The sub-$150 smartphone market is fiercely competitive. The Infinix Smart 4 has been a mainstay for basic connectivity, but the Realme C33 2023 enters the fray with a more modern chipset. This comparison dissects the key differences to determine which device offers the best value for users prioritizing affordability.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user, the Realme C33 2023 is the superior choice. Its Unisoc Tiger T612 chipset, featuring an octa-core CPU, delivers significantly better performance than the Infinix Smart 4’s quad-core Helio A22, making it more capable for multitasking and app usage. While both phones target the budget segment, the Realme offers a more future-proof experience.
| 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, 5, 8, 38, 40, 41 | 1, 3, 5, 8, 38, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA 21.1/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2019, October. Released 2019, October | 2023, March 14 |
| Status | Discontinued | Available. Released 2023, March 14 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 167 x 76 x 8.3 mm (6.57 x 2.99 x 0.33 in) | 164.2 x 75.7 x 8.3 mm (6.46 x 2.98 x 0.33 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 183 g (6.46 oz) | 187 g (6.60 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 (~82.9% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~82.1% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD, 400 nits (typ) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Quad-core 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 | Octa-core (2x1.8 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6761 Helio A22 (12 nm) | Unisoc Tiger T612 (12 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | Mali-G57 |
| OS | Android 9.0 Pie (Go edition) | Android 12, Realme UI S |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 16GB 1GB RAM, 32GB 2GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | UFS 2.2 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | - | 50 MP, (wide), PDAF
Auxiliary lens |
| Features | Dual-LED flash | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 8 MP | 5 MP, f/2.2, 27mm (wide), 1/5.0", 1.12µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | - | HDR |
| Single | 5 MP | 5 MP, f/2.2, 27mm (wide), 1/5.0", 1.12µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 720p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | FM radio | Unspecified |
| USB | microUSB 2.0 | microUSB 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | - | 10W wired |
| Type | 4000 mAh, non-removable | 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Midnight Black, Quetzal Cyan, Cosmic Purple | Sandy Gold, Aqua Blue, Night Sea |
| Models | X653, X663 | RMX3627 |
| Price | - | About 110 EUR |
Infinix Smart 4
- Potentially lower price point
- Functional for basic smartphone tasks
- Simple and easy to use interface
- Significantly weaker performance
- Likely limited multitasking capabilities
- Outdated chipset architecture
Realme C33 2023
- Faster and more responsive performance
- Octa-core processor for better multitasking
- More efficient chipset for potentially longer battery life
- Slightly higher price
- 10W charging is relatively slow
- Camera performance still limited by budget sensors
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Both are likely to feature LCD panels, typical for this price point. However, detailed specs like resolution and brightness are missing. The Realme C33 2023’s advantage lies in its potential for better image processing due to the more powerful chipset, which could translate to slightly improved color reproduction. Bezels are expected to be substantial on both, prioritizing cost reduction over premium aesthetics.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance is likely to be similar, with both devices relying on budget sensors. Without specific sensor details, it’s difficult to make a definitive judgment. However, the Realme C33 2023’s more powerful ISP (Image Signal Processor) integrated into the Unisoc Tiger T612 chipset will likely result in better image processing, potentially leading to improved dynamic range and noise reduction. Expect both phones to struggle in low-light conditions. The inclusion of a 2MP macro lens on either device is largely a marketing gimmick and offers limited practical benefit.
Performance
The performance gap is the most significant differentiator. The Realme C33 2023’s Unisoc Tiger T612, with its octa-core configuration (2x1.8 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55), represents a substantial upgrade over the Infinix Smart 4’s MediaTek Helio A22 (Quad-core 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53). The Cortex-A75 cores in the Realme offer significantly higher single-core performance, crucial for app launch speeds and responsiveness. The Helio A22, while adequate for basic tasks, will struggle with multitasking and more demanding applications. The Realme’s chipset also benefits from a more modern architecture, potentially leading to better power efficiency.
Battery Life
Battery capacity is not specified for the Infinix Smart 4, but typical budget phones in this class range from 4000-5000mAh. The Realme C33 2023 supports 10W wired charging. While neither phone offers fast charging, the Realme’s more efficient chipset could translate to slightly better battery life under similar usage conditions. The actual battery life will heavily depend on individual usage patterns, but the Realme’s processor is more likely to sip power during less intensive tasks.
Buying Guide
Buy the Infinix Smart 4 if you absolutely need the lowest possible price and your usage is limited to basic tasks like calls, texts, and light social media. It’s a functional device for first-time smartphone users or as a secondary phone. Buy the Realme C33 2023 if you want a smoother, more responsive experience, even with demanding apps, and appreciate the benefits of a more powerful processor for a slightly higher investment.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Realme C33 2023 handle popular apps like WhatsApp and Facebook smoothly?
Yes, the Unisoc Tiger T612 chipset in the Realme C33 2023 is more than capable of running apps like WhatsApp and Facebook smoothly, even with multiple apps open simultaneously. The Helio A22 in the Infinix Smart 4 may exhibit noticeable lag when multitasking.
❓ Is the Realme C33 2023 a good option for casual gaming?
The Realme C33 2023 is a better choice for casual gaming than the Infinix Smart 4. While it won’t handle graphically intensive games at high settings, the Unisoc Tiger T612 provides a more playable experience for titles like PUBG Mobile or Call of Duty Mobile at lower settings. The Helio A22 will struggle with even basic 3D games.
❓ How long will it take to fully charge the Realme C33 2023 with the 10W charger?
With the included 10W charger, expect the Realme C33 2023 to take approximately 2.5 to 3.5 hours to fully charge from 0% to 100%, depending on battery capacity and usage during charging. It's a relatively slow charging speed compared to modern fast-charging technologies.
❓ Does the Infinix Smart 4 support software updates?
Software update support for the Infinix Smart 4 is limited. As a budget device, it's unlikely to receive frequent or major Android version updates. The Realme C33 2023, while also a budget phone, generally receives better software support from Realme.
