The LG W10 Alpha and Realme C25Y represent the ultra-budget end of the smartphone spectrum, both relying on Unisoc chipsets to deliver functionality at a low price point. This comparison dissects their key differences, focusing on how the newer process node and CPU architecture of the Realme C25Y translate into real-world performance advantages.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user, the Realme C25Y is the better choice. Its Unisoc T610, built on a 12nm process, offers a noticeable performance uplift over the LG W10 Alpha’s older 28nm SC9863A. The inclusion of 18W charging further solidifies its position as the more practical option, despite potentially similar overall feature sets.
| 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 | 1, 3, 5, 8, 40, 41 | 1, 3, 5, 8, 38, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE (2CA) Cat13 600/150 Mbps | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2020, February 19. Released 2020, February 19 | 2021, September 16 |
| Status | Discontinued | Available. Released 2021, September 30 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 147.3 x 71 x 8.9 mm (5.80 x 2.80 x 0.35 in) | 164.5 x 76 x 9.1 mm (6.48 x 2.99 x 0.36 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 170 g (6.00 oz) | 200 g (7.05 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1512 pixels, 19:9 ratio (~293 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~270 ppi density) |
| Size | 5.71 inches, 81.7 cm2 (~78.1% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~81.6% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD, 420 nits (typ) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55 & 4x1.2 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (2x1.8 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Unisoc SC9863A (28 nm) | Unisoc T610 (12 nm) |
| GPU | IMG8322 | Mali-G52 MP2 |
| OS | Android 9.0 (Pie) | Android 11, Realme UI R |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 3GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, panorama, HDR | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 8 MP, AF | 8 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm |
| Triple | - | 50 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), PDAF
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | - | HDR |
| Single | 8 MP | 8 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm |
| Video | 720p@30fps | 720p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.1, A2DP, LE | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS, GLONASS, BDS |
| Radio | FM radio | Unspecified |
| USB | microUSB 2.0, OTG | microUSB 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, proximity | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | - | 18W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 3450 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Blue | Glacier Blue, Metal Gray |
| Models | LMX210, LMX210LMW, LM-X210LMW | RMX3265, RMX3268, RMX3269 |
| Price | About 130 EUR | About 140 EUR |
LG W10 Alpha
- Potentially lower initial purchase price.
- Simple and straightforward user experience.
- May be more readily available in certain regions.
- Older, less efficient Unisoc SC9863A chipset.
- Slower charging speeds.
- Likely limited software updates.
Realme C25Y
- More powerful Unisoc T610 chipset.
- Faster 18W wired charging.
- Potentially better software support from Realme.
- May be slightly more expensive than the LG W10 Alpha.
- Build quality may not be significantly better.
- Software can include pre-installed bloatware.
Display Comparison
Neither LG nor Realme provide detailed display specifications for these models. Given their price points, both likely utilize LCD panels with 720p+ resolutions. The absence of information regarding peak brightness or color gamut suggests neither phone will excel in outdoor visibility or color accuracy. Bezels are expected to be substantial on both devices, reflecting their budget nature. The display is unlikely to be a deciding factor for most buyers.
Camera Comparison
Detailed camera specifications are scarce for both devices. However, it’s safe to assume both feature a primary camera alongside depth and macro sensors. Given the market segment, image quality will likely be adequate in good lighting conditions but suffer in low light. The Realme C25Y may benefit from slightly more advanced image processing algorithms, but the core sensor and lens quality are likely comparable. The inclusion of a 2MP macro camera on both devices is largely a marketing tactic, offering limited practical benefit due to the low resolution and lack of autofocus.
Performance
The Realme C25Y’s Unisoc T610 represents a significant architectural upgrade over the LG W10 Alpha’s SC9863A. The T610 utilizes two Cortex-A75 cores clocked at 1.8GHz alongside six Cortex-A55 cores, also at 1.8GHz. This contrasts with the W10 Alpha’s four Cortex-A55 cores at 1.6GHz and four at 1.2GHz. The A75 cores provide a substantial boost in single-core performance, crucial for app launch speeds and responsiveness. Furthermore, the T610’s 12nm fabrication process is more efficient than the SC9863A’s 28nm node, leading to lower power consumption and potentially better sustained performance under load. While neither chipset is a gaming powerhouse, the C25Y will handle less demanding titles with greater fluidity.
Battery Life
Battery capacity is not specified for the LG W10 Alpha, but typical budget phones in this class feature around 4000mAh. The Realme C25Y also likely has a similar capacity. However, the key differentiator is charging speed. The Realme C25Y supports 18W wired charging, significantly faster than the likely 10W or 5W charging on the LG W10 Alpha. This translates to a much quicker 0-100% charge time, reducing downtime and improving usability. While battery life will depend on usage patterns, the faster charging of the C25Y provides a tangible advantage.
Buying Guide
Buy the LG W10 Alpha if you prioritize a potentially lower initial cost and are primarily focused on very basic tasks like calls, texts, and light social media. Buy the Realme C25Y if you value smoother multitasking, slightly improved gaming performance, and the convenience of faster charging – all for a minimal price premium. The C25Y is the better all-rounder.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Realme C25Y handle popular games like PUBG Mobile or Call of Duty?
The Unisoc T610 in the Realme C25Y can run PUBG Mobile and Call of Duty, but expect to play at lower graphics settings (Low or Medium) and frame rates to maintain a stable experience. The chipset isn't designed for high-end gaming, but it's capable of casual play.
❓ How long will it take to fully charge the Realme C25Y with the included charger?
With the 18W charger, the Realme C25Y should fully charge from 0% to 100% in approximately 2 to 2.5 hours. This is significantly faster than the LG W10 Alpha, which likely takes 4+ hours with a standard 5W or 10W charger.
❓ Does the Realme C25Y have a dedicated microSD card slot for storage expansion?
Yes, the Realme C25Y includes a dedicated microSD card slot, allowing you to expand the internal storage up to 256GB. This is crucial for storing photos, videos, and apps, especially given the limited internal storage options typically found in this price range.
❓ What version of Android does the LG W10 Alpha run, and is it likely to receive updates?
The LG W10 Alpha originally launched with Android 9 Pie. Given LG's exit from the smartphone market, it's highly unlikely to receive any further software updates, including security patches. This is a significant security risk compared to the Realme C25Y, which is more likely to receive at least one major Android update.
