The sub-$150 smartphone market is fiercely competitive, and the itel P65 and Xiaomi Redmi 13C 5G represent two compelling options for users seeking 5G connectivity on a tight budget. While both aim for affordability, they diverge significantly in their core hardware, particularly in the chipset department. This comparison will dissect those differences to determine which phone delivers the best value.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Xiaomi Redmi 13C 5G is the superior choice. Its Mediatek Dimensity 6100+ chipset, built on a more efficient 6nm process, provides a noticeable performance advantage over the itel P65’s Unisoc T615, making it better suited for multitasking and demanding applications. However, the itel P65 remains a viable option for basic users prioritizing simplicity.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 - International |
| 4G bands | LTE | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 18, 19, 20, 26, 28, 32, 38, 40, 41, 66 - International |
| 5G bands | - | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66, 77, 78 SA/NSA - International |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2024, August 08 | 2023, December 06 |
| Status | Available. Released 2024, August 08 | Available. Released 2023, December 16 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 3), plastic frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 165.9 x 77.3 x 7.9 mm (6.53 x 3.04 x 0.31 in) | 168.1 x 77.9 x 8.2 mm (6.62 x 3.07 x 0.32 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 192.4 g (6.81 oz) | 192 g or 195 g (6.77 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 |
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~262 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~260 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.7 inches, 108.4 cm2 (~84.5% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.74 inches, 109.7 cm2 (~83.8% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 120Hz | IPS LCD, 90Hz, 450 nits (typ), 600 nits (HBM) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x1.8 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Unisoc T615 (12 nm) | Mediatek Dimensity 6100+ (6 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MP1 | Mali-G57 MC2 |
| OS | Android 14, itel OS 14 | Android 13, MIUI 14 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 6GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, HDR |
| Single | 50 MP, f/1.6, (wide)
Auxiliary lens | 50 MP, f/1.8, 28mm (wide), 1/2.76", 1.12µm, PDAF
Auxiliary lens |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | - | HDR |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide) | 5 MP, f/2.2, (wide) |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | Yes | 5.3, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | Yes (256/6GB model only) | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio |
| USB | USB Type-C, OTG | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Yes | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 18W wired, 40% in 30 min | 18W wired, PD |
| Type | 5000 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Cyber Blaze, Cyber Black, Cyber Titanium | Starry Black, Twilight Blue, Starry Silver, Starlight Black, Startrail Green, Startrail Silver |
| Models | P671L | 23124RN87G, 23124RN87I, 23124RN87C |
| Price | About 110 EUR | $ 198.99 / £ 119.00 / € 116.99 / ₹ 10,895 |
| SAR | - | 1.09 W/kg (head) 1.09 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | - | 0.98 W/kg (head) 0.98 W/kg (body) |
itel P65
- Simple and straightforward user interface
- Potentially lower price point
- Reliable for basic smartphone tasks
- Significantly weaker performance compared to the Redmi 13C 5G
- Less efficient chipset leading to potentially shorter battery life
- Limited future-proofing
Xiaomi Redmi 13C 5G
- Superior performance with the Dimensity 6100+ chipset
- More power-efficient processor for longer battery life
- PD support for potentially faster charging
- May be slightly more expensive than the itel P65
- Xiaomi’s MIUI software can be resource-intensive
- Camera performance relies heavily on software optimization
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Both are likely to feature LCD panels, common in this price bracket. The key difference lies under the hood: processing power impacts UI smoothness. While specific display specs (resolution, brightness) are unavailable, the Redmi 13C 5G’s more powerful chipset will contribute to a more responsive and fluid visual experience, even if the panel itself is similar. Expect standard 60Hz refresh rates on both.
Camera Comparison
Without detailed camera specifications, a direct comparison is difficult. However, given the price point, both phones likely feature a primary camera paired with depth or macro sensors of limited utility. The Redmi 13C 5G’s image signal processor (ISP), integrated within the Dimensity 6100+, will likely offer more sophisticated image processing capabilities, potentially resulting in better dynamic range and noise reduction compared to the Unisoc T615’s ISP. Expect similar performance in good lighting conditions, but the Redmi should excel in low-light scenarios.
Performance
The performance gap is the defining characteristic of this comparison. The Xiaomi Redmi 13C 5G’s Mediatek Dimensity 6100+ (6nm) is a clear upgrade over the itel P65’s Unisoc T615 (12nm). The 6nm process node translates to improved power efficiency and reduced heat generation, allowing the Dimensity 6100+ to sustain higher clock speeds for longer. The CPU configuration – 2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 vs 2x1.8 GHz Cortex-A75 – further favors the Redmi, offering a substantial boost in single-core and multi-core performance. This difference will be most noticeable in app loading times, multitasking, and gaming.
Battery Life
Both devices offer 18W wired charging, with the Redmi 13C 5G adding Power Delivery (PD) support for potentially faster charging with compatible chargers. While battery capacity isn’t specified, the Dimensity 6100+’s superior power efficiency means the Redmi 13C 5G will likely deliver comparable or even better battery life despite potentially having a similar capacity to the itel P65. The 40% charge in 30 minutes claim for the itel P65 suggests a full charge will take around 90-120 minutes, while PD support on the Redmi could shave off some charging time.
Buying Guide
Buy the itel P65 if you need a simple, reliable smartphone for essential tasks like calls, messaging, and light social media use, and prioritize a straightforward user experience. Buy the Xiaomi Redmi 13C 5G if you prefer a phone capable of handling more demanding apps, enjoy occasional gaming, and want the benefits of a more modern and efficient processor for future-proofing.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Unisoc T615 in the itel P65 struggle with popular apps like WhatsApp and Facebook?
While the Unisoc T615 can handle basic apps like WhatsApp and Facebook, you may experience occasional lag or slowdowns when multitasking or using more demanding features within those apps. The Redmi 13C 5G’s Dimensity 6100+ will provide a much smoother experience.
❓ Is the 18W charging on the Redmi 13C 5G significantly faster than the itel P65, considering they both have the same wattage?
Yes, the Redmi 13C 5G’s 18W charging with Power Delivery (PD) support can be faster. PD allows for dynamic voltage adjustment, potentially optimizing the charging process and reducing overall charging time when used with a compatible PD charger. The itel P65 lacks this feature.
❓ Can the Redmi 13C 5G handle light gaming like PUBG Mobile or Call of Duty Mobile?
The Redmi 13C 5G can handle light gaming, but you’ll likely need to lower the graphics settings to medium or low to achieve playable frame rates. The Unisoc T615 in the itel P65 will struggle significantly with these titles, even on the lowest settings.
❓ How does the software experience differ between the itel P65 and the Xiaomi Redmi 13C 5G?
The itel P65 likely runs a near-stock version of Android, offering a cleaner and simpler user experience. The Redmi 13C 5G runs Xiaomi’s MIUI, which is heavily customized and includes numerous features, but can also be more resource-intensive and include pre-installed bloatware.
