Alright, let's dive into a head-to-head comparison of the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 and the Xiaomi Poco C65. I'll break down the specs, highlight the key differences, and tell you what it all means for your day-to-day use.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here's a detailed look at the specs, and more importantly, what they mean for you:
| Feature | Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 | Xiaomi Poco C65 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Launch Date | 2023-01-11 | 2023-11-06 | Poco C65 is newer, potentially offering longer software support. |
| Dimensions | 165.9 x 76.2 x 8 mm | 168 x 78 x 8.1 mm | Poco C65 is slightly larger; both have similar thickness, pocketability |
| Weight | 188g | 192g | Practically identical weight; both feel similar in hand. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.67" | 6.74" | Negligible difference; both offer large screens for immersive experiences. |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 | 720 x 1600 | Redmi Note 12 is sharper, with more detail for reading/video. |
| Pixel Density (PPI) | 395 | 260 | Redmi Note 12 has much sharper text and images, less pixelation |
| Technology | AMOLED | IPS LCD | Redmi Note 12 has richer blacks, higher contrast, more vibrant colours. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 90Hz | Redmi Note 12 is smoother when scrolling, especially for gaming and social media |
| Brightness | 1200 nits | 0 nits | Redmi Note 12 is much brighter, better for use in sunny environments. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 4 Gen 1 | Helio G85 | Redmi Note 12 has significantly better performance for multitasking and gaming |
| AnTuTu Score | 460,800 | 237,768 | Redmi Note 12 is nearly twice as fast for daily tasks and demanding apps. |
| GPU | Adreno 619 | Mali-G52 MC2 | Redmi Note 12 offers better graphics performance, better for gaming |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 48MP | 50MP | Both have good main sensors, Redmi Note 12 has wider aperture. |
| Selfie Camera | 13MP | 8MP | Redmi Note 12 takes higher resolution selfies, Poco C65 has slightly wider aperture |
| Wide Angle Lens | 8MP | No | Redmi Note 12 captures wider scenes, Poco C65 is lacking this. |
| Portrait Lens | No | 2MP | Poco C65 can add depth to portrait shots. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP | 2MP | Both can take close-up macro photos. |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps | Both have standard video; however, Poco C65 has 4k option for more resolution (not 30FPS) |
| DxOMark | 69 | Not Tested | Redmi Note 12's camera performance has been benchmarked. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both should offer similar battery life, depending on use. |
| Charging | 33W Fast Charging | 18W Fast Charging | Redmi Note 12 charges faster, gets you back on the go quicker. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 12 | Android 13 | Poco C65 has newer OS, potentially better future software support. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 5 | Wi-Fi 5 | Both provide standard Wi-Fi; Redmi Note 12 additionally supports: Wi-Fi MiMO |
| Bluetooth | 5.1 | 5.3 | Poco C65 has a newer Bluetooth version; Slightly faster and more energy efficient |
| GPS | L1+L5 | Standard | Redmi Note 12 has more precise GPS for navigation. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 128GB/256GB | 128GB/256GB | Both come in similar capacities, enough space for apps and media. |
| RAM | 4/6/8GB | 4/6/8GB | Both are sufficient for multitasking and gaming, depending on the model selected |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither allow expandable storage; choose storage carefully. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Gorilla Glass 3 | Unknown | Redmi Note 12 screen is more protected from scratches and minor drops. |
2. Key Insights
Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Strengths:
- Superior Display: The AMOLED screen with its higher resolution, refresh rate, and brightness is a huge advantage, making everything look crisper, smoother, and more vibrant, especially under bright conditions.
- Better Performance: The Snapdragon 4 Gen 1 chipset offers significantly better processing power, leading to smoother multitasking and a more enjoyable gaming experience.
- Faster Charging: 33W charging will get your phone back up and running much faster than the Poco C65's 18W charging.
- Enhanced Camera: With an 8MP Wide Angle lens, the Redmi Note 12 offers more versatility for photography, and it also comes with a DxOMark score, demonstrating its tested performance.
- Better Build Quality: Corning Gorilla Glass 3 is a big plus when it comes to daily usage
Xiaomi Poco C65 Strengths:
- Newer Software: Running Android 13 out of the box means it's up-to-date and might receive more software updates in the long run.
- Better Bluetooth version: Newer is always better.
- Slightly Larger Screen: The .07-inch difference is minor, but some people might prefer the slightly larger display.
- Portrait lens It is a nice-to-have feature
- 4k Video option: It is good to know the phone can shoot 4k video.
Trade-offs and Limitations:
- The Poco C65's display is its weakest point, with lower resolution, an LCD panel, and no brightness information, making it a downgrade compared to the Redmi Note 12.
- While the Poco C65 has a newer OS and Bluetooth, its processor and GPU are weaker, leading to slower performance.
- Neither phone has expandable storage, so you're locked into the storage variant you choose.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
- Xiaomi Redmi Note 12:
- Ideal For: Users who prioritize a great visual experience (watching videos, browsing social media) and smooth performance for daily use. Also suitable for casual gamers due to its superior processor and GPU.
- Use Cases: Daily social media use, web browsing, watching videos, light gaming, those who need a reliable camera with the flexibility of an ultra-wide lens.
- Xiaomi Poco C65:
- Ideal For: Users on a stricter budget who need a large screen and a phone with newer software. Ideal for basic everyday tasks.
- Use Cases: Primarily used for communication, basic web browsing, and light app usage. It is suited for those who prefer a larger screen without requiring high performance.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three practical questions to help you decide:
- Do you prioritize display quality? If a crisp, vibrant, and bright display is essential for your phone usage, the Redmi Note 12 is the clear winner.
- How important is performance to you? If you multitask a lot, play games, or use demanding apps, the Redmi Note 12's Snapdragon chipset will serve you better.
- Are you okay with not having expandable storage? If you're planning on storing a lot of media, choose the 256GB variant of either phone.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- For the Casual User: If you mainly use your phone for basic tasks like calls, texts, browsing, and social media, both can get the job done. However, the Redmi Note 12 will offer a better display, which might make the extra money worth it.
- For the Media Enthusiast: The Redmi Note 12 is the much better choice, as its screen is far superior for consuming visual content.
- For the Gamer: The Redmi Note 12 is the clear winner, as its superior processor and GPU will translate to a smoother and more enjoyable gaming experience.
My Choice
If it were my money, I would choose the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12. The significant improvements in display quality, processing power, and charging speed more than justify the potential price difference. Although the Poco C65 has a slightly newer Android version and Bluetooth, the overall experience of the Redmi Note 12 is far superior, especially for those who value visual quality and performance. The enhanced camera features and better build quality also solidify its appeal as a more well-rounded device.
