The Blackview A70 and Realme C30s represent the ultra-budget end of the Android smartphone spectrum. Both aim to deliver essential smartphone functionality at the lowest possible price point, but they take slightly different approaches to achieving this. This comparison dissects their core specifications to determine which device offers the best value for users prioritizing affordability.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user seeking a basic, functional smartphone, the Realme C30s edges out the Blackview A70. While both share the same 10W charging and target the same price bracket, the Realme C30s’ slightly faster single-core CPU performance provides a marginally smoother user experience for everyday tasks.
| 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, 7, 8, 20, 40, 41 | 1, 3, 5, 8, 38, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, January 26 | 2022, September 14 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, February | Available. Released 2022, September 23 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 165.3 x 77.5 x 8.3 mm (6.51 x 3.05 x 0.33 in) | 164.2 x 75.7 x 8.5 mm (6.46 x 2.98 x 0.33 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 205 g (7.23 oz) | 186 g (6.56 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~270 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.52 inches, 102.6 cm2 (~80.1% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~82.1% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55 & 4x1.2 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core 1.6 GHz Cortex-A55 |
| Chipset | Unisoc SC9863A (28 nm) | - |
| GPU | IMG8322 | IMG8322 |
| OS | Android 11 | Android 12, Realme UI Go |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 3GB RAM | 32GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM |
| | eMMC | - |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.2, (wide) | 8 MP, (wide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm |
| Triple | 13 MP, f/2.2, (wide), AF
other unspecified cameras | - |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | - | HDR |
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.2, (wide) | 5 MP, (wide), 1/5.0", 1.12µm |
| Video | Yes | 720p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.2, A2DP, LE | 4.2, A2DP |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, BDS | GPS, GLONASS |
| Radio | FM radio | Unspecified |
| USB | microUSB 2.0, OTG | microUSB 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired | 10W wired |
| Type | 5380 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Blue, Red, Green | Stripe Blue, Stripe Black |
| Models | - | RMX3690 |
| Price | About 120 EUR | About 100 EUR |
Blackview A70
- Potentially wider software compatibility due to the more complex chipset.
- Heterogeneous core design *could* offer benefits in specific workloads.
- Established brand presence in the rugged phone market (Blackview).
- 28nm process may lead to slightly higher power consumption.
- Potentially less responsive UI compared to the Realme C30s.
Realme C30s
- Consistent CPU clock speed for potentially smoother single-core performance.
- Streamlined user experience.
- Realme's strong presence in the budget smartphone market.
- Limited chipset complexity.
- 2MP macro camera offers minimal practical value.
Display Comparison
Neither Blackview nor Realme provide display specifications beyond size. Given the price point, both likely utilize LCD panels with 720p+ resolution. The absence of detailed display specs suggests a focus on cost reduction, meaning users should expect basic viewing experiences. Color accuracy and brightness are likely to be average at best, suitable for indoor use but potentially washed out in direct sunlight.
Camera Comparison
Camera details are sparse for both devices. Expect basic image quality from both, likely relying heavily on software processing. Without sensor size or aperture information, it’s difficult to make a meaningful comparison. The inclusion of a 2MP macro camera on the Realme C30s is largely a marketing tactic, offering limited practical benefit due to the low resolution and fixed focus. Users should temper expectations regarding low-light performance and detail capture.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipset. The Blackview A70 utilizes the Unisoc SC9863A, an octa-core processor built on a 28nm process. This chip features a heterogeneous core arrangement with four Cortex-A55 cores clocked at 1.6GHz and four at 1.2GHz. The Realme C30s, however, employs an octa-core CPU clocked uniformly at 1.6GHz, all Cortex-A55 cores. While both are based on the ARM Cortex-A55 architecture, the Realme’s consistent clock speed *may* translate to slightly snappier performance in single-threaded tasks. The 28nm process of the Unisoc chip suggests potentially higher power consumption compared to more modern nodes, though the impact will be minimal given the low overall performance targets. Both devices will struggle with demanding applications and multitasking.
Battery Life
Both the Blackview A70 and Realme C30s feature 10W wired charging. Given the likely battery capacities (estimated around 5000mAh based on market segment), a full charge will take approximately 3-4 hours. The slower charging speed is a compromise for affordability. Real-world battery life will depend heavily on usage patterns, but both devices should comfortably last a full day with moderate use, primarily due to the low-power chipsets and displays.
Buying Guide
Buy the Blackview A70 if you need a device with a slightly more complex chipset architecture, potentially offering better long-term software compatibility and a wider range of app support. Buy the Realme C30s if you prioritize a streamlined experience and a potentially more responsive interface for basic tasks like calling, texting, and light social media use, benefiting from its slightly higher CPU clock speed.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Unisoc SC9863A in the Blackview A70 struggle with popular apps like WhatsApp and Facebook?
While the Unisoc SC9863A can run these apps, expect a basic experience. Multitasking between these apps and others will likely result in slowdowns and app reloading. These phones are best suited for light usage and aren't designed for demanding applications.
❓ Is the Realme C30s a good choice for someone upgrading from a feature phone?
Yes, the Realme C30s is an excellent entry point for users transitioning from a feature phone. It provides essential smartphone functionality – calling, texting, basic internet browsing – at a very affordable price. The simplified interface is also easier to learn for first-time smartphone users.
❓ Can either of these phones handle mobile gaming?
Mobile gaming is not a strength of either device. While simple 2D games may be playable at low settings, demanding 3D titles will likely experience significant lag and frame rate drops. These phones are not designed for gaming.
