Smartphone Comparison: Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro vs. Realme C65
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro | Realme C65 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 164.3 × 74.6 × 8.5 mm | 164.6 × 76.1 × 7.6 mm | Mi 11 Pro is slightly narrower and thicker, while C65 is wider and thinner; C65 may feel more comfortable due to its lighter build. |
| Weight | 208g | 185g | C65 is 23g lighter, making it more comfortable for extended use, less tiring in hand. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.81" | 6.67" | Mi 11 Pro has a slightly larger screen for a more immersive viewing experience. |
| Resolution | 1440x3200 | 720x1604 | Mi 11 Pro offers much sharper images and text; text and visuals will look more defined and clear than C65. |
| Pixel Density (PPI) | 515 | 264 | Mi 11 Pro provides significantly sharper visuals; C65's screen will look less detailed. |
| Technology | AMOLED | IPS LCD | Mi 11 Pro offers deeper blacks, better contrast, more vibrant colors, better power efficiency for dark themes compared to C65's LCD. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 90Hz | Mi 11 Pro provides smoother scrolling and animations; C65's will be less fluid. |
| Brightness | 1700 nits | 0 nits | Mi 11 Pro is much easier to see outdoors in bright sunlight; C65's screen brightness is unknown. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 (5nm) | Mediatek Helio G85 (12nm) | Mi 11 Pro handles demanding apps and games significantly faster and smoother; C65 is better for basic tasks, may struggle with heavy use. |
| AnTuTu Score | 854,267 | 225,154 | Mi 11 Pro has significantly better performance; faster app loading and smoother multitasking. |
| GPU | Adreno 660 | Mali-G52 MC2 | Mi 11 Pro has a more powerful GPU, resulting in better gaming performance and smoother graphics. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera Res | 50MP (1/1.12") | 50MP (1/2.76") | Mi 11 Pro has a larger sensor for better low-light performance and dynamic range; C65's sensor is smaller and may have more noise in dim conditions. |
| Main Camera Aperture | f/1.95 | f/1.8 | C65 has a wider aperture, potentially allowing more light in low light conditions. |
| Selfie Camera Res | 20MP | 8MP | Mi 11 Pro captures more detailed selfies; C65 has a lower resolution sensor for selfies. |
| Selfie Camera Aperture | f/2.3 | f/2.0 | C65 has a wider aperture, potentially allowing more light in low light conditions. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 13MP | Not Available | Mi 11 Pro allows for wide-angle photos and videos; C65 cannot capture these types of images. |
| Portrait Mode (Depth) | Not Available | 2MP | C65 has a dedicated depth sensor for portrait mode effects; Mi 11 Pro may rely on software for depth. |
| Telephoto Lens | 8MP | Not Available | Mi 11 Pro can capture distant objects with optical zoom (telephoto) and closer photos with macro; C65 cannot capture these types of images. |
| Video Recording | 8K@24fps, 4K@60fps | 1080p@30fps | Mi 11 Pro can record professional-grade video in higher resolutions; C65 has basic video recording capabilities. |
| DXOMark Mobile Score | 124 | Not Available | Mi 11 Pro has higher quality camera for both photos and videos; Realme C65 was not tested on DXOMark. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both phones have similar battery life for daily usage. |
| Charging | 67W Fast Charging + Wireless, Li-Ion | 45W Fast Charging, Li-Polymer | Mi 11 Pro charges faster with the included fast charger and wireless charging; Realme C65 is slower with wired charging only. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 | Android 14 | Realme C65 ships with the latest Android 14, offering newer features and potential longer support compared to Mi 11 Pro's older Android 11. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 5 | Mi 11 Pro supports faster Wi-Fi speeds, better performance in crowded networks; Realme C65 is limited to older Wi-Fi standards. |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.2 | Bluetooth 5.0 | Mi 11 Pro has newer Bluetooth for better power efficiency, and audio codec support; Realme C65 uses an older version. |
| GPS | More systems | Basic systems | Mi 11 Pro has more accurate location tracking. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 128/256 GB | 128/256 GB | Both phones have the same maximum storage capacity of 256GB. |
| RAM | 8/12 GB | 6/8 GB | Mi 11 Pro can handle heavy multitasking with more RAM. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Both phones have no expandable storage option; users are limited to the internal capacity. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | Basic audio features | Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro provides higher quality audio output with richer sound and more detailed audio. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Basic fingerprint sensor | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Realme C65 has a more convenient side-mounted fingerprint sensor. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Gorilla Glass Victus | Unknown | Mi 11 Pro has significantly better screen protection from scratches and drops. |
| Sensors | |||
| Features | Fingerprint, Heart Rate, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass | Mi 11 Pro offers more sensor options including Gyroscope which is essential for gaming. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro Advantages:
- Superior Display: Much higher resolution, AMOLED technology, 120Hz refresh rate, and significantly brighter screen offer a premium visual experience.
