Smartphone Comparison: Xiaomi Mi 11 vs. Realme C65
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Xiaomi Mi 11 | Realme C65 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Launch Date | 2021-01-01 | 2024-04-01 | Realme C65 is a newer device with potentially more up-to-date software and features. |
| Dimensions | 164.3 × 74.6 × 8.1 mm | 164.6 × 76.1 × 7.6 mm | Realme C65 is slightly wider and thinner; Xiaomi Mi 11 is more compact in hand, but not significantly. |
| Weight | 196g | 185g | Realme C65 is slightly lighter, which may be more comfortable for extended use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.81" | 6.67" | Xiaomi Mi 11 has a slightly larger screen, better for media consumption. |
| Resolution | 1440x3200 | 720x1604 | Xiaomi Mi 11's display is significantly sharper, leading to clearer text and images. |
| Pixel Density | 515 PPI | 264 PPI | Xiaomi Mi 11 provides much crisper visuals with finer details and smoother images. |
| Technology | AMOLED | IPS LCD | Xiaomi Mi 11 offers superior color, deeper blacks and better contrast, ideal for immersive viewing. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 90Hz | Xiaomi Mi 11 has smoother scrolling and animations for a more fluid user experience. |
| Brightness | 1500 nits | 0 nits | Xiaomi Mi 11 is significantly brighter, ensuring clear visibility outdoors, especially in direct sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 888 5G (5 nm) | Mediatek Helio G85 (12 nm) | Xiaomi Mi 11 has a much more powerful processor, delivering significantly faster performance and better gaming. |
| Antutu Score | 806,139 | 225,154 | Xiaomi Mi 11 is much faster in real-world use, including app loading and multitasking. |
| GPU | Adreno 660 | Mali-G52 MC2 | Xiaomi Mi 11 offers superior graphical performance for gaming and demanding apps. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 4600mAh | 5000mAh | Realme C65 has a slightly larger battery, potentially offering slightly longer battery life. |
| Charging | 55W Fast Charging | 45W Fast Charging | Xiaomi Mi 11 charges slightly faster, reducing downtime. |
| Features | 50W wireless, 10W reverse, 2*2250mAh | Non-removable | Xiaomi Mi 11 offers wireless charging and reverse charging, providing extra convenience. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 108MP, f/1.85, 1/1.33" | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/2.76" | Xiaomi Mi 11's larger sensor and higher resolution leads to more detailed images and better low light performance. |
| Selfie Camera | 20MP, f/2.3, 1/3.4" | 8MP, f/2.0 | Xiaomi Mi 11 captures more detailed selfies, while Realme C65 offers a slightly wider aperture. |
| Wide Angle lens | 13MP, f/2.3, 1/3.06" | Not available | Xiaomi Mi 11 has a dedicated wide-angle lens for versatile photography. |
| Portrait lens | Not available | 2MP, f/2.4, 1/5" | Realme C65 has a dedicated portrait lens for depth of field effects. |
| Macro lens | 5MP, f/2.0, 1/5" | Not available | Xiaomi Mi 11 has a dedicated macro lens for close up photography. |
| Video | 8K@24fps, 4K@60fps | 1080p@30fps | Xiaomi Mi 11 offers significantly higher resolution video recording with more advanced features. |
| DxoMark Selfie Score | 112 | Not Available | Xiaomi Mi 11 offers better selfies based on DxOMark's evaluation. |
| Camera Features | OIS, Laser AF, 8K video | PDAF | Xiaomi Mi 11 offers features such as optical image stabilization and 8K video recording. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11, upgradable to 14 | Android 14 | Realme C65 has a more up-to-date operating system. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6, MIMO | Wi-Fi 5 | Xiaomi Mi 11 supports a newer and faster Wi-Fi standard. |
| Bluetooth | 5.2, AptX, LDAC, AAC | 5.0, EDR, HID | Xiaomi Mi 11 has a newer version of bluetooth and better audio codec support. |
| GPS | L1+L5, dual band | Standard GPS | Xiaomi Mi 11 has more accurate GPS and supports more satelite navigation systems. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 128/256 GB | 128/256 GB | Both phones offer similar storage options, and neither supports expandable storage. |
| RAM | 8/12 GB | 6/8 GB | Xiaomi Mi 11 has more RAM for smoother multitasking. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Hi-Res Audio, Stereo | Basic | Xiaomi Mi 11 offers superior audio quality with stereo speakers and Hi-Res Audio certification. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Basic in-display fingerprint | Side-mounted fingerprint | Realme C65 has a more convinient side-mounted fingerprint sensor, while Xiaomi has a basic in-display fingerprint. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Gorilla Glass Victus | Unknown | Xiaomi Mi 11 has superior screen protection with Gorilla Glass Victus. |
| Sensors | Biometric: Fingerprint, Heart Rate; Motion: Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope; Proximity: Ultrasonic proximity virtual | Biometric: Fingerprint; Proximity: Proximity; Motion: Accelerometer, Compass | Xiaomi Mi 11 has more sensors for additional functionalities. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Xiaomi Mi 11 Advantages:
- Superior Display: Higher resolution, AMOLED technology, higher refresh rate, and dramatically higher brightness.
