Alright, let's dive into a head-to-head comparison of the Xiaomi Redmi 10 and the Xiaomi Poco C65. Both phones are budget-friendly contenders, but they offer different strengths, and understanding these nuances is crucial in picking the right one for you. Let’s break it down, focusing on real-world implications and user experiences.
1. Specifications Breakdown
| Feature | Xiaomi Redmi 10 | Xiaomi Poco C65 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Launch Date | 2021-08-20 | 2023-11-06 | Poco C65 is significantly newer, potentially offering longer software support. |
| Dimensions | 162 × 75.5 × 8.9 mm, 181g | 168 × 78 × 8.1 mm, 192g | Redmi 10 is more compact and lighter, while Poco C65 is larger and slightly heavier - impacting single-hand use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.5" | 6.74" | Poco C65 offers a slightly larger screen, which is better for media consumption. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 720x1600 | Redmi 10 boasts a sharper display with more detail, making text and images clearer. |
| PPI | 405 | 260 | Redmi 10's higher pixel density leads to a visibly crisper image. |
| Technology | IPS LCD | Poco C65 has an IPS LCD screen which is expected for this price point, while the Redmi 10 is unspecified but likely LCD as well | |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 90Hz | Both offer the same smooth scrolling and animations, a nice feature for this class. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Same brightness, may struggle in bright sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Mediatek Helio G88 (12nm) | Mediatek Helio G85 (12nm) | Redmi 10 has a slightly more powerful chipset, offering marginally better overall performance. |
| AnTuTu Score | 253,600 | 237,768 | Redmi 10 has a slightly higher benchmark score, indicating better performance in demanding tasks. |
| GPU | Mali-G52 MC2 | Mali-G52 MC2 | Identical graphics processors, suggesting comparable gaming performance (or lack thereof). |
| Camera | |||
| Standard | 50MP, f/1.8 | 50MP, f/1.8 | Similar primary cameras, should provide decent daylight photos with good detail. |
| Selfie | 8MP, f/2.0 | 8MP, f/2.2 | Redmi 10 has a wider aperture, potentially better low-light selfies, but very similar specs. |
| Wide Angle | 8MP, f/2.2 | None | Redmi 10 has a wide-angle lens, allowing for more versatile shooting scenarios. |
| Portrait (depth) | 2MP, f/2.4 | 2MP, f/2.4 | Both have depth sensors for portrait mode, should provide similar results. |
| Macro | 2MP, f/2.4 | 2MP, f/2.4 | Both have a macro lens, useful for close-up photos, but likely not high quality. |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps | Both record video in standard HD, fine for basic social media sharing. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Similar battery capacity for comparable battery life, generally lasting a full day of moderate use. |
| Charging | 18W fast charging | 18W fast charging | Both offer the same fast charging speed, meaning charging times will be similar. |
| Features | Reverse, 9W wired | Reverse charging | Redmi 10 has the added feature of 9W reverse wired charging, useful for topping up other devices. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 | Android 13 | Poco C65 has a newer Android version, likely with more features and improved performance, plus longer support. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | 802.11ac | 802.11ac | Both support the latest Wi-Fi standards, for faster internet speeds. |
| Bluetooth | 5.1 LE | 5.3 LE | Poco C65 has a newer Bluetooth version, potentially more stable connections and improved range. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 64/128 GB | 128/256 GB | Poco C65 offers double the storage at the higher end, accommodating more apps and media. |
| RAM | 4/6 GB | 4/6/8 GB | Poco C65 can be configured with 8GB RAM, for better multitasking capabilities. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone offers expandable storage, so choose the model with enough internal storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Stereo Speakers | Basic Audio | Redmi 10 has stereo speakers, delivering a more immersive audio experience. |
| Security | |||
| Fingerprint | Side-mounted | Side-mounted | Both offer side-mounted fingerprint sensor, same functionality. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | Unknown | Redmi 10 has known screen protection, adding a layer of durability for everyday use. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Comprehensive Suite | Comprehensive Suite | Similar sensors on both devices, covering most features. |
2. Key Insights
Xiaomi Redmi 10:
- Strengths: Sharper display, slightly more powerful chipset, wider-angle lens, stereo speakers, screen protection.
- Competitive Advantage: Offers a more well-rounded multimedia experience with better display quality and audio, plus a wide-angle camera for added flexibility. It also has a known and better screen protection.
- Trade-offs: Older software (Android 11), less storage and RAM, and lacks a bit on the newer connectivity front.
Xiaomi Poco C65:
- Strengths: Larger display, more internal storage options, more RAM configurations, newer Android version and newer Bluetooth.
- Competitive Advantage: Caters more to users who prioritize screen size, storage space, and better software, all while being a bit newer.
- Trade-offs: Lower display resolution and pixel density, basic audio, and no wide-angle camera.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Xiaomi Redmi 10:
- Best for: Casual users who value display quality, multimedia experience, and photography flexibility within a budget.
- Use Cases: Excellent for watching videos, browsing social media, occasional photography with the wide-angle lens, and listening to music through stereo speakers. Also a better choice for single-handed usage due to its more compact design.
- Price-to-Value: Great if you can find it at a significant discount, as its specs are a bit older now.
Xiaomi Poco C65:
- Best for: Users who need a larger display, more storage space for apps and media, or value having the latest Android version.
- Use Cases: Ideal for watching videos, playing games (more if you get it with 8GB of RAM), managing lots of apps and files, and general daily use with a larger screen.
- Price-to-Value: A good value proposition if you prioritize storage and software longevity.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions to help you decide:
- Do you prioritize a sharper display and audio experience, or a larger screen and storage?
- If sharper display and audio: Redmi 10
- If larger screen and storage: Poco C65
- Is camera flexibility or having the newest software and Bluetooth more important to you?
- If camera flexibility: Redmi 10
- If latest software and bluetooth: Poco C65
- How much storage and RAM do you think you need?
- If 64 or 128GB and up to 6GB RAM is enough: Redmi 10
- If 128 or 256GB and up to 8GB RAM is desired: Poco C65
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
Multimedia Fan: If you love watching videos and listening to music, the Redmi 10’s sharper display and stereo speakers make it a better choice.
App Hoarder: If you constantly need more storage space and keep many apps installed, the Poco C65 offers more internal storage at the higher end of the available options.
Budget Photographer: The Redmi 10 provides a more versatile camera setup with its wide-angle lens, but both devices are only passable in terms of picture quality so don't expect much.
Value-Oriented Buyer: If you can get the Redmi 10 for a significant discount, it might be the better value pick, but be mindful of its older software.
My Choice:
Personally, I would choose the Xiaomi Poco C65. While the Redmi 10 is a good phone, the newer software, larger storage capacity, and newer Bluetooth standard of the Poco C65 are more appealing to me. I prioritize the long-term software support, and the extra storage provides more breathing room for apps, photos, and videos. I also think that getting the higher RAM option is worth it for better overall multitasking performance and future-proofing the device. While the Redmi 10’s display is sharper, the slightly larger screen of the Poco C65 is also appealing. Although the audio quality isn't as good as the Redmi 10, I often use headphones anyway, so that’s a worthy trade-off for me. The newer Bluetooth and more up-to-date Android version tip the scale for me.
Ultimately, the "better" phone really depends on your individual needs and priorities. Both the Redmi 10 and Poco C65 are excellent choices in the budget segment and provide a very similar experience for most users, but I think that the Poco C65 is a better option in the long run with the current available technology.
