The sub-$200 smartphone market is fiercely competitive. The Realme C65 and Infinix Note 40 Pro represent compelling options, but cater to slightly different priorities. The C65 focuses on affordability, while the Note 40 Pro aims to elevate the experience with a more powerful chipset and advanced charging capabilities. This comparison will dissect their strengths and weaknesses to determine which device reigns supreme.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Infinix Note 40 Pro is the superior choice. Its Mediatek Dimensity 7020 chipset delivers significantly better performance than the Realme C65’s Helio G85, and the addition of 50W MagCharge wireless charging adds a level of convenience the C65 simply can’t match. While the C65 is cheaper, the performance gap justifies the price difference.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 42, 66 |
| 5G bands | - | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 12, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66, 77, 78 SA/NSA |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2024, April 02 | 2024, March 18 |
| Status | Available. Released 2024, April | Available. Released 2024, March 19 |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 164.6 x 76.1 x 7.6 mm (6.48 x 3.00 x 0.30 in) | 164.3 x 74.5 x 8.1 mm (6.47 x 2.93 x 0.32 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 185 g (6.53 oz) | 190 g or 196 g (6.70 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Corning Gorilla Glass |
| Resolution | 720 x 1604 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~264 ppi density) | 1080 x 2436 pixels (~393 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.67 inches, 107.2 cm2 (~85.6% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.78 inches, 109.9 cm2 (~89.8% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 90Hz, 500 nits (typ), 625 nits (HBM) | AMOLED, 1B colors, 120Hz, 2160Hz PWM, 1300 nits (peak) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A78 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek Helio G85 (12 nm) | Mediatek Dimensity 7020 (6 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G52 MC2 | IMG BXM-8-256 |
| OS | Android 14, Realme UI 5.0 | Android 14, XOS 14 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | Unspecified |
| 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 | - |
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | Dual-LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Triple | - | 108 MP, f/1.8, (wide), PDAF, OIS
2 MP, f/2.4
2 MP, f/2.4 |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1440p@30fps, 1080p@30/60fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | - | Dual-LED flash |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide) | 32 MP, f/2.2, (wide), 1/3.1" |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 35mm jack | Yes | No |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | Yes |
| Infrared port | - | Yes |
| NFC | Yes | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS, GALILEO, GLONASS, QZSS, BDS | GPS |
| Radio | Unspecified | FM radio |
| 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 |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 45W wired | 45W wired, 50% in 26 min
20W wireless MagCharge
Reverse wired
Reverse wireless |
| Type | 5000 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Purple Nebula, Black Milky Way | Vintage Green, Titan Gold, Racing Edition |
| Models | RMX3910 | X6851 |
| Price | About 410 EUR | About 280 EUR |
Realme C65
- Most affordable option
- Decent battery life for basic use
- Reliable for everyday tasks
- Helio G85 chipset feels dated
- Limited gaming performance
- Lacks advanced charging features
Infinix Note 40 Pro
- Significantly faster Dimensity 7020 chipset
- 50W MagCharge wireless charging
- Reverse charging capabilities
- Higher price point
- May be slightly heavier due to added features
- Software experience can be bloated (typical of Infinix)
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. While specific panel details (like peak brightness or color gamut coverage) are absent, the core difference lies in the processing power driving them. Both likely utilize LCD panels given the price point. The more powerful Dimensity 7020 in the Infinix Note 40 Pro will likely handle display rendering and animations more smoothly, especially during scrolling and gaming. Bezels are expected to be comparable, typical of this segment.
Camera Comparison
Without detailed camera specs, a direct comparison is difficult. However, the chipset plays a crucial role in image processing. The Dimensity 7020’s ISP (Image Signal Processor) is more advanced than the Helio G85’s, enabling better noise reduction, dynamic range, and overall image quality. While both phones likely feature a primary camera, the Note 40 Pro will likely extract more detail and produce more pleasing results, particularly in challenging lighting conditions. The prevalence of 2MP macro lenses on both devices suggests they are largely marketing features and offer limited practical benefit.
Performance
The performance disparity is the most significant factor. The Infinix Note 40 Pro’s Mediatek Dimensity 7020, built on a 6nm process, is a substantial upgrade over the Realme C65’s 12nm Helio G85. The Dimensity 7020 features newer Cortex-A78 cores clocked at 2.2 GHz, compared to the C65’s Cortex-A75 cores at 2.0 GHz. This translates to a noticeable improvement in CPU-intensive tasks and a more capable GPU for gaming. The 6nm node also contributes to better thermal efficiency, reducing the likelihood of throttling during extended use. The C65 will handle everyday tasks, but the Note 40 Pro offers a smoother, more responsive experience.
Battery Life
Both phones feature 45W wired charging, but the Infinix Note 40 Pro adds the convenience of 50% charge in 26 minutes and 20W MagCharge wireless charging. This is a significant advantage for users who prefer cable-free charging or need a quick top-up. While battery capacity isn’t specified, the more efficient Dimensity 7020 in the Note 40 Pro will likely result in comparable or even better battery life despite potentially having a similar capacity to the C65. The Note 40 Pro also offers reverse wired and wireless charging, allowing it to act as a power bank for other devices.
Buying Guide
Buy the Realme C65 if you prioritize absolute affordability and only need a phone for basic tasks like calls, messaging, and light social media. It’s a solid option for first-time smartphone users or those on a very tight budget. Buy the Infinix Note 40 Pro if you value performance for gaming and multitasking, appreciate faster charging speeds (both wired and wireless), and want a phone that will feel more future-proof.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Does the Mediatek Dimensity 7020 in the Infinix Note 40 Pro get hot during prolonged gaming sessions?
The Dimensity 7020 is built on a 6nm process, which is more efficient than the 12nm Helio G85 in the Realme C65. This means it generates less heat under load. While some warming is expected during extended gaming, the Note 40 Pro is less likely to experience significant throttling compared to the C65.
❓ Is the 2MP macro camera on either phone worth using?
Generally, 2MP macro cameras on budget phones offer limited utility. The low resolution results in images lacking detail. While they can be fun to experiment with, don't expect professional-quality macro photography from either device. Focus on the main camera for the best results.
❓ Can the Infinix Note 40 Pro charge other devices wirelessly?
Yes, the Infinix Note 40 Pro supports reverse wireless charging via its MagCharge feature. This allows you to wirelessly charge compatible devices like earbuds or other smartphones that support wireless charging, making it a convenient travel companion.
❓ How does the Realme C65 perform with multitasking and switching between apps?
The Realme C65’s Helio G85 chipset and likely limited RAM (spec not provided) will struggle with heavy multitasking. Expect noticeable lag when switching between multiple apps, especially demanding ones. The Infinix Note 40 Pro, with its Dimensity 7020 and potentially more RAM, handles multitasking far more smoothly.
