The sub-$200 smartphone market is fiercely competitive. The LG Q52 and Realme C25s represent two distinct approaches to this segment: the Q52 aims for a well-rounded, dependable experience, while the C25s aggressively targets gamers and performance-conscious users. This comparison dissects their key differences to help you choose the right device.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Realme C25s is the better buy. Its Helio G85 chipset delivers noticeably faster performance than the LG Q52’s Helio P35, making it superior for gaming and demanding apps. While the Q52 offers a more refined software experience (historically, LG's UI was cleaner), the C25s' performance advantage outweighs this.
| 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 | LTE | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2020, September 26. Released 2020, October 26 | 2021, June 08 |
| Status | Discontinued | Available. Released 2021, June 09 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 165 x 76.7 x 8.4 mm (6.50 x 3.02 x 0.33 in) | 164.5 x 75.9 x 9.6 mm (6.48 x 2.99 x 0.38 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 186 g (6.56 oz) | 209 g (7.37 oz) |
| | MIL-STD-810G compliant*
*does not guarantee ruggedness or use in extreme conditions | - |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~266 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~270 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.6 inches, 105.2 cm2 (~83.1% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~81.7% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD, 480 nits (typ), 570 nits (peak) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53) | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6765 Helio P35 (12 nm) | Mediatek MT6769Z Helio G85 (12 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | Mali-G52 MC2 |
| OS | Android 10 | Android 11, Realme UI 2.0 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | Dual-LED flash, panorama, HDR | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Quad | 48 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.0", 0.8µm, PDAF
5 MP, f/2.2, 115˚ (ultrawide), 1/5.0", 1.12µm
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Single | - | 8 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm |
| Triple | - | 48 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), PDAF (International model)
or
13 MP, f/2.2, 26mm (wide), 1/3.06", 1.12µm, PDAF (India model)
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30/60fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | - | HDR, panorama |
| Single | 13 MP, (wide), 1/3.1", 1.12µm | 8 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | Yes | No |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS, GLONASS, BDS |
| Radio | No | Unspecified |
| USB | USB Type-C 3.1 | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | - | 18W wired
5W reverse wired |
| Type | Li-Po 4000 mAh | 6000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Silky White, Silky Red | Water Blue, Water Gray |
| Models | LM-Q520N | RMX3195, RMX3197 |
| Price | About 240 EUR | About 180 EUR |
LG Q52
- Potentially cleaner software experience (based on LG's historical UI)
- Reliable for basic tasks
- May offer a more balanced overall experience
- Significantly weaker performance compared to the C25s
- Slower charging speeds
- Less capable for gaming
Realme C25s
- Superior performance with the Helio G85 chipset
- Faster 18W wired charging
- 5W reverse wired charging
- Better suited for gaming and multitasking
- Software experience may be less refined (Realme UI)
- Build quality may be less premium
- Potential for more bloatware
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Both utilize 12nm chipsets, suggesting similar power constraints impacting display capabilities. While specific display specs (resolution, panel type) are missing for the Q52, it's likely a standard IPS LCD. The Realme C25s also uses an IPS LCD. The key difference will likely be color calibration and peak brightness, where the C25s may have a slight edge due to Realme's focus on visual appeal. However, without concrete data, this remains speculative.
Camera Comparison
Without detailed camera specs beyond the presence of cameras, a direct comparison is difficult. However, the Realme C25s likely prioritizes larger sensors and more advanced image processing algorithms, typical of Realme’s marketing strategy. The LG Q52, while potentially offering decent image quality in good lighting, is unlikely to match the C25s’ low-light performance or dynamic range. The inclusion of a 2MP macro lens on both devices is largely a marketing gimmick and shouldn't heavily influence your decision.
Performance
The Realme C25s’ Helio G85 is the clear winner here. Its CPU configuration – 2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55 – is a significant upgrade over the LG Q52’s 4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53. The Cortex-A75 cores in the G85 offer substantially higher single-core performance, crucial for responsive app launches and smoother multitasking. The G85 also features a more capable GPU, making it better suited for gaming. The Q52’s P35 is adequate for basic tasks, but will struggle with graphically intensive games or demanding applications.
Battery Life
The Realme C25s’ 18W wired charging is a major advantage over the LG Q52, which likely supports standard 10W or 15W charging (spec not provided). This translates to significantly faster top-up times. While battery capacity isn't specified for either device, the faster charging of the C25s mitigates any potential disadvantage from a slightly smaller battery. The C25s also offers 5W reverse wired charging, a useful feature for topping up accessories like wireless earbuds, absent on the Q52.
Buying Guide
Buy the LG Q52 if you prioritize a stable, reliable experience with a focus on everyday tasks like calling, texting, and light social media use. You'll appreciate its potentially cleaner software experience. Buy the Realme C25s if you want a phone capable of handling mobile games and multitasking without significant lag, and if you value faster charging speeds. It's the clear choice for users who need more processing power on a budget.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Realme C25s overheat during extended gaming sessions?
The Helio G85 is designed for gaming, but prolonged use at maximum settings can lead to thermal throttling. However, the C25s' larger surface area and potentially more efficient thermal design should mitigate overheating better than the LG Q52's P35, which is less efficient.
❓ Is the LG Q52 a good choice for someone who primarily uses their phone for calls and texts?
Yes, the LG Q52 is a perfectly adequate choice for basic communication. Its Helio P35 chipset is sufficient for these tasks, and its potentially cleaner software experience might be preferable for users who prioritize simplicity and stability over performance.
❓ Does the Realme C25s support popular games like PUBG Mobile and Call of Duty Mobile?
Yes, the Realme C25s can run PUBG Mobile and Call of Duty Mobile. However, you may need to adjust graphics settings to medium or low to achieve a consistently smooth frame rate. The Helio G85 provides a significant performance boost over the Q52, making these games playable.
❓ How long does it take to fully charge the Realme C25s with the included 18W charger?
The Realme C25s should fully charge from 0% to 100% in approximately 2 to 2.5 hours with the 18W charger. This is considerably faster than the LG Q52, which likely takes 3+ hours with a standard charger.
