The sub-$200 smartphone market is fiercely competitive. The Doogee U9 and Realme C51s both aim to deliver essential functionality at an accessible price, but they take drastically different approaches to achieving this. The U9 relies on a less common RK3562 chipset, while the C51s leverages the more established Unisoc Tiger T612. This comparison dissects their key differences to help you choose the right device.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user, the Realme C51s is the clear winner. Its Unisoc Tiger T612 chipset offers significantly better performance thanks to its octa-core configuration, and the 33W fast charging is a game-changer compared to the U9’s sluggish 10W charging. While the U9 may appeal to those seeking a very basic device, the C51s provides a more responsive and convenient experience.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | N/A | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | N/A | HSDPA 900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | N/A | 1, 3, 5, 8, 38, 40 |
| EDGE | No | - |
| GPRS | No | - |
| Speed | - | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | No cellular connectivity | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2023, November | 2024, March 15 |
| Status | Available. Released 2023, November | Available. Released 2024, March 15 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 245.3 x 163.3 x 9.9 mm (9.66 x 6.43 x 0.39 in) | 167.2 x 76.7 x 7.5 mm (6.58 x 3.02 x 0.30 in) |
| SIM | No | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 509 g (1.12 lb) | 182 g (6.42 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 800 x 1280 pixels, 16:10 ratio (~149 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~260 ppi density) |
| Size | 10.1 inches, 295.8 cm2 (~73.8% 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 | Octa-core (2x1.8 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | RK3562 | Unisoc Tiger T612 (12 nm) |
| GPU | - | Mali-G57 |
| OS | Android 13 | Android 13, Realme UI |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 3GB RAM | 128GB 6GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 5 MP | 50 MP, f/1.8, 27mm (wide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, PDAF
Auxiliary lens |
| Video | 720p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | - | HDR |
| Single | 2 MP | 5 MP, f/2.2, 28mm (wide), 1/5.0", 1.12µm |
| Video | Yes | 720p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with stereo speakers | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | Yes, 360˚ (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | No | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO |
| Radio | No | Unspecified |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG | USB Type-C |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, dual-band | 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 | 33W wired, 0-50% in 28 min |
| Type | 5060 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Gray, Black, Purple | Shiny Green, Mighty Black |
| Models | - | RMX3765 |
| Price | - | About 100 EUR |
Doogee U9
- Potentially lower price point
- Simple and straightforward user experience
- May appeal to users who prefer a minimalist device
- Significantly slower performance
- Extremely slow 10W charging
- Outdated chipset architecture
Realme C51s
- Faster and more responsive performance
- 33W fast charging (0-50% in 28 minutes)
- More modern chipset with better power efficiency
- May be slightly more expensive
- Software experience can vary (Realme UI)
- Camera quality likely still limited by budget constraints
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Given the context data, we can assume both likely feature 720p+ LCD panels, typical for this price bracket. However, the Realme C51s benefits from a more powerful chipset capable of driving a potentially higher refresh rate display (though not confirmed). The U9’s RK3562 is likely to struggle with anything beyond the standard 60Hz. Bezels are expected to be substantial on both, and color accuracy will likely be average, prioritizing power efficiency over fidelity.
Camera Comparison
Without detailed camera specs, it’s safe to assume both devices feature basic camera setups. The Realme C51s likely has a more refined image processing pipeline thanks to its more powerful chipset. The U9’s RK3562 may struggle with complex image processing algorithms. We can anticipate both phones including a primary camera and potentially a depth or macro sensor, but image quality will be heavily dependent on software optimization and lighting conditions. Expect limited low-light performance from both.
Performance
The performance gap is the most significant differentiator. The Realme C51s’ Unisoc Tiger T612, built on a 12nm process, features an octa-core CPU (2x1.8 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55). This configuration provides a substantial advantage over the Doogee U9’s quad-core 2.0 GHz RK3562. The Cortex-A75 cores in the C51s offer significantly higher single-core performance, crucial for app launch speeds and general responsiveness. The U9’s RK3562, while adequate for basic tasks, will exhibit noticeable lag when multitasking or running demanding applications. The 12nm process of the T612 also suggests better power efficiency under load.
Battery Life
While battery capacity isn’t specified, the Realme C51s’ 33W wired charging is a massive advantage. The ability to charge from 0-50% in just 28 minutes drastically improves usability compared to the Doogee U9’s slow 10W charging. Even if the U9 has a slightly larger battery, the C51s’ faster charging will minimize downtime. The Unisoc T612’s 12nm process also contributes to better power efficiency, potentially offsetting any capacity difference.
Buying Guide
Buy the Doogee U9 if you prioritize extreme simplicity and have minimal performance demands – perhaps as a secondary device for calls and basic messaging. Buy the Realme C51s if you want a smartphone capable of handling everyday tasks smoothly, enjoy faster charging, and appreciate a more modern processor architecture for future software compatibility.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Unisoc Tiger T612 in the Realme C51s powerful enough for casual gaming?
Yes, the Unisoc Tiger T612 is capable of handling most casual games at medium settings. While it won't deliver a flagship gaming experience, it provides a significantly smoother experience than the Doogee U9’s RK3562, especially in titles like PUBG Mobile or Call of Duty: Mobile.
❓ Does the Doogee U9 support software updates, and for how long?
Doogee’s update track record is inconsistent. Given the U9’s budget positioning and the RK3562 chipset, long-term software support is unlikely. Expect limited updates, primarily security patches, and potentially no major Android version upgrades. The Realme C51s, backed by a larger manufacturer, is more likely to receive at least one major Android update.
❓ How does the 10W charging on the Doogee U9 compare to typical smartphone charging speeds?
10W charging is significantly slower than the industry standard. Most modern smartphones support at least 18W charging, and many offer 33W or even 65W+ fast charging. Expect the Doogee U9 to take several hours to fully charge, making it inconvenient for users who need a quick power boost.
