1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Xiaomi Poco F3 | Realme C65 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 163.7 × 76.4 × 7.8 mm | 164.6 × 76.1 × 7.6 mm | Similar size; Poco F3 is slightly thicker, while Realme C65 is a bit taller and thinner. Minor difference in handling. |
| Weight | 196g | 185g | Realme C65 is slightly lighter, potentially more comfortable for extended use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.67" | 6.67" | Identical screen size, no practical difference here. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 720x1604 | Poco F3 has a much sharper display; text and images will appear significantly clearer and more detailed compared to the C65. |
| Pixel Density | 395 PPI | 264 PPI | Poco F3 will have sharper visuals and finer details compared to the Realme C65. |
| Technology | AMOLED | IPS LCD | Poco F3 offers superior contrast, deeper blacks, and more vibrant colors; more suitable for media consumption. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 90Hz | Poco F3 has slightly smoother scrolling and animations compared to the C65. |
| Brightness | 1300 nits | 0 nits (unspecified) | Poco F3 is expected to be significantly more visible in bright outdoor conditions. Realme C65 brightness is unknown. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 870 5G (7 nm) | Mediatek Helio G85 (12 nm) | Poco F3 has a significantly more powerful chipset; noticeably faster app loading, smoother multitasking and better gaming. |
| AnTuTu Score | 800,216 | 225,154 | Poco F3 offers vastly superior overall performance; will handle demanding tasks and games much more efficiently than the C65. |
| GPU | Adreno 650 | Mali-G52 MC2 | Poco F3's GPU is significantly more powerful, resulting in much better graphics performance. |
| Camera | |||
| Rear Standard | 48MP, f/1.79, 1/2" | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/2.76" | Realme C65 has higher resolution but Poco F3 has a larger sensor and wider aperture which may capture more light and better low-light images. |
| Selfie Camera | 20MP, f/2.45, 1/3.4" | 8MP, f/2.0 | Poco F3 captures higher resolution selfies, but the Realme C65 has a wider aperture. The absence of sensor data for Realme C65 limits comparison. |
| Portrait Camera | None | 2MP, f/2.4, 1/5" | Realme C65 offers a dedicated depth sensor; Poco F3 relies on software for portrait mode. |
| Video Recording | Up to 4K@30fps | Up to 1080p@30fps | Poco F3 can record higher resolution video. |
| Camera Features | 4K Video, Triple cam, Manual Focus, etc. | Dual cam, PDAF, etc. | Poco F3 offers 4k video, more cameras and manual focus while Realme C65 has phase detection autofocus. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 4520mAh | 5000mAh | Realme C65 has a slightly larger battery, potentially offering a bit longer battery life. |
| Charging | 33W Fast Charging | 45W Fast Charging | Realme C65 charges faster. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 (up to 13) | Android 14 | Realme C65 ships with a newer Android version; Poco F3 has an older OS but may receive future updates. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) | 802.11n, 802.11ac | Poco F3 offers faster WiFi speeds and better performance in congested networks. |
| Bluetooth | 5.1 | 5.0 | Poco F3 has a newer version of bluetooth, offering slightly improved performance. |
| GPS | Multiple systems | Multiple systems | Poco F3 supports more satellite systems for better location accuracy. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128/256GB | 128/256GB | No difference in internal storage options. |
| RAM | 6/8GB | 6/8GB | Both have identical RAM options, suitable for multitasking. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone allows for additional storage via microSD. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio | Basic audio features | Poco F3 provides superior audio experience with stereo speakers, Dolby Atmos, and Hi-Res support. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Side-mounted Fingerprint Sensor | Side-mounted Fingerprint Sensor | Similar fingerprint security. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Protection | Gorilla Glass 5 | Unknown | Poco F3 uses superior screen protection. |
| Sensors | |||
| Fingerprint, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Ultrasonic proximity | Fingerprint, Accelerometer, Compass, Proximity | Poco F3 has additional sensors: Gyroscope, Ultrasonic proximity |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Xiaomi Poco F3 Advantages:
- Significantly Superior Performance: The Snapdragon 870 chipset offers much faster performance for demanding apps and games, as well as smoother multitasking.
- Superior Display: AMOLED screen with higher resolution, higher refresh rate and excellent brightness provides a significantly better viewing experience.
- Advanced Audio: Features like Dolby Atmos and Hi-Res audio, alongside stereo speakers provides a better multimedia experience.
- Better Video Recording: Supports up to 4K recording and a wider variety of video recording options.
- Better Connectivity: Includes Wi-Fi 6, a newer version of Bluetooth, and more comprehensive GPS.
- Better build quality: Includes Gorilla Glass 5 for the screen.
Realme C65 Advantages:
- Newer Software: Ships with a newer version of Android.
- Larger Battery and Faster Charging: Offers slightly longer battery life and faster charging capabilities.
- Dedicated Depth Sensor: Includes a dedicated depth sensor for better portrait mode photos.
- Lighter Design: Slightly lighter, may be more comfortable to hold for long periods.
Trade-offs:
- Poco F3: Older operating system out of the box and potentially older update cycles.
- Realme C65: Significantly inferior performance, a low-resolution display, and basic audio.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Xiaomi Poco F3 is ideal for:
- Gamers: High-performance chipset and GPU make it suitable for demanding games.
- Multimedia Consumers: The AMOLED display and high-quality audio make it ideal for watching videos and enjoying media.
- Power Users: Users who need fast app loading, multitasking and overall smooth performance.
- Those who value display quality: The high-resolution AMOLED screen with 120Hz refresh rate will be preferred by users who are sensitive to display quality and smoothness.
Realme C65 is ideal for:
- Budget-conscious Buyers: A more affordable option for basic smartphone use.
- Casual Users: Those who primarily browse the web, use social media and don't require high performance.
- Users who prioritize Battery Life: The larger battery and fast charging makes it suitable for those who need all day battery life.
- Users who need the latest software: Ships with a newer version of Android.
Specific Use Cases:
- Poco F3: Mobile gaming, high-quality video streaming, photography, multitasking, professional work.
- Realme C65: Social media browsing, basic mobile gaming, casual photography, media consumption, daily commuting
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions to Consider:
- What is my budget? If the budget is limited the Realme C65 is a viable option.
- How important is performance to me? For gamers and power users, the Poco F3 is the clear choice.
- Do I prioritize display quality and multimedia experience? The Poco F3 offers a better display and superior audio.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Gaming and Multimedia: If gaming and video watching are high priorities, choose the Poco F3.
- Scenario 2: Basic Usage and Battery Life: If basic tasks and all-day battery life are important, the Realme C65 is a viable option.
- Scenario 3: Balance between Cost and Performance: If you can stretch the budget, the Poco F3 provides a much better experience overall, including display, performance, and audio.
- Scenario 4: Latest Software: If you need the latest version of Android choose the Realme C65
My Choice
I would choose the Xiaomi Poco F3.
While the Realme C65 offers a slightly larger battery and a newer Android version, the advantages of the Poco F3 in terms of performance, display quality, and multimedia experience outweigh the benefits of the C65. The Poco F3's Snapdragon 870 chipset, AMOLED screen, and superior audio make it a much more capable and enjoyable device for a wide range of uses. The C65 seems more like a budget option, whereas the Poco F3 provides a premium experience at a very competitive price. The significantly better performance of the Poco F3 makes it the better long-term investment.
