The Realme C25Y and Honor Play10A represent compelling options in the ultra-budget smartphone segment. Both aim to deliver essential features at a low price point, but they diverge in their core hardware choices, particularly in the chipset and charging capabilities. This comparison dissects these differences to determine which device offers the best value.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Realme C25Y emerges as the slightly better choice. While both phones share a similar price bracket, the Unisoc T610’s marginally higher CPU clock speeds and 18W charging provide a small but noticeable advantage in everyday tasks and quicker top-ups, making it a more practical daily driver.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | LTE | 1, 3, 5, 8, 38, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2025, October 23 | 2021, September 16 |
| Status | Available. Released 2025, October 23 | Available. Released 2021, September 30 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 167 x 77 x 7.9 mm (6.57 x 3.03 x 0.31 in) | 164.5 x 76 x 9.1 mm (6.48 x 2.99 x 0.36 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 186 g (6.56 oz) | 200 g (7.05 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~260 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~270 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.74 inches, 109.7 cm2 (~85.3% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~81.6% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | TFT LCD, 90Hz | IPS LCD, 420 nits (typ) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.7 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (2x1.8 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek Helio G81 (12 nm) | Unisoc T610 (12 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G52 MC2 | Mali-G52 MP2 |
| OS | Android 15, MagicOS 9 | Android 11, Realme UI R |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 128GB 4GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM |
| | - | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), PDAF
Auxiliary lens | 8 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm |
| Triple | - | 50 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), PDAF
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | - | HDR |
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.2, (wide) | 8 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 720p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | - | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.1, A2DP, LE, aptX HD | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, BDS |
| Radio | FM radio | Unspecified |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG | microUSB 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 15W wired | 18W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 5260 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Ocean Cyan | Glacier Blue, Metal Gray |
| Models | NLA-LX3 | RMX3265, RMX3268, RMX3269 |
| Price | About 80 EUR | About 140 EUR |
Honor Play10A
- Established brand reputation (Honor)
- Potentially better GPU performance (Helio G81)
- Slightly lower CPU core temperature due to lower clock speeds
- Slower 15W charging
- Potentially less responsive CPU compared to C25Y
Realme C25Y
- Faster 18W charging
- Slightly higher CPU clock speeds for improved responsiveness
- Competitive pricing
- Less established brand in some markets (Realme)
- Potentially higher CPU core temperature due to higher clock speeds
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Both are likely utilizing LCD panels, common in this price range. Specifics like resolution and brightness are not provided, but we can assume they are similar – around 720p+ and adequate for indoor use. The focus here isn't on visual fidelity, but on basic functionality.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance is likely to be similar, relying on software processing to enhance image quality. Without sensor size or aperture information, it’s difficult to make a definitive judgment. Both manufacturers often include multiple cameras (main, depth, macro) but the quality of the secondary sensors is typically low. Expect acceptable results in good lighting conditions, but significant noise and softness in low light. The focus should be on the primary sensor, and without details, it's a tie.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Realme C25Y features the Unisoc T610, with its octa-core configuration of 2x1.8 GHz Cortex-A75 and 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55 cores. The Honor Play10A uses the Mediatek Helio G81, employing 2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 and 6x1.7 GHz Cortex-A55 cores. While both utilize the same core architecture, the slightly higher clock speeds on the Unisoc T610, particularly on the efficiency cores, suggest a small edge in sustained performance. The Helio G81’s GPU is likely more capable, but the CPU difference will be more noticeable in daily tasks. Both phones will struggle with demanding games at high settings.
Battery Life
Both phones likely house batteries in the 5000mAh range, typical for this segment. However, the Realme C25Y’s 18W wired charging is a clear advantage over the Honor Play10A’s 15W charging. This translates to a faster 0-100% charge time, reducing downtime. While the battery capacity is similar, the faster charging speed of the C25Y provides a more convenient user experience.
Buying Guide
Buy the Honor Play10A if you prioritize a brand with a longer track record in the smartphone market and are comfortable with a slightly slower charging experience. Buy the Realme C25Y if you value a bit more processing power for multitasking and app loading, alongside the convenience of faster 18W charging, even if it means opting for a newer brand in some regions.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Realme C25Y handle popular games like PUBG Mobile or Call of Duty?
While the Unisoc T610 can run these games, expect to play at low to medium settings with reduced frame rates for a smooth experience. The chipset isn't designed for high-end gaming, and sustained performance may be limited due to thermal constraints.
❓ How long will it take to fully charge the Honor Play10A with the 15W charger?
Given the likely 5000mAh battery capacity, a full charge with the 15W charger will likely take around 3-4 hours. This is significantly slower than the Realme C25Y’s 18W charging, which could reduce that time to around 2.5-3 hours.
❓ Is the difference in CPU clock speed between the Helio G81 and Unisoc T610 noticeable in everyday use?
The difference is subtle but present. The Realme C25Y’s slightly faster CPU clock speeds will result in marginally quicker app loading times and smoother multitasking, especially when switching between several applications simultaneously.
❓ Does either phone support fast charging protocols beyond the advertised wattage (e.g., Power Delivery)?
It's unlikely. Both phones target the ultra-budget segment, and support for advanced charging protocols like Power Delivery is uncommon at this price point. They will likely only support standard charging profiles.
