The itel Vision 2 and Realme C11 (2021) occupy the ultra-budget smartphone segment, a market where incremental differences can sway purchasing decisions. Surprisingly, both devices are powered by the identical Unisoc SC9863A chipset, raising the question: what truly sets them apart, and which offers better value for the money?
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing a known brand and the convenience of reverse wired charging, the Realme C11 (2021) is the slightly better choice. However, the itel Vision 2 presents a compelling alternative if price is the absolute deciding factor, as it likely undercuts the Realme model significantly despite offering the same core performance.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 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 | 2021 | 2021, June 28 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021 | Available. Released 2021, June 28 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | - | 165.2 x 76.4 x 8.9 mm (6.50 x 3.01 x 0.35 in) |
| SIM | Dual SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | - | 190 g (6.70 oz) |
| | - | Splash resistant design |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~266 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.6 inches, 105.2 cm2 | 6.52 inches, 102.6 cm2 (~81.3% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD, 400 nits (typ) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55 & 4x1.2 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (4x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55 & 4x1.2 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Unisoc SC9863A (28 nm) | Unisoc SC9863A (28 nm) |
| GPU | IMG8322 | IMG8322 |
| OS | Android 10 (Go edition) | Android 11, Realme Go UI |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 2GB RAM | 32GB 2GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM |
| | - | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 13 MP, (wide)
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Features | LED flash | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | - | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide), AF |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | - | HDR, panorama |
| Single | 8 MP | 5 MP, f/2.2, (wide) |
| Video | Yes | 1080p@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, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | Unspecified | Unspecified |
| USB | microUSB | microUSB 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Yes | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer | Accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | - | 10W wired
Reverse wired |
| Type | 4000 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Green | Cool Blue, Cool Grey |
| Models | - | RMX3231 |
| Price | - | About 80 EUR |
itel Vision 2
- Likely the most affordable option
- Identical performance to Realme C11 (2021)
- Potential for longer software support (depending on itel's commitment)
- Less brand recognition
- No reverse wired charging
- Potentially lower build quality
Realme C11 (2021)
- Established brand reputation (Realme)
- 10W reverse wired charging
- Potentially better software optimization
- Likely more expensive than itel Vision 2
- Identical performance to itel Vision 2
- Slow 10W charging
Display Comparison
Neither itel nor Realme provide detailed display specifications beyond the basic panel size. Given the price point, both likely utilize IPS LCD panels with 720p+ resolution. The absence of information regarding peak brightness, color gamut coverage, or PWM dimming rates suggests both displays are geared towards basic usability rather than media consumption. Expect similar viewing experiences, with neither excelling in color accuracy or outdoor visibility.
Camera Comparison
Camera specifications are where details become scarce. Both devices likely feature a primary camera, but the resolution and sensor size are not specified. It's reasonable to assume both include a secondary depth sensor for portrait mode effects. Given the target market, image quality will be adequate for casual snapshots in good lighting conditions, but expect significant noise and limited dynamic range in low-light scenarios. The absence of Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) is expected. Focusing on megapixel counts alone would be misleading without knowing the sensor size and pixel binning capabilities.
Performance
The core of both devices is the Unisoc SC9863A, a 28nm octa-core processor featuring four Cortex-A55 cores clocked at 1.6GHz and another four at 1.2GHz. This configuration delivers adequate performance for basic tasks like calling, texting, and light social media browsing. The identical chipset means performance will be virtually indistinguishable in day-to-day use. The lack of information on RAM type and speed (likely LPDDR3) suggests neither phone is designed for heavy multitasking or demanding applications. Thermal management will likely be passive, relying on the chassis to dissipate heat, which isn't a major concern given the low TDP of the SC9863A.
Battery Life
Battery capacity is not specified for the itel Vision 2, but the Realme C11 (2021) features a 5000mAh battery. While the capacity is decent, the Realme C11 (2021) is limited to 10W wired charging. This translates to a relatively slow charging time – expect several hours to fully charge from 0 to 100%. The Realme C11 (2021) also supports reverse wired charging, allowing it to act as a power bank for other devices, a feature absent on the itel Vision 2. The efficiency of the Unisoc SC9863A and the basic displays should contribute to all-day battery life with moderate usage.
Buying Guide
Buy the itel Vision 2 if you need the absolute lowest possible price and are comfortable with a less established brand. It's ideal for first-time smartphone users or as a reliable backup device. Buy the Realme C11 (2021) if you prefer the brand recognition of Realme, value the added convenience of 10W reverse wired charging to top up accessories, and are willing to pay a small premium for it.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Unisoc SC9863A struggle with popular apps like WhatsApp and Facebook?
No, the Unisoc SC9863A is sufficient for running lightweight apps like WhatsApp and Facebook. However, expect some lag when switching between multiple apps or when using more demanding features within these applications. It's designed for basic connectivity and communication, not intensive multitasking.
❓ Does the Realme C11 (2021)'s 10W reverse charging work with wireless earbuds?
The Realme C11 (2021)'s reverse wired charging requires a USB cable connection. It will only work with devices that can be charged via a USB port, meaning it won't directly charge wireless earbuds. You would need a charging case for the earbuds that supports wired charging.
❓ What version of Android do these phones run, and will they receive updates?
Both devices likely ship with Android Go Edition, a lightweight version of Android designed for devices with limited resources. Software update support is uncertain, but itel and Realme have historically offered limited updates for their entry-level models. Expect at most one major Android version update, if any.