The sub-$150 smartphone market is fiercely competitive. Both the Blackview A53 and the Realme C53 (India) aim to deliver essential smartphone functionality at an accessible price. However, a significant disparity in chipset architecture dictates a clear performance advantage for the Realme C53, making it the more compelling option for users prioritizing responsiveness and multitasking.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user, the Realme C53 (India) is the superior choice. Its Unisoc Tiger T612 chipset, featuring a combination of Cortex-A75 and A55 cores, provides a noticeably smoother experience than the Blackview A53’s aging Helio A22. While both offer basic functionality, the C53 handles demanding apps and multitasking with greater ease.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 - USA | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 7, 8, 20, 40 - International | 1, 3, 5, 8, 38, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 25, 26, 28, 41, 66 - USA | - |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2023, March 03 | 2023, July 19 |
| Status | Available. Released 2023, March | Available. Released 2023, July 26 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 164.6 x 76.9 x 9.4 mm (6.48 x 3.03 x 0.37 in) | 167.2 x 76.7 x 8 mm (6.58 x 3.02 x 0.31 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 193 g (6.81 oz) | 186 g (6.56 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~270 ppi density) | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~390 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~80.6% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.74 inches, 109.7 cm2 (~85.5% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD, 90Hz, 560 nits (peak) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Quad-core 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 | Octa-core (2x1.8 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6761 Helio A22 (12 nm) | Unisoc Tiger T612 (12 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | Mali-G57 |
| OS | Android 12, Doke OS 3.0 | Android 13, Realme UI |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 16GB 3GB RAM | 64GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.0 | - |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | - | 108 MP, (wide), PDAF
Auxiliary lens |
| Features | LED flash | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 5 MP | - |
| Triple | 12 MP
other unspecified camera | - |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | - | HDR |
| Single | 5 MP | 8 MP, (wide) |
| Video | Yes | 720p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | - |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO |
| Radio | FM radio | Unspecified |
| USB | USB Type-C, OTG | USB Type-C 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Unspecified | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired | 18W wired |
| Type | 5080 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Rock Grey, Murky Black, Starry Blue | Gold, Black |
| Models | - | RMX3762 |
| Price | - | About 110 EUR |
Blackview A53
- Ultra-affordable price point
- Potentially longer battery life (depending on capacity)
- Simple and straightforward user experience
- Significantly weaker performance
- Slow charging speed
- Outdated chipset architecture
Realme C53 (India)
- Much faster performance thanks to the Unisoc T612
- Faster 18W charging
- More responsive user interface
- Slightly higher price
- May not have significantly better battery life than A53
- Camera performance still limited by budget sensors
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Both are likely utilizing LCD panels, given their price points. Specifics like resolution and brightness are not provided, but we can assume both target a 720p+ resolution. The Realme C53’s potential for a higher peak brightness, driven by the more modern chipset’s display engine, could offer slightly better outdoor visibility. Bezels are likely comparable, reflecting cost-saving measures in both designs.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance is likely to be similar, leaning towards basic functionality on both devices. Without sensor size or aperture information, it’s difficult to make definitive claims. However, the Realme C53’s more powerful ISP (Image Signal Processor), integrated within the Tiger T612, will likely result in slightly better image processing, particularly in low-light conditions. The prevalence of 2MP macro/depth sensors on both devices suggests these are largely marketing features with limited real-world utility. Focusing on the main sensor’s capabilities is crucial, and the C53’s chipset offers a processing advantage.
Performance
The performance gap is the defining characteristic of this comparison. The Blackview A53’s MediaTek Helio A22, a quad-core Cortex-A53 processor, is a dated design. In contrast, the Realme C53’s Unisoc Tiger T612 utilizes an octa-core configuration with two Cortex-A75 performance cores and six Cortex-A55 efficiency cores. This architectural difference translates to a substantial performance uplift for the C53, particularly in multi-threaded tasks and gaming. The A75 cores offer significantly higher single-core performance than the A53, resulting in snappier app launches and smoother scrolling. While RAM configurations aren't specified, the chipset's capabilities suggest the C53 can better utilize larger RAM capacities.
Battery Life
Battery capacity isn’t specified for either device, but both likely house batteries in the 4000-5000 mAh range, typical for this price segment. The Realme C53’s 18W charging support is a clear advantage over the Blackview A53’s 10W charging. This translates to significantly faster charging times, reducing downtime and improving overall usability. While a larger battery on the A53 *could* offset the slower charging, the C53’s more efficient chipset will likely result in comparable or even better real-world battery life.
Buying Guide
Buy the Blackview A53 if you need a basic, ultra-affordable smartphone for essential tasks like calls, texts, and light social media use, and battery life is paramount. Buy the Realme C53 (India) if you prefer a more responsive user experience, enjoy occasional gaming, or frequently switch between applications – the more powerful chipset justifies the slight price premium.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Realme C53 (India) handle popular games like PUBG Mobile or Call of Duty Mobile?
The Unisoc Tiger T612 is capable of running PUBG Mobile and Call of Duty Mobile, but you’ll likely need to lower graphics settings to achieve a playable frame rate. The Helio A22 in the Blackview A53 will struggle significantly with these titles, even on the lowest settings.
❓ Is the 18W charging on the Realme C53 a significant improvement over the Blackview A53’s 10W charging?
Yes, it is. 18W charging will reduce charging times considerably. Expect a full charge on the C53 to take around 2-2.5 hours, while the A53 could take upwards of 3-4 hours. This difference is noticeable in daily use.
❓ Does the Blackview A53 have any advantages over the Realme C53 besides price?
Potentially, if battery life is a top priority and the A53 has a larger battery capacity. However, the C53’s more efficient chipset may negate this advantage. The A53 also offers a simpler, more basic user experience which may appeal to some.
❓ What kind of storage options are available on these phones?
Storage configurations aren't specified in the provided data. However, both devices likely offer expandable storage via microSD card, given their target market. Expect base storage options of 32GB or 64GB.
