1. Specifications Comparison
Here's a detailed comparison of the Xiaomi Mi 11 and Xiaomi Poco C65, highlighting their specifications and practical impacts:
Design
| Feature | Xiaomi Mi 11 | Xiaomi Poco C65 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 164.3 × 74.6 × 8.1 mm | 168 × 78 × 8.1 mm | Poco C65 is slightly larger and may feel more cumbersome in smaller hands or pockets. |
| Weight | 196g | 192g | Both have very similar weight, making them comparably easy to handle. |
| Build | Not fully specified | Not fully specified | Build material not provided for each phone, making a direct comparison impossible |
Display
| Feature | Xiaomi Mi 11 | Xiaomi Poco C65 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 6.81" | 6.74" | Negligible difference in screen size. Both are large enough for comfortable media consumption. |
| Resolution | 1440x3200 | 720x1600 | Mi 11 offers much sharper text, images, and videos. C65 will appear noticeably less detailed. |
| PPI | 515 | 260 | Mi 11 provides significantly crisper visuals. C65's screen may appear less refined. |
| Technology | AMOLED | IPS LCD | Mi 11 has superior contrast, richer colors, and better blacks. It is also more efficient for dark themes. C65's LCD screen will look washed out in comparison. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 90Hz | Mi 11 offers smoother scrolling and animations. C65 may exhibit more visible judder. |
| Brightness | 1500 nits | 0 nits | Mi 11 is much more usable under direct sunlight. The C65's brightness is unknown but not comparable. |
| Screen Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | Unknown | Mi 11 has superior scratch and shatter resistance. The protection on the C65 is unknown. |
Performance
| Feature | Xiaomi Mi 11 | Xiaomi Poco C65 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 (5 nm) | Mediatek Helio G85 (12 nm) | Mi 11 is significantly faster. It will handle demanding apps and games much more smoothly. C65 is better suited for basic tasks. |
| AnTuTu Score | 806,139 | 237,768 | Mi 11 will provide a significantly faster and more responsive experience across the board. |
| GPU | Adreno 660 | Mali-G52 MC2 | Mi 11 will deliver better gaming performance and graphics rendering. |
| RAM | 8 GB or 12 GB | 4 GB, 6 GB or 8 GB | Mi 11 allows for smoother multitasking, especially with the 12 GB option. C65 may experience slowdowns with many apps open. |
Camera
| Feature | Xiaomi Mi 11 | Xiaomi Poco C65 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main Camera | 108MP, f/1.85, 1/1.33" sensor | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/2.76" sensor | Mi 11 captures more detailed photos with better low-light performance due to a larger sensor. |
| Selfie Camera | 20MP, f/2.3 | 8MP, f/2.2 | Mi 11 provides sharper selfies with better image quality and more details. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 13MP, f/2.3 | None | Mi 11 can capture wider scenes, useful for landscapes and group photos. |
| Portrait (Depth) Camera | None | 2MP, f/2.4 | Poco C65 offers dedicated depth sensing for better bokeh effects. |
| Macro Camera | 5MP, f/2.0 | 2MP, f/2.4 | Mi 11 captures more detailed close-up shots. |
| Video | Up to 8K | Up to 1080p | Mi 11 can capture much higher resolution videos for professional or high-quality video content creation. |
| Video Stabilization | Yes | No | Mi 11 videos will appear smoother and less shaky. |
| Slow Motion | 480 fps | 120 fps | Mi 11 captures slow motion video with more detail. |
| DxOMark Selfie | 112 (Overall), 100 (Photo), 133 (Video) | Not Tested | Mi 11 has higher scoring for selfie image quality |
Battery
| Feature | Xiaomi Mi 11 | Xiaomi Poco C65 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 4600mAh | 5000mAh | C65 may offer slightly longer battery life, though the impact of different chipsets and displays must be considered. |
| Charging | 55W Fast Charging | 18W Fast Charging | Mi 11 charges much faster, reducing downtime. |
| Wireless Charging | 50W Wireless, 10W Reverse | None | Mi 11 offers significantly more versatile charging options. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Xiaomi Mi 11 Advantages:
- Superior Display: AMOLED, higher resolution, higher refresh rate, and vastly superior brightness for better viewing experience.
