The sub-$200 smartphone market is fiercely competitive, and the Realme C65 and Xiaomi Redmi Note 13R are two strong contenders. The C65 leverages MediaTek's Helio G85, a proven performer, while the Redmi Note 13R debuts with Qualcomm's newer, 4nm Snapdragon 4+ Gen 2. This comparison will dissect their key differences to determine which device delivers the best value for your money.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Xiaomi Redmi Note 13R emerges as the superior choice. Its Snapdragon 4+ Gen 2 chipset, built on a more efficient 4nm process, provides a noticeable performance uplift and improved thermal management compared to the Realme C65’s Helio G85. While the C65 offers faster 45W charging, the 13R’s efficiency mitigates the charging speed difference.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 | 1, 3, 5, 8, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 |
| 5G bands | - | 1, 5, 8, 28, 41, 78 SA/NSA |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE / 5G |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2024, April 02 | 2024, May 17 |
| Status | Available. Released 2024, April | Available. Released 2024, May 17 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, plastic frame, glass back |
| Dimensions | 164.6 x 76.1 x 7.6 mm (6.48 x 3.00 x 0.30 in) | 168.6 x 76.3 x 8.2 mm (6.64 x 3.00 x 0.32 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 185 g (6.53 oz) | 205 g (7.23 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1604 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~264 ppi density) | 1080 x 2460 pixels (~396 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.67 inches, 107.2 cm2 (~85.6% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.79 inches, 109.5 cm2 (~85.1% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 90Hz, 500 nits (typ), 625 nits (HBM) | IPS LCD, 120Hz, 550 nits |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (2x2.3 GHz Cortex-A78 & 6x1.95 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek Helio G85 (12 nm) | Qualcomm SM4450 Snapdragon 4+ Gen 2 (4 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G52 MC2 | Adreno 613 |
| OS | Android 14, Realme UI 5.0 | Android 14, HyperOS |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | No |
| Internal | 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM | 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM, 512GB 12GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), PDAF
Auxiliary lens | 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, PDAF
2 MP (macro) |
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, HDR |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide) | 8 MP, (wide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.3, A2DP, LE |
| Infrared port | - | Yes |
| NFC | Yes | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS, GALILEO, GLONASS, QZSS, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | Unspecified | No |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0 | USB Type-C |
| 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 (side-mounted), accelerometer, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 45W wired | 33W wired |
| Type | 5000 mAh | 5030 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Purple Nebula, Black Milky Way | Black, Blue, Silver |
| Models | RMX3910 | 2406ERN9CC |
| Price | About 410 EUR | About 180 EUR |
Realme C65
- Faster 45W wired charging
- Potentially lower price point
- Proven Helio G85 chipset for basic tasks
- Less efficient 12nm process
- Inferior CPU architecture compared to Snapdragon 4+ Gen 2
- Likely lower gaming performance
Xiaomi Redmi Note 13R
- More efficient 4nm Snapdragon 4+ Gen 2 chipset
- Superior CPU architecture for smoother performance
- Better thermal management
- Potentially better camera image processing
- Slower 33W wired charging
- May be slightly more expensive
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Both likely feature LCD panels, common in this price bracket. However, detailed specs are missing. The focus here is on processing power. We can assume similar resolutions (likely 1080p+) and refresh rates (60Hz or 90Hz). The absence of information on peak brightness or color gamut makes a direct comparison impossible, but the display is unlikely to be a deciding factor for most buyers.
Camera Comparison
Without detailed camera specs, a direct comparison is limited. Both phones likely feature a multi-camera setup with a primary sensor and supporting lenses. However, the image signal processor (ISP) within the Snapdragon 4+ Gen 2 generally offers superior image processing capabilities, potentially resulting in better dynamic range and low-light performance on the Redmi Note 13R. The Realme C65’s ISP is adequate, but will likely struggle in challenging lighting conditions compared to its competitor. We can expect both to include a 2MP macro lens, which offers limited practical value.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Xiaomi Redmi Note 13R’s Qualcomm Snapdragon 4+ Gen 2 (4nm) is a significant upgrade over the Realme C65’s MediaTek Helio G85 (12nm). The 4nm process inherently offers better power efficiency, translating to longer battery life and reduced thermal throttling. While both are octa-core CPUs, the Redmi Note 13R utilizes 2x2.3 GHz Cortex-A78 cores, a more powerful architecture than the C65’s 2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 cores. This means the Redmi Note 13R will handle demanding apps and games with greater ease. The G85 is adequate for everyday tasks, but the Snapdragon 4+ Gen 2 provides a more future-proof experience.
Battery Life
The Realme C65’s 45W wired charging is faster than the Redmi Note 13R’s 33W charging. This translates to quicker top-ups. However, the Snapdragon 4+ Gen 2’s superior power efficiency means the Redmi Note 13R will likely offer comparable, if not better, real-world battery life despite the lower charging wattage. The 4nm process reduces power consumption during both active use and standby, offsetting the charging speed difference. A full charge on the C65 will be faster, but the 13R will likely last longer between charges.
Buying Guide
Buy the Realme C65 if you prioritize the absolute fastest charging speeds and are primarily focused on basic smartphone tasks like calling, texting, and light social media use. Buy the Xiaomi Redmi Note 13R if you value smoother multitasking, better gaming performance, and longer battery life thanks to the more efficient Snapdragon 4+ Gen 2 chipset. The 13R is the better all-rounder for demanding users.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Redmi Note 13R’s Snapdragon 4+ Gen 2 handle demanding games like PUBG Mobile?
Yes, the Snapdragon 4+ Gen 2 is capable of running PUBG Mobile at medium settings with stable frame rates. While it won’t deliver a flagship gaming experience, it offers a significantly smoother experience than the Helio G85 in the Realme C65, especially during prolonged gaming sessions due to better thermal management.
❓ How much faster is the charging on the Realme C65 compared to the Redmi Note 13R?
The Realme C65’s 45W charging will fill the battery faster than the Redmi Note 13R’s 33W charging. Expect a roughly 20-30 minute difference in a 0-100% charge. However, the Redmi Note 13R’s superior efficiency means you’ll likely need to charge it less frequently.
❓ Does the Redmi Note 13R support any form of fast charging protocols beyond standard USB-PD?
Xiaomi typically supports its own proprietary fast charging protocols alongside USB-PD. While the Redmi Note 13R supports 33W charging, using a compatible Xiaomi charger will likely optimize charging speeds. Check the included documentation for specific protocol support.
❓ Is the difference in CPU performance between the Helio G85 and Snapdragon 4+ Gen 2 noticeable in everyday tasks?
Yes, the difference is noticeable, particularly when multitasking or opening multiple apps. The Snapdragon 4+ Gen 2’s more powerful Cortex-A78 cores and efficient architecture result in snappier responsiveness and smoother transitions compared to the Helio G85.
