The sub-$150 smartphone market is fiercely competitive. Both the Huawei nova Y60 and Realme C25Y aim to deliver essential smartphone functionality at an accessible price. However, they take different approaches to achieving this, primarily in their chipset choices and charging capabilities. This comparison dives deep into the specifics to determine which device offers the best value.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Realme C25Y emerges as the better choice. Its Unisoc T610 chipset, featuring Cortex-A75 performance cores, provides a noticeable performance edge over the Huawei nova Y60’s Helio P35. The 18W charging is a significant advantage, reducing downtime compared to the Y60’s slower 10W charging.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 20, 26, 38, 40, 41, 66 | 1, 3, 5, 8, 38, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, September 07 | 2021, September 16 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, September 07 | Available. Released 2021, September 30 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 165.2 x 76 x 9.2 mm (6.50 x 2.99 x 0.36 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 + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 185 g (6.53 oz) | 200 g (7.05 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~266 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~270 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.6 inches, 105.2 cm2 (~83.8% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~81.6% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD, 420 nits (typ) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.35 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53) | Octa-core (2x1.8 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6765 Helio P35 (12 nm) | Unisoc T610 (12 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | Mali-G52 MP2 |
| OS | Android 10, EMUI 11, no Google Play Services | Android 11, Realme UI R |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 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 | 8 MP, f/2.0 | 8 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm |
| Triple | 13 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), PDAF
5 MP, f/2.2, 120˚ (ultrawide)
Auxiliary lens | 50 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), PDAF
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR | HDR |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0 | 8 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 720p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.1, A2DP, LE | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, BDS |
| Radio | No | Unspecified |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG | microUSB 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired | 18W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 5000 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Midnight Black, Crush Green | Glacier Blue, Metal Gray |
| Models | WKG-LX9, Wukong-L29A | RMX3265, RMX3268, RMX3269 |
| Price | About 150 EUR | About 140 EUR |
Huawei nova Y60
- Potential for Huawei ecosystem integration
- Simple and straightforward user interface
- Reliable battery life (estimated 5000mAh)
- Older Helio P35 chipset offers limited performance
- Slow 10W charging
- Likely limited software updates
Realme C25Y
- More powerful Unisoc T610 chipset
- Faster 18W charging
- Potentially more responsive user experience
- Unisoc chipset may have limited software support
- Camera performance likely similar to the Y60
- Realme UI can be feature-rich but sometimes bloated
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Both are likely utilizing LCD panels, typical for this price bracket. Specifics like resolution and peak 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 usability. Bezels are likely to be substantial on both, maximizing screen real estate within a compact form factor.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance is likely to be similar, with both devices relying on budget sensors. Without specific sensor size or aperture information, it’s difficult to make a definitive statement. However, the inclusion of a 2MP macro lens on both devices is largely a marketing tactic; image quality from these sensors will be limited. The primary sensor’s quality and image processing algorithms will be the determining factors, and without detailed testing, it’s difficult to declare a winner. Expect acceptable results in good lighting conditions, but struggles in low light.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Realme C25Y’s Unisoc T610 utilizes a heterogeneous core configuration with 2x 1.8 GHz Cortex-A75 cores and 6x 1.8 GHz Cortex-A55 cores. This is a significant advantage over the Huawei nova Y60’s MediaTek Helio P35, which employs a homogenous octa-core setup of 4x 2.35 GHz Cortex-A53 and 4x 1.8 GHz Cortex-A53 cores. The A75 cores in the T610 offer substantially higher single-core performance, translating to snappier app launches and smoother multitasking. While both are 12nm chips, the architectural improvements in the Unisoc T610 provide a clear performance benefit. The Helio P35, while capable, is showing its age.
Battery Life
Both phones likely feature around 5000mAh batteries, standard for this segment. However, the Realme C25Y’s 18W wired charging is a crucial advantage. This will significantly reduce charging times compared to the Huawei nova Y60’s 10W charging. While a larger battery capacity doesn’t always equate to longer real-world usage (software optimization plays a role), the faster charging speed of the C25Y minimizes downtime, making it more convenient for users who rely heavily on their phones throughout the day.
Buying Guide
Buy the Huawei nova Y60 if you prioritize a brand ecosystem and are comfortable with a more basic user experience. Its strength lies in its simplicity and potential for software familiarity within the Huawei environment. Buy the Realme C25Y if you prioritize performance for the price and faster charging. The C25Y is the better option for users who stream videos, play casual games, or simply want a more responsive device.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Realme C25Y handle popular games like PUBG Mobile or Call of Duty?
The Unisoc T610 in the Realme C25Y can run PUBG Mobile and Call of Duty, but expect to play at lower graphics settings (Medium or Low) to maintain a stable frame rate. The Helio P35 in the Huawei nova Y60 will struggle more with these titles, requiring even lower settings and potentially experiencing more lag.
❓ Does the Huawei nova Y60 support Google Mobile Services (GMS)?
The Huawei nova Y60, like many Huawei devices, does *not* natively support Google Mobile Services (GMS). It relies on Huawei Mobile Services (HMS) and the AppGallery. This means you may need to sideload some apps or find alternatives within the AppGallery, which can be a limitation for some users.
❓ How long will it take to fully charge each phone?
With its 18W charging, the Realme C25Y should fully charge in approximately 2.5 - 3 hours. The Huawei nova Y60, with its 10W charging, will take significantly longer – likely closer to 4-5 hours for a full charge.
❓ Is the Unisoc T610 chipset reliable and well-supported?
Unisoc has been steadily improving its chipsets, and the T610 is a capable performer in the budget segment. While it doesn't have the same brand recognition as MediaTek or Qualcomm, it offers a good balance of performance and efficiency. Software support and updates may vary depending on Realme's commitment.
