The sub-$200 smartphone market is fiercely competitive. The Xiaomi Poco C65 offers a compelling blend of affordability and essential features, while the Infinix Note 40 Pro aims to disrupt with faster charging and a more powerful chipset. This comparison dissects these two devices to determine which one best suits your needs.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing performance and future-proofing, the Infinix Note 40 Pro is the clear winner. Its Dimensity 7020 chipset and 45W charging significantly outperform the Poco C65’s Helio G85 and 18W charging, justifying the potential price difference. However, the Poco C65 remains a viable option for those on a strict budget.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 - International | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66 - International | 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 | 2023, November 05 | 2024, March 18 |
| Status | Available. Released 2023, November 06 | Available. Released 2024, March 19 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front (Gorilla Glass), plastic frame, plastic back | - |
| Dimensions | 168 x 78 x 8.1 mm (6.61 x 3.07 x 0.32 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 | 192 g (6.77 oz) | 190 g or 196 g (6.70 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass | Corning Gorilla Glass |
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~260 ppi density) | 1080 x 2436 pixels (~393 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.74 inches, 109.7 cm2 (~83.7% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.78 inches, 109.9 cm2 (~89.8% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 90Hz, 450 nits (typ), 600 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 MT6769Z Helio G85 (12 nm) | Mediatek Dimensity 7020 (6 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G52 MC2 | IMG BXM-8-256 |
| OS | Android 13, upgradable to Android 15, HyperOS 2 | Android 14, XOS 14 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | Unspecified |
| Internal | 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM | 256GB 8GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 50 MP, f/1.8, 28mm (wide), 0.64µm, PDAF
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Features | LED flash, HDR | 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 | HDR | Dual-LED flash |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0 | 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 | 5.3, A2DP, LE | Yes |
| Infrared port | - | Yes |
| NFC | Yes (market/region dependent) | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS |
| Radio | FM radio, recording | 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, compass | Fingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 18W wired, PD | 45W wired, 50% in 26 min
20W wireless MagCharge
Reverse wired
Reverse wireless |
| Type | Li-Po 5000 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Blue, Purple | Vintage Green, Titan Gold, Racing Edition |
| Models | 2310FPCA4G, 2310FPCA4I | X6851 |
| Price | € 99.95 / $ 139.99 / £ 115.99 / ₹ 8,999 | About 280 EUR |
| SAR EU | 0.99 W/kg (head) 1.00 W/kg (body) | - |
Xiaomi Poco C65
- Excellent battery life (11:31h active use)
- Very affordable price point
- Reliable performance for basic tasks
- Slower processor (Helio G85)
- Slow charging (18W)
- Limited future-proofing
Infinix Note 40 Pro
- Faster and more efficient processor (Dimensity 7020)
- Significantly faster charging (45W wired, 20W wireless)
- Added convenience of reverse charging
- Potentially higher price
- Battery life may be shorter than Poco C65 (pending data)
- Camera specs currently unknown
Display Comparison
The Poco C65 features a display capable of 607 nits of peak brightness, providing adequate visibility outdoors, while boasting a 1555:1 contrast ratio for decent image quality. However, the Infinix Note 40 Pro’s display specifications are currently unavailable, but given its positioning, we anticipate a similar brightness level. The Poco C65’s 60Hz refresh rate is standard for this price point, but the Note 40 Pro may offer a higher refresh rate, resulting in smoother scrolling and animations. Without further data on the Note 40 Pro’s panel technology, it’s difficult to definitively declare a winner, but the potential for a higher refresh rate gives the Infinix an edge.
Camera Comparison
Both phones are expected to offer capable camera systems for their price range, but detailed specifications are limited. The Poco C65’s camera is described as offering both photo and video capabilities, but lacks specific sensor details. The Infinix Note 40 Pro’s camera specs are also currently unknown. Without information on sensor size, aperture, or image stabilization (OIS), it’s impossible to make a meaningful comparison. We anticipate both phones will include a standard macro lens, but these are often of limited utility.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Infinix Note 40 Pro’s Mediatek Dimensity 7020 (6nm) is a substantial upgrade over the Poco C65’s Mediatek Helio G85 (12nm). The Dimensity 7020 utilizes more efficient 6nm fabrication, leading to better thermal management and sustained performance. Its CPU configuration – 2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A78 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55 – is also more powerful than the Poco’s 2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55. This translates to faster app launches, smoother multitasking, and a more responsive user experience on the Infinix. The 6nm process also implies better power efficiency, potentially offsetting the difference in battery capacity (data unavailable for Note 40 Pro).
Battery Life
The Poco C65 delivers an impressive 11:31h of active use, showcasing strong battery endurance. The Infinix Note 40 Pro compensates for potentially smaller battery capacity with significantly faster charging: 45W wired, achieving 50% charge in just 26 minutes. It also boasts 20W wireless MagCharge, reverse wired charging, and reverse wireless charging – features absent on the Poco C65. While the Poco C65 excels in longevity, the Note 40 Pro’s charging speed and versatility offer a more convenient user experience, especially for those who frequently need to top up their battery.
Buying Guide
Buy the Xiaomi Poco C65 if you need a reliable, extremely affordable smartphone for basic tasks like calling, texting, and light social media use, and battery life is paramount. Buy the Infinix Note 40 Pro if you prioritize smoother multitasking, faster app loading times, and significantly quicker charging, even if it means spending a bit more upfront. The Note 40 Pro is also the better choice for users who might engage in moderate gaming.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Does the Mediatek Dimensity 7020 in the Infinix Note 40 Pro get hot during extended gaming sessions?
The Dimensity 7020’s 6nm process is designed for improved thermal efficiency compared to the Poco C65’s 12nm Helio G85. While some heat generation is inevitable during gaming, the Note 40 Pro should manage temperatures better, reducing the likelihood of significant throttling and maintaining consistent performance for longer periods.
❓ How practical is the 20W MagCharge wireless charging on the Infinix Note 40 Pro?
The 20W MagCharge offers a convenient alternative to wired charging, especially for users who frequently top up their phones. While not as fast as the 45W wired charging, it provides a reasonable charging speed wirelessly and the 'Mag' functionality allows for easy attachment and alignment.
❓ Is the 18W charging on the Poco C65 sufficient for daily use?
While 18W charging is functional, it's considerably slower than the 45W charging on the Infinix Note 40 Pro. Expect longer charging times, potentially requiring overnight charging to reach 100% from a low battery level. This is a trade-off for the lower price point.
