The sub-$150 smartphone market is fiercely competitive. The Infinix Hot 20i and Realme C51s both aim to deliver essential features at an accessible price point, but they take different approaches. The Hot 20i offers a potentially wider range of processor options, while the C51s prioritizes rapid charging and a more modern chipset architecture. This comparison dissects their key differences to help you choose the right device.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Realme C51s is the better choice. Its Unisoc Tiger T612 chipset offers a noticeable performance uplift over the Helio G25/A22 options in the Infinix Hot 20i, and the 33W charging is a game-changer in this price bracket. While the Hot 20i may be cheaper in some configurations, the C51s provides a more future-proof and enjoyable user experience.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 7, 8, 20 | 1, 3, 5, 8, 38, 40 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2022, September 28 | 2024, March 15 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, September 28 | Available. Released 2024, March 15 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 164.8 x 76.4 x 8.8 mm (6.49 x 3.01 x 0.35 in) | 167.2 x 76.7 x 7.5 mm (6.58 x 3.02 x 0.30 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 195 g (6.88 oz) | 182 g (6.42 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1612 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~267 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~260 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.6 inches, 104.6 cm2 (~83.1% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.74 inches, 109.7 cm2 (~85.5% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 500 nits (peak) | IPS LCD, 90Hz, 560 nits (peak) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.5 GHz Cortex-A53) / Quad-core 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 | Octa-core (2x1.8 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6762G Helio G25 (12 nm) / Mediatek MT6761 Helio A22 (12 nm) | Unisoc Tiger T612 (12 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | Mali-G57 |
| OS | Android 12 or Android 12 (Go edition), XOS 10.6 | Android 13, Realme UI |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 2GB RAM, 64GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM | 128GB 6GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | Dual-LED flash | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 8 MP | 50 MP, f/1.8, 27mm (wide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, PDAF
Auxiliary lens |
| Triple | 13 MP, f/1.8, (wide), AF
Auxiliary lenses | - |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash | HDR |
| Single | 8 MP | 5 MP, f/2.2, 28mm (wide), 1/5.0", 1.12µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 720p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | - |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | Yes | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | Yes, 360˚ (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO |
| Radio | FM radio | Unspecified |
| USB | microUSB 2.0, OTG | USB Type-C |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired
5W reverse wired | 33W wired, 0-50% in 28 min |
| Type | Li-Ion 5000 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Wilderness Black, Luna Blue, Energy Green, Sunset Gold | Shiny Green, Mighty Black |
| Models | X665C, X665E | RMX3765 |
| Price | About 120 EUR | About 100 EUR |
Infinix Hot 20i
- Potentially lower price point
- 5W reverse wired charging
- Wider processor choice (G25 or A22)
- Significantly slower performance (especially with A22)
- Extremely slow 10W charging
- Likely less refined software experience
Realme C51s
- Faster Unisoc Tiger T612 chipset
- 33W fast charging (0-50% in 28 mins)
- More modern CPU architecture
- Potentially better software optimization
- May be slightly more expensive
- No reverse wired charging
- Unisoc chipset may have less software support
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Both likely utilize LCD panels, common in this segment. The focus here isn't on visual fidelity, but on functionality. Without specific display specs for either device, it's difficult to make a direct comparison. However, Realme generally prioritizes slightly better display quality in its C-series, suggesting a potentially more vibrant and accurate panel on the C51s, though this is speculative.
Camera Comparison
Without detailed camera specifications beyond the presence of cameras, a meaningful comparison is challenging. Both phones likely feature basic camera setups geared towards casual photography. The Realme C51s *may* benefit from slightly more refined image processing algorithms, a common strength of Realme's software. The presence of a 2MP macro camera on either device is largely inconsequential; image quality from such sensors is typically poor. The main sensor's quality and aperture would be the determining factors, but this data is unavailable.
Performance
The Realme C51s’ Unisoc Tiger T612 is the clear winner here. Its octa-core configuration with 2x Cortex-A75 cores (at 1.8 GHz) and 6x Cortex-A55 cores provides a significant advantage over the Infinix Hot 20i’s Mediatek Helio G25 (or A22). The A75 cores are substantially more powerful than the A53 cores found in the Helio G25, resulting in faster app launch times and smoother multitasking. The Helio A22, being a quad-core processor, is even further behind. This translates to a more responsive user experience on the C51s, especially when running multiple apps or playing moderately demanding games.
Battery Life
The Realme C51s’ 33W wired charging is a massive advantage. Achieving a 0-50% charge in just 28 minutes is a significant time saver compared to the Infinix Hot 20i’s slow 10W charging. While the Infinix Hot 20i offers 5W reverse wired charging, a niche feature, the C51s’ faster charging is far more impactful for daily use. Battery capacity isn't specified for either, but the charging speed difference is so substantial it likely outweighs any minor capacity discrepancies.
Buying Guide
Buy the Infinix Hot 20i if your absolute priority is minimizing upfront cost and you primarily use your phone for basic tasks like calls, messaging, and light social media. The flexibility of potentially getting a Helio G25 variant might be appealing if you can find it. Buy the Realme C51s if you value faster performance for everyday apps, smoother multitasking, and significantly quicker charging times – making it ideal for users who are always on the go and don't want to be tethered to a charger for hours.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Unisoc Tiger T612 in the Realme C51s capable of playing popular games like PUBG Mobile?
Yes, the Unisoc Tiger T612 is capable of running PUBG Mobile, though you'll likely need to use medium graphics settings for a smooth experience. The Cortex-A75 cores provide a performance boost over the Helio G25, making it a more suitable chipset for gaming, even if it's not a dedicated gaming processor.
❓ How much faster is the 33W charging on the Realme C51s compared to the 10W charging on the Infinix Hot 20i in real-world use?
The difference is substantial. The Realme C51s can reach 50% charge in approximately 28 minutes, while the Infinix Hot 20i will take well over two hours to achieve the same level. This means you can quickly top up the C51s during short breaks, whereas the Hot 20i requires overnight charging for a full battery.
❓ Does the Infinix Hot 20i's processor choice (Helio G25 vs. A22) significantly impact performance?
Yes, it does. The Helio G25 is a more capable processor than the Helio A22. While both are entry-level chips, the G25 offers better GPU performance, making it more suitable for light gaming and smoother app usage. If you can find a Hot 20i with the G25, it's a preferable option.
