The sub-$150 smartphone market is fiercely competitive. Both the itel P38 and Realme C30s aim to provide essential smartphone functionality at an accessible price point. However, they take different approaches to achieving this, with the Realme C30s focusing on processing power and the itel P38 prioritizing simplicity and potentially longer battery life through a less demanding chipset.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user needing a phone for everyday tasks like calls, messaging, and light social media, the Realme C30s is the better choice. Its octa-core processor provides a significantly smoother experience, especially when multitasking. The itel P38 remains viable for those with extremely basic needs and a tight budget.
| 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 | LTE | 1, 3, 5, 8, 38, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2022 | 2022, September 14 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022 | Available. Released 2022, September 23 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | - | 164.2 x 75.7 x 8.5 mm (6.46 x 2.98 x 0.33 in) |
| SIM | Dual SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | - | 186 g (6.56 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1612 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~267 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~270 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.6 inches, 104.6 cm2 | 6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~82.1% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Quad-core 1.3 GHz | Octa-core 1.6 GHz Cortex-A55 |
| GPU | - | IMG8322 |
| OS | Android 11 (Go edition) | Android 12, Realme UI Go |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 2GB RAM | 32GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 8 MP (wide)
Auxiliary lens | 8 MP, (wide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm |
| Video | Yes | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | - | HDR |
| Single | 5 MP | 5 MP, (wide), 1/5.0", 1.12µm |
| Video | Yes | 720p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | - | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | Yes | 4.2, A2DP |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS, GLONASS |
| Radio | Unspecified | Unspecified |
| USB | microUSB | microUSB 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Yes | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 15W wired | 10W wired |
| Type | 5000 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Galaxy Blue, Spruce Green, Nebula Black | Stripe Blue, Stripe Black |
| Models | - | RMX3690 |
| Price | - | About 100 EUR |
itel P38
- Faster charging (15W)
- Potentially longer battery life due to less demanding processor
- Likely more affordable
- Significantly slower processor
- Less responsive user experience
- Limited multitasking capabilities
Realme C30s
- Faster and more responsive octa-core processor
- Smoother multitasking experience
- More efficient processor architecture
- Slower charging (10W)
- Potentially shorter battery life under heavy load
- Likely slightly more expensive
Display Comparison
Neither device's display specifications are provided, so we must infer. Given their price points, both likely feature LCD panels with 720p+ resolution. The Realme C30s, being slightly more premium, may have a marginally brighter panel and potentially better color accuracy. However, both will likely exhibit limited viewing angles and lack features like high refresh rates or HDR support. Bezels are expected to be substantial on both devices.
Camera Comparison
Without detailed camera specifications, a direct comparison is difficult. Both phones likely feature basic camera setups geared towards casual photography. It's reasonable to assume the Realme C30s has a slightly more capable main sensor, but image quality will largely depend on software processing. The presence of a 2MP macro camera on either device is largely a marketing gimmick, offering limited practical benefit due to the low resolution and lack of optical image stabilization.
Performance
The core difference lies in the CPU. The Realme C30s boasts an octa-core 1.6 GHz Cortex-A55 processor, offering eight processing threads compared to the itel P38’s quad-core 1.3 GHz unit. This translates to a significantly faster and more responsive user experience, particularly when handling multiple apps or demanding tasks. The Cortex-A55 architecture is also more efficient than older designs likely found in the P38, potentially leading to better sustained performance. The C30s will handle app switching and basic gaming far more smoothly.
Battery Life
While battery capacity isn't specified, the charging wattage provides insight. The itel P38’s 15W wired charging is faster than the Realme C30s’ 10W charging. However, the C30s’ more efficient processor may offset this difference in real-world usage. The P38’s less demanding chipset will likely consume less power, potentially resulting in longer battery life *if* the battery capacities are similar. A full charge on the P38 will be quicker, but the C30s may offer comparable endurance.
Buying Guide
Buy the itel P38 if you need a phone primarily for calls, texts, and occasional light browsing, and value simplicity above all else. It's ideal for first-time smartphone users or as a reliable backup device. Buy the Realme C30s if you prefer a more responsive experience, enjoy occasional gaming, or frequently switch between apps. Its octa-core processor offers a noticeable performance boost for a slightly higher price.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Realme C30s struggle with popular apps like WhatsApp and Facebook?
No, the Realme C30s’ octa-core processor is more than capable of handling everyday apps like WhatsApp, Facebook, and web browsing without significant lag. It provides a smoother experience compared to the quad-core processor in the itel P38, especially when multitasking between these apps.
❓ Is the itel P38 suitable for someone who rarely uses their smartphone?
Yes, the itel P38 is an excellent choice for users who primarily need a phone for calls and texts. Its less powerful processor consumes less battery, and its simplicity makes it easy to use for those unfamiliar with smartphones. The faster charging also means quick top-ups when needed.
❓ Can the Realme C30s handle basic mobile games?
The Realme C30s can handle basic mobile games, but don't expect high frame rates or graphics settings. The octa-core processor provides a better gaming experience than the itel P38, but it's still an entry-level device. Demanding games may require reduced settings for smooth gameplay.
