | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | C65 offers a more advanced side-mounted fingerprint sensor for quicker access. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | Unknown | 12 Pro has much better screen protection from scratches and damage |
2. Key Insights
Xiaomi 12 Pro:
- Strengths: The 12 Pro is a powerhouse, excelling in display quality, processing speed, camera performance, and charging speed. Its high refresh rate AMOLED display is beautiful and smooth, while its Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 chipset handles demanding tasks with ease. The camera is excellent, with top-tier photo and video capabilities.
- Competitive Advantages: The 12 Pro is for anyone who wants a high-end phone with very few compromises. The superior display, significantly better performance, and dramatically faster charging puts it in a different class.
- Trade-offs: It is noticeably more expensive and does not have a macro lens.
Xiaomi Poco C65:
- Strengths: The C65 stands out with its larger battery, and it has the basic features you'd expect from a modern smartphone, such as a fingerprint sensor and decent standard camera. It's also significantly more affordable, making it an ideal option for budget-conscious consumers.
- Competitive Advantages: The C65 is a great option for those who need a basic smartphone for daily tasks and want to maximize battery life. It gives you a good screen, a functional camera, and a modern OS without costing a fortune.
- Trade-offs: Performance, display quality, camera capabilities, and charging speeds are all far below those of the Xiaomi 12 Pro. The build quality and materials will also feel less premium.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Xiaomi 12 Pro: Best for power users, mobile gamers, and photography enthusiasts. If you prioritize top-tier performance, a high-quality display, and excellent camera quality, and if you have the budget for it, the 12 Pro is your best bet.
Xiaomi Poco C65: Best for budget-conscious users, those who need a reliable phone for daily tasks, and those who prioritize battery life. It’s perfect for individuals who use their phones for basic communication, social media, and casual media consumption. If budget is a primary concern, this one is great for that.
4. Buying Decision Framework
To help you decide, consider these questions:
- Budget: How much are you willing to spend? The 12 Pro is a premium device, while the C65 is budget-friendly. If your budget is limited, the C65 is the obvious choice.
- Performance: Do you need top-of-the-line performance for gaming, video editing, or other intensive tasks? If so, the 12 Pro is far superior. If not, the C65 will handle everyday tasks well enough.
- Camera: How important is camera quality to you? The 12 Pro’s camera is significantly better than that of the C65. If you take a lot of photos or videos or like doing so, the 12 Pro is again the obvious choice.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- High-End User: You're a mobile gamer or a content creator who needs a top-tier display and performance. Go for the Xiaomi 12 Pro.
- Budget-Conscious User: You just need a reliable phone for basic tasks without spending too much. The Xiaomi Poco C65 is perfect for you.
- Balanced User: You need a good overall phone that excels in display and camera, and you have some wiggle room in your budget. The Xiaomi 12 Pro remains a compelling option.
My Choice
If I were choosing between these two devices, I'd go for the Xiaomi 12 Pro. While the Poco C65 is a solid budget phone, the difference in performance and display quality is simply too big to ignore. As a tech journalist who’s always testing apps, capturing content, and generally pushing my phone to its limits, the 12 Pro will allow me to do all of those things more comfortably. It's also important to me to have a reliable camera for documenting my experiences, and its significantly better camera quality and video capabilities make it a no-brainer. The premium build and features, despite the higher cost, align with my personal preference and needs for speed, responsiveness, and overall high quality. The faster charging also fits into my on-the-go lifestyle!