- Flagship Performance: Snapdragon 888 chipset provides significantly better performance for demanding tasks, gaming, and multitasking.
- Advanced Camera System: Offers a versatile triple camera system with a larger main sensor, wide-angle lens, and telephoto lens for high-quality photos and 8K video.
- Faster Charging: 67W wired and wireless charging for faster battery replenishment.
- Enhanced Audio: Hi-Res audio, stereo speakers, and 3 microphones provide better audio playback and voice recording quality.
- Better Connectivity: Supports faster Wi-Fi 6 and more accurate GPS.
- Better Build Quality: Gorilla Glass Victus for screen protection.
- More Sensors: Has a Heart Rate sensor, and a Gyroscope.
Realme C65 Advantages:
- Newer Software: Runs on Android 14, offering access to the latest features and updates.
- Lighter and Thinner: More comfortable to hold for extended periods.
- Wider Aperture for Selfie and Main Camera: Potentially better light gathering for low-light situations.
- Side-mounted Fingerprint Sensor: More modern and ergonomic fingerprint sensor placement.
- Lower Price: Can be purchased for significantly less.
Significant Trade-offs:
- Mi 11 Pro sacrifices a newer Android version for significantly better display, performance, and cameras.
- Realme C65 sacrifices a lot of performance and display quality for being lighter and more affordable.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro is ideal for:
- Power Users: Users who need top-tier performance for gaming, multitasking, and demanding apps.
- Photography Enthusiasts: Users who prioritize high-quality photos and videos with versatile camera capabilities.
- Media Consumers: Users who want an immersive display experience for watching videos and playing games.
- Professionals: Individuals who require a fast device with professional-grade camera capabilities.
Use cases where Mi 11 Pro excels:
- Playing graphically intensive games with smooth frame rates.
- Editing high-resolution photos and videos.
- Capturing high-quality photos and videos in various conditions.
- Enjoying high-fidelity music and other audio content.
- Using the device under bright sunlight.
Realme C65 is ideal for:
- Budget-Conscious Users: Users who prioritize affordability without needing flagship features.
- Casual Users: Users who primarily use their phones for basic tasks like browsing, social media, and calls.
- Users who prefer light phones: Users who want a phone that is light and easy to carry.
Use cases where Realme C65 excels:
- Daily basic tasks, such as web browsing, social media, and email.
- Casual photography in good lighting conditions.
- Users who prioritize a longer lasting battery for light usage.
4. Decision Framework
Key questions to ask before deciding:
- Budget: How much am I willing to spend on a new smartphone?
- Performance: Do I need top-tier performance for demanding tasks and gaming?
- Camera: Do I need a versatile camera system for high-quality photos and videos?
Scenario-based recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Budget is a primary concern, basic usage only: The Realme C65 is the more suitable option, offering a balance of essential features at a lower price point. It is perfect for casual usage such as phone calls, web browsing and social media.
- Scenario 2: Performance and display quality are paramount: The Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro is the clear winner, providing significantly superior performance, a top-tier display, and a more versatile camera system, catering for gamers and professionals.
- Scenario 3: Want the best of both worlds: Neither phone is a best of both world; users will need to choose between high performance (Mi 11 Pro) and a cheaper price (Realme C65).
My Choice
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would pick the Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro. Despite being an older device, its strengths in display technology, performance, and camera capabilities are too significant to ignore. While the Realme C65 is newer and runs the latest Android version, its performance is vastly inferior compared to the Mi 11 Pro. As a user who prioritizes a great visual experience, gaming capabilities, and high-quality photography, the Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro is a more logical choice. The Mi 11 Pro also has better build quality and connectivity, providing a more future-proof device. Though it will have a shorter software support period, its hardware is significantly better.
