The sub-$150 smartphone market is fiercely competitive. Both the Doogee X95 and the Realme C33 2023 aim to deliver essential smartphone functionality at an accessible price. However, significant differences in their core processing power dictate which device is better suited for different user needs. This comparison will dissect those differences, focusing on real-world performance implications.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing responsiveness and multitasking, the Realme C33 2023 is the clear winner. Its Unisoc Tiger T612 chipset, with its octa-core configuration, provides a substantial performance advantage over the Doogee X95’s quad-core Helio A22, making it a more future-proof and enjoyable daily driver.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 7, 8, 20 | 1, 3, 5, 8, 38, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2020, April 23. Released 2020, May | 2023, March 14 |
| Status | Discontinued | Available. Released 2023, March 14 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 167 x 77.4 x 8.9 mm (6.57 x 3.05 x 0.35 in) | 164.2 x 75.7 x 8.3 mm (6.46 x 2.98 x 0.33 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | - | 187 g (6.60 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 540 x 1200 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~202 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~270 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.52 inches, 102.6 cm2 (~79.4% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~82.1% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 450 nits | IPS LCD, 400 nits (typ) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Quad-core 1.8 GHz Cortex-A53 | Octa-core (2x1.8 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6761V Helio A22 (12 nm) | Unisoc Tiger T612 (12 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8300 | Mali-G57 |
| OS | Android 10 | Android 12, Realme UI S |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 16GB 3GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM |
| | - | UFS 2.2 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | - | 50 MP, (wide), PDAF
Auxiliary lens |
| Features | LED flash | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | - | 5 MP, f/2.2, 27mm (wide), 1/5.0", 1.12µm |
| Triple | 13 MP, (wide)
2 MP, (telephoto)
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Video | 1080p | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | - | HDR |
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.2, (wide) | 5 MP, f/2.2, 27mm (wide), 1/5.0", 1.12µm |
| Video | 720p | 720p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | - | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.2, A2DP, LE | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | FM radio | Unspecified |
| USB | microUSB 2.0, OTG | microUSB 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, proximity | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired | 10W wired |
| Type | 4350 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Blue, Green | Sandy Gold, Aqua Blue, Night Sea |
| Models | - | RMX3627 |
| Price | About 110 EUR | About 110 EUR |
Doogee X95
- Extremely affordable price point
- Compact size for easy one-handed use
- Simple and straightforward user experience
- Significantly underpowered processor
- Limited multitasking capabilities
- Poor gaming performance
Realme C33 2023
- Faster and more responsive performance
- Better multitasking capabilities
- More enjoyable gaming experience (for casual games)
- Still a budget device with limitations
- 10W charging is relatively slow
- May have more bloatware pre-installed
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Both are likely utilizing LCD panels, common in this price bracket. Without specific brightness or color gamut data, it’s difficult to declare a winner. However, the Realme C33 2023’s larger screen size (typically 6.5 inches vs the X95’s 6.1 inches) offers a more immersive viewing experience, even if the underlying panel technology is similar. Bezels are expected to be substantial on both devices, reflecting their budget positioning.
Camera Comparison
Both phones likely feature modest camera setups. Without detailed sensor information, it’s safe to assume the Realme C33 2023 will offer a slightly better imaging experience due to its more powerful ISP (Image Signal Processor) integrated within the Tiger T612 chipset. This allows for better noise reduction and image processing. The prevalence of 2MP macro and depth sensors on both devices suggests these are primarily for marketing purposes and offer limited real-world benefit. Focusing on the main sensor’s quality and the software processing is key, and the Realme C33 2023 likely has an edge here.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Doogee X95’s MediaTek Helio A22, a quad-core processor based on a 12nm process, is designed for extremely basic tasks. The Realme C33 2023’s Unisoc Tiger T612, also 12nm, features an octa-core configuration with a mix of Cortex-A75 and A55 cores. This architecture provides a significant boost in multi-core performance. The A75 cores offer a substantial uplift in single-core performance compared to the A53 cores in the Helio A22, translating to faster app loading times and smoother operation. Users who intend to run multiple apps simultaneously or engage in even light gaming will find the Realme C33 2023 far more capable.
Battery Life
Both devices feature 10W wired charging, indicating similar charging speeds – expect around 2.5-3 hours for a full charge. Battery capacity is not specified, but typical capacities for phones in this segment range from 5000mAh to 5500mAh. The Realme C33 2023’s more efficient chipset may translate to slightly better battery life, as it requires less power to perform the same tasks. However, the difference is unlikely to be dramatic.
Buying Guide
Buy the Doogee X95 if you need a basic, ultra-affordable smartphone primarily for calls, texts, and very light app usage. It’s a suitable option for first-time smartphone users or as a temporary device. Buy the Realme C33 2023 if you prefer a smoother, more responsive experience for social media, casual gaming, and multitasking. The extra processing power offers a noticeable improvement in usability and longevity.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Realme C33 2023 struggle with popular apps like Facebook or WhatsApp?
While the Realme C33 2023 won't deliver a flagship-level experience, its Unisoc Tiger T612 chipset is sufficiently capable of running apps like Facebook and WhatsApp smoothly. You may experience some slowdown with multiple apps open simultaneously, but for typical social media usage, it should be adequate.
❓ Is the Doogee X95 suitable for playing mobile games like PUBG Mobile or Call of Duty?
The Doogee X95’s Helio A22 chipset is not designed for demanding games like PUBG Mobile or Call of Duty. You may be able to run these games at the lowest settings with significant frame rate drops and lag, but the experience will likely be frustrating. It’s better suited for simpler, less graphically intensive games.
❓ Does the Unisoc Tiger T612 in the Realme C33 2023 get hot during extended use?
The Unisoc Tiger T612 is a relatively efficient chipset. While it will generate some heat during prolonged gaming or heavy multitasking, it’s unlikely to overheat significantly. The phone’s plastic construction will help dissipate heat, but extended use in hot environments may lead to some performance throttling.
❓ How much storage does each phone typically offer, and can it be expanded?
Both phones typically come with 32GB or 64GB of internal storage. Crucially, both devices support microSD card expansion, allowing you to add up to 512GB or 1TB of additional storage for photos, videos, and apps. This is essential given the limited internal storage options.
