Okay, let's dive into a detailed comparison of the Xiaomi 12X and the Realme C65. I'll break down the specs, highlight the key differences, and help you figure out which phone might be the better fit for you.
1. Specifications Breakdown
| Feature | Xiaomi 12X | Realme C65 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 152.7 × 69.9 × 8.2 mm | 164.6 × 76.1 × 7.6 mm | The Xiaomi 12X is more compact, making it easier to handle one-handed, while the Realme C65 is larger, which might be better for media consumption. |
| Weight | 176g | 185g | The Xiaomi 12X is noticeably lighter, which can be a plus for extended use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.28" | 6.67" | The Realme C65 offers a more immersive experience with its larger display. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 720x1604 | The Xiaomi 12X's higher resolution translates to a much sharper and crisper image, making text and images much more defined. |
| PPI | 419 | 264 | The Xiaomi 12X has a significantly sharper display due to higher pixel density, with a clearer and more detailed picture. |
| Technology | AMOLED | IPS LCD | Xiaomi 12X's AMOLED offers superior contrast, vibrant colors, and deeper blacks, making media consumption and gaming more engaging. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 90Hz | The Xiaomi 12X offers slightly smoother animations and scrolling, enhancing the perceived speed and fluidity of the user interface. |
| Brightness | 1100 nits | 0 nits | The Xiaomi 12X has much better outdoor visibility, making it easier to use in direct sunlight. The Realme C65's lack of brightness spec is concerning. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 870 5G (7 nm) | Helio G85 (12 nm) | The Xiaomi 12X offers significantly faster performance for demanding tasks like gaming and video editing. The C65's chipset is far less capable. |
| AnTuTu Score | 815,210 | 225,154 | The Xiaomi 12X is far more powerful, providing a much smoother and responsive experience overall. |
| GPU | Adreno 650 | Mali-G52 MC2 | The Xiaomi 12X's GPU offers superior graphics performance for smoother gameplay and faster processing of graphical data. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 50MP, f/1.88, 1/1.56" IMX766 | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/2.76" S5KJN1 | Xiaomi 12X has a larger sensor for improved low light performance and better image quality overall. Realme C65 has a slightly wider aperture. |
| Selfie Camera | 32MP, f/2.45, 1/3" OV32B | 8MP, f/2.0 | Xiaomi 12X offers a significantly higher-resolution selfie camera, with the Realme C65 having a wider aperture for potentially better low-light selfies. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 13MP, f/2.4, 1/3.06" OV13B10 | Not available | Xiaomi 12X offers a versatile wide-angle camera that is missing on the C65. |
| Depth Lens | Not available | 2MP, f/2.4, 1/5" GC02M1 | The Realme C65 has a depth sensor to enhance portrait mode, while the Xiaomi 12X lacks it, relying on software for the bokeh effect. |
| Macro Lens | 5MP, f/2.4, Samsung | Not available | The Xiaomi 12X has a dedicated macro lens for close-up shots, offering versatility in photography that the Realme C65 lacks. |
| Video | 8K@24fps, 4K@60fps w/ EIS | 1080p@30fps | Xiaomi 12X can record in much higher resolution and frame rates, offering greater flexibility in video recording. Additionally offers much more stable video. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 4500mAh | 5000mAh | The Realme C65 offers longer battery life due to a larger battery. |
| Charging | 67W Fast Charging | 45W Fast Charging | The Xiaomi 12X will charge faster, reducing the time spent tethered to a power outlet. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 | Android 14 | The Realme C65 offers a more up-to-date Android experience with the latest features and security updates. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6, MIMO | 802.11n (Wi-Fi 4) | The Xiaomi 12X has Wi-Fi 6 support for faster wireless speeds and more reliable connections. |
| Bluetooth | 5.1, Apt-X, LDAC, SBC, AAC | 5.0, EDR, HID | Xiaomi 12X offers higher quality audio codecs, while both have Bluetooth 5.0 or better. |
| GPS | Multi-band, NavIC | Galileo | Xiaomi 12X supports more precise GPS thanks to dual-band support and NavIC. |
| Storage | |||
| RAM | 8GB/12GB | 6GB/8GB | The Xiaomi 12X has more RAM, which will help with multitasking and demanding applications. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone supports expandable storage, so choose your storage options carefully. |
| Audio | |||
| Audio Quality | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res, Stereo | Basic audio | Xiaomi 12X offers a far better audio experience with Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res certification, and stereo speakers. |
| Security | |||
| Security Features | Basic fingerprint sensor | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | The Realme C65 offers a faster and more convenient fingerprint sensor implementation. |
| Build | |||
| Screen Protection | Gorilla Glass Victus | Unknown | Xiaomi 12X's screen has a layer of Corning Gorilla Glass Victus for a very durable experience. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Gyroscope, Ultrasonic | No Gyroscope | Xiaomi 12X has a broader range of sensors, which allows for more features and more accurate sensor based data such as gaming or VR. |
2. Key Insights
Xiaomi 12X Strengths:
- Superior Display: The AMOLED screen with higher resolution, pixel density, refresh rate, and brightness is a significant win for visual quality.
