Alright, let's dive into a head-to-head comparison of the Xiaomi Poco X3 GT and the Realme C65. On paper, they seem like they occupy different performance tiers, but let’s break it down and see how these differences play out in real life.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here’s a detailed look at the specs, framed by how they’d affect your daily usage:
| Feature | Xiaomi Poco X3 GT | Realme C65 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Size | 163.3 × 75.9 × 8.9 mm | 164.6 × 76.1 × 7.6 mm | C65 slightly taller and thinner; X3 GT is slightly more bulky but could feel more substantial. |
| Weight | 193g | 185g | Realme C65 is slightly lighter, which might be more comfortable for extended use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.6" | 6.67" | Both have comparable screen sizes, difference is negligible. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 720x1604 | X3 GT: Sharper, clearer visuals; C65: Lower resolution, potentially less crisp text/images. |
| PPI | 399 | 264 | X3 GT: Much higher pixel density, leading to finer details, clearer text, less pixelation. |
| Technology | IPS LCD | IPS LCD | Both have identical display technology. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 90Hz | X3 GT: Smoother scrolling and animations, a better feel in use. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Both have the same peak brightness of 0 nits, a spec that does not make sense. The actual brightness performance of both is not known with current data. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Mediatek Dimensity 1100 (6 nm) | Mediatek Helio G85 (12 nm) | X3 GT: Significantly faster, more efficient, better for gaming and demanding apps; C65: More suited for basic tasks. |
| AnTuTu Score | 745,283 | 225,154 | X3 GT: Shows significantly better app loading, smoother multitasking, better gaming performance, and more future-proof. |
| GPU | Mali-G77 MC9 | Mali-G52 MC2 | X3 GT: Superior graphics performance, which is important for gaming. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 64MP f/1.79, 1/2", 0.70µm | 50MP f/1.8, 1/2.76", 0.64µm | X3 GT: Higher resolution, larger sensor, wider aperture for better low-light and more detailed images. |
| Selfie Camera | 16MP f/2.45 | 8MP f/2.0 | X3 GT: Sharper selfies; C65: Wider aperture, might perform slightly better in low-light. |
| Portrait Camera | None | 2MP f/2.4 | C65: Dedicated depth sensor for better portrait mode effects. |
| Video | 4K@30fps, 1080p@120fps | 1080p@30fps | X3 GT: Supports 4K video recording and slow-motion; C65 limited to 1080p. |
| Features | 4K Video, Triple, Ultra stable, RAW, Night | Dual, PDAF | X3 GT: More advanced video and photography features including better low-light performance, editing capabilities; C65: Basic Camera Features |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both offer similar battery capacity, suggesting comparable battery life. |
| Charging | 67W Fast Charging | 45W Fast Charging | X3 GT: Significantly faster charging, less downtime waiting for charge. |
| Features | Non-removable | Non-removable | Both devices have non-removable batteries |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 | Android 14 | C65: Newer OS which provides the latest features and better software support. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | WiFi 6 | 802.11n | X3 GT: Faster Wi-Fi for data transfers and downloads. |
| Bluetooth | 5.2 LE | 5.0 LE | X3 GT: Newer Bluetooth version; Both support advanced audio distribution; X3 GT: Supports advanced audio codecs; C65: Supports enhanced data rate and human interface profile |
| GPS | Multi Satellite Support | Multi Satellite Support | X3 GT: Supports more satellite systems for better location accuracy |
| SIM | Dual SIM Dual Standby | Dual SIM Dual Standby | Both devices support Dual SIM Dual Standby (Nano SIM + Nano SIM) |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 128GB or 256GB | 128GB or 256GB | Both devices come in two similar storage options |
| RAM | 8GB | 6GB or 8GB | Both offer a similar RAM capacity, good for multitasking |
| Expandable Storage | None | None | Neither of the devices support expandable storage |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | Basic Audio | X3 GT: Much better audio experience, great for media consumption; C65: Basic Audio Features |
| Security | |||
| Features | Side-mounted fingerprint | Side-mounted fingerprint | Both phones have a side mounted finger print sensor. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Gorilla Glass Victus | Unknown | X3 GT: Significantly more protection for the screen |
| Sensors | |||
| Features | Gyroscope, Ultrasonic Proximity Virtual | Proximity | X3 GT: Has a more comprehensive sensor suite suitable for gaming and AR applications. |
2. Key Insights
Xiaomi Poco X3 GT: This phone is a performance powerhouse. Its Dimensity 1100 chipset paired with a 120Hz display, faster charging, and superior camera setup, makes it great for demanding users like gamers and media consumers. The inclusion of Gorilla Glass Victus is a welcome addition for added durability. However, it's a bit older with an older Android version which may result in it losing out on features found on newer Android versions.
Realme C65: The C65 is more about affordability and the latest Android version. It’s slimmer and lighter, making it a decent option for basic tasks and daily use. However, its processor and camera setup are geared toward more casual users. The lower resolution screen will result in less crisp image quality compared to the X3 GT.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Xiaomi Poco X3 GT:
- Best for: Gamers, media enthusiasts, and power users who need robust performance and features.
- Use Case: Playing graphically intensive games, editing videos on the go, consuming high-resolution content, enjoying high-quality audio.
Realme C65:
- Best for: Casual users, those on a budget, and people who prioritize software updates.
- Use Case: Browsing social media, everyday communication, light gaming, and capturing simple photos and videos.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three practical questions to help you choose:
How important is gaming and performance to you?
- If you want top-tier performance, go for the Xiaomi Poco X3 GT.
- If your needs are basic, the Realme C65 will be more than enough.
Do you prioritize a sharper display and higher quality camera?
- If yes, the Xiaomi Poco X3 GT is the clear choice with a better display and camera system.
- If you are okay with a standard display and a decent camera, the Realme C65 will suffice.
How important is a thinner, lighter device with the latest Android OS versus screen protection?
- If you want a thinner and lighter device and prioritize being on the latest version of android, then you should go with the Realme C65.
- If you need more screen protection, then the Poco X3 GT would be a better choice.
My Choice
If I were choosing between these two devices, I would choose the Xiaomi Poco X3 GT. While the Realme C65 has its merits, specifically in terms of being lighter and having the latest Android version, the sheer performance gap of the X3 GT is too significant to ignore. As someone who is regularly engaging in resource-intensive tasks, and would like a device that does not lag behind, the X3 GT's processing power, significantly better camera, faster charging, and higher refresh rate display would be much more important to me. It's a phone that delivers a noticeably more premium experience, and for me, the trade-off of having an older Android version is acceptable, as the overall user experience it provides is better for me.
