The HTC Desire 20+ and Realme C17 represent distinct approaches to the budget smartphone market. The Desire 20+ leverages a more powerful Snapdragon 720G, while the C17 opts for the more economical Snapdragon 460. This comparison dissects the implications of these chipset choices, alongside other key differences, to determine which device delivers the best experience for your money.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For users prioritizing performance and future-proofing, the HTC Desire 20+ is the clear winner. Its Snapdragon 720G offers a significant performance uplift over the Realme C17’s Snapdragon 460, making it better suited for gaming and demanding applications. However, the Realme C17’s slightly faster charging is a minor consolation for the performance gap.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 - SIM 1 & SIM 2 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 | 1, 3, 5, 8, 38, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE-A, Cat6 300/75 Mbps | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2020, October 19 | 2020, September 21. Released 2020, September 22 |
| Status | Available. Released 2020, October 22 | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 164.9 x 75.7 x 9 mm (6.49 x 2.98 x 0.35 in) | 164.1 x 75.5 x 8.9 mm (6.46 x 2.97 x 0.35 in) |
| SIM | Dual SIM (Nano-SIM, dual stand-by) | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 203 g (7.16 oz) | 188 g (6.63 oz) |
| | - | Weather-sealed ports & loudspeaker |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Corning Gorilla Glass |
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~270 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~270 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~81.7% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~82.3% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD, 90Hz |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.3 GHz Kryo 465 Gold & 6x1.8 GHz Kryo 465 Silver) | Octa-core (4x1.8 GHz Kryo 240 & 4x1.6 GHz Kryo 240) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM7125 Snapdragon 720G (8 nm) | Qualcomm SM4250 Snapdragon 460 (11 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 618 | Adreno 610 |
| OS | Android 10 | Android 10 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 128GB 6GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 256GB 6GB RAM |
| | - | UFS 2.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | Dual-LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Quad | 48 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 1/2.0", 0.8µm, PDAF
5 MP, f/2.2, 115˚ (ultrawide)
2 MP, f/2.4, (macro)
5 MP, f/2.4, (depth) | 13 MP, f/2.2, (wide), 1/3.06", 1.12µm, PDAF
8 MP, f/2.2, 119˚ (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens |
| Video | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR | HDR |
| Single | 16 MP, f/2.0, (wide) | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | - | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | Yes | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, BDS |
| Radio | No | FM radio |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 15W wired, QC4 | 18W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 5000 mAh, non-removable | 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Dawn Orange, Twilight Black, Blue | Navy Blue, Lake Green |
| Models | - | RMX2101 |
| Price | About 250 EUR | About 160 EUR |
HTC Desire 20+
- Significantly more powerful Snapdragon 720G chipset
- More efficient 8nm process for better battery life and thermal management
- Superior ISP for improved image processing
- Slower 15W charging compared to the Realme C17
- Potentially higher price point
Realme C17
- Faster 18W charging
- Lower price point
- Sufficient for basic smartphone tasks
- Less powerful Snapdragon 460 chipset
- Less efficient 11nm process
- Potential for performance throttling under load
Display Comparison
Neither HTC nor Realme provide display specifications beyond size. However, given the market positioning, both likely utilize LCD panels. The key differentiator lies in the processing power driving them. The Snapdragon 720G in the Desire 20+ will provide a smoother experience when scrolling and navigating the UI, even with a similar panel, due to its superior GPU capabilities. The Realme C17’s Snapdragon 460 may exhibit occasional stuttering with complex animations.
Camera Comparison
Without detailed camera specs, it’s difficult to make a definitive judgment. However, the Snapdragon 720G in the Desire 20+ includes a more capable Image Signal Processor (ISP) than the 460. This translates to better image processing, improved dynamic range, and potentially superior low-light performance. While both phones likely feature multiple rear cameras, the Desire 20+’s ISP will extract more detail and clarity from the primary sensor. The Realme C17 may rely more heavily on software processing to compensate for the limitations of its ISP.
Performance
The core difference between these phones is the chipset. The HTC Desire 20+’s Qualcomm SM7125 Snapdragon 720G (8nm) boasts a more advanced architecture – Kryo 465 Gold and Silver cores clocked up to 2.3 GHz – compared to the Realme C17’s Snapdragon 460 (11nm). The 8nm process node of the 720G is more efficient, leading to better thermal management and sustained performance. While both are octa-core, the 720G’s CPU and Adreno 618 GPU provide a substantial performance advantage in gaming and demanding applications. The 11nm process of the 460, while cost-effective, results in lower efficiency and potential throttling under sustained load. This impacts users who enjoy mobile gaming or frequently use resource-intensive apps.
Battery Life
Battery capacity isn’t specified, but the Realme C17’s 18W charging offers a slight advantage over the Desire 20+’s 15W charging, supporting Quick Charge 4.0. However, the Snapdragon 720G’s greater power efficiency could offset this difference in real-world usage. A more efficient chipset means less power draw during typical tasks, potentially resulting in comparable or even longer battery life on the Desire 20+, despite the slower charging speed. The 18W charging on the C17 will offer a quicker top-up, but the Desire 20+ may stretch a full charge further.
Buying Guide
Buy the HTC Desire 20+ if you need a phone capable of handling moderate gaming, multitasking, and benefit from a smoother overall user experience. It’s ideal for users who plan to keep their phone for more than a year and want a device that won’t feel sluggish quickly. Buy the Realme C17 if you prioritize absolute affordability and only need a phone for basic tasks like calls, messaging, and light social media use. It’s a good option for first-time smartphone users or those on a very tight budget.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Snapdragon 460 in the Realme C17 struggle with popular games like PUBG Mobile?
Yes, the Snapdragon 460 is an entry-level chipset and will likely struggle to run PUBG Mobile smoothly, even on low settings. Expect noticeable frame drops and potential lag, especially during intense firefights. The Desire 20+'s Snapdragon 720G is far better equipped for gaming.
❓ Does the HTC Desire 20+ support software updates for longer than the Realme C17?
Historically, HTC’s software update support has been inconsistent. However, the more powerful chipset in the Desire 20+ suggests it may be better positioned to handle future Android updates. Realme generally provides decent software support for its C-series devices, but the Desire 20+ *could* have a slight edge in longevity.
❓ Is the difference in charging speed between 15W and 18W noticeable in everyday use?
While 18W is faster, the difference isn't dramatic. You'll notice it more when charging from very low percentages, but for typical top-ups, the difference will be minimal. The Desire 20+'s more efficient chipset may compensate for the slower charging speed in terms of overall daily usage.
