1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Xiaomi Poco M3 | Realme C65 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 162.3 × 77.3 × 9.6 mm | 164.6 × 76.1 × 7.6 mm | Poco M3 is shorter, wider, and significantly thicker. C65 is taller, narrower, and much slimmer. The Poco M3 may feel bulkier. |
| Weight | 198g | 185g | The Realme C65 is slightly lighter, which may be more comfortable for extended use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.53" | 6.67" | Realme C65 has a slightly larger display, offering a more immersive viewing experience. |
| Resolution | 1080x2340 | 720x1604 | Xiaomi Poco M3 has significantly sharper visuals, noticeable when reading text or viewing detailed images. |
| PPI | 395 | 264 | Poco M3 offers much higher pixel density, resulting in clearer text and sharper images. |
| Technology | IPS LCD | IPS LCD | Both offer similar color reproduction and viewing angles. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 90Hz | Realme C65 will have slightly smoother scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Both phones have identical peak brightness which is unknown, making it hard to compare screen visibility in bright conditions. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 662 (11 nm) | Mediatek Helio G85 (12 nm) | Both are entry-level chipsets; Realme C65 offers slightly better performance based on benchmark scores. |
| AnTuTu Score | 185,028 | 225,154 | Realme C65 has a higher benchmark score, suggesting snappier app loading and general operation. |
| GPU | Adreno 610 | Mali-G52 MC2 | Realme C65's Mali-G52 MC2 is expected to have slightly better performance than Adreno 610. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 48MP, f/1.79, 1/2" sensor | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/2.76" sensor | Poco M3 has a larger sensor, potentially better low-light performance despite lower megapixel count. |
| Selfie Camera | 8MP, f/2.0, 1/4" sensor | 8MP, f/2.0 | Both offer comparable selfie capabilities. The sensor model on the Realme C65 is unknown. |
| Depth Camera | None | 2MP, f/2.4 | Realme C65 has a depth sensor for portrait mode, enabling a better bokeh effect. |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps | Both phones offer similar video recording capabilities. |
| Camera Features | Triple camera, Manual focus, Continuous shooting, Digital image stabilization, Autofocus, Touch focus, Geotagging, Panorama, HDR, Face detection, White balance settings, ISO settings, Exposure compensation, Scene mode, Self-timer | Dual camera, Phase detection autofocus (PDAF), Digital image stabilization, Autofocus, Touch focus, Geotagging, Panorama, HDR, Face detection, White balance settings, ISO settings, Exposure compensation, Scene mode, Self-timer | Xiaomi Poco M3 has manual control and continuous shooting mode, while the Realme C65 has a faster autofocus thanks to PDAF |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 6000mAh | 5000mAh | Poco M3 has a significantly larger battery, potentially offering much longer battery life. |
| Charging | 18W fast charging | 45W fast charging | Realme C65 charges much faster, reducing downtime. |
| Features | Reverse charging, 22.5W charger in-box | None | Poco M3 can charge other devices and has a faster charger in-box. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 10 | Android 14 | Realme C65 has a much more recent Android version, offering the latest features and security patches. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac | 802.11a/b/g/n | Poco M3 supports Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) with Wi-Fi Display, offering faster speeds and connectivity. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0, LE | 5.0, LE, EDR, HID | Realme C65 supports Enhanced Data Rate and Human Interface Profile. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo, NavIC | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo | Both offer similar navigation capabilities. |
| SIM | Dual SIM (Nano SIM) | Dual SIM (Nano SIM) | Both support dual SIM functionality. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 64GB/128GB | 128GB/256GB | Realme C65 offers larger storage options. |
| RAM | 4GB/6GB | 6GB/8GB | Realme C65 has more RAM for better multitasking. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone supports expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | Basic audio | Poco M3 provides a better audio experience with Hi-Res audio and stereo speakers. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Both use similar biometric tech, offering convenient unlocking. |
| Build | |||
| Screen Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | Unknown | Xiaomi Poco M3 has better screen protection with Corning Gorilla Glass 3. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Accelerometer, Compass, Ultrasonic proximity virtual | Fingerprint, Accelerometer, Compass, Proximity | Both offer basic sensor functionality. Xiaomi Poco M3 has a different type of proximity sensor, while Realme C65 has a typical one. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Xiaomi Poco M3 Advantages:
- Significantly Sharper Display: Higher resolution and pixel density (1080x2340, 395 PPI) leads to noticeably clearer and more detailed visuals for reading text and viewing images.
