The budget smartphone market is fiercely competitive, and the Lava Bold and Realme C11 (2021) represent distinct approaches. The Lava Bold aims to offer a significant performance boost with its newer Mediatek Dimensity 6300 chipset, while the Realme C11 (2021) focuses on affordability with a Unisoc SC9863A. This comparison dissects these choices, revealing which phone best suits your needs.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Lava Bold is the superior choice. Its Mediatek Dimensity 6300 chipset provides a substantial performance advantage over the Realme C11 (2021)'s Unisoc SC9863A, and the 33W charging dramatically reduces downtime. While the Realme C11 (2021) is cheaper, the performance trade-offs are too significant for all but the most basic users.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 900 / 1800 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 | 1, 3, 5, 8, 38, 40, 41 |
| 5G bands | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66, 77, 78 SA/NSA | - |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE, 5G | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2025, April 02 | 2021, June 28 |
| Status | Available. Released 2025, April 08 | Available. Released 2021, June 28 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 162.4 x 73.9 x 8.5 mm (6.39 x 2.91 x 0.33 in) | 165.2 x 76.4 x 8.9 mm (6.50 x 3.01 x 0.35 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 183 g (6.46 oz) | 190 g (6.70 oz) |
| | - | Splash resistant design |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~395 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.67 inches, 107.4 cm2 (~89.5% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.52 inches, 102.6 cm2 (~81.3% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | AMOLED, 120Hz | IPS LCD, 400 nits (typ) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.4 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (4x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55 & 4x1.2 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek Dimensity 6300 (6 nm) | Unisoc SC9863A (28 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MC2 | IMG8322 |
| OS | Android 14, planned upgrade to Android 15 | Android 11, Realme Go UI |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM | 32GB 2GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM |
| | - | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 64 MP, (wide), AF
2 MP (macro) | - |
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | - | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide), AF |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | - | HDR, panorama |
| Single | 16 MP | 5 MP, f/2.2, (wide) |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | - | Yes |
| 35mm jack | No | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.2, A2DP, LE | 4.2, A2DP |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | Unspecified | Unspecified |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG | microUSB 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n/ac | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass | Accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 33W wired | 10W wired
Reverse wired |
| Type | Li-Po 5000 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Sapphire Blue | Cool Blue, Cool Grey |
| Models | - | RMX3231 |
| Price | About 110 EUR | About 80 EUR |
Lava Bold
- Significantly faster processor for smoother performance
- 33W fast charging for quick top-ups
- Potentially better camera image processing
- Likely higher price point
- May not have expandable storage (spec not provided)
Realme C11 (2021)
- More affordable price
- Reverse wired charging for emergency power sharing
- Simple and functional for basic tasks
- Slow processor struggles with multitasking and gaming
- 10W charging is significantly slower
- Limited performance headroom for future app updates
Display Comparison
Neither device's display specifications are provided, so we must infer. Given the Realme C11 (2021)'s positioning, it likely features a basic LCD panel with a 720p+ resolution. The Lava Bold, aiming for a more premium experience, may incorporate a higher resolution panel, potentially with improved color accuracy. The absence of details like refresh rate or peak brightness suggests both are targeting the entry-level segment, but the Lava Bold's chipset suggests a higher potential for a better display experience.
Camera Comparison
Without detailed camera specifications, a direct comparison is difficult. However, the Lava Bold's more powerful chipset likely enables more sophisticated image processing algorithms, potentially resulting in better image quality, even with similar sensors. The Realme C11 (2021), constrained by its processor, will likely exhibit slower image capture and less effective noise reduction. It's reasonable to assume both phones will include a primary camera and potentially a depth or macro sensor, but the Lava Bold's processing power will be the key differentiator.
Performance
The performance gap between these two devices is substantial. The Lava Bold's Mediatek Dimensity 6300, built on a 6nm process, features a modern CPU configuration with 2x2.4 GHz Cortex-A76 cores and 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55 cores. This contrasts sharply with the Realme C11 (2021)'s Unisoc SC9863A, fabricated on a dated 28nm process, and its less powerful CPU consisting of 4x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55 and 4x1.2 GHz Cortex-A55 cores. The Dimensity 6300's superior architecture and smaller node translate to significantly faster processing speeds, improved efficiency, and better graphics performance, making it suitable for more demanding applications and games. The Realme C11 (2021) will struggle with anything beyond basic tasks.
Battery Life
Battery capacity isn't specified for either device, but the charging speeds reveal a significant difference. The Lava Bold's 33W wired charging is a game-changer in this price segment, allowing for a much faster 0-100% charge time compared to the Realme C11 (2021)'s 10W charging. While the Realme C11 (2021) offers reverse wired charging, a niche feature, the Lava Bold's speed is more universally beneficial. Even if the Realme C11 (2021) has a slightly larger battery, the Lava Bold's faster charging will minimize downtime.
Buying Guide
Buy the Lava Bold if you prioritize smooth multitasking, responsive gaming, and fast charging. This phone is ideal for users who frequently use social media, stream videos, or play mobile games. Buy the Realme C11 (2021) if your primary needs are basic communication – calls, texts, and light web browsing – and you are on an extremely tight budget where every dollar counts. It's a functional device for those who prioritize cost above all else.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Lava Bold handle demanding games like PUBG Mobile or Call of Duty?
The Mediatek Dimensity 6300 in the Lava Bold is capable of running PUBG Mobile and Call of Duty, but likely at medium settings to maintain a stable frame rate. The Realme C11 (2021)'s Unisoc SC9863A will struggle significantly with these titles, even at the lowest settings.
❓ How much faster is the 33W charging on the Lava Bold compared to the 10W charging on the Realme C11 (2021)?
33W charging is over three times faster than 10W charging. While exact charge times depend on battery capacity, the Lava Bold will likely reach a full charge in around 60-90 minutes, whereas the Realme C11 (2021) could take 3-4 hours.
❓ Is the Unisoc SC9863A processor in the Realme C11 (2021) sufficient for everyday tasks like browsing and social media?
Yes, the Unisoc SC9863A is adequate for basic tasks like web browsing, social media, and making calls. However, it will exhibit noticeable lag when multitasking or opening multiple apps. It's best suited for users with very light usage patterns.
