Okay, let's dive deep into a comparison between the Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 and the Xiaomi Poco C65. I'll be breaking down these devices like a seasoned engineer, translating the tech jargon into real-world experiences that matter to you.
1. Specifications Breakdown
| Feature | Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 | Xiaomi Poco C65 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 159.9 x 73.9 x 8.1 mm | 168 x 78 x 8.1 mm | The Poco C65 is noticeably taller and wider, which may feel less comfortable for those with smaller hands. Both share the same 8.1mm thickness. |
| Weight | 179g | 192g | The Redmi Note 11 is slightly lighter, which is beneficial for extended single-handed use. |
| Build | Standard | Standard | Both phones are standard non-folding designs |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.43" | 6.74" | Poco C65 has a bigger screen, great for media consumption, while Redmi Note 11 is more compact. |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 | 720 x 1600 | Redmi Note 11 offers much sharper visuals and text due to higher pixel count. |
| PPI | 409 | 260 | Redmi Note 11 has a significantly sharper display and better clarity overall. |
| Technology | AMOLED | IPS LCD | Redmi Note 11 boasts better contrast, deeper blacks, more vibrant colors and potentially better battery life with dark themes. |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 90Hz | Both offer a fluid 90Hz experience for smoother scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 1000 nits | 0 nits | Redmi Note 11 shines brightly in direct sunlight, while the Poco C65's screen visibility under sunlight may be compromised due to missing data here |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 680 (6nm) | Mediatek Helio G85 (12nm) | Redmi Note 11's 6nm chip is more efficient and slightly faster compared to the 12nm chip in Poco C65. |
| Antutu Score | 314,000 | 237,768 | Redmi Note 11's higher score means smoother performance, and faster app loading |
| GPU | Adreno 610 | Mali-G52 MC2 | Redmi Note 11 has an edge in graphics, which can lead to slightly smoother gaming and graphic performance in apps. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard | 50MP, f/1.8 | 50MP, f/1.8 | Both phones share the same main camera sensor. Expect similar image quality in good lighting conditions. |
| Selfie | 13MP, f/2.4 | 8MP, f/2.2 | Redmi Note 11 captures more detailed selfies, while Poco C65's slightly wider aperture might perform a bit better in low-light situations, but the lack of pixel size information makes it hard to know for sure. |
| Wide Angle | 8MP, f/2.2 | None | Redmi Note 11 offers versatility with its ultra-wide lens. |
| Portrait | 2MP, f/2.4 | 2MP, f/2.4 | Both include a basic 2MP depth sensor for portrait mode effects. |
| Macro | 2MP, f/2.4 | 2MP, f/2.4 | Both include a basic 2MP macro lens. |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps | Both capture video up to 1080p. |
| Camera Features | Quadruple camera, Digital image stabilization, Autofocus, Touch focus, Geotagging, HDR, Face detection, White balance settings, ISO settings, Exposure compensation, Scene mode, Self-timer, Night Mode | Triple camera, Digital image stabilization, Autofocus, Touch focus, Continuous shooting, Geotagging, HDR, Face detection, White balance settings, ISO settings, Exposure compensation, Scene mode, Self-timer, RAW, 4k video | Redmi Note 11 has more shooting modes, while Poco C65 has 4k Video, continuous shooting and RAW support |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both phones have the same battery capacity. |
| Charging | 33W Fast | 18W Fast | Redmi Note 11 charges significantly faster, minimizing downtime. |
| Battery Features | Reverse Charging | Reverse Charging | Both include the ability to reverse charge other devices. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 (upgradable to 13) | Android 13 | Poco C65 offers a more updated Android experience out of the box. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, MIMO on Note 11 | 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac | Both offer dual-band Wi-Fi, with Redmi Note 11 featuring an additional MIMO feature. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 LE | 5.3 LE | Poco C65 has newer Bluetooth version and apt-x |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | Both have similar location capabilities. |
| SIM | Dual SIM Dual Standby | Dual SIM Dual Standby | Both offer dual SIM support. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 64/128/256 GB | 128/256 GB | Both offer the same maximum storage, but Redmi Note 11 gives the option for a 64 GB option. |
| RAM | 4/6/8 GB | 4/6/8 GB | Both offer similar RAM options, good for multitasking. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone supports expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Stereo Speakers | Basic audio | Redmi Note 11 provides a better audio experience with stereo speakers. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Side Fingerprint | Side Fingerprint | Both offer similar fingerprint security. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | Unspecified | Redmi Note 11 offers better protection with Corning Gorilla Glass. |
| Sensors | |||
| Fingerprint, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Proximity, Virtual Ultrasonic Proximity sensor | Fingerprint, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Proximity, Virtual Ultrasonic Proximity sensor | Both have a comprehensive sensor suite |
2. Key Insights
Xiaomi Redmi Note 11:
- Strengths: Superior AMOLED display with higher resolution, brightness, and better color reproduction. More robust performance due to the Snapdragon 680 chip. Faster 33W charging. Versatile camera system with an ultra-wide lens. Stereo speakers and a more premium build with Gorilla Glass protection.
- Competitive Advantages: Delivers a higher-quality display experience for media consumption. The faster charging and a slightly better camera system add convenience and versatility. Better overall smoothness and fluidity.
- Trade-offs: Older Android software out of the box. No expandable storage.
Xiaomi Poco C65:
- Strengths: Larger display, which can be good for media consumption. Newer Android software out of the box. Newer Bluetooth version with apt-x support. 4K video and RAW support.
- Competitive Advantages: Slightly newer software and a larger display for those who prefer that.
- Trade-offs: Lower-resolution and lower-quality IPS LCD display. Slower charging speed. Lacks an ultra-wide camera and the performance is a little less compared to the Redmi Note 11.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Redmi Note 11:
- Ideal for: Users who prioritize display quality, smooth performance, and faster charging. Great for multimedia lovers and everyday users looking for a balanced phone.
- Use cases: Streaming videos, gaming, social media browsing, capturing photos in various scenarios, and anyone looking for a good all-round smartphone experience.
Poco C65:
- Ideal for: Users who prefer a bigger display, a more recent version of Android out of the box, and need 4K video recording capabilities.
- Use cases: Watching lots of videos, casual gaming, and day to day use.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three practical questions to help you decide:
How important is display quality to you?
- If top-notch visuals are crucial, the Redmi Note 11's AMOLED display is a clear winner. If a larger display is more important then go with Poco C65.
How do you value battery life and charging?
- If fast charging is a must, the Redmi Note 11's 33W charging is more convenient. If slower charging is not a big problem then you can consider Poco C65.
How important is camera versatility?
- If you value an ultra-wide lens and other modes more than 4k video the Redmi Note 11 is the winner. However if you prioritize a basic camera with 4k video and RAW image recording, Poco C65 wins.
Scenario-based recommendations:
- Media Junkie: Go with Redmi Note 11 for its amazing screen and stereo speakers.
- Casual User: Both would be fine, but consider Redmi Note 11 if you prefer better performance.
- Budget Gamer: Redmi Note 11 has an edge with slightly better graphics performance.
- Photography Enthusiast: Redmi Note 11 has a wider camera system but the Poco C65 offers more advanced features such as 4K Video and RAW capture.
My Choice
For me, the Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 is the clear winner. The superior AMOLED display with its vibrant colors and higher resolution makes a significant difference in everyday use. The faster charging is also a huge plus. While the Poco C65 does have its advantages, such as a larger display and a newer Android version out of the box, the overall user experience on the Redmi Note 11 is more refined. The display quality is a game-changer, and combined with the better performance and faster charging, it suits my needs far better.
