The sub-$150 smartphone market is fiercely competitive. Both the Nokia C2 and Realme C30s aim to deliver essential smartphone functionality at an incredibly affordable price point. However, they take different approaches to achieving this, with the Realme C30s prioritizing processing power and the Nokia C2 focusing on a streamlined software experience. This comparison will dissect their key differences to determine which device offers the best value.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Realme C30s emerges as the better choice. Its octa-core processor running at 1.6 GHz provides a significantly more responsive experience than the Nokia C2’s quad-core 1.4 GHz Unisoc chip, making everyday tasks and light multitasking noticeably smoother. While both phones are basic, the C30s offers a tangible performance advantage.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 - Africa, ME, APAC | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 - Africa, ME, APAC | 1, 3, 5, 8, 38, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | 1, 3, 5, 8, 28, 38, 40, 41 - Saudi Arabia | - |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2020, March 16. Released 2020, March 22 | 2022, September 14 |
| Status | Discontinued | Available. Released 2022, September 23 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 154.8 x 75.6 x 8.9 mm (6.09 x 2.98 x 0.35 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 + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 161 g (5.68 oz) | 186 g (6.56 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1440 pixels, 18:9 ratio (~282 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~270 ppi density) |
| Size | 5.7 inches, 83.8 cm2 (~71.6% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~82.1% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Quad-core 1.4 GHz | Octa-core 1.6 GHz Cortex-A55 |
| Chipset | Unisoc (28 nm) | - |
| GPU | - | IMG8322 |
| OS | Android 9.0 Pie (Go edition) | Android 12, Realme UI Go |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 16GB 1GB RAM | 32GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | - |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.2, AF | 8 MP, (wide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm |
| Video | 720p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash | HDR |
| Single | 5 MP | 5 MP, (wide), 1/5.0", 1.12µm |
| Video | 720p@30fps | 720p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.2, A2DP, LE | 4.2, A2DP |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS, GLONASS |
| Radio | FM radio | Unspecified |
| USB | microUSB 2.0 | microUSB 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, proximity | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | - | 10W wired |
| Type | Li-Ion 2800 mAh, removable | 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Cyan, Black | Stripe Blue, Stripe Black |
| Models | - | RMX3690 |
| Price | - | About 100 EUR |
Nokia C2
- Potentially cleaner software experience (typical of Nokia)
- May offer longer battery life due to lower power consumption
- Simple and easy to use for first-time smartphone users
- Significantly slower processor
- Lacks dedicated charging standard
- Limited multitasking capabilities
Realme C30s
- Faster octa-core processor for smoother performance
- Includes 10W wired charging
- More responsive user experience
- Software experience may include more bloatware
- Potentially shorter battery life due to higher power consumption
- Build quality may be less premium
Display Comparison
Neither Nokia nor Realme provide display specifications beyond size. Given the price point, both likely utilize LCD panels with modest resolutions (likely 720p+). The lack of detailed specs makes a direct comparison impossible, but it's safe to assume both displays are geared towards functionality over visual fidelity. Bezels are likely substantial on both devices to minimize production costs.
Camera Comparison
Both devices are likely to feature basic camera setups. Without detailed sensor information, it’s difficult to make a definitive judgment. However, the Realme C30s benefits from the increased processing power of its chipset, which can contribute to faster image processing and potentially better image quality. It’s reasonable to assume both phones will struggle in low-light conditions. The inclusion of a 2MP macro camera on either device is largely a marketing tactic, offering minimal practical benefit due to the low resolution and lack of optical image stabilization.
Performance
The Realme C30s’ octa-core 1.6 GHz Cortex-A55 CPU represents a substantial leap over the Nokia C2’s quad-core 1.4 GHz Unisoc processor. The Cortex-A55 architecture, while still entry-level, is more efficient and capable than the older architecture likely found in the Unisoc chip. This translates to faster app loading times, smoother scrolling, and a more responsive user interface on the C30s. The Nokia C2 will struggle with even moderate multitasking, while the C30s can handle a few apps simultaneously without significant slowdown. The 28nm process node of the Unisoc chip in the C2 also suggests lower power efficiency compared to the C30s.
Battery Life
Battery capacity is not specified for either device. However, the Realme C30s includes 10W wired charging, a feature absent from the Nokia C2’s specifications. While 10W is slow by modern standards, it provides a charging capability the C2 lacks. Given the lower processing demands of the Nokia C2, it may achieve comparable battery life despite potentially having a smaller capacity, but the C30s’ charging capability offers convenience.
Buying Guide
Buy the Nokia C2 if you prioritize a clean, uncluttered Android experience and are comfortable with minimal performance for basic communication and light use. It’s ideal for first-time smartphone users or those needing a simple, reliable device. Buy the Realme C30s if you want a more responsive device for social media, browsing, and occasional gaming, even on a budget. The octa-core processor provides a noticeable improvement in overall usability.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Realme C30s be able to run popular social media apps like Facebook and Instagram smoothly?
Yes, the Realme C30s’ octa-core processor and 1.6 GHz clock speed are sufficient to run Facebook, Instagram, and other popular social media apps without significant lag. While it won’t offer a high-end experience, it will provide a usable and responsive experience for these common tasks.
❓ Is the Nokia C2 a good choice for someone who primarily uses their phone for calls and texts?
Absolutely. The Nokia C2’s quad-core processor is adequate for basic communication tasks like making calls and sending texts. Its streamlined software experience and potentially longer battery life make it a reliable choice for users who prioritize simplicity and essential functionality.
❓ Can the Realme C30s handle basic mobile games?
The Realme C30s can handle basic mobile games, but don’t expect high frame rates or detailed graphics. Games like Candy Crush or simple puzzle games will run adequately. More demanding games may require reduced graphics settings and may still experience some lag.
❓ Does either phone support expandable storage via microSD card?
Specifications do not explicitly state microSD card support for either device. However, given the target market and storage limitations of budget phones, it's highly probable that the Realme C30s offers microSD card support, while the Nokia C2 may or may not. Checking retailer listings is recommended.
