Xiaomi Poco C65 vs. Redmi 13C 5G: A Deep Dive into Budget Smartphone Choices

Xiaomi consistently delivers compelling options in the budget smartphone space. The Poco C65 and Redmi 13C 5G represent two distinct approaches: the Poco C65 prioritizes a strong media experience with its Helio G85, while the Redmi 13C 5G focuses on future-proofing with 5G connectivity and a more modern chipset. This comparison dissects their key differences to help you choose the right device for your needs.
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🏆 Quick Verdict

For the average user prioritizing future-proofing and consistent performance, the Xiaomi Redmi 13C 5G is the better choice. Its Dimensity 6100+ chipset, built on a 6nm process, offers a noticeable efficiency advantage over the Poco C65’s Helio G85, translating to smoother multitasking and potentially longer battery life despite similar charging speeds.

PHONES
Phone Names Xiaomi Poco C65 Xiaomi Redmi 13C 5G
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 - InternationalHSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 - International
4G bands1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66 - International1, 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
SpeedHSPA, LTEHSPA, LTE, 5G
TechnologyGSM / HSPA / LTEGSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G
Launch
Announced2023, November 052023, December 06
StatusAvailable. Released 2023, November 06Available. Released 2023, December 16
Body
BuildGlass front (Gorilla Glass), plastic frame, plastic backGlass front (Gorilla Glass 3), plastic frame, plastic back
Dimensions168 x 78 x 8.1 mm (6.61 x 3.07 x 0.32 in)168.1 x 77.9 x 8.2 mm (6.62 x 3.07 x 0.32 in)
SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIM
Weight192 g (6.77 oz)192 g or 195 g (6.77 oz)
Display
ProtectionCorning Gorilla GlassCorning Gorilla Glass 3
Resolution720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~260 ppi density)720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~260 ppi density)
Size6.74 inches, 109.7 cm2 (~83.7% screen-to-body ratio)6.74 inches, 109.7 cm2 (~83.8% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeIPS LCD, 90Hz, 450 nits (typ), 600 nits (HBM)IPS LCD, 90Hz, 450 nits (typ), 600 nits (HBM)
Platform
CPUOcta-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55)Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55)
ChipsetMediatek MT6769Z Helio G85 (12 nm)Mediatek Dimensity 6100+ (6 nm)
GPUMali-G52 MC2Mali-G57 MC2
OSAndroid 13, upgradable to Android 15, HyperOS 2Android 13, MIUI 14
Memory
Card slotmicroSDXC (dedicated slot)microSDXC (dedicated slot)
Internal128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM
Main Camera
Dual50 MP, f/1.8, 28mm (wide), 0.64µm, PDAF 2 MP (macro) Auxiliary lens-
FeaturesLED flash, HDRLED flash, HDR
Single-50 MP, f/1.8, 28mm (wide), 1/2.76", 1.12µm, PDAF Auxiliary lens
Video1080p@30fps1080p@30fps
Selfie camera
FeaturesHDRHDR
Single8 MP, f/2.05 MP, f/2.2, (wide)
Video1080p@30fps1080p@30fps
Sound
35mm jackYesYes
Loudspeaker YesYes
Comms
Bluetooth5.3, A2DP, LE5.3, A2DP, LE
NFCYes (market/region dependent)Yes (market/region dependent)
PositioningGPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDSGPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS
RadioFM radio, recordingFM radio
USBUSB Type-C 2.0USB Type-C 2.0, OTG
WLANWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-bandWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band
Features
SensorsFingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, compassFingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, compass
Battery
Charging18W wired, PD18W wired, PD
TypeLi-Po 5000 mAh5000 mAh
Misc
ColorsBlack, Blue, PurpleStarry Black, Twilight Blue, Starry Silver, Starlight Black, Startrail Green, Startrail Silver
Models2310FPCA4G, 2310FPCA4I23124RN87G, 23124RN87I, 23124RN87C
Price€ 99.95 / $ 139.99 / £ 115.99 / ₹ 8,999$ 198.99 / £ 119.00 / € 116.99 / ₹ 10,895
SAR-1.09 W/kg (head)     1.09 W/kg (body)
SAR EU0.99 W/kg (head)     1.00 W/kg (body)0.98 W/kg (head)     0.98 W/kg (body)

