Infinix Hot 50i vs Xiaomi Poco C65: A Deep Dive into Budget Smartphone Performance

The sub-$150 smartphone market is fiercely competitive, and the Infinix Hot 50i and Xiaomi Poco C65 are two contenders vying for your attention. Both devices aim to deliver essential smartphone functionality at an accessible price point, but they take slightly different approaches to achieving this. This comparison will dissect their key specifications to determine which device offers the best value for your money.
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🏆 Quick Verdict

For the average user prioritizing sustained performance and a brighter display, the Xiaomi Poco C65 emerges as the better choice. Its Helio G85 chipset, coupled with the measured 607 nits of brightness, provides a smoother experience and better visibility in outdoor conditions. However, the Infinix Hot 50i’s reverse wired charging is a unique feature.

PHONES
Phone Names Infinix Hot 50i Xiaomi Poco C65
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 - International
4G bands1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 20, 25, 26, 28, 38, 41, 40, 661, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66 - International
SpeedHSPA, LTEHSPA, LTE
TechnologyGSM / HSPA / LTEGSM / HSPA / LTE
Launch
Announced2024, September 232023, November 05
StatusAvailable. Released 2024, OctoberAvailable. Released 2023, November 06
Body
BuildGlass front, plastic back, plastic frameGlass front (Gorilla Glass), plastic frame, plastic back
Dimensions165.7 x 77.1 x 8.1 mm (6.52 x 3.04 x 0.32 in)168 x 78 x 8.1 mm (6.61 x 3.07 x 0.32 in)
SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIM
Weight184 g (6.49 oz)192 g (6.77 oz)
Display
Protection-Corning Gorilla Glass
Resolution720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~262 ppi density)720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~260 ppi density)
Size6.7 inches, 108.4 cm2 (~84.8% screen-to-body ratio)6.74 inches, 109.7 cm2 (~83.7% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeIPS LCD, 120Hz, 500 nits (peak)IPS LCD, 90Hz, 450 nits (typ), 600 nits (HBM)
Platform
CPUOcta-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.7 GHz Cortex-A55)Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55)
ChipsetMediatek Helio G81Mediatek MT6769Z Helio G85 (12 nm)
GPUMali-G52 MC2Mali-G52 MC2
OSAndroid 14, XOS 14.5Android 13, upgradable to Android 15, HyperOS 2
Memory
Card slotmicroSDXC (dedicated slot)microSDXC (dedicated slot)
Internal128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 256GB 4GB RAM, 256GB 6GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM
Main Camera
Dual-50 MP, f/1.8, 28mm (wide), 0.64µm, PDAF 2 MP (macro) Auxiliary lens
FeaturesDual-LED flash, HDR, panoramaLED flash, HDR
Single48 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.0", 0.8µm, AF Auxiliary lens-
Video1080p@30fps1080p@30fps
Selfie camera
Features-HDR
Single8 MP, f/2.0, (wide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm8 MP, f/2.0
VideoYes1080p@30fps
Sound
35mm jackYesYes
Loudspeaker Yes, with stereo speakersYes
Comms
BluetoothYes5.3, A2DP, LE
NFCNoYes (market/region dependent)
PositioningGPSGPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS
RadioFM radioFM radio, recording
USBUSB Type-C 2.0, OTGUSB Type-C 2.0
WLANWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-bandWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band
Features
SensorsFingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compassFingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, compass
Battery
Charging18W wired Reverse wired Bypass charging18W wired, PD
Type5000 mAhLi-Po 5000 mAh
Misc
ColorsSleek Black, Sage Green, Titanium GreyBlack, Blue, Purple
ModelsX6531, X6531B2310FPCA4G, 2310FPCA4I
Price-€ 99.95 / $ 139.99 / £ 115.99 / ₹ 8,999
SAR EU-0.99 W/kg (head)     1.00 W/kg (body)

Infinix Hot 50i

  • Unique reverse wired charging capability
  • Bypass charging allows use while charging
  • Potentially lower price point (depending on region)

  • Likely lower peak display brightness
  • Potentially less efficient chipset (Helio G81)
  • Missing battery capacity specification

