The sub-$150 smartphone market is fiercely competitive. We pit the Doogee U7, a basic but functional device, against the Realme C53 (India), which aims to deliver a more modern experience with a newer chipset and faster charging. This comparison will dissect the key differences to help you choose the right phone for your needs.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user, the Realme C53 (India) is the clear winner. Its Unisoc Tiger T612 chipset offers significantly better performance than the Doogee U7’s aging Mediatek MT6580, and the 18W charging is a substantial upgrade over the U7’s 10W. While both phones target the budget segment, the C53 provides a more responsive and future-proof experience.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | N/A | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | N/A | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | N/A | 1, 3, 5, 8, 38, 40, 41 |
| EDGE | No | - |
| GPRS | No | - |
| Speed | - | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | No cellular connectivity | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021 | 2023, July 19 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021 | Available. Released 2023, July 26 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 209.5 x 142.5 x 20 mm (8.25 x 5.61 x 0.79 in) | 167.2 x 76.7 x 8 mm (6.58 x 3.02 x 0.31 in) |
| SIM | No | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 373 g (13.16 oz) | 186 g (6.56 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 600 x 1024 pixels, 16:9 ratio (~170 ppi density) | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~390 ppi density) |
| Size | 7.0 inches, 137.9 cm2 (~46.2% 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 1.3 GHz | Octa-core (2x1.8 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6580 | Unisoc Tiger T612 (12 nm) |
| GPU | - | Mali-G57 |
| OS | Android 10 | Android 13, Realme UI |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 2GB RAM | 64GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | - | 108 MP, (wide), PDAF
Auxiliary lens |
| Features | - | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 2 MP | - |
| Video | 720p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | - | HDR |
| Single | 0.3 MP | 8 MP, (wide) |
| Video | Yes | 720p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.0 | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | No | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO |
| Radio | No | Unspecified |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG | USB Type-C 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired | 18W wired |
| Type | 3400 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Blue, Pink | Gold, Black |
| Models | - | RMX3762 |
| Price | - | About 110 EUR |
Doogee U7
- Extremely affordable
- Simple and easy to use
- Functional for basic tasks
- Outdated processor
- Slow charging
- Limited performance for modern apps
Realme C53 (India)
- Significantly faster processor
- Faster 18W charging
- More responsive user experience
- May be slightly more expensive
- Camera quality likely still basic
- Build quality may not be premium
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Given the context data, we can assume both utilize LCD panels, common in this price bracket. The Realme C53 likely benefits from a more modern panel design, potentially offering slightly better viewing angles and color reproduction. However, without specific display specs, the difference is likely marginal. Bezels are expected to be noticeable on both devices, reflecting their budget positioning.
Camera Comparison
Without detailed camera specifications, a direct comparison is difficult. However, it’s safe to assume both phones feature basic camera setups. The Realme C53 likely has a more modern image signal processor (ISP) integrated into the Unisoc T612, potentially resulting in better image processing and noise reduction. The prevalence of 2MP macro lenses in this segment suggests both phones likely include one, but their utility is limited due to the low resolution and lack of optical image stabilization (OIS).
Performance
The performance gap is the most significant differentiator. The Doogee U7’s Mediatek MT6580, a quad-core processor, is several generations behind the Realme C53’s Unisoc Tiger T612. The T612’s octa-core configuration (2x1.8 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) provides a substantial boost in multi-tasking and application responsiveness. The Cortex-A75 cores in the T612 offer significantly higher single-core performance, crucial for everyday tasks. The 12nm process node of the T612 also contributes to better power efficiency compared to the MT6580’s likely larger node size, potentially leading to longer battery life under load.
Battery Life
While battery capacity isn’t specified, the Realme C53’s 18W wired charging is a clear advantage. This will significantly reduce charging times compared to the Doogee U7’s 10W charging. Even with a similar battery capacity, the faster charging speed translates to less downtime. The Unisoc T612’s improved power efficiency may also contribute to slightly longer battery life during typical usage.
Buying Guide
Buy the Doogee U7 if you absolutely need a phone for the most basic tasks – calls, texts, and very light web browsing – and prioritize extreme affordability above all else. Buy the Realme C53 (India) if you want a phone that can handle social media, streaming video, and casual gaming without significant lag, and if faster charging is a priority. The C53 offers a better overall user experience for a minimal price increase.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Unisoc Tiger T612 in the Realme C53 (India) handle popular games like PUBG Mobile?
The Unisoc Tiger T612 can run PUBG Mobile, but expect to play at lower graphics settings and frame rates to maintain a smooth experience. It's not a gaming powerhouse, but it's significantly more capable than the Mediatek MT6580 in the Doogee U7, which would struggle with even basic gaming.
❓ Is the 18W charging on the Realme C53 (India) compatible with any USB charger I already own?
Most standard USB chargers will work with the Realme C53 (India), but to achieve the full 18W charging speed, you'll need a charger that supports Power Delivery (PD) or Quick Charge (QC) protocols. Using a standard 5W charger will still charge the phone, but it will take considerably longer.
❓ How much storage does the Realme C53 (India) offer, and is it expandable?
While not specified in the provided data, Realme C53 models typically offer 64GB of internal storage, expandable via microSD card. This is a common configuration for phones in this price range, providing sufficient space for apps and media.
❓ Is the Doogee U7 a good choice for someone who primarily uses their phone for calls and texts?
Yes, the Doogee U7 is a perfectly adequate choice for basic communication. Its Mediatek MT6580 processor is sufficient for calls and texts, and its affordability makes it a viable option if those are your primary needs. However, be aware of its limitations with more demanding tasks.