Xiaomi Poco C65

  • Brighter display (607 nits)
  • Established gaming chipset (Helio G85)
  • Good battery life (11:31h active use)

  • Less efficient chipset (12nm)
  • Lacks 5G connectivity
  • Older CPU architecture

Xiaomi Redmi 13C 5G

  • More efficient chipset (6nm)
  • 5G connectivity
  • More powerful CPU (Cortex-A76)

  • Display brightness unknown
  • Battery capacity unknown
  • Camera specs largely unknown

Display Comparison

The Poco C65 boasts a display capable of reaching 607 nits of peak brightness, providing good visibility outdoors. However, the Redmi 13C 5G’s display specifications are not provided, so a direct brightness comparison is difficult. Both are likely to utilize IPS LCD panels, common in this price bracket. The Poco C65’s 1555:1 contrast ratio suggests decent color reproduction, but without knowing the Redmi 13C 5G’s contrast ratio, it’s hard to definitively say which offers a superior viewing experience. Users prioritizing outdoor visibility may lean towards the Poco C65 based on the measured brightness.

Camera Comparison

Both phones are expected to feature a multi-camera setup, but detailed camera specifications are limited. Given the price point, image quality will likely be similar in good lighting conditions. The Redmi 13C 5G’s camera system is unknown, but the Poco C65’s inclusion of photo and video capabilities suggests a basic but functional camera experience. Without sensor size or aperture information, it’s difficult to assess which phone offers superior image quality, especially in low-light scenarios. It's safe to assume both will include a 2MP macro lens, which offers limited practical benefit.

Performance

The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Redmi 13C 5G’s Mediatek Dimensity 6100+ (6nm) is a significant upgrade over the Poco C65’s Mediatek Helio G85 (12nm). The 6nm process inherently offers better power efficiency, meaning the Redmi 13C 5G will likely run cooler and consume less battery for the same tasks. The CPU architecture also favors the Redmi 13C 5G; its Cortex-A76 cores (2x2.2 GHz) are more powerful than the Poco C65’s Cortex-A75 cores (2x2.0 GHz). This translates to snappier app launches and smoother multitasking. While both have six Cortex-A55 efficiency cores, the overall performance advantage goes to the Redmi 13C 5G.

Battery Life

The Poco C65 achieves an impressive 11:31h of active use, demonstrating good battery endurance. Both phones share the same 18W wired charging with PD support. While the Redmi 13C 5G’s battery capacity is unknown, the Dimensity 6100+’s superior power efficiency suggests it could achieve comparable or even better battery life despite potentially having a smaller battery. The 18W charging speed will likely result in similar 0-100% charging times for both devices.

Buying Guide

Buy the Xiaomi Poco C65 if you primarily consume media and play casual games, and 5G connectivity isn't a priority. Its slightly brighter display and established gaming chipset make it suitable for entertainment. Buy the Xiaomi Redmi 13C 5G if you want a phone that’s ready for the future of mobile networks, offers better overall performance for everyday tasks, and benefits from a more efficient processor for improved battery longevity.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Will the Dimensity 6100+ in the Redmi 13C 5G handle demanding games like Genshin Impact?
While the Dimensity 6100+ is a capable chipset, Genshin Impact is a very demanding game. You'll likely need to lower graphics settings to medium or low to achieve playable frame rates on the Redmi 13C 5G. The Poco C65's Helio G85 might offer a slightly more consistent experience at lower settings, but both phones are not ideal for high-end gaming.
❓ Does the Redmi 13C 5G support carrier aggregation for faster 5G speeds?
Carrier aggregation support varies by region and carrier. Xiaomi doesn't explicitly list carrier aggregation bands for the Redmi 13C 5G. It's best to check with your mobile carrier to confirm if their 5G network is compatible with the phone's supported bands for optimal speeds.
❓ Is the 18W charging speed sufficient for quick top-ups on either phone?
18W charging is relatively standard for this price segment. Expect a full charge to take around 2-3 hours. While not the fastest charging available, it's adequate for overnight charging or topping up during the day. The Redmi 13C 5G's more efficient chipset might reach a similar charge level with less time plugged in.