- Larger Battery: 6000mAh battery provides potentially much longer battery life, ideal for users who need extended usage without frequent charging.
- Better Audio Experience: Features Hi-Res Audio and Stereo Speakers for better sound quality when listening to music or watching videos.
- Reverse Charging: Can act as a power bank to charge other devices.
- Screen Protection: Equipped with Corning Gorilla Glass 3 for scratch resistance.
- Wi-Fi Display: Supports Wi-Fi display for easy screen sharing with compatible devices
- Triple Camera System: Offers more camera versatility
Realme C65 Advantages:
- Faster Charging: 45W fast charging allows for significantly quicker replenishment of the battery.
- Smoother Display: 90Hz refresh rate provides a smoother user experience, especially when scrolling and navigating the UI.
- Better Performance: Higher AnTuTu score and the Helio G85 chipset offer slightly improved processing capabilities.
- More Recent Android Version: Runs on Android 14, offering the latest features and security updates.
- Larger Storage Options: Available in 128GB or 256GB storage variants.
- More RAM: Available in 6GB or 8GB variants, resulting in better multitasking.
- Better Camera Autofocus: Supports Phase Detection Autofocus (PDAF).
- Depth Sensor: Dedicated depth sensor for better portrait mode.
Trade-offs:
- Poco M3 sacrifices a smoother 90Hz display and faster charging for a sharper display, a larger battery, and better audio quality.
- Realme C65 offers better overall performance and newer software but has a lower screen resolution and smaller battery than the Poco M3.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Xiaomi Poco M3 is ideal for:
- Users prioritizing battery life: Ideal for those who need a phone that can last a full day or even two without needing a charge.
- Media Consumers: Users who frequently watch videos or listen to music will appreciate the higher resolution, sharper display, and stereo speakers.
- Users needing screen protection: Users who want good screen protection from scratches.
- Users who like to tinker with camera settings: Manual camera controls and continuous shooting may be desired.
Use Cases for Poco M3:
- Long road trips or outdoor activities where battery life is crucial.
- Entertainment on the go, with higher display clarity and better sound.
- Use as a backup power bank for other devices.
- Photography enthusiasts looking for more camera control.
Realme C65 is ideal for:
- Users prioritizing smooth performance: Those who want snappier responsiveness, faster app loading, and a fluid user interface.
- Users who need fast charging: Users who want to quickly top up their phone battery.
- Users who prioritize software updates: Those who want the latest Android version and security features.
- Users who use portrait mode: Having a depth sensor enhances portrait mode pictures.
Use Cases for Realme C65:
- Everyday users who often multitask.
- Gamers who would appreciate smoother animations and quick charging.
- Users who prefer having up-to-date software and security patches.
- Casual photographers who want good portrait mode.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- Battery vs. Charging Speed: Do you prioritize longer battery life, or faster charging speeds?
- Sharpness vs. Smoothness: Do you prefer a sharper display with more detail, or a smoother display with fluid animations?
- Software vs. Hardware: Do you prefer the most up-to-date software, or specific hardware features like better audio quality or screen protection?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- For the Frequent Traveler: If battery life is the priority choose Xiaomi Poco M3.
- For the Casual Gamer: If speed and fast charging matter choose the Realme C65.
- For the Budget-Conscious User: Both are value-oriented, but the Xiaomi Poco M3 might be slightly more compelling if battery life and better audio are key, while the Realme C65 offers the latest software and more storage.
- For Photography Enthusiasts: Xiaomi Poco M3 if you want manual controls, continuous shooting, and triple camera, Realme C65 for better portrait mode with depth sensor.
My Choice
Based on my analysis, I would choose the Realme C65. Here's why:
While the Xiaomi Poco M3 has a larger battery and a sharper display, the Realme C65 offers a more well-rounded experience for modern smartphone usage. The newer chipset and higher RAM provide a snappier performance, and the 90Hz display makes the phone feel much more responsive. I also value having the latest version of Android for both new features and security. The fast charging capability is also a significant advantage for everyday use, as I often find myself needing to quickly top up my phone. While the Poco M3 has better audio, the improved performance, software, and charging of the C65 are more important to me for my daily usage patterns. The Realme C65’s inclusion of a depth sensor and Phase Detection Autofocus would also make it a more versatile camera option for me.
