1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro | Realme C65 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 165.3 × 76.8 × 9.4 mm | 164.6 × 76.1 × 7.6 mm | Realme C65 is thinner and more pocketable. Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro is bulkier and may feel less comfortable. |
| Weight | 215g | 185g | Realme C65 is lighter, making it more comfortable for extended use, while the Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro feels heavier. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.67" | 6.67" | Both phones offer the same screen size. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 720x1604 | Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro offers sharper visuals with significantly higher resolution; C65 will have a noticeably less sharp image. |
| Pixel Density (PPI) | 395 | 264 | Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro delivers a much crisper and detailed display. Text and images will appear clearer. |
| Technology | IPS LCD | IPS LCD | Both use the same basic LCD tech; color reproduction and viewing angles will be similar on paper. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 90Hz | Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro offers a smoother, more responsive feel during scrolling and animations; C65 will feel less fluid. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Both phones have identical peak brightness, so visibility in sunlight should be similar, however, neither of them have reported brightness levels |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 860 (7 nm) | Helio G85 (12 nm) | Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro provides significantly faster processing for gaming, demanding apps, and smoother multitasking, while C65 will be slower in all these tasks. |
| AnTuTu Score | 627,869 | 225,154 | Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro has considerably higher performance, making it more suitable for resource-intensive tasks such as gaming and video editing; C65 is better for light usage. |
| GPU | Adreno 640 | Mali-G52 MC2 | Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro has a more powerful GPU for better gaming performance, while Realme C65's GPU is less capable for heavy gaming loads. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5160mAh | 5000mAh | Both phones have very similar battery capacity, meaning similar battery endurance. |
| Charging | 33W fast charging | 45W fast charging | Realme C65 charges faster, allowing for quick power-ups, while X3 Pro is slightly slower to charge. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera Res. | 48MP | 50MP | Realme C65 has a slightly higher megapixel count, which might offer marginally more detail in some conditions |
| Main Camera Aperture | f/1.79 | f/1.8 | Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro has a slightly wider aperture, potentially allowing for better low-light performance, but the difference is minor. |
| Main Camera Sensor | 1/2" Sony IMX582 | 1/2.76" Samsung S5KJN1 | Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro has a larger sensor, which typically means better low-light performance. |
| Selfie Camera Res. | 20MP | 8MP | Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro captures much more detailed selfies. |
| Selfie Camera Aperture | f/2.2 | f/2.0 | Realme C65 has a slightly wider aperture, potentially better for low light conditions, though its sensor is likely of lower quality. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 8MP | None | Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro offers a wider field of view, useful for group photos or landscapes. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP | None | Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro has a dedicated macro lens for close-up shots. |
| Video Recording | 4K@30fps, 1080p@up to 960fps | 1080p@30fps | Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro captures high-resolution 4K video and offers more slow-motion options, while the Realme C65 only records 1080p video. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 (up to 12) | Android 14 | Realme C65 has a newer version of Android, providing a more modern software experience. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | 802.11ac , Wi-Fi MiMO, Display | 802.11n | Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro supports more modern Wi-Fi standards and features, which may provide a faster, more reliable connection and enable display sharing. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 LE with aptX, LDAC, AAC | 5.0 LE with EDR, HID | Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro offers higher quality audio codecs, while C65 supports better device pairing. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo | Realme C65 supports more satellite systems for improved location accuracy. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 128/256 GB | 128/256 GB | Both phones offer the same storage options. |
| RAM | 6/8 GB | 6/8 GB | Both phones offer similar RAM options. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone has expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Audio Quality | Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | Basic Audio | Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro has much better audio, suitable for multimedia consumption. |
| Security | |||
| Fingerprint Sensor | Side-mounted | Side-mounted | Both phones have a side-mounted fingerprint sensor for convenient unlocking. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Gorilla Glass 6 | Unknown | Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro offers more robust screen protection against scratches and impacts, while C65 has unknown protection. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Ultrasonic Proximity | Fingerprint, Accelerometer, Compass, Proximity | Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro has more sensors, which enhances gaming and some advanced features, while C65 has basic set. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro Advantages:
- Significantly Superior Performance: The Snapdragon 860 chipset delivers much higher processing power, leading to faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and better gaming performance.