- Top-Tier Performance: The Snapdragon 870 is a powerhouse, offering a much smoother and more responsive experience for gaming, multitasking, and demanding applications.
- Advanced Camera System: The larger sensor, wide-angle, and macro lenses combined with higher video recording capabilities provide much more versatility and better image quality overall.
- High-Quality Audio: Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, and Stereo Speakers deliver a much better audio experience compared to the Realme C65.
- Superior Connectivity: Wi-Fi 6 support and more precise GPS provide better connectivity and accurate location data.
- Better Build Quality: Corning Gorilla Glass Victus screen protection and superior sensors make it more durable and more versatile.
Realme C65 Strengths:
- Larger Display: The bigger screen offers a more immersive experience for media consumption.
- Longer Battery Life: The larger 5000mAh battery provides better endurance for users who are on the go.
- Up-to-Date Software: The latest version of Android provides the newest features, and security updates.
- Side-Mounted Fingerprint Sensor: More convenient and fast fingerprint recognition.
Trade-offs and Limitations:
- Xiaomi 12X: Smaller screen, inferior battery life, older Android version, more expensive.
- Realme C65: Lower resolution, less vibrant display, weaker performance, lower-quality camera and audio. The lack of brightness spec is concerning.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
- Xiaomi 12X:
- Best for: Users who prioritize performance, a high-quality display, an excellent camera, and great audio.
- Use Cases: Gaming, content creation, photography enthusiasts, and anyone who wants a premium multimedia experience.
- Realme C65:
- Best for: Users who need a reliable phone with a large screen, good battery life, and prefer the latest version of Android, all while being on a budget.
- Use Cases: Everyday tasks, social media, streaming, and users looking for an affordable option with a long battery life.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions to help you decide:
- What is your priority: Performance or Battery Life?
- If performance is paramount, choose the Xiaomi 12X.
- If you value battery life above all else, the Realme C65 might be better for you.
- How important is display quality?
- If you want the best display quality, the Xiaomi 12X with its AMOLED screen is a clear winner.
- If a larger screen is enough, the Realme C65 is satisfactory.
- What is your budget?
- The Xiaomi 12X is a premium phone with a price tag to match, while the Realme C65 is a budget-friendly device.
Scenario Recommendations:
- The Power User: If you plan on gaming or running high-intensity apps the Xiaomi 12X is the only option. The much faster chipset, better GPU, and better RAM will give an incomparably smoother experience.
- The Photographer: If photography is important to you, the camera on the Xiaomi 12X is far superior. The wider sensor, dedicated wide-angle and macro lenses allow you to take better pictures and be more creative.
- The Everyday User: If you're more concerned with day-to-day tasks, streaming, and need a device that will last all day the Realme C65 will get the job done. But the experience will be noticeably worse with slower performance and inferior screen quality.
- The Xiaomi 12X is a premium phone with a price tag to match, while the Realme C65 is a budget-friendly device.
Scenario Recommendations:
Final Thoughts: What I Would Choose
Given my preference for performance, display quality, and superior camera capabilities, I would choose the Xiaomi 12X. While the Realme C65 offers a bigger battery and a more up-to-date Android version, the performance and experience offered by the Xiaomi 12X are far more important to me. The difference in daily usage between these devices will be huge, with the Xiaomi 12X offering a smoother and more enjoyable experience.
The superior AMOLED display, the powerful Snapdragon 870 chipset, and a much more versatile camera system would significantly enhance my daily usage, making the higher price tag worthwhile. I am willing to trade off a little battery for a much superior experience.
My choice is also heavily influenced by the unknown brightness of the C65, and its use of an older chipset, and very basic audio. This all adds up to an experience that would be inferior to the 12X.
