The sub-$200 smartphone market is fiercely competitive, and the Realme C65 and Honor X7b 5G (50 MP) are two strong contenders vying for your attention. Both aim to deliver 5G connectivity and essential features at an accessible price point, but they take different approaches to achieving this. This comparison dives deep into their specifications, focusing on the core differences in performance and charging capabilities.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing overall performance and future-proofing, the Honor X7b 5G (50 MP) is the better choice. Its Mediatek Dimensity 6020, built on a more efficient 7nm process, offers a noticeable performance uplift over the Realme C65’s Helio G85, despite the C65’s faster 45W charging.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 | LTE |
| 5G bands | - | SA/NSA |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2024, April 02 | 2024, June |
| Status | Available. Released 2024, April | Available. Released 2024, June |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 164.6 x 76.1 x 7.6 mm (6.48 x 3.00 x 0.30 in) | 166.7 x 76.5 x 8.2 mm (6.56 x 3.01 x 0.32 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 185 g (6.53 oz) | 199 g (7.02 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1604 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~264 ppi density) | 1080 x 2412 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~389 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.67 inches, 107.2 cm2 (~85.6% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.8 inches, 111.3 cm2 (~87.3% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 90Hz, 500 nits (typ), 625 nits (HBM) | IPS LCD, 90Hz, 850 nits (peak) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek Helio G85 (12 nm) | Mediatek Dimensity 6020 (7 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G52 MC2 | Mali-G57 MC2 |
| OS | Android 14, Realme UI 5.0 | Android 13, Magic OS 7.2 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | No |
| Internal | 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM | 256GB 8GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), PDAF
Auxiliary lens | 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), PDAF
Auxiliary lens |
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide) | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide) |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.1, A2DP, LE, aptX HD |
| NFC | Yes | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS, GALILEO, GLONASS, QZSS, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | Unspecified | No |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0 | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 45W wired | 35W wired |
| Type | 5000 mAh | Li-Po 6000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Purple Nebula, Black Milky Way | Crystal Silver, Emerald Green, Midnight Black |
| Models | RMX3910 | - |
| Price | About 410 EUR | About 200 EUR |
Realme C65
- Faster 45W charging for quicker top-ups.
- Competitive price point.
- Sufficient for basic smartphone tasks.
- Less powerful and efficient Helio G85 chipset.
- Potential for thermal throttling during extended use.
- Older CPU architecture.
Honor X7b 5G (50 MP)
- More efficient Mediatek Dimensity 6020 chipset.
- Improved CPU and GPU performance.
- Better long-term performance and multitasking.
- Slower 35W charging.
- May be slightly more expensive.
- No standout features beyond the chipset.
Display Comparison
Neither Realme nor Honor provide detailed display specifications beyond resolution. However, the display is likely to be a standard LCD panel on both devices given the price point. The absence of high refresh rates or advanced features like LTPO is expected. Bezels are likely comparable, and color accuracy will be typical for this segment – adequate for everyday use but not ideal for color-critical work.
Camera Comparison
Both phones feature a 50MP main camera, but the supporting details are crucial. Without knowing sensor size or aperture, it’s difficult to definitively declare a winner. However, the image signal processor (ISP) within the Dimensity 6020 likely offers more advanced image processing capabilities, potentially leading to better dynamic range and low-light performance. The Realme C65’s camera system is likely optimized for quick snapshots, while the Honor X7b 5G may offer more refined image quality. The inclusion of a 2MP macro camera on both devices is largely a marketing tactic and offers limited practical benefit.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Honor X7b 5G’s Mediatek Dimensity 6020 (7nm) represents a significant architectural advantage over the Realme C65’s Helio G85 (12nm). The 7nm process allows for greater transistor density and improved power efficiency, translating to better sustained performance and less thermal throttling. While both CPUs feature an octa-core configuration, the Dimensity 6020 utilizes more modern Cortex-A76 cores (2x2.2 GHz) compared to the C65’s Cortex-A75 cores (2x2.0 GHz). This results in a tangible performance boost in CPU-intensive tasks and gaming. The GPU within the Dimensity 6020 will also offer a superior graphical experience.
Battery Life
The Realme C65 boasts 45W wired charging, significantly faster than the Honor X7b 5G’s 35W. This translates to a quicker 0-100% charge time, a clear advantage for users who prioritize rapid replenishment. However, the Dimensity 6020’s superior power efficiency may offset the smaller charging wattage. While battery capacity isn’t specified, the more efficient chipset in the Honor X7b 5G could deliver comparable or even better real-world battery life despite the slower charging speed.
Buying Guide
Buy the Realme C65 if you prioritize the fastest possible charging speeds and are primarily focused on basic smartphone tasks like social media and light web browsing. Buy the Honor X7b 5G (50 MP) if you value a more responsive user experience, better multitasking capabilities, and a chipset designed for sustained performance, making it a better long-term investment, especially for those occasionally engaging in mobile gaming.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Dimensity 6020 in the Honor X7b 5G handle demanding games like PUBG Mobile smoothly?
The Dimensity 6020 is a capable chipset for gaming at medium settings. While it won't deliver flagship-level performance, it should provide a playable experience in PUBG Mobile and similar titles. The 7nm process helps mitigate thermal throttling, allowing for more sustained gameplay compared to the Helio G85.
❓ How long will it take to fully charge the Realme C65 with the 45W charger?
Realme claims a full charge from 0-100% with the 45W charger takes approximately 48 minutes. This is a significant advantage over the Honor X7b 5G, making it ideal for users who need a quick power boost.
❓ Is the 2MP macro camera on either phone worth using?
Generally, 2MP macro cameras on budget phones offer limited image quality. They often lack detail and sharpness. While they can be fun to experiment with, don't expect professional-level macro photography from either device.
❓ Does the Honor X7b 5G support carrier aggregation for faster 5G speeds?
While not explicitly stated, the Dimensity 6020 chipset *typically* supports carrier aggregation, which can significantly improve 5G download speeds depending on your carrier and location. Check with your carrier for specific compatibility details.