- Sharper and Smoother Display: The higher resolution and 120Hz refresh rate make the display significantly better than the Realme C65.
- Superior Camera System: The primary camera has a larger sensor, plus it offers a wide-angle lens, a macro lens, and a higher-resolution selfie camera. It also supports 4K video and more slow-motion modes.
- Better Audio: The presence of Hi-Res Audio and stereo speakers improves the multimedia experience considerably.
- Superior Screen protection: Corning Gorilla Glass 6 ensures greater protection for your screen
- More Sensors: Includes Gyroscope for gaming, and Ultrasonic Proximity sensor
Realme C65 Advantages:
- Newer OS: Runs on Android 14, which is a newer version than the Poco X3 Pro (Android 11 with update to 12). This might mean longer software support and new features.
- Faster Charging: 45W fast charging replenishes the battery faster than the Poco X3 Pro's 33W charging.
- Lighter and Thinner: Easier to handle and more pocketable.
- Better GPS: It supports more satellite systems (QZSS), which can result in slightly better location accuracy.
Trade-offs:
- The Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro sacrifices a slimmer design, newer software, faster charging for significantly higher performance, camera, and display quality.
- The Realme C65 prioritizes a newer OS, lighter design, and faster charging but makes trade-offs in performance, screen quality, camera and audio.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro Ideal User:
- Gamers: The powerful processor and GPU, along with the 120Hz refresh rate, make it ideal for mobile gaming.
- Multimedia Consumers: The high-resolution display, stereo speakers, and Hi-Res audio provide a great experience for watching videos and listening to music.
- Photography Enthusiasts: The versatile camera system with a higher-quality main sensor and additional lenses provides more flexibility for capturing different types of shots.
- Power Users: Those who multitask heavily or use demanding apps will benefit from the superior performance.
Use Cases for Poco X3 Pro:
- Playing graphically intensive games like PUBG or Genshin Impact.
- Watching high-definition videos on the go.
- Taking photos in various conditions with multiple camera options.
- Running productivity apps seamlessly.
Realme C65 Ideal User:
- Everyday Users: Those who primarily use their phone for basic tasks like browsing, social media, and messaging will find it sufficient.
- Users Prioritizing Battery: Users who require fast charging for a quick power boost.
- Users with small hands or who prefer lighter devices: The smaller, thinner design of the C65 is an advantage.
- Budget-Conscious Users: Those seeking a functional phone at a more affordable price point.
- Users Prioritizing a Newer OS: Those who want the latest Android version and associated security updates.
Use Cases for Realme C65:
- Daily communication and social media usage.
- Casual web browsing and media consumption.
- Taking the occasional photo.
- Use with fast charging.
Price-to-Value:
- The Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro offers significantly more performance and better multimedia and camera features for a slight increase in price.
- The Realme C65 might be better for those who are more budget-constrained and primarily use their phones for basic tasks, while also benefiting from a lighter build, and faster charging.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions:
- How important is performance to you? (Gaming, intensive apps, multitasking)
- How much emphasis do you put on a display quality? (Sharpness, smoothness)
- Is a lighter build, newer OS, and faster charging more important than superior performance, better display and a better camera?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1 (Gaming/Power User): If you prioritize performance, gaming, and multimedia consumption, the Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro is the clear winner.
- Scenario 2 (Budget/Everyday Use): If you prioritize a more pocketable device, a newer OS, and are on a tighter budget, the Realme C65 is more suitable.
- Scenario 3 (Balanced User): If you value a balance of performance and features, but don't need the very best in any particular area, you would still prefer the Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro due to its superior features.
My Choice
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would choose the Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro. The significant performance advantage, combined with the vastly superior display and camera system, makes it the better device for my needs. I would be willing to sacrifice the slightly faster charging and newer operating system for the much smoother and more responsive experience that the X3 Pro provides. Additionally, the enhanced audio quality and extra camera lenses are also very appealing.
