Nokia C110 vs Realme C30s: A Deep Dive into Budget Smartphone Performance

The Nokia C110 and Realme C30s represent the extreme end of the smartphone price spectrum, targeting users prioritizing affordability above all else. Both devices aim to deliver essential smartphone functionality, but differ significantly in their underlying hardware. This comparison dissects those differences, focusing on performance and charging to help you choose the best option for your needs.
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🏆 Quick Verdict

For the average user seeking a basic smartphone for calls, messaging, and light social media, the Realme C30s emerges as the slightly better choice. Its 10W charging significantly reduces downtime compared to the Nokia C110’s sluggish 5W charging, and the newer Cortex-A55 cores offer a modest efficiency advantage.

PHONES
Phone Names Nokia C110 Realme C30s
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 850 / 1700 / 1900HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100
4G bands2, 4, 5, 12, 13, 41, 66, 711, 3, 5, 8, 38, 40, 41
SpeedHSPA, LTEHSPA, LTE
TechnologyGSM / HSPA / LTEGSM / HSPA / LTE
Launch
Announced2023, June 022022, September 14
StatusAvailable. Released 2023, June 14Available. Released 2022, September 23
Body
BuildGlass front, plastic back, plastic frameGlass front, plastic frame, plastic back
Dimensions160.8 x 74 x 8.5 mm (6.33 x 2.91 x 0.33 in)164.2 x 75.7 x 8.5 mm (6.46 x 2.98 x 0.33 in)
SIMNano-SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIM
Weight172 g (6.07 oz)186 g (6.56 oz)
Display
ProtectionScratch-resistant glass-
Resolution720 x 1560 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~273 ppi density)720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~270 ppi density)
Size6.3 inches, 97.4 cm2 (~81.9% screen-to-body ratio)6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~82.1% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeIPS LCD, 400 nits (typ)IPS LCD
Platform
CPUOcta-core (4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.5 GHz Cortex-A53)Octa-core 1.6 GHz Cortex-A55
ChipsetMediatek MT6762 Helio P22 (12 nm)-
GPUPowerVR GE8320IMG8322
OSAndroid 12Android 12, Realme UI Go
Memory
Card slotmicroSDXC (dedicated slot)microSDXC (dedicated slot)
Internal32GB 3GB RAM32GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM
Main Camera
FeaturesLED flash, HDRLED flash, HDR, panorama
Single13 MP, (wide), AF8 MP, (wide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm
Video1080p@30fps1080p@30fps
Selfie camera
Features-HDR
Single5 MP5 MP, (wide), 1/5.0", 1.12µm
VideoYes720p@30fps
Sound
3.5mm jack -Yes
35mm jackYesYes
Loudspeaker YesYes
Comms
Bluetooth5.0, A2DP4.2, A2DP
NFCNoNo
PositioningGPSGPS, GLONASS
RadioFM radioUnspecified
USBUSB Type-C 2.0microUSB 2.0, OTG
WLANWi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n/ac, dual-band, hotspotWi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n
Features
SensorsAccelerometer, proximity, barometerFingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity
Battery
Charging5W wired10W wired
TypeLi-Po 3000 mAh5000 mAh
Misc
ColorsGrayStripe Blue, Stripe Black
ModelsN156DLRMX3690
PriceAbout 100 EURAbout 100 EUR

Nokia C110

  • Established brand reputation (Nokia)
  • Potentially more durable build quality
  • Higher CPU clock speeds (on paper)

  • Slow 5W charging
  • Less efficient CPU architecture (Cortex-A53)
  • Older 12nm process node

Realme C30s

  • Faster 10W charging
  • More efficient CPU architecture (Cortex-A55)
  • Likely better sustained performance due to efficiency

  • Lower CPU clock speeds
  • Less established brand in some markets
  • Potentially lower build quality

Display Comparison

Neither Nokia nor Realme provide display specifications beyond size. Given the price point, both likely utilize LCD panels with 720p+ resolution. Without brightness data or color gamut coverage, a direct comparison is impossible. However, the focus here is on internal components, making display differences less critical.

Camera Comparison

Both devices are expected to feature basic camera setups. Without sensor size or aperture information, a meaningful comparison is difficult. It’s safe to assume both will struggle in low-light conditions. The focus on these devices isn’t photography, and any differences in image quality will likely be minimal for the average user. We can expect both to include a primary camera and potentially a depth sensor, but detailed analysis is impossible without further specifications.

Performance

The Nokia C110 is powered by the Mediatek MT6762 Helio P22, featuring an octa-core CPU with a split core configuration: four Cortex-A53 cores clocked at 2.0 GHz and four at 1.5 GHz. The Realme C30s utilizes an octa-core CPU clocked at 1.6 GHz, all Cortex-A55 cores. While the Helio P22 boasts higher clock speeds, the Cortex-A55 architecture in the C30s is more efficient and offers improved instructions per clock (IPC). This means the C30s will likely feel more responsive in daily tasks despite the lower clock speed. The Helio P22’s 12nm process node is also less efficient than the likely fabrication process of the C30s’ CPU, contributing to potentially shorter battery life under load. The C30s’ CPU architecture represents a generational improvement, even if the raw clock speed is lower.

Battery Life

Battery capacity is not provided for either device. However, the critical difference lies in charging speed. The Nokia C110 supports only 5W wired charging, which translates to a very slow charging experience. The Realme C30s, with its 10W wired charging, will significantly reduce charging times. This is a substantial advantage for the C30s, as users won’t be tethered to a charger for extended periods. Even with a similar battery capacity, the faster charging of the C30s provides a more convenient user experience.

Buying Guide

Buy the Nokia C110 if you prioritize brand recognition and a potentially more durable build quality (based on Nokia’s historical reputation, though not explicitly stated in specs). Buy the Realme C30s if you value faster charging and a slightly more modern CPU architecture, making it better suited for handling everyday tasks with a bit more responsiveness.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Will the Nokia C110 struggle with multitasking compared to the Realme C30s?
The Nokia C110’s Helio P22, while having higher clock speeds, utilizes older Cortex-A53 cores. The Realme C30s’ Cortex-A55 cores are more efficient and have better IPC, meaning they can handle similar workloads with less strain. This translates to a smoother multitasking experience on the C30s, even with fewer cores actively engaged.
❓ How long will it take to fully charge each phone from 0%?
With 5W charging, the Nokia C110 will likely take over 3 hours to fully charge, potentially even longer depending on battery capacity. The Realme C30s, with 10W charging, will charge significantly faster, likely completing a full charge in around 2-2.5 hours. This difference is substantial for users who need to quickly top up their battery.
❓ Is the difference in CPU architecture noticeable in everyday use?
While the difference isn't dramatic, the Cortex-A55 cores in the Realme C30s provide a more responsive experience for common tasks like browsing, social media, and messaging. The improved efficiency also means less thermal throttling, maintaining performance for longer periods.