Alright, let's dive deep into the Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 4G and the Realme C65. I've got my engineering hat on, and I'm ready to break down what these specs actually mean for you, the user.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here’s a detailed look at how these phones stack up, complete with a "Real-World Implications" column:
| Feature | Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 4G | Realme C65 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Launch Date | 2021-12-01 | 2024-04-01 | Realme C65 is a newer phone, potentially benefiting from more recent software and hardware developments. |
| Dimensions | 162 x 75.5 x 8.9 mm | 164.6 x 76.1 x 7.6 mm | Realme C65 is slightly taller but thinner, while the Redmi is a bit more compact overall. |
| Weight | 181g | 185g | Both feel similarly weighted in the hand, a difference of 4 grams is insignificant. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.5" | 6.67" | Realme C65 offers a slightly larger screen, potentially better for media consumption. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 720x1604 | Redmi Note 11 has a noticeably sharper display with more detail. |
| PPI | 405 | 264 | Redmi Note 11 will have crisper text and images compared to the Realme C65. |
| Technology | IPS LCD | Realme C65 uses an IPS LCD, offering good color accuracy and viewing angles, but the Xiaomi likely uses AMOLED. | |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 90Hz | Both offer a smooth scrolling and visual experience. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Peak brightness is unavailable for both but this might be due to the limitation of the tool. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Helio G88 (12 nm) | Helio G85 (12 nm) | Redmi Note 11 has a slightly better chipset offering slightly better overall performance. |
| AnTuTu Score | 253,100 | 225,154 | Redmi Note 11 will likely feel a bit more responsive in daily tasks and gaming. |
| GPU | Mali-G52 MC2 | Mali-G52 MC2 | Both have identical graphics processing capabilities. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both phones should provide similar battery life, lasting a full day of moderate use. |
| Charging | 18W fast charging | 45W fast charging | Realme C65 charges much faster than the Xiaomi, which will save time. |
| Features | Reverse charging, 9W Reverse wired Charging | None | Redmi Note 11 offers additional flexibility like reverse charging and reverse wired charging |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Camera | 50MP, f/1.8 | 50MP, f/1.8 | Both phones offer capable 50MP main cameras, suitable for everyday photography. |
| Standard Sensor | Unknown | Samsung S5KJN1, 1/2.76" | Realme has a slightly better standard sensor |
| Selfie Camera | 8MP, f/2.0 | 8MP, f/2.0 | Both phones provide standard 8MP front-facing cameras for selfies. |
| Selfie Pixel size | 1.12 µm | Unknown | Realme C65's selfie pixel size is unknown. |
| Wide Angle Camera | 8MP, f/2.2 | None | Redmi Note 11 has a dedicated wide-angle lens, allowing for versatile photography. |
| Portrait (Depth) Camera | None | 2MP, f/2.4 | Realme C65 has a dedicated portrait mode lens, aiding in bokeh effect photos. |
| Portrait (Depth) Sensor | None | GalaxyCore GC02M1, 1/5" | Realme C65 has a depth sensor |
| Macro Lens | 2MP, f/2.4 | None | Redmi Note 11 has a dedicated macro lens for close-up shots. |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps | Both capture Full HD videos at 30fps, standard for social media sharing. |
| Video features | Yes; 120 fps | Yes; 120 fps | Both capture slow motion videos at 120 fps |
| Camera Features | 4K Video, Triple camera, Continuous shooting, RAW | Dual camera, Phase detection autofocus (PDAF), Panorama | Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 4G offers 4K recording while the Realme C65 features PDAF and panoramic capabilities. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 | Android 14 | Realme C65 has a newer OS, likely offering a more modern UI and features. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | 802.11ac | 802.11n | Redmi Note 11 supports faster Wi-Fi ac standard and has Wi-Fi Display feature. |
| Bluetooth | 5.1 LE, APT-x | 5.0 LE, EDR, HID | Redmi Note 11 has a slightly newer Bluetooth version, but both offer standard wireless connectivity. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo | Realme C65 supports more satellite systems for better location accuracy. |
| SIM | Dual SIM (Nano) | Dual SIM (Nano) | Both support dual SIM capabilities, useful for managing multiple numbers. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128 GB | 128/256 GB | Realme C65 offers a larger 256 GB option, useful for extensive media or apps. |
| RAM | 4/6 GB | 6/8 GB | Realme C65 comes with more RAM, better for multitasking. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone supports expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Stereo Speakers | Basic audio | Redmi Note 11 provides a slightly better audio experience with stereo speakers. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Both provide quick and easy biometric unlocking. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | Unknown | Redmi Note 11 offers better screen protection than the Realme C65. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Ultrasonic proximity virtual | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass | Redmi Note 11 offers additional sensors like Gyroscope and Ultrasonic proximity sensor. |
2. Key Insights
Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 4G Strengths:
- Sharper Display: The higher resolution and pixel density make the screen noticeably clearer, better for reading, videos, and gaming.