- Significantly Higher Performance: Flagship-level chipset for demanding apps, gaming, and smoother operation.
- Advanced Camera System: More versatile camera setup with a larger sensor, wide-angle and macro lenses, and 8K video recording.
- Faster Charging and Wireless Charging: Much faster wired charging and wireless charging capabilities for greater convenience.
- Better Audio: Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers, and 2 Microphones for a more immersive experience.
- More Advanced Connectivity: Faster Wi-Fi and Bluetooth with more advanced options
- More Comprehensive Sensors: Provides Heart Rate sensor.
Practical Implications: The Mi 11 is designed for users who demand top-tier performance, exceptional display quality, and advanced camera features. It offers a premium experience across all aspects.
Xiaomi Poco C65 Advantages:
- Slightly Larger Battery: May provide marginally longer battery life, though the impact of different chipsets and displays must be considered
- Newer Operating System: Comes with Android 13 out of the box with the possibility of more software updates in the future (although Mi 11 can update to android 14)
- Side Mounted Fingerprint Sensor: Generally considered more ergonomical
- Slightly Lower Weight: A small but potentially noticeable weight difference.
- Lower Price: Likely more affordable, making it a budget-friendly option.
Practical Implications: The Poco C65 is designed as a budget-friendly phone that is more focused on basic usage and value for money. It has adequate performance for day-to-day tasks and can offer slightly longer battery life.
Significant Trade-offs:
- Mi 11: Higher price, may not appeal to those on a very strict budget.
- Poco C65: Noticeably lower display quality, significantly less powerful, and a basic camera system, which might not satisfy power users and photography enthusiasts.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Xiaomi Mi 11 Ideal Users:
- Power Users: Those who use resource-intensive apps, multitask heavily, and expect a smooth, lag-free experience.
- Mobile Gamers: Gamers who need a phone that can handle demanding titles at high frame rates.
- Photography Enthusiasts: Users who value high-quality photos and videos, especially in challenging lighting conditions.
- Media Consumers: People who watch a lot of videos or movies and want an excellent display with a great audio experience.
Use Cases: Gaming, professional mobile photography/videography, heavy multitasking, watching high-resolution media, using advanced GPS and sensor-based apps.
Xiaomi Poco C65 Ideal Users:
- Budget-Conscious Buyers: Those seeking a functional smartphone at a lower price point.
- Basic Users: Those who primarily use their phone for browsing, social media, and messaging.
- Users Needing Long Battery Life: Those who prioritize battery longevity over raw performance.
Use Cases: Everyday tasks like web browsing, social media, calling, texting, and light media consumption. Users who prioritize battery life over high-end features.
Price-to-Value Ratio:
- Mi 11: Offers a premium experience with a higher price tag. Delivers high value if you need top-tier features.
- Poco C65: Provides good value for a budget device that covers basic smartphone needs, but sacrifices premium features.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- What is my budget? If budget is a primary concern, the Poco C65 is the clear option.
- What are my primary use cases? If you’re a heavy user, gamer, or photography enthusiast, the Mi 11 is better. If you are looking for a basic phone, the Poco C65 will suit your needs.
- How important is display quality? If you care about display clarity, smoothness, and colors, the Mi 11’s AMOLED panel is vastly superior.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Budget is tight. If your budget is under a certain limit and basic smartphone functions are sufficient, choose the Xiaomi Poco C65.
- Scenario 2: Need top performance, high quality screen and camera. If you need the best performance, display, and camera and are willing to pay extra, choose the Xiaomi Mi 11.
- Scenario 3: Balanced usage, no gaming. If you want a solid camera, good performance, and the best screen you can afford without completely breaking the bank, the Xiaomi Mi 11 is still recommended.
What I Would Choose and Why:
I would choose the Xiaomi Mi 11. While the Poco C65 is newer and has a slightly larger battery, the Mi 11 provides a vastly superior experience in nearly every other aspect.
The Mi 11's AMOLED display, significantly faster performance, much better camera system (including the 8K video), and faster charging capabilities make it a much more compelling phone for my needs. I prioritize a smooth, responsive, and high-quality visual and photography experience. While the Mi 11 was released earlier, the difference in performance and display between the two devices is significant enough that it makes the Mi 11 a better pick for my usage. I value the premium experience and am willing to pay more for it.