Xiaomi Poco C65

  • Brighter display (607 nits)
  • More efficient chipset (Helio G85)
  • Longer battery life (11:31h active use)

  • Lacks reverse wired charging
  • Standard 60Hz display refresh rate
  • Camera details are limited

Display Comparison

The Xiaomi Poco C65 boasts a significantly brighter display, reaching a measured peak brightness of 607 nits, compared to the Infinix Hot 50i which lacks published brightness data. This difference translates to superior readability under direct sunlight. While both likely utilize IPS LCD panels, the Poco C65’s 1555:1 contrast ratio suggests deeper blacks and more vibrant colors. The absence of refresh rate information for both devices indicates a standard 60Hz panel, which is typical for this price segment, but limits smoothness during scrolling and animations.

Camera Comparison

Detailed camera analysis is hampered by the limited information provided. Both phones likely feature a primary camera and depth sensor, but specifics like sensor size and aperture are missing. The focus should be on real-world image quality, which is heavily influenced by software processing. Without sample images, it’s difficult to assess which device delivers superior photos. The presence of a 'Photo/Video' designation for the Poco C65 suggests a more versatile camera experience, but this is speculative. The absence of details regarding video recording capabilities further complicates the comparison.

Performance

Both the Infinix Hot 50i and Poco C65 are powered by Mediatek Helio G series chipsets. The Poco C65 utilizes the Helio G85 (12nm), while the Hot 50i features the Helio G81. While both CPUs share the same core configuration – 2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 and 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55 in the Poco C65 versus 2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.7 GHz Cortex-A55 in the Hot 50i – the G85’s slightly higher Cortex-A55 clock speed and more efficient 12nm process should result in marginally better sustained performance and thermal management. This translates to potentially smoother multitasking and slightly longer gaming sessions before throttling occurs. The lack of RAM specifications for both devices makes a direct comparison difficult, but adequate RAM is crucial for overall responsiveness.

Battery Life

The Xiaomi Poco C65 demonstrates a clear advantage in battery life, achieving an active use score of 11:31h. While the Infinix Hot 50i’s battery capacity is not specified, the Poco C65’s performance indicates a well-optimized power management system. Both devices support 18W wired charging, but the Poco C65 adds Power Delivery (PD) support, enabling faster charging with compatible chargers. The Hot 50i uniquely offers reverse wired charging, allowing it to function as a power bank for other devices, and bypass charging, which allows charging while in use.

Buying Guide

Buy the Infinix Hot 50i if you need a phone with the flexibility of reverse wired charging to top up accessories or other devices. This is a niche feature rarely found in this price bracket. Buy the Xiaomi Poco C65 if you prioritize a more responsive user experience, better display visibility, and longer battery life during active use, as evidenced by its 11:31h score.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Does the Poco C65 support fast charging, and how long does it take to fully charge?
The Poco C65 supports 18W wired charging with Power Delivery (PD). While a full 0-100% charge time isn't specified, PD support suggests it will charge faster with a compatible PD charger compared to a standard 18W charger. Expect around 2-3 hours for a full charge with a standard 18W adapter.
❓ Is the Helio G85 in the Poco C65 powerful enough for playing demanding games like PUBG Mobile?
The Helio G85 is capable of running PUBG Mobile, but you'll likely need to lower the graphics settings to medium or low to achieve a consistently smooth frame rate. The chipset's performance is adequate for casual gaming, but don't expect flagship-level performance.
❓ What is the benefit of reverse wired charging on the Infinix Hot 50i?
Reverse wired charging allows you to use the Infinix Hot 50i as a power bank to charge other devices, such as wireless earbuds, smartwatches, or even another smartphone. This is a useful feature for travelers or anyone who frequently finds themselves needing to top up their accessories on the go.
❓ How does the 12nm process of the Helio G85 impact the Poco C65's battery life?
The 12nm process node of the Helio G85 is more efficient than the 12nm process of the Helio G81. This means the G85 consumes less power for the same level of performance, contributing to the Poco C65's longer battery life during active use.