- Slightly Better Performance: The Helio G88 chipset offers a slight edge over the G85 in benchmarks.
- Versatile Cameras: Includes a wide-angle and macro lens for more creative photography options.
- Better Audio: Stereo speakers for more immersive audio experiences.
- Additional Features: Features like reverse charging, 4K video, Wi-Fi Display and additional sensors like Gyroscope are available.
Realme C65 Strengths:
- Newer Device: Launched more recently, benefitting from updated software.
- Faster Charging: 45W charging significantly reduces charging times.
- Larger Display: Slightly bigger screen for enhanced media viewing.
- Better Standard Sensor: Better standard sensor in the rear camera.
- Better Selfie Pixel Size: Larger pixel size on the front camera, making for better selfies.
- More RAM: With a higher RAM option, it offers smoother multitasking and app performance.
- Larger Storage Option: 256 GB variant is available for users with extensive storage needs.
- Better Location Accuracy: Includes QZSS for improved GPS precision.
- Newer OS: Comes with a more recent Android version (14).
- Dedicated Depth Camera: Depth sensor on the rear camera allows for a better portrait mode.
Trade-offs:
- Realme C65 trades screen sharpness and some camera versatility for a larger screen, faster charging, and more recent software.
- Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 4G offers a sharper display and more versatile cameras but is an older phone, meaning less modern software.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 4G is best for:
- Media Consumers: Those who enjoy watching videos and reading on their phones, because of the sharper display and stereo speakers.
- Budget Gamers: The slightly better performance, coupled with a good screen, makes it suitable for casual gaming.
- Photography Enthusiasts (on a budget): The wide-angle and macro lenses offer creative options not available in the Realme C65.
Realme C65 is best for:
- Power Users: Those who prioritize battery and speed due to the fast charging and better RAM options.
- Those Who Want Newer Software: Users who prefer a modern Android experience will appreciate the Android 14 OS.
- Casual Photographers: Those that are happy with standard camera features and prefer to take portrait photos due to depth sensor.
- Storage Seekers: Users who need larger storage capacity for media files and apps.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three practical questions to help you decide:
- Do I prioritize display quality and audio experience, or do I prefer faster charging and a newer OS?
- If display and audio, the Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 4G is better. If faster charging and newer software is important, then the Realme C65 is the right one for you.
- Do I need the flexibility of wide-angle and macro lenses, or would a larger screen and better portrait mode be more useful?
- If wide-angle and macro lenses are needed, then the Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 4G is better. For a larger screen and dedicated depth sensor for better portrait mode, the Realme C65 is better.
- Am I someone who needs an up-to-date device, or am I comfortable with an older device that has slightly better performance?
- If you prefer a newer device with newer features and faster charging, then the Realme C65 is better. If you are content with an older device that offers a better display, then Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 4G is better.
My Choice
If I were to choose, I'd lean towards the Realme C65. Here's why:
While the Redmi Note 11 4G's sharper display and versatile camera setup are appealing, the Realme C65's combination of faster charging, more RAM, and more recent software (Android 14), is just a better overall package in my eyes. Additionally, the inclusion of a portrait (depth) camera, a slightly better main sensor, and a larger screen adds to the versatility of the phone.
As a tech journalist, I'm always testing the newest devices and having up-to-date software and a good battery is really important to me. The ability to charge this device quickly is an essential feature for me as I work and use my device heavily. While the Redmi Note 11 4G was a solid phone, the Realme C65 represents a more compelling option for me right now.
