The itel S18 Pro and Realme C30s represent the fiercely competitive sub-$150 smartphone market. Both aim to deliver essential smartphone functionality at an incredibly accessible price point. This comparison dissects their core specifications to determine which device offers the best balance of performance and features for budget-conscious consumers.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing consistent, if modest, performance, the Realme C30s edges out the itel S18 Pro. While both share 10W charging and similar CPU core counts, the Realme’s slightly higher clock speed and streamlined software experience translate to a marginally smoother user 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 | LTE | 1, 3, 5, 8, 38, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2023 | 2022, September 14 |
| Status | Available. Released 2023 | 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 | 1080 x 2408 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~400 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~270 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.6 inches, 104.9 cm2 | 6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~82.1% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55 & 4x1.2 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core 1.6 GHz Cortex-A55 |
| Chipset | Unisoc SC9863A (28 nm) | - |
| GPU | IMG8322 | IMG8322 |
| OS | Android, itel OS 8.6 | Android 12, Realme UI Go |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM | 32GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 13 MP (wide)
0.08 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Features | LED flash | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | - | 8 MP, (wide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash | HDR |
| Single | 32 MP | 5 MP, (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 | 4.2, A2DP |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS, GLONASS |
| Radio | Unspecified | Unspecified |
| USB | USB Type-C | microUSB 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Yes | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired | 10W wired |
| Type | 5000 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Liquid Silver, Starry Black | Stripe Blue, Stripe Black |
| Models | - | RMX3690 |
| Price | - | About 100 EUR |
itel S18 Pro
- Potentially wider regional availability
- Unisoc chipset may offer unique software optimizations
- May include additional software features
- Split-core CPU design could lead to performance inconsistencies
- Limited information on display quality
- Software experience may be more heavily customized
Realme C30s
- Slightly higher CPU clock speed for potentially smoother performance
- Cleaner Android experience (typically Realme UI)
- Generally better software support
- May have limited availability in certain markets
- 10W charging is slow
- Camera performance likely similar to itel S18 Pro
Display Comparison
Neither itel nor Realme provide display specifications beyond size, so a detailed comparison is limited. Both will likely feature LCD panels, common in this price bracket. Expect 720p+ resolution at best. The absence of information regarding peak brightness or color gamut suggests neither device will excel in outdoor visibility or color accuracy. Bezels are expected to be substantial on both models, maximizing screen real estate within a compact form factor.
Camera Comparison
Camera details are sparse for both devices. It's safe to assume both feature a primary camera and potentially a secondary depth sensor. Given the price point, image quality will be heavily reliant on software processing and adequate lighting conditions. The absence of OIS (Optical Image Stabilization) on either device means low-light performance will be limited. Focusing on megapixel counts alone is misleading; sensor size and lens aperture are far more critical, and this information is unavailable. Expect basic photography capabilities suitable for casual snapshots.
Performance
The Realme C30s utilizes an Octa-core CPU clocked at 1.6 GHz, all Cortex-A55 cores. The itel S18 Pro, however, employs the Unisoc SC9863A chipset, featuring an Octa-core configuration with a split core design: 4x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55 and 4x1.2 GHz Cortex-A55. While both utilize the efficient Cortex-A55 architecture, the Unisoc’s split design suggests a potential for slightly less consistent performance under sustained load. The Realme’s single 1.6 GHz cluster may offer a more predictable experience for everyday tasks. Neither chipset is designed for demanding gaming; expect smooth operation for basic apps and light multitasking.
Battery Life
Both the itel S18 Pro and Realme C30s are equipped with 10W wired charging. This translates to relatively slow charging speeds; a full charge from 0-100% will likely take over 2.5 hours. Battery capacity is not specified for either device, but given the target price point, expect capacities in the 4000-5000 mAh range. Real-world battery life will depend heavily on usage patterns, but both should comfortably last a full day with moderate use, prioritizing power-saving features.
Buying Guide
Buy the itel S18 Pro if you need a device with a potentially wider availability in certain regions and are comfortable with a potentially more customized software experience. Buy the Realme C30s if you prefer a cleaner Android experience and a slightly more responsive overall performance, even if the differences are subtle. Both are excellent choices for first-time smartphone users or as reliable backup devices.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Unisoc SC9863A in the itel S18 Pro struggle with popular apps like WhatsApp and Facebook?
While the Unisoc SC9863A is an entry-level chipset, it is capable of running essential apps like WhatsApp and Facebook without significant issues. However, expect some lag when switching between multiple apps or performing demanding tasks. The Realme C30s, with its slightly faster CPU, may handle these tasks a bit more smoothly.
❓ Is 10W charging sufficient for daily use on either the itel S18 Pro or Realme C30s?
10W charging is relatively slow by modern standards. Both phones will take over 2.5 hours to fully charge. It's best to charge overnight or during periods of inactivity. While not ideal, it's acceptable for a budget device where maximizing battery life is often prioritized over fast charging.
❓ Can either of these phones handle basic mobile gaming like Candy Crush or Subway Surfers?
Yes, both the itel S18 Pro and Realme C30s can handle casual mobile games like Candy Crush or Subway Surfers. However, don't expect high frame rates or the ability to play graphically intensive games. Lowering graphics settings will likely be necessary for a smoother experience.
