The sub-$150 smartphone market is fiercely competitive. The Energizer E242s, while an older model, remains available and represents a baseline for affordability. The Realme C33 2023 enters the fray with a newer Unisoc chipset, aiming to deliver a more modern experience. This comparison dissects the key differences to help you choose the best option for your needs.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Realme C33 2023 is the better choice. Its Unisoc Tiger T612 chipset, featuring an octa-core configuration, provides a significant performance uplift over the Energizer E242s’ quad-core Mediatek MT6739. While charging is slow at 10W, the improved processing power justifies the slightly higher price.
| 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, 28, 38, 40, 41 | 1, 3, 5, 8, 38, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2022, April 10 | 2023, March 14 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, April 10 | Available. Released 2023, March 14 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 130.8 x 53.6 x 13 mm (5.15 x 2.11 x 0.51 in) | 164.2 x 75.7 x 8.3 mm (6.46 x 2.98 x 0.33 in) |
| SIM | Dual SIM (Micro-SIM, dual stand-by) | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 116 g (4.09 oz) | 187 g (6.60 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 240 x 320 pixels, 4:3 ratio (~167 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~270 ppi density) |
| Size | 2.4 inches, 17.8 cm2 (~25.4% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~82.1% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | TFT LCD, 256K colors | IPS LCD, 400 nits (typ) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Quad-core 1.5 GHz | Octa-core (2x1.8 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6739 | Unisoc Tiger T612 (12 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8100 | Mali-G57 |
| OS | KaiOS 2.5.3 | Android 12, Realme UI S |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDHC | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 4GB 512MB 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 | 0.3 MP | 5 MP, f/2.2, 27mm (wide), 1/5.0", 1.12µm |
| Video | Yes | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | - | HDR |
| Single | 0.3 MP | 5 MP, f/2.2, 27mm (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 | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | FM radio | Unspecified |
| USB | microUSB | microUSB 2.0 |
| WLAN | Yes | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | No | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity |
| | Downloadable applications Facebook, Gmail, Whatsapp, etc. | - |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | - | 10W wired |
| Type | Li-Ion 1700 mAh battery, removable | 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Blue, Pink, Gold, Silver | Sandy Gold, Aqua Blue, Night Sea |
| Models | - | RMX3627 |
| Price | About 40 EUR | About 110 EUR |
Energizer E242s
- Extremely affordable
- Potentially longer standby time (depending on battery capacity)
- Simple and straightforward user experience
- Significantly slower performance
- Outdated chipset
- Likely limited software support
Realme C33 2023
- Faster and more responsive performance
- More efficient chipset
- Larger 5000 mAh battery
- Slow 10W charging
- Basic camera system
- Slightly higher price
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Specifications for the Energizer E242s' display are unavailable, suggesting a basic LCD panel. The Realme C33 2023 also utilizes an LCD, but its focus is on size (6.5 inches) rather than resolution or advanced features. Both likely feature similar color accuracy and viewing angles, typical of this price segment. The absence of high refresh rates or advanced panel technologies like LTPO on either device means users shouldn't expect a premium visual experience.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance is likely to be similar on both devices, leaning towards basic functionality. Details on the Energizer E242s’ camera are scarce, but it likely features a single, low-resolution sensor. The Realme C33 2023 typically features a dual-camera setup, but the secondary sensors are often low-resolution (2MP) and offer limited utility. Image quality will be acceptable in good lighting conditions, but both phones will struggle in low light. Focusing on the main sensor's megapixel count is more important than the presence of a macro lens, which is often a marketing gimmick in this price range.
Performance
The performance gap is the most significant differentiator. The Energizer E242s relies on the Mediatek MT6739, a quad-core processor designed for basic functionality. In contrast, the Realme C33 2023’s Unisoc Tiger T612 is an octa-core chip built on a more efficient 12nm process. The T612’s architecture – featuring two Cortex-A75 cores for performance and six Cortex-A55 cores for efficiency – provides a substantial advantage in multitasking and app loading times. This translates to a noticeably smoother user experience on the Realme C33, especially when running multiple applications or demanding tasks. The older MT6739 will struggle with anything beyond the most basic operations.
Battery Life
Battery capacity details for the Energizer E242s are unavailable, but it likely falls in the 4000-5000 mAh range, common for budget phones. The Realme C33 2023 features a 5000 mAh battery. However, the Realme C33 is limited to 10W wired charging, meaning a full charge will take a considerable amount of time. The more efficient Unisoc T612 chipset in the Realme C33 may offset the slower charging speed with improved battery life during typical usage, but the Energizer E242s could potentially offer comparable endurance if its battery capacity is sufficient.
Buying Guide
Buy the Energizer E242s if your primary need is a functional, extremely affordable phone for basic tasks like calls, texts, and light web browsing, and you prioritize minimizing upfront cost above all else. Buy the Realme C33 2023 if you want a smoother, more responsive experience for everyday use, including social media, streaming, and casual gaming, and are willing to spend a little more for a noticeable performance boost.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Realme C33 2023 be able to run popular social media apps like TikTok and Instagram smoothly?
Yes, the Unisoc Tiger T612 chipset in the Realme C33 2023 is capable of running social media apps like TikTok and Instagram without significant lag. The octa-core processor and improved architecture provide a much smoother experience compared to the Energizer E242s’ older chipset, which may struggle with these apps.
❓ Is the 10W charging on the Realme C33 2023 a major drawback?
While 10W charging is slow by modern standards, the Realme C33 2023’s 5000 mAh battery and the efficiency of the Unisoc T612 chipset can mitigate this issue. You’ll need to plan for overnight charging, but the phone should last a full day with moderate use. The Energizer E242s may charge at a similar rate, and its potentially smaller battery could mean similar overall charging times.
❓ Can I play games like PUBG Mobile on the Realme C33 2023?
You can *attempt* to play PUBG Mobile on the Realme C33 2023, but you’ll likely need to use the lowest graphics settings and may still experience frame drops. The Unisoc T612 isn’t a gaming powerhouse, and PUBG Mobile is a demanding game. The Energizer E242s is unlikely to run PUBG Mobile at playable framerates.
