Okay, let's dive into a detailed comparison of the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 and the Realme C65. I'll break down the tech specs, explain what they mean in the real world, and help you figure out which phone might be the better fit for you.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here's a detailed comparison table, focusing on how these specs translate to your daily use:
| Feature | Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 | Realme C65 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 165.9 × 76.2 × 8 mm | 164.6 × 76.1 × 7.6 mm | Redmi Note 12 is slightly taller and thicker, but both are very similar in hand. The C65 is a tad more svelte, which might be noticeable for users with smaller hands. |
| Weight | 188g | 185g | Minimal difference. Both feel substantial but not heavy. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.67" | 6.67" | Identical size, so no difference in screen real estate. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 720x1604 | Redmi Note 12's display is much sharper. Expect crisper text and images, especially noticeable for reading and detailed content. |
| PPI | 395 | 264 | Sharper details on the Redmi Note 12, whereas the C65 will look less crisp. |
| Technology | AMOLED | IPS LCD | AMOLED offers superior contrast, deeper blacks, and more vibrant colors on the Redmi Note 12. It's also more efficient when using dark modes. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 90Hz | Redmi Note 12 provides a slightly smoother scrolling and animation experience. You may not notice it much unless you're a gamer. |
| Brightness | 1200 nits | 0 nits | Redmi Note 12 is significantly brighter, making it much easier to see in direct sunlight. The C65's lack of brightness data indicates it will likely struggle outdoors. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 4 Gen 1 (6nm) | Mediatek Helio G85 (12nm) | Snapdragon chip in the Redmi Note 12 is more powerful and efficient. Expect snappier performance overall and better power efficiency. |
| AnTuTu Score | 460,800 | 225,154 | The Redmi Note 12 is over twice as fast in benchmarks. This means smoother multitasking and faster app loading, and better gaming performance. |
| GPU | Adreno 619 (Adreno) | Mali-G52 MC2 (Arm Mali-G52 MC2) | The Adreno GPU in the Redmi Note 12 generally offers better graphics performance, which is noticeable for gaming. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 48MP f/1.8 | 50MP f/1.8 | The 50MP sensor might capture slightly more detail but image quality is influenced by the processing. |
| Selfie Camera | 13MP f/2.45 | 8MP f/2.0 | Redmi Note 12 should capture sharper selfies. C65 has a wider aperture which might help in low light for selfies. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 8MP f/2.2 | None | Xiaomi has an extra wide angle lens for creative flexibility. |
| Portrait Lens | None | 2MP f/2.4 | Realme has an extra lens for depth effects. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP f/2.4 | None | Xiaomi has a dedicated macro lens. |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps | Both record the same quality videos. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both have similar battery capacity which should result in comparable battery life. |
| Charging | 33W fast charging | 45W fast charging | Realme C65 charges slightly faster; a handy convenience. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 12 | Android 14 | Realme C65 comes with the newer Android version, which should mean you have the newest features and a longer software support. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 5 with MIMO | Wi-Fi 5 | Xiaomi supports MIMO, potentially offering better signal strength. |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.1 | Bluetooth 5.0 | Newer Bluetooth version on the Xiaomi for slightly better connection stability. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128/256 GB | 128/256 GB | Equal storage options. |
| RAM | 4/6/8 GB | 6/8 GB | Slightly more memory on the Realme C65, but even the Redmi Note 12 should perform well. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone allows you to expand the storage via microSD. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | Unknown | Xiaomi provides more protection, which is better for long term use. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Gyroscope, Ultrasonic proximity virtual | Proximity | Xiaomi includes a gyroscope for more sensor based gaming, while the Realme only has the basics. |
2. Key Insights
Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Strengths:
- Superior Display: The AMOLED screen with higher resolution and brightness provides a much better viewing experience than the LCD screen on the Realme.
- Stronger Performance: The Snapdragon 4 Gen 1 chipset delivers significantly better performance for daily tasks, multitasking, and gaming, leading to a smoother user experience.
- Additional Camera Features: The Redmi Note 12 includes an ultra-wide lens, while the Realme C65 uses a depth sensor. Also more camera options like RAW mode.
- Better Screen Protection: Corning Gorilla Glass 3 offers more protection than unknown protection.
- Better connectivity: Features better and newer WiFi & Bluetooth options.
- More sensors: Features a Gyroscope, Ultrasonic proximity virtual
Realme C65 Strengths:
- Faster Charging: 45W charging is a nice perk for those who need to top up quickly.
- Newer OS: Android 14 out of the box will mean that you get the newest software for a longer period of time.
Trade-offs and Limitations:
- Display Quality: The Realme C65’s display is its weakest link, particularly in outdoor visibility and sharpness.
- Performance Difference: The Realme C65 lags significantly behind in performance, impacting responsiveness and gaming experience.
- Expandability: Neither devices can be expanded via SD card.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Xiaomi Redmi Note 12:
- Ideal For: Users who prioritize display quality (for content consumption, reading, and viewing photos/videos), gaming and smooth performance, and those who want a better overall experience.
- Use Cases: Streaming videos, social media browsing, moderate gaming, everyday multitasking, and outdoor use.
Realme C65:
- Ideal For: Users on a strict budget who value fast charging and software version over everything else, not concerned about a premium display or top-tier performance.
- Use Cases: Basic social media, messaging, and simple browsing, low demanding daily tasks.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three practical questions to guide your choice:
How important is display quality to you?
- If very important: The Xiaomi Redmi Note 12, with its superior AMOLED display, is the obvious choice.
- If not a priority: You can save a bit with the Realme C65 if you are happy with a lower resolution LCD.
How often do you play games or push your phone with heavy tasks?
- If frequently: Go with the Redmi Note 12; its better chipset is important for smoother, quicker loading times.
- If light usage only: The Realme C65 may be adequate for basic tasks.
How much value do you place on having the latest software version versus display and performance?
- If latest software is the most important then Realme C65 is for you, although it comes with the compromise of worse display and performance.
- If performance and better display matters more then the Redmi Note 12 is the better choice.
My Choice
If I were choosing between these two, I'd go with the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12. The AMOLED display alone is a huge selling point for me; the higher resolution, vibrancy, and brightness make a noticeable difference in everyday use. Additionally, as a tech enthusiast and journalist, I value the better performance and the additional camera features offered by the Snapdragon chip and wide angle lens. While the slightly faster charging on the Realme is nice, it simply doesn't outweigh the better overall experience the Redmi Note 12 offers.
