The Doogee X97 and Realme C30s represent the ultra-budget end of the smartphone spectrum, targeting first-time buyers or those needing a reliable secondary device. While both aim for affordability, they take different approaches to core components, particularly in processing power. This comparison dissects those differences to determine which phone delivers the best experience for the price.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Realme C30s emerges as the better choice. Its octa-core Cortex-A55 CPU provides a noticeable performance advantage over the Doogee X97’s quad-core Helio A22, translating to smoother multitasking and app loading. While the X97 may offer slightly more features depending on regional variants, the C30s’ superior processing power is more impactful for daily use.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41, 66 | 1, 3, 5, 8, 38, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2022, August | 2022, September 14 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, August | Available. Released 2022, September 23 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 162 x 76.9 x 9.7 mm (6.38 x 3.03 x 0.38 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 | - | 186 g (6.56 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1440 pixels, 18:9 ratio (~268 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~270 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.0 inches, 92.9 cm2 (~74.6% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~82.1% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Quad-core 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 | Octa-core 1.6 GHz Cortex-A55 |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6761 Helio A22 (12 nm) | - |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | IMG8322 |
| OS | Android 12 | Android 12, Realme UI Go |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 16GB 3GB RAM | 32GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 8 MP, f/1.8, (wide)
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Features | Triple-LED flash | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | - | 8 MP, (wide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm |
| Video | 720p | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | - | HDR |
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.2, (wide) | 5 MP, (wide), 1/5.0", 1.12µm |
| Video | 720p | 720p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | - | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 4.2, A2DP |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO | GPS, GLONASS |
| Radio | FM radio | Unspecified |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG | microUSB 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | - | 10W wired |
| Type | 4200 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Blue, Green | Stripe Blue, Stripe Black |
| Models | - | RMX3690 |
| Price | About 100 EUR | About 100 EUR |
Doogee X97
- Potentially larger screen size (model dependent)
- May offer unique software features (regional variations)
- Lower price point in some markets
- Less powerful quad-core processor
- Older Cortex-A53 architecture
- Likely slower app loading and multitasking
Realme C30s
- Octa-core Cortex-A55 CPU for smoother performance
- More efficient processor architecture
- 10W wired charging for convenience
- Potentially smaller screen size
- May lack certain features found on the Doogee X97 (depending on model)
- Basic camera system
Display Comparison
Neither device’s specifications detail display characteristics like brightness or panel type. Given their price point, both likely utilize LCD panels with modest brightness levels. The Realme C30s, benefiting from Realme’s broader market presence, may have slightly better color calibration, but without concrete data, this remains speculative. Bezels are expected to be substantial on both devices, reflecting their budget nature.
Camera Comparison
Both phones are likely to feature basic camera setups. Without sensor size or aperture information, it’s difficult to assess image quality. It’s safe to assume both will struggle in low-light conditions. The presence of a 2MP macro camera on either device is largely a marketing tactic, offering limited practical benefit due to the small sensor size and lack of detail. Image processing will likely be minimal on both, relying heavily on software algorithms to enhance photos.
Performance
The core difference lies in the CPU. The Realme C30s boasts an octa-core 1.6 GHz Cortex-A55 processor, while the Doogee X97 is equipped with a quad-core 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53. While the X97’s cores have a higher clock speed, the Cortex-A55 architecture is significantly more efficient and delivers better instructions per clock (IPC) than the older Cortex-A53. This means the C30s will handle multitasking and demanding apps more effectively, despite the lower clock speed. The Helio A22’s 12nm process node is relatively mature, but the C30s’ CPU benefits from a more modern design. The lack of RAM specifications for both devices makes a direct comparison difficult, but the CPU difference will be the primary bottleneck.
Battery Life
Battery capacity is not specified for either device. However, given their target market, both likely house batteries in the 4000-5000 mAh range. The Realme C30s includes 10W wired charging, offering a convenient way to top up the battery. The Doogee X97’s charging capabilities are unknown, but it’s likely to be similar or slower. Real-world battery life will depend heavily on usage patterns, but the more efficient CPU in the C30s may contribute to slightly longer runtimes.
Buying Guide
Buy the Doogee X97 if you prioritize a potentially larger screen size (depending on specific model variations not detailed in the provided specs) and are comfortable with a more basic user experience. Buy the Realme C30s if you value responsiveness and smoother performance for everyday tasks like social media, browsing, and light app usage, and appreciate the convenience of 10W wired charging.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Realme C30s be able to handle popular social media apps like TikTok and Instagram without lag?
Yes, the octa-core Cortex-A55 processor in the Realme C30s is well-suited for running social media applications smoothly. The increased core count and more efficient architecture will provide a noticeably better experience compared to the Doogee X97’s quad-core processor, minimizing lag and ensuring responsive scrolling.
❓ Is the difference in CPU clock speed (2.0 GHz on Doogee X97 vs 1.6 GHz on Realme C30s) significant in real-world usage?
While the Doogee X97 has a higher clock speed, the Realme C30s’ Cortex-A55 architecture is more efficient. This means it can perform more tasks per clock cycle. In practical terms, the C30s will likely feel faster and more responsive, even with the lower clock speed, due to its superior architecture and core count.
❓ Can either of these phones handle basic mobile gaming?
Both phones can handle very basic mobile games, but don't expect a high-performance gaming experience. The Realme C30s will likely offer slightly better performance in less demanding titles due to its more capable CPU, but graphically intensive games will likely run with low frame rates and reduced settings on both devices.
