itel A50 vs Realme C30s: Which Ultra-Budget Phone Wins?

The itel A50 and Realme C30s represent the absolute entry point into smartphone ownership. Both aim to deliver essential functionality at the lowest possible price. This comparison dissects their core components to determine which device offers the best experience for first-time smartphone users or those seeking a reliable secondary device.
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🏆 Quick Verdict

For the average user prioritizing basic functionality and a slightly more refined software experience, the Realme C30s edges out the itel A50. While both share a 10W charging rate, the Realme C30s’ marginally faster CPU clock speed and brand recognition offer a small but noticeable advantage.

PHONES
Phone Names itel A50 Realme C30s
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100
4G bandsLTE1, 3, 5, 8, 38, 40, 41
SpeedHSPA, LTEHSPA, LTE
TechnologyGSM / HSPA / LTEGSM / HSPA / LTE
Launch
Announced2024, May2022, September 14
StatusAvailable. Released 2024, MayAvailable. Released 2022, September 23
Body
Build-Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back
Dimensions163.9 x 75.7 x 8.7 mm (6.45 x 2.98 x 0.34 in)164.2 x 75.7 x 8.5 mm (6.46 x 2.98 x 0.33 in)
SIMDual SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIM
Weight-186 g (6.56 oz)
Display
Resolution720 x 1612 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~267 ppi density)720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~270 ppi density)
Size6.6 inches, 104.6 cm2 (~84.3% screen-to-body ratio)6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~82.1% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeIPS LCD, 480 nits (peak)IPS LCD
Platform
CPUOcta-coreOcta-core 1.6 GHz Cortex-A55
ChipsetUnisoc T603-
GPU-IMG8322
OSAndroid 14 (Go edition)Android 12, Realme UI Go
Memory
Card slotmicroSDXCmicroSDXC (dedicated slot)
Internal64GB 2GB RAM, 64GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 3GB RAM32GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM
Main Camera
FeaturesLED flashLED flash, HDR, panorama
Single8 MP auxiliary lens8 MP, (wide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm
VideoYes1080p@30fps
Selfie camera
Features-HDR
Single5 MP5 MP, (wide), 1/5.0", 1.12µm
VideoYes720p@30fps
Sound
3.5mm jack -Yes
35mm jackYesYes
Loudspeaker YesYes
Comms
BluetoothYes4.2, A2DP
NFCNoNo
PositioningGPSGPS, GLONASS
RadioUnspecifiedUnspecified
USBUSB Type-C 2.0microUSB 2.0, OTG
WLANYesWi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n
Features
SensorsFingerprint (side-mounted); unspecified sensorsFingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity
Battery
Charging10W wired10W wired
Type5000 mAh5000 mAh
Misc
ColorsShimmer Gold, Суаn Blue, Lime Green, Misty BlackStripe Blue, Stripe Black
ModelsA507LXURMX3690
Price-About 100 EUR

itel A50

  • Extremely affordable price point
  • Unisoc T603 chipset provides adequate performance for basic tasks
  • Reliable for essential communication

  • Likely limited RAM impacting multitasking
  • Slow 10W charging

Realme C30s

  • Slightly faster CPU clock speed (1.6 GHz)
  • Established Realme software optimization
  • Brand recognition and support

  • Slow 10W charging
  • 2MP macro camera offers limited value

Display Comparison

Neither itel nor Realme provide display specifications beyond size. Given the price point, both likely utilize LCD panels with standard 60Hz refresh rates. The absence of detailed specs suggests a focus on cost reduction over display quality. Expect similar viewing experiences – adequate for basic tasks but lacking vibrancy or sharpness compared to higher-end displays. Bezels are likely to be substantial on both devices.

Camera Comparison

Camera details are sparse for both devices. It’s safe to assume both feature basic camera setups geared towards casual snapshots. Without sensor size or aperture information, a direct comparison is difficult. However, given the market segment, image quality will likely be similar – acceptable in good lighting conditions but struggling in low light. The presence of a 2MP macro camera on the Realme C30s is unlikely to significantly enhance the photography experience due to its low resolution and limited capabilities.

Performance

Both the itel A50 and Realme C30s feature octa-core CPUs, but the Realme C30s boasts a slightly higher clock speed of 1.6 GHz compared to the itel A50’s unspecified speed. This suggests a marginal performance advantage for the Realme C30s in CPU-bound tasks. Both utilize the Cortex-A55 architecture, indicating similar efficiency characteristics. The Unisoc T603 in the itel A50 is a capable chipset for basic tasks, but the Realme C30s’ slightly faster CPU may translate to smoother multitasking and app loading. RAM configurations are not specified, but both will likely feature limited RAM, impacting multitasking capabilities.

Battery Life

Both the itel A50 and Realme C30s are equipped with 10W wired charging. This slow charging speed means a full charge will take a considerable amount of time – likely exceeding 3 hours. Battery capacity is not specified for either device, but given the focus on affordability, expect capacities around 4000-5000 mAh. Real-world battery life will depend heavily on usage patterns, but both should provide at least a full day of standby time and moderate usage.

Buying Guide

Buy the itel A50 if you need a truly bare-bones smartphone for essential communication and are extremely price-sensitive. Its Unisoc T603 chipset provides adequate performance for calls, texts, and light app usage. Buy the Realme C30s if you prefer a slightly more responsive user experience and value the Realme brand’s established software optimization, even if the core hardware differences are minimal.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Will the Realme C30s handle popular social media apps like WhatsApp and Facebook smoothly?
Yes, the Realme C30s’ 1.6 GHz Cortex-A55 CPU should handle basic social media apps like WhatsApp and Facebook without significant lag. However, expect slower loading times compared to more powerful devices, and avoid running multiple apps simultaneously.
❓ Is the Unisoc T603 chipset in the itel A50 sufficient for playing simple games?
The Unisoc T603 can handle very basic 2D games and older, less demanding 3D titles. However, it will struggle with graphically intensive games, and you’ll likely experience low frame rates and stuttering. It’s best suited for casual gaming rather than serious mobile gaming.
❓ How long will it take to fully charge either the itel A50 or Realme C30s with the 10W charger?
With the 10W charging, expect a full charge to take approximately 3 to 4 hours, potentially longer if the phone is being used while charging. This slow charging speed is typical for devices in this price range.