The Lava Play Ultra and Realme C30s represent opposite ends of the entry-level smartphone spectrum. The C30s aims for ultimate affordability, while the Play Ultra attempts to deliver significantly enhanced performance with a more modern chipset. This comparison dissects the key differences to determine which device offers the best value for your money.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For users prioritizing performance and faster charging, the Lava Play Ultra is the clear winner. Its Dimensity 7300 chipset offers a substantial leap in processing power compared to the Realme C30s' Cortex-A55 CPU. However, the C30s remains a viable option for those on a very tight budget and with basic smartphone needs.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 8, 28, 40, 41 | 1, 3, 5, 8, 38, 40, 41 |
| 5G bands | 1, 3, 5, 8, 28, 40, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA | - |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE, 5G | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2025, August 21 | 2022, September 14 |
| Status | Available. Released 2025, August 25 | Available. Released 2022, September 23 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 162.1 x 75.4 x 7.8 mm (6.38 x 2.97 x 0.31 in) | 164.2 x 75.7 x 8.5 mm (6.46 x 2.98 x 0.33 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 182 g (6.42 oz) | 186 g (6.56 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~395 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~270 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.67 inches, 107.4 cm2 (~87.9% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~82.1% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | AMOLED, 120Hz, 1000 nits (peak) | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.5 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core 1.6 GHz Cortex-A55 |
| Chipset | Mediatek Dimensity 7300 (4 nm) | - |
| GPU | Mali-G615 MC2 | IMG8322 |
| OS | Android 15, up to 2 major Android upgrades | Android 12, Realme UI Go |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM | 32GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 64 MP, (wide), 1/1.7", PDAF
5 MP (macro) | - |
| Features | LED flash | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | - | 8 MP, (wide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm |
| Video | 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | - | HDR |
| Single | 13 MP, (wide) | 5 MP, (wide), 1/5.0", 1.12µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 720p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | - | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with stereo speakers | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.2, A2DP, LE | 4.2, A2DP |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS, GLONASS |
| Radio | Unspecified | Unspecified |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG | microUSB 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n/ac/6, dual-band | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 33W wired, 100% in 83 min | 10W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 5000 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Arctic Slate, Arctic Frost | Stripe Blue, Stripe Black |
| Models | - | RMX3690 |
| Price | ₹ 12,999 | About 100 EUR |
Lava Play Ultra
- Significantly faster processor for smoother performance
- 33W fast charging for quicker power-ups
- Potential for better camera image processing
- Likely higher price point
- Battery capacity not specified, could be smaller than C30s
Realme C30s
- Extremely affordable price
- Simple and easy-to-use interface
- Potentially longer battery life due to lower power consumption
- Slow 10W charging
- Limited processing power for demanding tasks
- Basic camera performance
Display Comparison
Display specifications are not provided for either device. However, given the Realme C30s' positioning, it likely features a basic LCD panel. The Lava Play Ultra, with its more powerful chipset, *could* support a higher resolution or refresh rate display, but this is unconfirmed. Bezels are likely to be more substantial on the C30s to maintain its low cost. Color accuracy is expected to be basic on both devices.
Camera Comparison
Camera details are limited. Without sensor size or aperture information, a direct comparison is difficult. However, the Realme C30s is known to include lower-resolution sensors, likely prioritizing quantity over quality. The Lava Play Ultra, benefiting from its more powerful ISP within the Dimensity 7300, has the potential for better image processing and detail capture, even with a similarly sized sensor. The processing power allows for more sophisticated algorithms for noise reduction and dynamic range optimization.
Performance
The performance gap between these two devices is substantial. The Lava Play Ultra’s Mediatek Dimensity 7300 (4nm) is a modern, octa-core processor featuring four high-performance Cortex-A78 cores clocked at 2.5 GHz, paired with four efficiency cores. This architecture is designed for demanding tasks and gaming. In contrast, the Realme C30s utilizes an octa-core CPU with all cores being Cortex-A55, clocked at a slower 1.6 GHz. The Dimensity 7300’s 4nm process node also provides superior power efficiency, leading to better thermal management and sustained performance. Users intending to play graphically intensive games or multitask heavily will find the Lava Play Ultra far more capable.
Battery Life
Battery capacity is not specified for either device. However, the charging speeds are drastically different. The Lava Play Ultra supports 33W wired charging, achieving a full charge in 83 minutes. The Realme C30s is limited to 10W charging, which will take significantly longer – likely exceeding two hours for a full charge. While a larger battery capacity on the C30s *could* offset the slower charging, the Play Ultra’s faster charging is a significant convenience factor for users who value quick top-ups.
Buying Guide
Buy the Lava Play Ultra if you need a phone capable of handling demanding apps, moderate gaming, and appreciate significantly faster charging speeds. This is for users who want a phone that feels responsive and won't struggle with everyday tasks. Buy the Realme C30s if you prioritize absolute affordability and only require a phone for basic communication – calls, texts, and light social media use. It's a good choice for first-time smartphone users or as a reliable backup device.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Lava Play Ultra be able to run demanding games like Genshin Impact or Call of Duty Mobile?
The Dimensity 7300 chipset in the Lava Play Ultra is capable of running these games, but you'll likely need to adjust graphics settings to medium or low for a smooth experience. The Realme C30s' processor is not powerful enough to run these games effectively.
❓ How long will it take to fully charge the Realme C30s from 0%?
With its 10W charging, the Realme C30s will likely take over two hours to fully charge from 0%. This is a significant drawback compared to the Lava Play Ultra's 33W fast charging, which completes a full charge in 83 minutes.
❓ Is the Lava Play Ultra likely to overheat during extended gaming sessions?
The Dimensity 7300's 4nm process node is designed for improved thermal efficiency. While some heat is inevitable during gaming, the Play Ultra should manage temperatures better than the C30s, which lacks the same thermal optimization.
❓ What type of storage does the Realme C30s use, and is it expandable?
While not explicitly stated, the Realme C30s likely uses eMMC storage to keep costs down. It typically includes a microSD card slot for storage expansion, allowing you to add more space for photos, videos, and apps.
