The sub-$200 smartphone market is fiercely competitive. The Motorola Moto E15 and Realme C51s both aim to deliver essential features at an accessible price point, but they take different approaches. The E15 prioritizes established MediaTek silicon and long-term battery health, while the C51s focuses on faster charging and a newer, though less proven, Unisoc chipset. This comparison will dissect their strengths and weaknesses to determine which device offers the best value.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing longevity and consistent performance, the Motorola Moto E15 is the better choice. Its Helio G81 Extreme chipset, coupled with a reported 1000-cycle battery lifespan, offers a more reliable experience than the Realme C51s, despite the latter's faster charging. However, the C51s appeals to those who value quick top-ups.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 | 1, 3, 5, 8, 38, 40 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2024, December 17 | 2024, March 15 |
| Status | Available. Released 2025, January 22 | Available. Released 2024, March 15 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 3), plastic frame, silicone polymer back (eco leather) | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 165.7 x 76 x 8.2 mm (6.52 x 2.99 x 0.32 in) | 167.2 x 76.7 x 7.5 mm (6.58 x 3.02 x 0.30 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 188.8 g (6.67 oz) | 182 g (6.42 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 3, Mohs level 6 | - |
| Resolution | 720 x 1604 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~264 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~260 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.67 inches, 107.2 cm2 (~85.2% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.74 inches, 109.7 cm2 (~85.5% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 90Hz | IPS LCD, 90Hz, 560 nits (peak) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.7 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (2x1.8 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek Helio G81 Extreme (12 nm) | Unisoc Tiger T612 (12 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G52 MC2 | Mali-G57 |
| OS | Android 14 (Go edition) | Android 13, Realme UI |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 2GB RAM | 128GB 6GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 32 MP, f/2.2, (wide), 0.64µm, PDAF | 50 MP, f/1.8, 27mm (wide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, PDAF
Auxiliary lens |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | - | HDR |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.1, (wide), 1.12µm | 5 MP, f/2.2, 28mm (wide), 1/5.0", 1.12µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 720p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with stereo speakers | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | Yes, 360˚ (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS, GALILEO, GLONASS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO |
| Radio | FM radio (no radio in FR, IT) | Unspecified |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0 | USB Type-C |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 18W wired | 33W wired, 0-50% in 28 min |
| Type | 5200 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Fresh Lavender, Misty Blue, Denim Blue | Shiny Green, Mighty Black |
| Models | XT2523-6, XT2523-8 | RMX3765 |
| Price | $ 85.00 / C$ 100.00 / £ 60.99 / € 75.99 | About 100 EUR |
| EU LABEL |
|---|
| Battery | 68:26h endurance, 1000 cycles | - |
| Energy | Class A | - |
| Free fall | Class B (180 falls) | - |
| Repairability | Class B | - |
Motorola Moto E15
- Proven MediaTek Helio G81 Extreme chipset
- Exceptional 68:26h battery endurance
- 1000-cycle battery lifespan for long-term reliability
- Slower 18W charging
- Likely basic display technology
Realme C51s
- Faster 33W wired charging (0-50% in 28 min)
- Slightly higher CPU clock speeds
- Potentially more modern software features
- Unisoc Tiger T612 chipset is less established
- Battery cycle life and capacity are unknown
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Details regarding panel type, resolution, and refresh rate are absent, suggesting both utilize standard LCD panels common in this price bracket. The focus here is on core functionality rather than visual fidelity. Bezels are likely comparable, and color accuracy will be adequate for everyday tasks but not ideal for content creation.
Camera Comparison
Camera details are sparse, making a direct comparison difficult. Both phones likely feature a primary camera and potentially a depth or macro sensor. Without knowing sensor sizes, apertures, or image processing algorithms, it’s impossible to declare a clear winner. The absence of Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) on either device suggests image quality will be heavily reliant on software processing, particularly in low-light conditions. We can assume both will offer acceptable results for social media sharing, but not professional-grade photography.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Motorola Moto E15’s MediaTek Helio G81 Extreme, built on a 12nm process, features a dual-core Cortex-A75 setup clocked at 2.0 GHz, paired with six Cortex-A55 cores at 1.7 GHz. This configuration is known for providing a solid, if not groundbreaking, gaming experience. The Realme C51s utilizes the Unisoc Tiger T612, also on a 12nm node, but with a slightly lower peak Cortex-A75 clock speed of 1.8 GHz, alongside six Cortex-A55 cores also clocked at 1.8 GHz. While the C51s’ cores are clocked slightly higher, the Helio G81 Extreme’s architecture has a proven track record of sustained performance. The E15 is likely to exhibit less thermal throttling during extended gaming sessions. RAM configurations are not specified, but LPDDR4X is a likely common denominator.
Battery Life
The Motorola Moto E15 claims a remarkable 68:26h endurance, suggesting a large battery capacity optimized for efficiency. Crucially, it also boasts a 1000-cycle lifespan, indicating long-term battery health. The Realme C51s counters with 33W wired charging, capable of reaching 50% charge in just 28 minutes. This is a significant advantage for users who frequently need to top up their battery. However, the lack of information regarding the C51s’ battery capacity and cycle life makes it difficult to assess its long-term reliability. The E15’s slower 18W charging is a trade-off for its superior battery longevity.
Buying Guide
Buy the Motorola Moto E15 if you need a phone that will reliably last through years of daily use, and you value a proven chipset with a track record of stable performance. Buy the Realme C51s if you prioritize minimizing downtime with its 33W fast charging, and are comfortable with a chipset that may require more frequent software optimization for peak performance.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Unisoc Tiger T612 in the Realme C51s powerful enough for demanding games like PUBG Mobile?
The Unisoc Tiger T612 can run PUBG Mobile, but likely at medium settings to maintain a stable frame rate. The MediaTek Helio G81 Extreme in the Moto E15 offers a more consistent gaming experience, potentially allowing for higher settings without significant frame drops. Thermal management will also be a factor; the G81 Extreme has a better track record in this regard.
❓ How does the 1000-cycle battery lifespan of the Moto E15 translate to real-world use?
A 1000-cycle lifespan means the battery is designed to retain at least 80% of its original capacity after being fully charged and discharged 1000 times. This translates to several years of reliable use, even with daily charging. The Realme C51s’ battery lifespan is unknown, but typically smartphone batteries degrade faster without such a specification.
❓ Does the Realme C51s' 33W charging significantly reduce the time spent plugged in compared to the Moto E15's 18W charging?
Yes, the 33W charging on the Realme C51s is a substantial improvement. Reaching 50% charge in 28 minutes is considerably faster than the Moto E15’s 18W charging. This is ideal for users who need a quick power boost before leaving the house.
