The Oppo A15 and Realme C15 Qualcomm Edition represent a critical segment of the smartphone market – the ultra-budget category. Both aim to deliver essential smartphone functionality at the lowest possible price. However, they diverge significantly in their core processing power, with the Realme opting for a Qualcomm Snapdragon 460 while the Oppo sticks with a MediaTek Helio P35. This comparison dissects these differences to determine which phone offers the best value.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Realme C15 Qualcomm Edition is the superior choice. Its Snapdragon 460, built on an 11nm process, provides a noticeable performance uplift over the Oppo A15’s Helio P35, and the 18W charging is a significant convenience. While the A15 may be slightly cheaper, the Realme’s improved efficiency and faster charging justify the small price premium.
| 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, 38, 40, 41 | 1, 3, 5, 8, 38, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2020, October 15. Released 2020, October 27 | 2020, October 28. Released 2020, October 29 |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 164 x 75.4 x 7.9 mm (6.46 x 2.97 x 0.31 in) | 164.5 x 75.9 x 9.8 mm (6.48 x 2.99 x 0.39 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 175 g (6.17 oz) | 209 g (7.37 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Corning Gorilla Glass |
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~270 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.52 inches, 102.6 cm2 (~83.0% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~81.7% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 480 nits (typ) | IPS LCD, 480 nits (typ), 600 nits (peak) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.35 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53) | Octa-core (4x1.8 GHz Kryo 240 & 4x1.6 GHz Kryo 240) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6765 Helio P35 (12 nm) | Qualcomm SM4250 Snapdragon 460 (11 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | Adreno 610 |
| OS | Android 10, ColorOS 7.2 | Android 10, upgradable to Android 11, Realme UI 2.0 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 3GB RAM | 32GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Quad | - | 13 MP, f/2.2, (wide), PDAF
8 MP, f/2.3, 119˚ (ultrawide)
2 MP B/W, f/2.4
2 MP, f/2.4 |
| Triple | 13 MP, f/2.2, (wide), 1/3.1", 1.12µm, PDAF
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR | HDR, panorama |
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.4, (wide) | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide) |
| Video | - | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE, aptX | 5.0, A2DP, LE, aptX HD |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, BDS |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio |
| USB | microUSB 2.0, OTG | microUSB 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired | 18W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 4230 mAh | 6000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Dynamic Black, Mystery Blue | Power Silver, Power Blue |
| Models | CPH2185 | RMX2195 |
| Price | About 550 EUR | About 110 EUR |
| SAR | - | 0.54 W/kg (head) 0.62 W/kg (body) |
Oppo A15
- Potentially lower price point.
- Simple and straightforward user experience.
- Likely similar battery capacity to the Realme.
- Significantly weaker performance due to the Helio P35.
- Slow 10W charging.
- May struggle with multitasking and demanding apps.
Realme C15 Qualcomm Edition
- Faster and more efficient Snapdragon 460 chipset.
- 18W fast charging for quicker top-ups.
- Smoother overall user experience.
- May be slightly more expensive than the Oppo A15.
- Still an entry-level device with limitations.
- Camera performance dependent on software optimization.
Display Comparison
Neither device is expected to boast a high-end display. Details on panel type and resolution are missing, but both likely utilize LCD panels. The focus here is on the internal hardware, not display fidelity. Bezels are likely comparable, given the price point. Color accuracy will be standard for this segment, prioritizing power efficiency over color gamut coverage.
Camera Comparison
Without detailed camera specs beyond the presence of cameras, a direct comparison is difficult. However, the chipset plays a role in image processing speed. The Snapdragon 460’s ISP (Image Signal Processor) is likely more capable than the Helio P35’s, resulting in faster image capture and potentially better image quality, especially in low-light conditions. Expect both phones to feature a primary camera and potentially depth/macro sensors, but image quality will be heavily reliant on software optimization.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Realme C15 Qualcomm Edition’s Snapdragon 460 (11nm) offers a clear advantage over the Oppo A15’s MediaTek Helio P35 (12nm). The smaller 11nm node generally translates to better power efficiency and thermal performance. While both CPUs feature octa-core configurations, the Snapdragon 460’s Kryo 240 cores are architecturally more modern than the Cortex-A53 cores in the Helio P35. This means the Realme will handle multitasking and app launches more smoothly. The Helio P35 will struggle with demanding applications and may exhibit noticeable lag. Gaming performance will be significantly better on the Realme C15, even at lower settings.
Battery Life
Both phones likely feature similar battery capacities (around 5000mAh is typical for this segment). However, the Realme C15’s 18W charging is a game-changer compared to the Oppo A15’s 10W charging. This translates to significantly faster charging times – potentially reducing a full charge from over 3 hours on the Oppo to around 2 hours on the Realme. While the Helio P35’s efficiency *might* slightly offset the slower charging, the convenience of 18W charging is a major advantage for the Realme.
Buying Guide
Buy the Oppo A15 if your primary needs are basic communication – calls, texts, and light social media – and you prioritize absolute minimum cost. You’ll be sacrificing performance and charging speed. Buy the Realme C15 Qualcomm Edition if you want a smoother, more responsive experience for everyday tasks, occasional gaming, and appreciate the convenience of faster charging. It’s a small investment for a significantly improved user experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Realme C15 Qualcomm Edition handle popular games like PUBG Mobile?
While not ideal for high settings, the Snapdragon 460 in the Realme C15 can run PUBG Mobile at lower graphics settings and frame rates. Expect playable performance, but don't anticipate a smooth, high-fidelity experience. The Oppo A15’s Helio P35 will struggle significantly with PUBG.
❓ How much faster is the charging on the Realme C15 compared to the Oppo A15?
The Realme C15’s 18W charging is substantially faster. A full charge on the Oppo A15 with its 10W charger could take over 3 hours, while the Realme C15 is likely to charge fully in around 2 hours, depending on battery level and usage.
❓ Is the difference in chipsets noticeable for everyday tasks like browsing and social media?
Yes, the difference is noticeable. The Snapdragon 460 in the Realme C15 provides a smoother and more responsive experience for everyday tasks. App launches will be quicker, multitasking will be less laggy, and scrolling through social media feeds will feel more fluid compared to the Oppo A15.
❓ Does the Realme C15 Qualcomm Edition support VoLTE and VoWiFi?
Support for VoLTE and VoWiFi depends on the carrier and region. However, the Snapdragon 460 generally has broader carrier compatibility than the Helio P35, increasing the likelihood of VoLTE and VoWiFi support. Check with your carrier for specific compatibility details.