- Practical Impact: Significantly better viewing experience for media consumption, gaming, and outdoor use.
- Significantly Better Performance: More powerful processor and GPU resulting in smoother multitasking, faster app loading, and better gaming.
- Practical Impact: The device will be responsive and capable of handling intensive tasks without lag.
- Advanced Camera System: Higher resolution main camera, dedicated wide-angle and macro lenses, 8K video recording, and OIS.
- Practical Impact: More versatile and higher-quality photos and videos, especially in low-light conditions.
- Faster Charging & Wireless Options: Faster wired charging, plus wireless charging and reverse wireless charging.
- Practical Impact: More convenient and versatile charging options.
- Superior Audio: Hi-Res Audio with Stereo speakers.
- Practical Impact: Immersive audio for media consumption and overall better quality sound.
- More Advanced Connectivity: Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.2, and dual-band GPS support
- Practical Impact: Faster and more stable wireless connections and more accurate navigation
Realme C65 Advantages:
- Newer Device: Launched three years later, with a newer OS.
- Practical Impact: Likely to receive software updates for a longer period.
- Slightly Larger Battery: Offers slightly more battery capacity.
- Practical Impact: Could potentially provide a bit longer battery life.
- Side-mounted Fingerprint: More accessible and convenient than an in-display sensor.
- Practical Impact: Faster and more convenient unlocking of the phone.
- Lower price: Generally sold at a lower price, making it budget-friendly.
- Practical Impact: Attractive for budget-conscious buyers.
- Dedicated Portrait Mode: Includes a dedicated portrait camera.
- Practical Impact: Users looking for portrait photography may find the dedicated camera an advantage.
Trade-offs:
- The Xiaomi Mi 11 sacrifices a bit of battery capacity, a newer OS and a newer side-mounted fingerprint scanner for its superior performance, display and camera.
- The Realme C65 prioritizes battery and lower price at the expense of performance, display quality, and camera capabilities.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Ideal Users for Xiaomi Mi 11:
- Power Users: Those who demand high performance for multitasking, gaming, and demanding apps.
- Multimedia Enthusiasts: Users who enjoy watching videos, playing games, and consuming content on the go with high-quality visuals and audio.
- Photography and Videography Enthusiasts: Those who want versatile camera capabilities and higher quality images and video.
- Tech-Savvy Individuals: Users who appreciate advanced features and cutting-edge technology.
Ideal Users for Realme C65:
- Budget-Conscious Buyers: Those looking for a capable smartphone at a lower price.
- Everyday Users: Those who need a reliable phone for basic tasks like calling, texting, browsing the web, and social media.
- Users Prioritizing Battery Life: Individuals who value longer battery life over top-tier performance.
- Users who don't need a very complex camera system: Those who need a basic camera to take basic pictures.
Specific Use Cases:
- Xiaomi Mi 11: Ideal for graphic design work, professional mobile photography, competitive gaming, watching high-resolution movies, or performing resource-intensive tasks.
- Realme C65: Ideal for casual browsing, social media, daily communication, and those who want an affordable smartphone with a decent battery life for everyday use.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- How important is display quality to you?
- Recommendation: If you prioritize visual experience, the Xiaomi Mi 11's AMOLED display is a must-have.
- How much do you value performance and camera quality?
- Recommendation: If you're a gamer, multitasker, or photography enthusiast, the Xiaomi Mi 11 is clearly the superior choice.
- What is your budget?
- Recommendation: If budget is the main concern and performance is not a priority, the Realme C65 offers a reasonable experience at a lower cost.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: If you're a mobile gamer, the Xiaomi Mi 11 is the clear choice due to its superior processor, graphics, display, and high refresh rate.
- Scenario 2: If you're a professional photographer or videographer, the Xiaomi Mi 11 is a better option because of its more versatile and advanced camera system, along with its 8k recording capabilities.
- Scenario 3: If you mainly browse social media, send messages, and watch some videos, the Realme C65 will suffice if your budget is tight and the other features are not important.
- Scenario 4: If you are an avid mobile media consumer, the Xiaomi Mi 11 provides a better visual and audio experience with its high resolution AMOLED display and stereo speakers.
My Choice
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would pick the Xiaomi Mi 11. While the Realme C65 is a more recent and affordable device, the Xiaomi Mi 11 provides a superior overall user experience. The advantages in display quality (AMOLED, high resolution, brightness), performance (Snapdragon 888), and camera capabilities (108MP, multiple lenses, 8K video) make it a much more capable phone. The added features of wireless charging, faster wired charging, better audio, and more accurate GPS are things I would value in my daily usage. Even though it is older, the raw performance and feature set of the Mi 11 make it a superior choice for most use cases, and it's a device that would remain relevant for longer.
